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Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society. 


VOL. 1 SUMMER NUMBER 
June 215 1917 


tie ys “2 
THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
ITS HISTORY AND AIMS) ~*~ 7/opy,) 


On January 5, 1916, eleven men interested in entomology, met 
at the University of Florida and formed the Florida Entomolog- 
ical Society. The editor of the Entomological News, published 
in Philadelphia, in noting this event, stated that ours is the first 
entomological society to be formed in the South. The first of- 
ficers were: President, J. R. Watson, Experiment Station; vie 
president, Wilmon Newell, Plant Commissioner; secretary-ti: : 
urer, R. N. Wilson, U. S. Bureau of Entomology ; member of the 
executive committee, Dr. H. S. Davis, Department of Zoology, 
University of Florida. 

Since then monthly meetings have been held except during the 
summer months, June to August. Several special meetings have 
also been called. 

There is presented at each meeting one or more papers on 
some entomological subjects. These are freely discussed by the 

members present. Under the heading of “Brief and Timely 
Notes” members present observations on insects that appear to 


The Kny-Scheerer Corporation 
Department of Natural Science 


404-410 West 27th St., New York, N. Y. 


Entomological Supplies and Specimens of every description 
Illustrated catalogue on application 


2 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


be of interest at that time, review publications or some other 
event of an entomological nature. This has been one of the most 
interesting feasures of the meetings. The titles of the papers 
so far presented are: 

FUNGUS DISEASES OF SCALE INSECTS AND WHITEFLIES—Dr. EL. 
W. Berger. 

THE VELVET-BEAN CATERPILLAR, Anticarsia gemmatilis—J. R. 
Watson. 

SOME METHODS OF HATCHING, REARING AND SHIPPING IN- 
SECTS—R. N. Wilson. 

THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF INSECTS ON NURSERY STOCK 
— ft, MO Byrne. 

SOME FLORIDA APHIDS—A. C. Mason. 

THE DICTYOSPERMUM SCALE—A. C. Mason. 

COLOR FORMS OF THE LUBBER GRASSHOPPER—F. N. Wilson. 

Delphastus Catalinae—A LADY-BEETLE FROM CALIFORNIA 
WHICH FEEDS ON WHITEFLIES—/. R. Watson. 

THE OKRA CATERPILLAR—H. L. Dozier. 

THE BLACK SCALE—F’. W. Berger. 

_ SOME PHASES OF CHINCH BUG INVESTIGATIONS—R. N. Wilson. 

THE MOLTING OF MAYFLIES—H. S. Davis. 

CONTROLLING PUMPKIN BUGS IN CITRUS GROVES—J. R. Watson. 

REPELLING UNDESIRABLE BOARDERS—K. EF’. Bragdon. 

BuG HUNTING AS A PASTIME—Prof. W. S. Blatchley, Indian- 
apolis, Ind., and Dunedin, Fla. 

THE CANE BORER—J. C. Goodwin. 

ARTIFICIAL REARING OF VEDALIA—A. C. Mason. 

BEE KEEPING IN FLORIDA—F'rank Sterling. 

LINSEED OIL IN BORDEAUX MIXTURE—E. W. Berger. 

At the February meeting the Society voted to become a sec- 
tion of the Florida Academy of Science. Provision was made 
whereby those who, on account of the expense or other reason, 
do not care to become members of the Academy, may become as- 
sociate members of the Society. Such members will have to pay 
only the annual dues of the Society (fifty cents.) They will 
have all the privileges and rights of members except a vote. 
The membership fee in the Florida Academy of Science is one 
dollar additional. 

The aim of the Society is to stimulate an active interest in 
entomology on the part of Floridians. There is at the present 
time a marked dearth of amateur entomologists in the State. 

Membership in the Society is by no means limited to profes- 


SUMMER NUMBER 3 


sional entomologists. Anyone who is interested in, or desires 
information on “bugs” may become a member. Indeed, only a 
small proportion of the present members could be considered 
as professionals. The desire is to include among the members 
everyone interested in the insect fauna of the State, whether a 
resident or not. 

The regular meetings are held on the third Monday of each 
month either in the late afternoon, 4:30 to 6:00, or in the even- 
ing, and usually in Science Hall at the University. Special meet- 


ings are called when anything of unusual interest arises. The 
_ meetings are open to anyone who cares to attend, whether or 
got he is a member of the Society. 
‘A We are anxious to have everyone in the State who may be 
i interested to become a member. Non-resident members will have 
an opportunity to attend whenever they happen to be in Gaines- 
vile on a meeting night. Even if they never attend the meet- 
jes it should be to their distinct advantage to affiliate with us 
z »»d in that way keep in closer touch with entomological hap- 
_ }-nings. Each member receives a notice of each meeting with 


a 


‘ie subject of the paper. If it is one in which he is especially 
i viterested, a non-resident member can probably arrange with 
the author to see the paper. It is, furthermore, the intention of 
the Society to hold special meetings when there are likely to be 
‘many non-resident members in Gainesville, such as the meeting 
week of the Citrus Seminar, or of canker inspectors. Perhaps, 
ultimately, arrangements can be made to hold occasional meet- 
ings in other cities on especial occasions, as for instance the 
meeting of the Florida State Horticultural Society. 

Arrangements will also be made whereby members can get 
such insects identified as they may care to send in. The Experi- 
ment Station, State Plant Board, and the State Museum are 
each getting together reference collections which will facilitate 
identification. 


OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 

President—E. W. BERGER, Entomologist, State Plant Board, 
Gainesville, Fla. 

Vice-President—H. S. Davis, Prof. of Zoology, University of 
Florida. 

Secretary-Treasurer—K. E. BRAGDON, Dep’y Port & Ry. In- 
spector, State Plant Board, Gainesville. 

Member Executive Committee—J. R. WATSON, Entomologist, 
Experiment Sta., Gainesville. 


4 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Albrecht, C. J., Homestead, Fla. 

Barnett, Harry B., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Seffner, Fla. 

Briggs, Wynfred R., Student, Univ. of Fla. 

Brown, A. C., Dep’y Port & Ry. Inspector, St. Plant Bd., 
Tampa, Fla. 

Carter, Howard G., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Cocoa, Fla. 

Chaffin, J., Asst. Nurs. Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Clark, Virgil, Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Dade, R. H. F., Asst. U. S. Bur. Entomology, Orlando, Fla. 

Daniel, Leon A., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Winter Haven, Fla. 

Dozier, H. L., U. S. Bur. Entomology, Columbia, S. C. 

HKikenberry, H. D., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Eiland, John, Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Dade City, Fla. 

Gaston, B. O., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Monticello, Fla. 

Goodwin, J. C., Chief Clerk, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Hall, James E. B., Asst. Nurs. Inspector, Sparr, Fla. 

Hainlin, Neal E., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Ft. Myers, Fla. 

Harn, S. P., Asst. Nurs. Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Hatcher, Fritz, Ft. McPherson, Ga., U. S. A. 

Haywood, Frank E., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Orlando, Fla. 

Holton, Hon. J. C., Ocean Springs, Miss., office St. Plant Bd., 
Gainesville. 

Hunt, Chas. M., Asst. Nurs. Inspector, Gainesville. 

Innecken, Kurt F., Savannah, Ga. 

Lawley, Harley H., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Winter Haven, 
Fla. 

Mason, A. C., Federal Horticultural Board, Laredo, Tex. 

Miller, J. A., Oklawaha, Fla. 

Montgomery, J. H., Grove Supervisor, St. Plant Bd., Buena 
Vista, ila. 

Newell, Wilmon, Plant Commissioner, Gainesville. 

Nieland, F. C., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Lakeland, Fla. 

O’Byrne, F. M., Nursery Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 

Poos, F. W., Jr., Asst. Nurs. Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Lake- 
land, Fla. 

Potter, E. R., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Seffner, Fla. 

Prange, Mrs. N. M. G., Wilson-Toomer Fert. Co., Jackson- 
ville, Fla. 

Rahn, W. J., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Wauchula, Fla. 

Rolfs, P. H., Dean Coll. Agr., Dir. Exp. Sta., Gainesville. 

Schumacher, Henry E., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Homestead, 
Fla. 


(Continued on page 8) 


Ghe 


FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
TE TECOMER, LIE, TR NG SON |g OT Editor 
DEM eet Is RGR Re ee eles tee Associate Editor 
ae S FEN GING ett ee eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Florida Entomological Society. 

Subscription price to those who are not members of the So- 
ciety—60c per year in advance; 15c per copy. 


THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


At the April meeting of the Florida Entomological Society the 
proposal was made by Dr. Berger that the Society publish a 
periodical to be known as “THE FLORIDA BucGiIst.” The pub- 
lication that herewith makes its initial bow to the entomological 
world is the result of that suggestion. 

As the official organ of the Society it will contain the pro- 
ceedings of the meetings, including at least an abstract of the 
papers presented. It will, as far as possible, publish original 
contributions on entomological subjects that members of the So- 
ciety may offer, and any articles dealing with Florida insects by 
persons not members. 

It will contain brief and timely notes on insects which, for 
any reason, are of especial interest at the time, such as new 
additions to the known fauna of the State, unusual outbreaks of 
common or rare species, pests liable to be introduced into the 
State, etc. It will also contain personal notes on members of the 
Society. 

A section which we hope to make of value to readers is that 
of insects which, judging from past experiences, are likely to 
be troublesome during the season covered by each issue, i. e., 
the three months following its publication. Forewarned ought 
to be forearmed, and we hope by this means to supply our 
readers with some entomological armaments. We plan ordi- 
narily to give under each insect the plant it attacks, the nature 
of the injury, the date of its probable appearance, control meas- 
ures and references to literature. 

We plan also to include reviews and notices of books, articles, 
bulletins, ete. 

5 


6 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


We hope that each and every member of the Society will take 
a personal interest in THE BUGGIST. Send us material in the 
form of original articles, notes, personal items, etc., as well as 
subscribers. The paper is yours. 


TAKE NOTE 


Our readers and members are requested to take note of the 
advertisements carried in this issue. A publication of this kind 
cannot be kept up without carrying advertisements to help in 
paying the cost of printing. The mere fact that ads, of certain 
companies appear in this paper is sufficient guarantee of their 
integrity, and readers need not hesitate in recommending their 
products. We should each one of us aid our advertisers in every 
legitimate way, since they in their turn aid us in keeping up 
this publication. If we can bring profitable returns to those 
companies it will mean more advertising matter for us and a 
larger and better publication will naturally result. This is not 
a magazine for profit, and every cent received will be used in 
making THE FLORIDA BUGGIST worthy of the perusal of anyone 
interested in the class of subject matter with which it deals. 

KK: EB: 


BRIEF AND TIMELY NOTES 


On February 25 an adult specimen of the Mourning-cloak 
Butterfly (Vanessa antiopa, L.), was observed by Prof. J. R. 
Watson at Gainesville, Fla. This appears to be its farthest 
south record. . 

The Cottony Cushion Seale (Icerya purchasi, Mask.) is now 
known to occur as far north in Florida as Gainesville. Avail- 
able information indicates that the pest came to Gainesville on 
contraband nursery stock from Pinellas County. 

The caterpillar of the Spice-bush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus, 
L.), has twice been observed feeding on camphor at Gainesville, 
and one adult reared. In one instance the caterpillars were re- 
ported as abundant. 

The Greenhouse Thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhodalis, Bouche) 
is now uncommonly severe in the State on citrus, avocado, man- 
go and coleus. 

The Citrus Spiny Whitefly (Alewrocanthus woglumi Ashby) 
is reported as severe in Cuba, Jamaica and New Providence. 


SUMMER NUMBER ( 


This pest is not in Florida. It is estimated that it would even- 
tually cost approximately $3,500,000 to spray the 21,000,000 
citrus trees now in Florida three times per year in order to 
control it if introduced. This is 100 times the amount of money 
that the State Plant Board now spends annually to keep it and 
other insects and diseases out, and to keep those already in 
from further spreading. This estimate does not include the cost 
of eradicating canker. 

Among the bulletins recently put out by the Fla. Ag. Exp. 
Station are Bul. 134 on Florida Truck and Garden Insects, and 
Bul. 186 on the Control of Root-knot by Cyanamid. 

Mr. H. L. Dozier, Laboratory Assistant in the Dept. of En- 
tomology of the Expt. Station, and a charter member of our 
Society, has accepted a position with the U. S. Bur. of Ento- 
mology and is located at Columbia, 8. C. Mr. Dozier took his 
master’s degree in entomology at the University in June. His 
thesis, “An Ecological Study of the Piney Woods and Hammock 
Insects of the Gainesville Region,’ may be found in the Uni- 
versity Library. 

Mr. A. C. Mason, also a charter member of this Society, is 
now with the Federal Horticultural Board, U. S. D. A., and is 
located at Laredo, Texas. 

Prof. H. S. Davis, the vice-president of our Society, will spend 
the summer vacation at the U. S. Bur. of Fisheries Laboratory 
at Fairport, Iowa. 

Our Society has already contributed two members to the 
military forces of the nation. 

Professor W. S. Blatchley, author of “Coleoptera of Indiana” 
and “Rhyncophora of the Eastern United States,”’ addressed the 
Florida Entomological Society at Gainesville on the evening of 
February 5th. The subject presented was “Bug Hunting as a 
Pastime.” Professor Blatchley is not a newcomer to Florida, 
and now spends a part of each year at his winter home at Dun- 
edin. Other books written by him are “Boulder Reveries,” 
“Woodland Idyls,” and his well-known Florida book, “A Nature 
Wooing at Ormond-by-the-Sea.” 

March 29, 30 and 31, the Association of Cotton States Ento- 
mologists held their meetings at the University of Florida. 
Timely topics in regard to plant quarantine regulations were 
discussed. Besides entomologists, many of whom have charge 
of inspection and quarantine work, other chiefs of inspection 
departments of other states, including those in charge of Citrus 
Canker eradication, were present. The district inspectors in the 


8 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Citrus Canker eradication work in Florida had also been invited 
to be present. One whole day was therefore given up to a 
discussion of Citrus Canker. Among the prominent visitors 
present from without the State were: K. F. Kellerman, Wash- 
ington, D. C.; W. D. Hunter, Washington, D. C.; A. C. Morgan, 
Tenn.; R. W. Harned, Miss.; Geo. G. Becker, Ark.; E. R. Jones, 
La.; E. Lee Worsham, Ga.; E. L. Ayers, Texas; Geo. L. Peltier, 
Ala.; W. E. Hinds, Ala.; J. B. Garrett, La.; W. A. Thomas, 
S. C.; Dr. O. F. E. Winberg, Ala., and Dr. W. H. Ludewig, Ala. 

On the evening of March 29th, the Florida Entomological So- 
ciety gave a smoker to the visiting entomologists and others at- 
tending the Association of Cotton States Entomologists, at 
which Florida products only were served, namely, grapefruit 
juice, giant pecans, oranges and other citrus fruits, and Gaines- 
ville-made cigars. About 200 attended the smoker. Dr. E. W. 
Berger gave a brief account of the artificial rearing of Vedalia, 
or Australian Lady Beetle, and the propagation of the Red 
Whitefly Fungus in pure cultures. Professor Wilmon Newell, 
Plant Commissioner, was toast-master of the evening. 


THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
(Continued from page 4) 
Stirling, Frank, General Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 
Swanson, A. L., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Cocoa, Fla. 
Tedder, George E., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Cocoa, Fla. 
Van Hyning, T., Curator Univ. Museum, Gainesville. 
Vaughn, Molloy C., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Wauchula, Fla. 
Walker, Shirley, Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Wauchula, Fla. 
Wilson, C. E., Asst. Entomologist, St. Plant Bd., Gainesville. 
Wilson, G. H., U. 8. A., Ft. McPherson, Ga. 
Wilson, R. N., County Agr. Demons. Agent, West Palm 
Beach. Fla. 
Woodruff, Seth L., Inspector, St. Plant Bd., Sanford, Fla. 
Yothers, W. W., U. S. Bur. of Entomology, Orlando, Fla. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL FRIGHTFULNESS 


If the common citrus whitefly is capable of such a thing, he 
would have a nervous chill could he but see what those attend- 
ing the May meeting of the Society saw. Up in the attic of the 
State Plant Board Dr. Berger and Mr. Wilson have some two 
thousand bottle-cultures of Red Aschersonia, or Red White- 


fly Fungus, ready to send out to whitefly afflicted growers as 
soon as the rainy season sets in. 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


ENTOMOLOGY IN THE PREPAREDNESS CAMPAIGN 


It is very important now, when the fortunes of the Nation 
may be at stake, that all the crops planted should produce the 
most possible. The cost of plowing, fertilizer, seed and culti- 
vation is much the same whether a grower gets a half crop or 
a whole crop from the investment. At all events, a little greater 
effort and watchfulness at the critical time may result in a full 
crop, whereas letting up at a certain stage may result in getting 
only half a crop. 

It appears to be a fact that, when a crop is planted in greater 
quantity, “bugs” are likely to attack it in larger numbers. We 
cannot attribute foresight to the “bugs,” of course, but the 
farmer creates the opportunity and the bug, if about, takes it, 
on the principle, I presume, that ‘“‘Nature abhors a vacuum.” 
Given a place to live, something will find it, thrive and multiply. 

It is apparent, therefore, that those who are trying to do their 
“pit” toward assuring the food supply of the Nation may ex- 
perience much greater losses than usual from insect depreda- 
tions, unless they keep a sharp lookout. Watch that bug, and 
swat that bug are imperative commands, voiced by the law of 
self-preservation. Now is the time, also, when growers should 
make more and better use than ever of the agencies provided 
by the government, state and federal, for the purpose of assist- 
ing in the control of insect pests and diseases. Of such agencies 
there are now several: The Florida Experiment Station and 
the State Plant Board, both at Gainesville, and the Bureau of 
Entomology, U. S. D. A., Washington, D. C. This latter agency 
also maintains two resident entomologists in Florida, namely; 
Mr. W. W. Yothers at Orlando and Mr. J. B. Gill at Monticello, 
Fla. While each of these agencies has its peculiar field of work, 
letters and specimens addressed to each will be promptly re- 
ferred to the proper agency when necessary. 

Entomologists all over the country are now making greater 
efforts to assist in the control of insect pests, by forecasting 
outbreaks, furnishing accounts of remedies to the press, and in 
other ways. The Bureau of Entomology, U. S. D. A., Washing- 
ton, D. C., has inaugurated an “Emergency Entomological Serv- 
ice” which has for its object the gathering of information on 
insect outbreaks and furnishing timely information as_ to 
methods of control. This Bureau, under the direction of Dr. L. 


O. Howard is stationing additional entomologists in many 
states, in some instances in cooperation with experiment station 


i 
10 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


entomologists, and also has the cooperation of other federal 
and state agencies for reporting outbreaks of injurious insects. 

Finally, it becomes the duty of all growers to keep a sharper 
outlook than ever over their crops, to report the first symptoms 
of insect depredations and to send specimens, in order that 
no efforts may be omitted to save the crop, and that they may 
be doing their full share in the “preparedness” program. 

IBY Vio, 18% 


SOME INJURIOUS INSECTS 


The whitefly (Dialeurodes citri) has received a bad jolt this 
season over most of the State. The February freeze defoliated 
the trees, taking the larvae down with the leaves to perish on 
the ground as the leaves dried out. But let no grower flatter 
himself that the pest has been eradicated. Hosts other than 
citrus, such as wild olive (Osmanthus americanus), japonica, 
privet, etc., carried thru enough for “seed.” The larvae were 
not. directly injured by the cold but came thru in good shape 
on any plant whose leaves did not drop. - With plenty of new 
leaves on which to breed, the third generation of larvae due in 
August and September, will, doubtless, in many localities be- 
come sufficiently abundant to make spraying imperative. Don’t 
waste your money on ‘“‘cure-alls.””’ Use the parasitic fungi dur- 
ing the rainy season; after that the paraffin oil sprays. See 
Circular 168,-U. S. Bur. Ent. or Bul. 123, Fla. Age. Exp. Sta. 

The Boll Weevil will “hit the trail’ for his annual “hike” in 
August. He will probably get about to Ocala this fall unless 
someone has given him a “lift”? in some cotton seed. 

Some scattering specimens of the Fall Army Worm (Laphyg- 
ma. frugiperda) have been observed about Gainesville. This 
may or may not mean an outbreak later. This insect, also called 
the Southern Grass Worm, attacks especially plants of the grass 
family. Spray plants with lead arsenate, using two pounds to 
fifty gallons of water. 

In August a pretty, velvety looking caterpillar will probably 
be found defoliating the vines in many places. It is the Sweet- 
potato Caterpillar (Prodenia Sp.). Spray as for the Fall Army 
Worm or use the cut-worm bait. 

- Have you tried the new remedy for chicken lice developed by 
the U. S. Bur. of Entomology—sodium fluoride? The editor 
has and reports it to be the best ever. Dust it on the old hen 
by. the “pinch method, i. e., apply a pinch to her head, two to 


SUMMER NUMBER lek: 


her breast, two to her back, one under each wing, one around 
the vent, and one under each thigh. 

Time to stop up the chimney with a wad of paper to keep 
out the malaria-carrying mosquito. It is taken for granted that 
no reader of THE BUGGIST will be foolish enough to live in an 
unscreened house. 

The Velvet-bean Caterpillar has commenced his northward 
migration. By August he will need attention. Velvet beans 
are very sensitive to arsenic compounds but by mixing it with 
air-slacked lime one can dust the vines with lead arsenate. Use 
a dusting machine; the old bag and pole method does not spread 
it evenly enough. See Bul. 130, Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta. 


Printing for All Purposes 
Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Tithe 


Pepper Publishing & Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


To prevent rust on citrus fruits use our 


lime-sulphur, the perfect spray for mites 


f APOPKA, FLORID 
oe 


For scale or whitefly use our emulsions 


0.Painter Fertilizer Company 


Now is the time to spray for trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. There is no better spray than 


Sulpho-Citrol 


the new lime Sulphur spray. It adheres about twice as long 
as the commercial lime Sulphur. 


OUR INSECTICIDE DEPARTMENT 


is the largest in the state. We carry a full line of all first 
class insecticides and fungicides. 

Arsenate of Lead —Swift’s or Corona, DeVoe’s 

Bluestone 

Bordeaux Mixture 

Genuine Avenarius Carbolinium 

Caustic Soda 

Carbolic Acid, crude 

Copperas 

Fish Oil Soap 

Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 


IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 


we carry only the best and most reliable; such as Atsco 

Power Sprayer, Leggett’s Champion Duster, Lowell’s Com- 

pressed Air Sprayer, One Man Sprayer, and Gould’s Sprayer. 
Write for booklet and prices. 


0. Painter Fertilizer Company 


JACKSONVILLE, ‘REAe 


oOhe 
Florida Bugsgist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society. 


VOL..1 AUTUMN NUMBER aN /NO.2 
September 21,1917 7. | 
| WFR O83 197 
THE SWEET POTATO ROOT WEEVIL IN FLORIDA* 
By K. E. BRaGpon Sroka 


The sweet potato root weevil (Cylas formicarius) is a little 
blue and brown beetle about a quarter of an inch in length 
and closely resembling an ant. The abdomen is of a bright shiny 
blue color, the thorax and legs are reddish brown, and the head 
and snout are black. 

- This insect infests sweet potatoes and similar plants, such as 
the morning glory. It seems to be particularly fond of the wild 
- morning glory plants which grow along the Florida coast and are 
commonly known as “‘sea beans.” The eggs are laid on the stems 
or crowns of the plants. White grubs shortly emerge from these 
and bore up into the stems or down into the roots or potatoes. 
After a certain length of time the grubs assume the pupal stage 
(still white or slightly tinged with yellow) and subsequently 
become adult beetles with their striking colors. 

Since the entire life cycle is passed within the host, and the 
adult emerges only after complete maturity, it can be readily 
seen that there is no method of applying remedies in the field 
that will reach the insect; and that, when it is once once well 
established, the crop is at its mercy. As this weevil has no 
mercy, and also has a tendency to raise a large family, it often 
happens that fifty per cent or more of the potatoes are ruined 
by the time the farmer is ready to dig them. 

However, being an industrious individual, Mr. Weevil is not 
content with having accomplished this much. The farmer may 
carefully sort out what appear to be the sound potatoes for his 
winter’s store, but all in vain. It is practically impossible to 
detect his presence in every potato, and a number that are in- 
fested are almost sure to be stored with the sound ones. When 


*A revision of a paper read before the May meeting of the Society. 


14 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


he finds himslf surrounded with an unlimited supply of food 
that has escaped his ravages in the field this prolific insect im- 
mediately sets to work to finish the job. When the good house- 
wife opens the bank or storehouse she finds that Mr. Weevil and 
his large family have been enjoying the fine pile of provisions 
so conveniently stacked up for him, and she is exceedingly for- 
tunate if she can find any of the vegetables that are fit for 
consumption. Should she happen to place an infested potato in 
the pot or oven by mistake, the one who attempts to eat it will 
immediately decide that he doesn’t want any dinner anyway, 
and will probably leave the table in a frame of mind similar to 
‘the taste in his mouth. 

Unfortunately this insect has already been found in eight 
counties of Florida—Baker, Brevard, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, 
Broward, Dade, Monroe, and Sanibel and Captiva Islands in 
Lee. Years ago it was reported in Manatee County, but recent 
investigations have failed to find any traces of it there. It also 
infests other Gulf States and the West Indies. In this country 
it seems to confine its major activities to a belt of about 70 
miles from salt water, which would include all of Florida, but 
outbreaks may occur considerably beyond this belt. Infested 
shipments of sweet potatoes have been intercepted at Key West 
and Tampa, coming from Cuba. 


In sections where the sweet potato root weevil has become 
well established, particularly in Florida, it is practically impos- 
sible to produce sweet potatoes commercially ; and one may con- 
sider himself fortunate if he can produce enough for table use. 

When we consider. the fact that everything in the nature of 
food is now at a premium, and that the sweet potato is one of 
the staple food products of this state (particularly for the man 
of moderate means) we can readily understand how very se- 
rious the general dissemination of this pest may become. It is 
of extreme importance that the further distribution of this 
insect be stopped NOW, and that some method of exterminating 
it in the sections already infested be adopted. 


Fortunately, the insect does not travel very far of its own 
volition. It can, however, be sent any distance in infested 
potatoes, draws or slips. Infested areas should be placed under 
a strict quarantine; no vines or slips should be moved from 
these areas under any circumstances; and potatoes which are 
stored or sold should be fumigated with carbon bisulphide. Care 
should be taken to store potatoes at some distance from any 


AUTUMN NUMBER 15 


infested fields, and no potatoes, roots or vines should be left in 
the fields but should be cleaned up and destroyed. If the grow- 
ing of sweet potatoes could be entirely abandoned within in- 
fested areas for a year or two it is probable that the weevil 
could be starved out unless morning glory plants were present. 

Extreme care should be taken by everyone who contemplates 
selling or purchasing sweet potato vines for planting. The 
purchasers should find out from the state authorities (The State 
Plant Board, Gainesville, Fla.) if the sections from which they 
expect to make purchases are known to be infested, and should 
insist that plants be accompanied by certificates of the State 
Plant Board. Sellers should have their premises inspected by 
competent inspectors before offering plants for sale. This is a 
patriotic duty on their part, since they are not only likely to 
ruin the crops of their customers, but may be the means of 
materially reducing the food supply of the state and nation in 
this time of great need. 

Recent rulings of the State Plant Board have prohibited the 
importation from other states and countries of sweet potatoes 
or vines, and have established quarantines on certain areas 
within the state known to be infested. Everyone dealing in 
sweet potatoes should inform themselves of these rulings before 
making shipments. 

-Whoever discovers an insect that resembles the description 
given should immediately send it to the porper authorities after 
killing it in alcohol, gasoline, kerosene, or other similar sub- 
stance. Complete data as to when and where found should ac- 
company the specimens. 

A survey of the State has already been inaugurated by the 
State authorities, and the Federal government has already de- 
cided to take active steps looking towards its control or eradi- 
cation. 


HUMBLE-BEE 


Burly, dosing humble-bee, 
Where thou art is clime for me. 
Let them sail for Porto Rique 
Far-off heats through seas to seek 
I will follow thee alone, 
Thou animated torrid-zone! 
(Emerson—The Humble-Bee.) 


16 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


WHAT THE FLORIDA CITRUS GROWER NEEDS * 


By W. W. YOTHERS, 
Bureau of Entomology, Orlando, Fla. 


For several years we have wondered why so many of the 
prominent citrus growers failed to appreciate the full value of 
insect control. We have visited many growers who have an 
enviable social standing, superior intellect, and who have 
amassed more or less wealth, who were not interested in the 
control of insects on their trees by any artificial means. We 
must confess that this attitude has dampened our enthusiasm 
and has therefore hindered us in our work. We have had meet- 
ings of the Florida Horticultural Society for 30 years, we have 
had a State University for many years with short courses and 
seminars for the dissemination of knowledge, and this labora- 
tory has been located in Orlando for nine years, but for some 
reason many of the citrus growers have never been reached and 
know nothing of any researches which have been done in this 
State. Many of them do know about the researches, but are 
not interested enough to take action. 


More than a year ago we visited a community and the result 
of this visit gave us our first idea as to the needs of the Florida 
citrus grower. After eight years residence the idea came to us 
as to what the trouble might be. We have decided that it is 
practically useless to talk to the people about: some insect or 
animal which they have never seen and about which they can 
form no idea as to its appearance, how it gets its living, or 
what injury it might do. It is equally useless to write learned 
bulletins on a pest whose appearance the grower has no con- 
ception of and knows nothing of its life history or biology. 
Bulletins of course are all right if a grower knows or under- 
stands what he is reading about. We decided more than a year 
ago that the lack of entomological knowledge was the funda- 
mental difficulty of the growers. Most of them do not know 
rust mites or their eggs even if they chanced to see them. 
Neither do they know where they are found, either in the summer 
or in the winter. They do not know if they have the appearance 
of an elephant or a monkey. Nor do they understand the ap- 
pearance of scale insects or the whitefly any better. A great 
many growers do not know that nearly all the injurious insects 


*Published by permission of the chief of the Bureau. 


AUTUMN NUMBER 17 


on citrus insert a beak into the trees for the extraction of 
juices. Neither do they know what this beak looks like, nor do 
they know the appearance of the young insects. 

About a year ago we visited the foreman of six groves in 
company with the State Superintendent of these groves. We 
carried a binocular microscope with us in order to show each 
foreman the insects present. First a trip was made through 
the grove and such pests as were present were found and more 
or less instruction was given in the grove. Samples of these 
pests were then taken to some convenient place where they 
were examined under the microscope. An attempt was made 
to be more or less systematic in presenting this information. 
We showed them the eggs, young and adults of the most serious 
pests in their particular grove. No attempt was made to give 
instruction about insects which were not found in the grove. 
We also attempted to give instructions regarding beneficial in- 
sects, parasites and friendly fungi. Methods for the control of 
these pests were then discussed as each insect was examined. 
It would appear that this trip was of great value to the fore- 
man in question, and the superintendent asked me to set apart 
a week so that the men could come to Orlando for further in- 
struction. 

- Since this first series of meetings met with such success it 
was thought advisable to have additional meetings where the 
growers of a community might take advantage of seeing insects. 
We held six meetings, all of which were apparently very suc- 
cessful. It was soon found out, however, that such instruction 
and demonstrations should be accompanied with either a 
printed or a mimeographed synopsis of the information given. 
This office has had in mind for some time the preparation of 
such a course for those people who have spraying demonstra- - 
tions for this office, but so far nothing has ever been done. 
These meetings have demonstrated to this office that a labora- 
tory, or a demonstration, or a seminar should be carried to the 
grower as an individual. We see that our efforts in having the 
individual come to us have not been entirely satisfactory or 
successful. It is now up to us to take the results of our re- 
searches direct to the grower. This is now being done to a 
limited extent by the county demonstration agents and we look 
to them to add a half million dollars annually to the citrus in- 
dustry. 


18 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


THE ANOPHELES MOSQUITO IN RELATION TO MALARIA 
AND AGRICULTURE * 
By C. E. WILSON 


In considering the recent development, as brought to light, in 
the past few years on the role of insects as transmitters of 
disease, I think best to give very briefly a general history of 
this development. 


From all appearances it is natural to suppose that insect 
transmission of disease has come abruptly into prominence; 
this, however, is not the facts, for at no time and in no case 
have great movements or great discoveries been produced sud- 
denly. Centuries ago there was suggested the possibility that 
insects were associated with the cause of disease and through 
these early suggestions we have obtained our present knowledge. 

Perhaps one of the earliest references to this subject is by 
an Italian physician, Mercurioles (1530-1607). This was dur- 
ing the period of the plague or “black death.” In regard to 
its transmission he wrote: ‘‘There can be no doubt that flies 
feed on the internal secretions of the diseased and dying, then, 
flying away, they deposit their excretions on the food of neigh- 
boring dwellings, and persons who eat of it are thus infected.” 

Another of the early writers who deserves consideration is a 
German Jesuit named Kircher (1658.) He discovered bacteria 
long before Leeuwenhoek, and to these attributed the cause of 
disease. 

Passing to almost modern times we find in 1848 that Dr. 
Josiah Nott of Mobile, Ala., published a rather remarkable 
paper on the cause of yellow fever and malaria, yet his work 
has been greatly overrated and his theories of mosquitoes, 
aphids and cotton worms as causative agents were used without 
the significance of modern science. 

In 1853 Beauperthuy, a French physician, discussed the role 
of mosquitoes in transmission of malaria. In regard to Beau- 
perthuy’s work Boyce says: “It is Dr. Beauperthuy whom we 
must regard as the father of the doctrine of insect-borne dis- 
ease.” 

A definite and conclusive mass of argument to support the 
belief of malaria being transmitted by mosquitoes was brought 
about in 1883 by an American physician, A. F. A. King, and 


*Read before the June meeting of the Florida Entomological Society. 


AUTUMN NUMBER 19 


about the same time Dr. Finley of Havana, Cuba, presented his 
facts in regard to mosquito transmission of yellow fever. 


To return to the topic of discussion for this evening, we find 
as intermediate hosts for the malaria plasmodum, three species 
of Anepholes mosquitoes, namely: A. crucians, purely south- 
ern species; A. quadrimaculatus, a species of general distribu- 
tion; and the third species causing the transmission is A. punc- 
tipennis, which is also of general distribution. These mosqui- 
toes are the agents of transmission for a protozoan blood para- 
site which causes a breaking down of the red blood corpuscles, 
and produces a condition commonly termed “chills and fever,” 
or malaria. In favorable conditions these fever attacks occur 
every 48 hours. 

Three principal types of the disease are known. They are: 
1, the benign-tertian, caused by Plasmodium vivax, which com- 
pletes its cycle of development every 48 hours, producing the 
feverish condition. This type is wide spread and common; 2, 
the quartan fever caused by Plasmodium malaria, having a 
cycle of 72 hours and is more prevalent in temperate and 
tropical regions, but appears rarely everywhere; 3, sub-tertian 
or pernicious fever caused by Plasmodium falciparum. This is 
an irregular type of fever and the life cycle of the parasite 
takes place in the internal organs, principally the spleen, in- 
‘stead of in the peripheral circulation. 

Being accustomed, as we are, to malaria in this country, 
little importance do we place upon it, yet if we should look on 
the mortality side of the question, the facts no doubt appear 
astounding. In Italy it causes an average annual mortality of 
15,000 out of each 2,000,000 cases. In India it claims annually 
1,136,000 persons. In 1911 in Alabama 70,000 cases of ma- 
laria were known and of this number 770 cases were fatal. 

From my personal observation in South America, and also 
in the Mississippi Delta region, I should say the figures for 
Alabama are very conservative. 

Having briefly passed over a few of the important facts let 
us turn back to the life cycle of the Plasmodium vivax and see 
the importance of the mosquito in its development. 

In the adult stage Plasmodium vivax is found living as an 
amoeboid, intracelluiar parasite in the red blood corpuscles of 
man. In the life cycle two well defined stages are noted; Shiz- 
ogony (fision), and Sporogony (or spore formation). 

(Continued on page 22) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
ROR: dc. WATSON 3:3 2 8 So a el eee Editor 
DR WV PD ERGER 0.2. 2 i. 2 ono a ee Associate Editor 
eee PRA GION ee -2c2. tose tres £8 ct uc, cp ee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Florida Entomological Society. 

Subscription price to those who are not members of the So- 
ciety—60c per year in advance; 15c per copy. 


In this issue we print a very timely article by Mr. W. W. 
Yothers of the Orlando laboratory of the U. S. Bureau of 
Entomology. To every citrus grower reading this article it 
will become plain, we feel confident, that he needs The Florida 
Buggist. He might also attend the Citrus Seminar at the 
University Oct. 9-12 and the seminar class duirng the preceding 
week. 


During the quarter covered by this number the extra large 
sweet potato crop of the state will be largely harvested. Es- 
pecially opportune, therefore, is the article by Mr. Bragdon on 
the sweet-potato root weevil. Mr. Bragdon has by no means 
exaggerated the dangerous character of this pest. Indeed we 
feel that he might have put considerable more ‘frightfulness” 
into the article and still been well within the truth. Ever since 
the discovery of the weevil in one of our chief potato producing 
counties the seriousness of the situation has been apparent. 
The history of this infestation should impress upon our readers 
the importance of promptly reporting to some proper authority 
the presence of any new crop pest. Altho this weevil has 
undoubtedly been in Baker County for some years, not until 
last November when specimens were brought to the Experiment 
Station was the matter reported to any entomologist. 


In this number appears the major portion of a paper read 
by Mr. C. E. Wilson before the June meeting of the Society. 
The control of malaria is perhaps the greatest problem before 
the South today, except of course the trouncing of the Germans. 
The conservation of human life and health is of vastly more 
importance than that of wealth. Altho our State has much less 

(20) 


AUTUMN NUMBER 21 


malaria than some others it still has too much. The editor has 
on several occasions gotten himself “in bad” with certain citi- 
zens of a “boosting” frame of mind by this line of talk but is 
still willing to repeat the offense. Indeed to mention malaria 
in a real estate office is nearly as serious a breach of etiquette 
as to mention earthquakes in California. 


“For every evil under the sun 
There is a remedy, or there’s none. 
If there is one try and find it; 
If there is none never mind it.” 


Now it is not necessary even to try and find the remedy for 
malaria. It is well known. We need only apply it. Hence the 
man that adopts the ‘‘never mind it” policy is, instead of a real 
booster, in the*end a heavy “knocker,” as he hinders and puts 
off the day of the State’s clean up and highest development. 
He is more foolish than the proverbial ostrich which hides its 
head so it cannot see the lion. An ostrich squatting on the 
ground with its head hidden looks like a stone and may escape 
the lion’s notice. But no such “camouflage” will work against 
Anopheles nor for long against the prospective settler. There 
are too many posters advertising ‘‘chill tonics” on our trees and 
bridges. While it is true that we may secure almost perfect 
safety anywhere in Florida by properly screening our houses 
‘and staying in them after dark, we have not done our full duty 
to our communities by retiring behind our screens. Let us keep 
up the agitation until our neighbors’ houses and our churches 
are screened. Many of our citizens are too accustomed to mos- 
quitoes to notice or attach the proper importance to mosquitoes. 
An amusing illustration of this occurred a few months since. A 
lecturer was talking on the subject of screens and mosquitoes. 
A lady in front of us turned to her companion and remarked: 
“We don’t have any screens in our windows and we don’t have 
any mosquitoes,’ and even as she spoke she was vigorously 
scratching a collection of typical swellings on her arm. 


ANT 
While an ant was wandering under the shade of the tree of 
Phaeton, a drop of amber enveloped the tiny insect; thus she, who 
in life was disregarded, became precious by death. 
(Martial—Epigrams Bk. VI, Ep. 15.) 


22 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


THE ANOPHELES MOSQUITO IN RELATION TO MALARIA 
AND AGRICULTURE 


(Continued from page 19) 


This has in a brief way served to illustrate the relation of 
the mosquito to malaria and so brings us to the second part of 
the evening’s topic, the relation to Agriculture. 

Generally speaking, I doubt if this side of the question has 
scarcely attracted your attention, yet if you stop a moment to 
consider the enormous losses in crops and waste of uninhabited 
land due to malaria, the results are amazing. 

A beginning along this line was made by Herrick in 1903 
when he showed that in the Southern United States the effect 
of malaria was retarding the development of the country and 
rendering practically uninhabited some of the most fertile 
regions of the world, namely, the great Mississippi delta. 

A more accurate estimate was made in 1909 when Dr. L. O. 
Howard placed the annual money loss from’ malaria in the 
United States at not less than $100,000,000. 

This seemed to cause an awakening of the Bureau of Ento- 
mology and as a result Mr. D. L. Van Dine has been stationed 
for the past few years at Mound, La., and Mr. James K. Thi- 
bault, Jr., at Scott, Arkansas. The results of their observations 
were published in the Southern Medical Journal for March, 
1915, and I will briefly give a review of their results. 

It is generally known that the Anopheles mosquito larvae 
thrive best in shallow margins of swamps, ponds, slow moving 
streams, grass grown springs, and land locked pools, or in other 
words the abundance of the mosquito in a region is in direct 
proportion to the extent of water collections. 

Malaria, unlike yellow fever, is of rural origin, and decreases 
in proportion to the decrease of natural collections of surface 
water; that is as large areas of land have been drained and 
brought under cultivation, thus destroying the breeding places 
for the mosquito. Malaria has decreased in direct ratio to the 
amount of decrease in surface water. 

If a map. of the United States was made to locate the 
Swamps, undrained lands and lands subject to overflow, you 
would find that you would also indicate: 

(1) Regions known to be malarial; 

(2) Areas which include the distribution of one or more 
species of mosquitoes that transmit malaria; 

(3) The most fertile lands in the United States; 


AUTUMN NUMBER 23 


(4) Lands which offer the most in crop returns, and are 
less developed than any agricultural regions of similar extent 
in the United States. 

To show the large amount of acreage that would be included 
in the above heads I will quote from Senate Document 443, 60th 
Congress, lst session. ‘“‘There are 79,000,000 acres of swamp 
lands and lands subject ot overflow in the United States, the 
bulk of which is agricultural land of the greatest potential 
productiveness. 55,000,000 acres of this land are located within 
the Southern States, and 24,000,000 acres alone are in the lower 
Mississippi Valley. These figures do not include 150,000,000 
acres of land in the U. S. not classed as swamp land and not 
subject to overflow, but which are in need of drainage. The 
larger portion of this immense area also lies in the Southern 
States.” 

The place selected for Van Dine’s work was the Hecla Plan- 
tation, on which the town of Mound, La., is located. This plan- 
tation contains 3,500 acres of land; 1,800 acres being in culti- 
vation and 1,700 acres in swamps and timber. The farming 
is done by negro tenant families, of which there are 74. The 
crops consist principally of cotton, corn and cowpeas. 

The interference of malaria with these tenants amounted to 
970 lost days as reported to the physician plus 487 days not 
- reported. This does not include the time lost by persons wait- 
ing on the patients, and does not include the cases under 8 
years of age. To figure in the amount of time lost by waiting 
on patients gives a total of 1,842 days lost through malaria. 
The loss of this labor made an estimated loss in the crop yield 
for this plantation alone of 487 bales of cotton and 4,035 
bushels of corn. 

Mr. Thibault’s work at Scott, Arkansas, was of very similar 
nature to Mr. Van Dine’s, and the actual time loss and esti- 
mated crop loss are in approximately the same ratio, so I will 
not take up the time to review his results. 


BEETLE 


O’er folded blooms 
On swirls of musk, 

The beetle booms adown the glooms 
And bumps along the dusk. 


(James Whitcomb Riley—The Beetle.) 


24 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


PERSONALS 


Dr. E. W. Berger, the president of the Society, has recently 
returned after two weeks spent in Ohio. 


Mr. C. E. Wilson, Assistant Entomologist of the State Plant 
Board, Gainesville, Fla., has resigned and gone to Bloomington, 
Ind., where he becomes instructor in zoology at the University 
of Indiana. Mr. Wilson will also do university work towards 
obtaining the Ph. D. degree. 

Mr. W. W. Yothers, of the U. S. Ent. Lab. at Orlando, has 
been spending several months in Washington, D. C. 

Mr. H. L. Dozier, formerly Laboratory Assistant in Ento- 
mology at the Experiment Station, who has been holding a tem- 
porary appointment with the U. S. Bur. Ent. at Columbia, S. 
C., has secured a permanent appointment and has been sent to 
Tempe, Ariz. 

Mr. A. C. Mason, also formerly Laboratory Assistant at the 
Station and later Assistant Entomologist of the Plant Board, 
who has been in Texas all summer working for the Federal 
Horticultural Board in their attempt to keep the Pink Boll- 
worm out of the U. S., has been called to the colors. 

Dr. H. S. Davis, our vice-president, has returned to the Uni- 
versity from Iowa, where he spent his vacation in the labora- 
tory of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries at’ Fairport. 


A member of our Society, Mr. Kurt F. Innecken, P. O. Box 
900, Savannah, Ga., desires to exchange Lepidoptera with some 
one in Florida, especially in the southern part of the State. 

Mr. F. F. Bibby, Assistant Nursery Inspector of the Plant 
Board, has been transferred to Gainesville as Temporary As- 
sistant in the Department of Enomology, in place of Mr. C. E. 
Wilson, resigned. 

Mr. A. H. Byers, Entomologist, Bur. of Ent., U. S. D. A., was 
a recent visitor at Gainesville, where he is conducting experi- 
ments in cooperation with Prof. J. R. Watson, Entomologist of 
the Fla. Expt. Station. 


The Pink Boll Worm has been discovered at Hearne, Texas. 
This pest, whose native habitat is probably India, was intro- 
duced into Mexico on cotton seed from Egypt, and is now 
menacing the cotton industry of the U. S. The worm is the 
caterpillar of a small moth, Gelechia gossypiella. Entomolo- 
gists of the Federal Horticultural Board are making every 


AUTUMN NUMBER als 


effort to eradicate the same from Texas before it becomes per- 
manently established. 

Aschersonia cubensis, a fungus parasite of scale insects, has 
recently been found infecting the Magnolia Scale (Toumeyella 
liriodendri) at Gainesville, Fla., and the Palm, or Tessellated 
Seale (Hucalymnatus tessellatus), on Tabernaemontana, at 
Oneco, Fla. At the former place the scale has been almost 
eradicated. This fungus has apparently not previously been 
identified in Florida although probably quite common. 

—E. W. B. 


SUMMER MEETINGS 


The June Meeting. On the 18th the members met in Dr. 
Davis’ lecture room as usual, but there was such a large number 
of visitors present, mostly students in the Summer School, that 
the society adjourned, upon invitation from Dr. Flint, to the 
Chemical Lecture room. Here Mr. C. E. Wilson gave the paper 
of the meeting. We print it, in part, in this issue. Mr. Watson 
exhibited moths of the True Army Worm (Heliophila unipuncta, 
Haw). This is the first definite record of the presence of this 
insect in Florida. It is surely comparatively rare here altho 
abundant further north. It should not be confused with the 

Fall Army Worm (Laphygma frugiperda). 

_ At the meeting of the Society in July, Dr. E. W. Berger gave 
a lecture, illustrated by lantern slides, on the housefly, setting 
forth the dangers of this apparently harmless insect to the 
health of the individual and the community. Its breeding places, 
such as manure, privies, and masses of decaying filth, should be 
cleaned up or kept screened to keep off the flies. Kitchens, 
dining rooms, and places where food is kept should of course 
be screened. 

Because a large number of our members were to be out of 
the city at that time it was voted to dispense with the August 
and September meetings. 


BEE 


The bee is enclosed, and shines preserved, in a tear of the 
sisters of Phaeton, so that it seems enshrined in its own nectar. 
It has obtained a worthy reward for its great toils; we may sup- 
pose that the bee itself would have desired such a death. 


(Martial—Epigrams, Bk. IV, Ep. 32.) 


26 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


NEW MEMBERS 


The following have been elected to membership in our Society 
since our last issue: 

U. C. Zeluff, Deputy Port and Railway Inspector, State Plant 
Board, Pensacola, Fla. 

Fritz Fuchs, Inspector, State Plant Board, Fort Myers, Fla. 

Luther Brown, Port and Railway Inspector, State Plant 
Board, Gainesville, Fla. 

W. N. Hull, Deputy Port and Railway Inspector, State Plant 
Board, Miami, Fla. 

James Kerr, Inspector, State Plant Board, Santa Rosa, Fla. 

Dr. Hiram Byrd, Scientific Secretary, State Board of Health, 
Jacksonville, Fla. 

Harold Mowry, Inspector, State Plant Board, Santa Rosa, Fla. 

C. A. Bass, Inspector, State Plant Board, Fort Myers, Fla. 

R. G. Bateman, Inspector, State Plant Board, Fort Myers, Fla. 

J. Marcellus Javens, Mount Dora, Fla. 

F. F. Bibby, Temporary Assistant, Entomological Depart- 
ment, State Plant Board, Gainesville, Fla. 


Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Publishing & Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


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prepared to protect the crop during an emergency, whether the same be Frost, 
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JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 


ohe 
Florida Bugsgist 


Official Organ of une one ae ae ae ges 


VOL. I WINTER NUMBER NO. 3 
December 21, 1917 


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LOWEST TEMPERATURES DURING THE COLD WAVE. ISOTHERMS 
DRAWN FOR EVERY FIVE DEGREES. 
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*From U. S. Weather Bureau, Jacksonville, Fla., Feb., 1917. 


30 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


THE EFFECTS OF THE FREEZE OF FEBRUARY 2-4, 1917 
ON 
THE INSECT PESTS AND MITES ON CITRUS.* 


By W. W. YOTHERS, Bureau of Entomology, 
Orlando, Florida 


WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES 


For more than five weeks prior to February 1st, the weather 
had been very warm. Many days the temperature reached 85° 
F., at Orlando, Florida, and on February 1st it reached 86° F., 
and it was a very sultry, calm day. Between 6 and 8 o’clock p. m., 
about half an inch of rain fell and there was more or less rain 
the entire night. The rain was followed immediately by a heavy 
wind from the northwest, which continued until late Saturday 
afternoon. It was quite calm, however, Saturday night. 

The following minimum temperatures of localities, where ex- 
aminations were made to determine the conditions of pests, were 
taken from the U. S. Weather Bureau: 


Putnam-County, Crescent:Gity 22) = 19°F. 
Volusia «County; - Deland 22 ee gS the 
Marion .County,. Ocala) 22.22 18°F. 
Lake: Countys-MiUStis <2. 222 ete ee Z0CK: 
Orance County. Orlando: 23.2 PAPA tie 
Polk County, Winter’ Haven: ....-4) 22s PAB he 
Polk County, rostprool. = ee PATE Oe 
Pinellas: County; PinellassParkos eee Zoe 


The zone of the lowest temperatures, from 15° to 
20° F., comprise the citrus producing counties of Putnam, Vo- 
lusia and Marion, with parts of Lake and Orange. In this zone 
there was practically complete defoliation of all citrus trees. 
Many grapefruit trees were killed to the ground and the oranges 
were killed back to within, from 4 to 8 feet of the ground. Hare 
in his report on the effects of the freeze+ gives the following es- 
timates of the percentage of the bearing wood that had been kill- 


ed: Oranges Grapefruit 


Pubmani* Coun tye. ee ee 80% 90% 
Molusia: Countyess eee 90% 95% 
Marion © OUI yeas 08 ne eee 15% 85% 
Rartotslake:Countys2 =e 30% 40% 
Part.or Orange County = = 40% 50% 


*Published by permission of the Chief of the Bureau. Read before the Florida Entomologi- 
cal Society October 10, 1917. 


+Hare, C. C., “Report on Effects of the Freeze.’ U. S. Bureau of Crop Estimates. 


WINTER NUMBER om 


The counties comprising the next warmest zone—temperatures 
between 20° and 25°F.—with the percentage of bearing wood 


killed as follows: Oranges Grapefruit 
WakenC@Gumty 2... 6 7.28 u Ae 30% 40% 
Oranger@ounty: <..-..... 2. 2. eee 40% 50% 
Osceola Goumby 20% 25% 
Role @ouniyy. 2288 foo) oe tee 20% 30% 
WeSotorGounty, 22... 4.222235! 25% 35% 
MeanateerCounty 2.220.225. t 20% 25% 
eem@ aunty, (2.0. oan. ees 25% 35% 


In this group there was about 90 to 95% defoliation of orange 
trees except in a few protected places. The grapefruit trees 


were completely defoliated. 
The warmest of the three zones—temperatures between 25° 
and 30°F.—comprises the following counties with the percentage 


of bearing wood killed: Oranges Grapefruit 
Pinellas (County 2-2 ae es 10% 15% 
Bader County, 29. Soe Ao 8) ea: 5% 10% 
palms beach County 23-322 3 a 0% 0% 
Sie MEUeIesCOUMUY 2 eescs 2 ee 0% 0% 
Rartibreyard County 2222 oy. 15% 20% 


The defoliation in this group was not sufficient to influence the 
number of white flies or other pests to a degree to be of economic 
importance. 

- CONDITION OF THE CITRUS TREES AT THE TIME OF THE FREEZE 


Owing to the prolonged period of warm weather, citrus trees 
were in a growing condition. So far as can be determined, the 
condition of growth was in the same state of advancement in 
every part of the state. Grapefruit trees, especially, were in the 
full flush of growth. Orange trees were also growing, and many 
were in full bloom. Tangerine trees had not reached the ad- 
vanced state of growth of either the grapefruit or orange trees, 
but some growth was taking place. Young trees, especially, were 
growing vigorously. It is due to this condition of growth that 
the trees were injured so severely. Tangerine trees, being quite 
dormant, were not damaged very seriously and if other citrus 
trees had been equally dormant, little damage would have re- 
sulted from the cold. 

The cold wave not only seriously damaged the citrus and other 
semi-tropical trees and shrubs, but also it was of the greatest im- 
portance in reducing the numbers of injurious pests which infest- 
ed the trees. Some of these were frozen outright, while others 
were affected when the plant was defoliated or killed. 


oo THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


THE CITRUS WHITE FLY (Dialeurodes citri R. & H.) 


It has been known for many years that low temperatures do 
not kill the citrus white fly. It survives on privet in the tem- 
peratures of North Carolina, and the recent cold wave did not 
injure this species on privet in any section of the State. It is 
very doubtful if the recent freeze in Florida has directly killed 
any pupae of the citrus white fly. The defoliation of citrus trees, 
however, has resulted in reducing the number in many places 
and localities to the point of almost complete extermination. 
This is especially true in all the counties of group one. In Put- 
nam and Volusia Counties the only specimens of white fly pupae 
were found on privet, or in groves that had been fired. In 
Marion, and parts of Lake and Orange Counties, a few survived, 
but not sufficient to be of importance for at least a year. This cold 
has given the white fly such a severe setback in these counties 
that it will be many years before it will become as abundant as 
formerly. Examinations made October 3rd still showed this 
pest to be very scarce in this temperature zone. No spraying 
has been necessary to control this pest this season. There were 
a few groves that were fired from which, and the privet, the white 
fly will re-infest all the groves in the community. 

Since there were scattering leaves left on thousands of trees, 
there were many more of the citrus white fly in the counties of 
groups 2 than group 1. Probably not more than 1 pupa in 1000 
emerged. On October 3rd the white fly was about as abundant 
as if no freeze had occurred, and much sooty mold appeared on 
the trees. Many groves should have been sprayed during October 
and November to control this pest. 

In the warmest zone examinations were made only in Pinellas 
County. Although there was considerable defoliation, it was not 
of any great importance in reducing the numbers of the white 
fly. On May 10th there were many groves that needed to be 
sprayed for this insect. On October 3rd the white fly had black- 
ened many groves. More perhaps were present than at any time 
since its first appearance in this section. 


THE CLOUDY-WINGED WHITE FLY (Dialeurodes citrifolit 
MORGAN). 

This species infests only citrus and is found largely on grape- 
fruit. Since the grapefruit suffered such a complete defoliation 
in the counties of both groups 1 and 2, and a much greater de- 
foliation in group two than oranges, this species of white fly has 


WINTER NUMBER Pe 


not been much in evidence since the freeze. It is more than like- 
ly that it will be sometime before it again becomes a seriously 
injurious pest in the counties of groups 1 and 2. In group 3 it 
was abundant October 3, 1917. 

The injured leaves fell from 10 to 14 days after the frost and 
dried up in the course of a day or two afterwards. Owing to 
the length of time the freeze occurred before the regular period 
of emergence of the white flies, none were observed to emerge 
from the leaves that had fallen. The freeze evidently shows that 
the white flies are much more resistant to cold that the citrus 
trees, and were destroyed only in proportion to the extent of the 
defoliation. 


THE PURPLE SCALE (Lepidosaphes becktt NEWMAN). 


In the counties of group one this pest was almost exterminated. 
Since practically all the leaves were lost and a majority of the 
trees had nearly all the branches killed back from three to six 
feet, there was little chance for the survival of this species. In 
addition, many were actually frozen. So far as could be ob- 
served, the eggs were not frozen sufficiently to prevent them’ 
from hatching, so those which were located on the larger branch- 
es will hatch and re-infest the trees. A few living females were 
observed at Crescent City on some old fruit, still on the trees. 
No living scales other than these were observed in several days’ 
search, from May 3rd to 6th, and again on May 24th. There 
was considerable scale on some fruits in October. Reports in- 
dicate that this scale insect has become fairly abundant in No- 
vember, 1917. 

In the counties of group two, this insect also received a most 
severe setback, but not to the extent that it did in group one. All 
insects on the fallen leaves, as well as those on the dead branches, 
were killed and all young scales frozen. On February 20th an 
examination of ten fallen leaves, but still green, was made. 150 
young scales were dead and one female living. On two dried 
leaves 2 dead adult females, 1 living adult female and 11 dead 
young scales were found. If this leaf had been left a day or two 
longer, the living female would also have been dead. No young 
scale have been observed up to June on the new growth at any 
place in this group of counties. The trees, as a whole, are re- 
markably free from scale, due no doubt, to the effects of the 
freeze. At the present time (October) this species is quite abun- 
dant and not far from normal infestation. 


34 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


In the warmest of the three groups the defoliation and the 
mortality, as the result of the freeze, has been the cause of great- 
ly reducing the number of scales, but not to the extent as to make 
spraying this spring unnecessary. In Pinellas County there were 
many young scales and crawlers observed on May 10th. On Octo- 
ber 3rd, 1917, this pest was most abundant. No indications were 
present that any had been killed by the frost. 


RED SCALE ON CAMPHOR (Chrysomphalus aonidum L.). 

It was impossible to make observations of this scale on citrus, 
so the examinations were made where it infested camphor. Since 
the camphor did not lose its leaves from frost injury, the exami- 
nation showed how effective the cold had been in freezing the 
scales instead of killing them by damaging the foliage. On Feb- 
ruary 7th, or 4 days after the frost, extensive examinations show- 
ed that nearly all stages except the eggs had been hurt by the 
frost. The adult females did not have a normal appearance. 

On February 16th examinations of 250 adult females, 11 im- 
mature stages and 6 males were dead and 5 adult females and 9 
immature stages were living. It was noticeable that more than 
25% of the adult females had dead crawlers beneath the scale 
covering. It was also noticeable that they had died very recent- 
ly, since they were not dried up at all, but had just turned brown 
during the previous week. From another tree there were 100 
adult females, 60 immature and 14 males killed by the frost, and 
5 adult females and 9 immature stages living. Dead crawlers be- 
neath the scale coverings were also present. The two examina- 
tions give 94% dead and 6% living. No doubt the percentage of 
dead was greater since many of the young stages including the 
crawlers were not counted. 

On June 1st there was considerable red scale on the camphor 
trees from which the leaves were taken for the above exami- 
nations. Both on October 3rd:and December 2nd as many were 
present as if no reduction in numbers had taken place. 

The frost also killed this scale on privet. On February 17th I 
found 25 adult females dead and none living. Three of these had 
eggs with a normal appearance, and one of these three had crawl- 
ers. There were not more than 15 eggs with normal appearance 
and many females had dead crawlers near the opening. On June 
Ist not a single specimen of red scale could be found on the 
privets that were examined last spring. On December 12 there 
are no red scale on these same privets. 

When one takes into consideration the mortality suffered by 


WINTER NUMBER 35 


this species on camphor and compares it with the possible mor- 
tality it suffered on citrus, from both defoliation and low tem- 
peratures, it is very doubtful if more than one insect in ten thou- 
sand survived. In fact, it would be nearer the truth to say that 
not more than one in a hundred thousand survived the cold. 

It has been impossible to make observations on this species in 
group three. 

THE RusT MITE (Hriophyes oleivorus ASHM.) 


At the time of the cold wave there was an abundance of mites 
present ; many more than is ordinarily the case at that season of 
the year. These were partially frozen and partially killed be- 
cause the foliage was shed. 

Examinations were made at Orlando during the cold wave, on 
February 3, or after the first cold night, and before the second 
one. No mites could be found on a small sour tree, located in an 
exposed situation, on which many thousands had been present all 
season previous to the frost. On February 7th examinations of 
green leaves, still on the trees, showed the mites were very scarce 
compared with the number present before the frost. 

The rust mite cannot live on dead fallen leaves. On February 
10th green leaves picked up from the ground were examined and 
no living mites were found. On the same day 17 living mites 
and three eggs were found on 10 leaves from a tree in a protected 
location. On 24 green leaves from the trees, 4 living mites were 
found and from 17 green leaves picked from the ground, 1 living 
mite was present. No mites were ever found on dry leaves. 
There is no doubt that the rust mites present on the trees and 
fruit now are the progeny of those that survived on the leaves 
uninjured by the frost. 

In the counties of group one the mites were nearly exterminat- 
ed. Those that were not actually frozen perished with the drying 
of the leaves. In examining six groves, May 3 to 6, in two days 
only two mites were observed. In a normal infestation there 
would have been literally billions present. In Marion County, on 
May 24th, they were also extremely scarce. 

In the counties of group two they received a severe setback. A 
conservative estimate of the mortality would be more than 99%. 
In fact, on June 1, or more than four months after the frost, 
they have only become as abundant as they were before the cold 
wave. Since the freeze the weather has been extremely favorable 
for the reproduction of the mites, and this pest is so abundant 

(Continued on page 38) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 
- Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROF Jack. WATSON... eit Editor 
WORE. Wa GERGER. onan cl ee Associate Editor 
eee RAGDON 4.2) bee oes Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Florida Entomological Society. 

Subscription price to those who are not members of the So- 
ciety—60c per year in advance; 15c per copy. 


It is the earnest desire of the editors that our members, and 
especially those outside of Gainesville, should send in brief para- 
graphs for the Buggist. Nearly every member must run across 
things that would be of general interest. We desire also any 
personal items concerning our members or other entomologists 
who may be in Florida. These notes should reach us by the 
tenth of the month of publication, March tenth for the next issue. 


Please note the 25% increase in size of the Buggist this instar. 
With the new volume we expect to molt and come out with en- 
tirely new headgear. 


Aphids, especially Myzus persicae, the Garden Aphid, seem to 
be more numerous than usual at this time of the year. This is 
probably due to the unusual amount of damp cold weather dur- 
ing the past month which has checked their parasites and pre- 
dators. 


The colony of Delphastes catalinae, the whitefly-eating lady- 
beetle introduced from California into a grove near Bradentown 
by the Station Entomologist, is reported to be spreading at a 
highly satisfactory and encouraging rate. 


A BRANCH OF THE SOCIETY IN FT. MYERS 


Altho less than two years old our society is about to have a 
branch and it is larger than was the parent society at the time of 
birth. Twelve men in Ft. Myers have formed “The Lee 
County Entomological Society” and have applied for member- 
ship as a branch society. The members are 8S. B. Walker, Pres. ; 
Fritz Fuchs, Vice-Pres.; Roy Thompson, Secretary and Treasur- 
er; C. A. Bass, R. G. Bateman, W. L. Benedict, F. S. Ballentine, 
R. G. Oliphant, P. F. Robertson, J. L. Sheldon, A. S. White, all of 

36) 


WINTER NUMBER ot 


Ft. Myers, and A. H. Andrews of Estero. Five of the men have 
been members of our society for some time and the president is 
a charter member. Most of the men are connected with the State 
Plant Board. 

The society meets once each week and in addition to other work 
they are studying Sanderson and Jackson’s text book on ento- 
mology. 

It was the Editor’s good fortune to meet with them the last 
week in October. A more wide-awake and earnest group of men 
would be hard to find. Men who will spend the whole of a sum- 
mer day in Florida in a grove looking for citrus canker and then 
spend the evening studying entomology will be heard from. 

May the branch grow as has the parent. ° 


AS OTHERS SEE US 


Under the heading “The Florida Entomological Society and 
Its New Organ,” the Entomological News of Philadelphia in its 
November issue gives a brief notice of our society and The Bug- 
gist, concluding with, ‘No richer field for the cultivation of en- 
tomology than the Southeastern States exist, and such a society 
as that of Florida ought to flourish as the whitefly, the sweet po- 
tato root weevil and the Anopheles mosquito which their mem- 
bers discuss in their new journal. May they succeed in eradi- 
cating these insect pests and their society and Buggist widen 
our knowledge for many years to come.” 


PERSONALS 

Our first Secretary-Treasurer, R. N. Wilson, now Agricultural 
Demonstration Agent for Palm Beach County, who met with a 
serious automobile accident, is now out again. 

Prof. W. S. Blatchley, former State Geologist of Indiana and 
author of several papers on Florida insects, who addressed us 
last winter, passed thru Gainesville on November 30 bound for 
his winter home in Dunedin. 

Mr. C. H. Popenoe of the U. S. Bur. Ent., Washington, is now 
in Florida in connection with extension work on the sweet- 
potato root weevil in cooperation with the Experiment Station 
and the State Plant Board. 

Dr. E. A. Back, also of the Bureau, was in Gainesville the first 
of the month making arrangements for an extension entomolo- 
gist to take up storage insects and especially the corn weevil in 
cooperation with the University. 


38 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Mr. W. W. Yothers of the Orlando Laboratory, U.S. Bur. Ent., 
was married on December 6 to Miss Ada Bumby of Orlando. 


Prof. J. R. Watson while passing through the fair city of Ar- 
cadia a few weeks ago had to wait on the E. & W. C. train; not 
being acquainted in the city, and in order to while away the time, 
he secured his insect net and decided to collect a few membracids 
and other insects around town. 

Some of the older settlers not being familiar with the work of 
an entomologist at once reported his actions to the mayor. Mayor 
Royal while on his way to the scene of action met Sheriff Dishong, 
and the two officials after viewing the strange actions of the 
“German Looking Fellow” from a distance decided that some- 
thing was radically wrong, so he was at once taken into custody. 
Upon searching his baggage a number of bulletins were found 
and his identity established. Professor was very angry, but his 
pardon was begged and he went on his way to Bradentown.— 
Correspondent. 

Note :—Lucky for the Professor that he did not have a stray 
copy of The Jeffersonian in his baggage, or that the zealous but 
uninformed officers did not find his insect-poison bottle. 


THE EFFECTS OF THE FREEZE OF FEBRUARY 2-4, 1917 
ON 
THE INSECT PESTS AND MITES ON CITRUS. 
(Continued from page 35) 
now in nearly every part of this group of counties that spraying 
should be done if bright fruit is to be obtained. The only result 
in the reduction of the mites by the freeze has been the post- 
ponement of the time of maximum infestation in these counties 
about a month or six weeks. 

In the localities of group three they were also greatly reduced 
in number but not sufficiently to be of any great economic im- 
portance. Spraying had to be resorted to at about the same time 
as in an ordinary season. 

By late July and early August the rust mite had become very 
abundant. In fact, it is generally believed now, that there were 
more present than ever before in the history of the citrus indus- 
try. On October 3rd, however, the species is very scarce. Sev- 
eral groves were examined the first of October and only a few 
hundred were found. The almost complete extermination of this 
species by the freeze and its reproduction to billions in six months 
is a most remarkable biological fact. According to computation, 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


one mite would have a progeny of about 12 million in about 514 
months, and I believe this is just about what actually took place. 
We saw many grapefruit with an estimated number of half a 
million, and this condition was the same over the entire state. 
The “sands of the sea” or “the stars of heaven” are the only ex- 
pressions that will enable one to understand how abundant this 
species actually was the last of July and early August. 
RED SPIDERS (Tetranychus sexmaculatus MCGR.) 

No opportunity has been offered to determine the effects of the 
freeze on this pest. Few were present at the time and few have 
appeared this season. In fact, they have not been so abundant this 
season as normal. 

THE PURPLE MITE (Tetranychus citri MCGR.) 

So far as could be ascertained, the adults did not appear to 
have been hurt. The eggs, however, had a very soft and un- 
natural appearance. Since the freeze this pest has not been very 
abundant and this is, no doubt, due to the eggs being injured by 
the cold. 

ORANGE APHIDS 

The aphids infesting an orange tree before the freeze were 
dead on February 7th. No eggs were present in the colony. This 
was the same condition as was observed by Hubbard in 1895.* 
Since the freeze, however, there have been more aphids on the 
young sprouts than during any other spring in my recollection. 
These were soon killed by parasites and predaceous enemies and 
were of little economic importance. 


EFFECT OF THE FREEZE ON THE PESTS OF OTHER 
PLANTS THAN CITRUS. 
Tenuipalpus bioculatus MCGR. 

This species on privet was slightly, if any, damaged by the cold. 
Living specimens were found February 17th. These, however, 
may have been hatched since the cold. 

Tetranychus yothersit MCGR. 

This species on camphor seems to have been very seriously 
hurt. On February 7th the adults were nearly all dead. Only a 
few showed any signs of life, such as moving their legs, and only 
one on the entire lot of leaves was active. The eggs also did not 
appear to be normal, being soft and easily broken. On February 
17th put some camphor leaves, having an abundance of eggs, into 


*Hubbard in “Insect Life,’ Vol. VII, pp. 281, 282. 


40 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


atumbler. On March 7th there was only one living mite and the 
eggs were still red in color, but they were not normal nor had 
they hatched. They were soft, and when broken contained a 
liquid instead of a young spider. Another collection of leaves 
made just after the freeze and examined on February 15th, gave 
the same results; the eggs did not hatch. On another tree there 
were many unhatched eggs. On February 17th these appeared 
to be very soft. On these same leaves there were 13 young mites 
that had evidently hatched since the freeze. No doubt the 
adults, young mites and eggs were largely killed when in exposed 
places. 

In fairly well protected spots the adults and young were not 
killed. On February 29th there were 23 adult females, 8 males 
and 10 young mites living on a few camphor leaves. The eggs, 
however, did not appear to be normal. They had that same dull 
look as the others that never hatched. 

The observations on this mite show that all.stages are easily 
affected by the cold, and especially are the eggs damaged, which is 
contrary to expectations. The adults survive only in protected 
places. On June 1 there were practically none of this species pres- 
ent, while there are specimens of Tetranychus sexmaculatus and 
Tetranychus citri. 


NOTES ON SOME INSECTS OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN 1917 
By R. N. WILSON 
(Paper given before the Florida Entomological Society.) 


The above title is somewhat too inclusive, as the observations 
were made almost entirely in Palm Beach County, tho some were 
made in other counties. 

Dictyophorus reticulatus—The Lubber Grasshopper. These 
large grasshoppers were very numerous on some of the drained 
saw-grass lands along the Palm Beach Canal in the Everglades, 
but because this land has not yet come under cultivation little 
damage resulted. Along the shores of Lake Okeechobee where 
severe injury has resulted from their attack during certain years, 
these grasshoppers were present in small numbers, but were not 
troublesome. The writer’s previous experience with this species 
at Fellsmere and other points had proved that it could be controll- 
ed with the so-called “Kansas Mixture” (bran, paris green, syrup 
and citrus fruit) even when there was a large influx from sur- 
rounding lands. None of the melanic forms were found, as would 
be expected from the known distribution of the various forms. 


WINTER NUMBER 41 


Empoasci mali—The “Green Fly.” This little jassid or leaf 
hopper, which is commonly called the ‘Green Fly,” made its ap- 
pearance very late in the spring, and caused injury only in small 
areas during the entire summer. This is quite an unusual oc- 
currence since snap beans maturing in March are often severely 
attacked, and cowpeas may be entirely destroyed during the 
average summer. The reasons for the scarcity of this jassid dur- 
ing the year are not known, tho many farmers attribute it to the 
cold in early February. No satisfactory control measures, are 
known, even on truck crops. The promising contraption for 
catching the leaf hoppers invented by Mr. Oller of Delray is not 
now in use, because, altho thousands of the insects were caught 
the numbers remaining in the fields were not perceptibly reduced. 
On account of its wide range of food plants swarms of this jassid 
may come in from adjoining lands. 

Laphygma frugiperda—The Fall Army Worm. The habits of 
this insect seem to be slightly different in South Florida than in 
other parts of the United States, in that altho they are extremely 
numerous during spring, summer and fall, particularly in corn 
fields, they rarely assume the “army” habit. There are few of 
our insects that do more damage than the Fall Army Worm, and 
the limited acreage of corn on the lower East Coast is not in- 
creased because this insect is present. Corn planted in February 
or early March can mature and escape with only slight injury, 
but later plantings of corn, other than the Nassau corn and its 
close relatives which have some immunity, are usually riddled 
and sometimes even its ensilage value destroyed. Altho some 
farmers have tried to control the pest with arsenate of lead, few 
of them have been persistent, and little good has resulted. This 
species is more often found in the ears and damages them more 
in South Florida than the common corn ear worm, Heliothis ob- 
soleta. 

Diabrotica vittata—The Cucumber Beetle. Just how long this 
species has been in South Florida is uncertain, estimates varying 
from two to five years, but certainly in that time it has come to 
be one of our most important insects. These beetles were in the 
fields in considerable numbers during the freeze in early Febru- 
ary, which apparently did not injure them. Altho their prin- 
cipal injury is to cucurbits, sunflowers and other plants are 
sometimes injured, and during the spring the writer saw them 
attack the tender foliage of citrus trees in a few localities. They 
occur on the cucurbits in such swarms that the usual poisons 


42 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


and repellants do not seem effective, but excellent results were ob- 
tained this year by frequently covering the plants with corn- 
meal or flour, and sometimes arsenate of lead was mixed with 
these. The beetles apparently prefer to eat the meal or flour to 
eating the plants, and with careful and frequent dusting the 
plants can be saved. 

Chalcodermus aeneus—The Cowpea Pod-Weevil, or Cowpea 
Curculio. It was with considerable surprise that the writer 
found heavy infestations of this beetle on the east shore of Lake 
Okeechobee, because this section has had almost no previous cul- 
tivation, and has been absolutely isolated from cultivated areas. 
This observation probably points to a native food plant on which 
the beetle has been thriving in that locality. No control measures 
were attempted in the Lake region and the peas in several fields 
were a total loss. Along the coast in Palm Beach County little 
damage by this species was seen or reported. 

Phytoptus calacladophora—White Mold. Many farmers be- 
lieve the moldy appearance caused by the infestation of this mite 
to be a disease, which is not surprising when we consider that the 
mite is usually difficult to see with the naked eye. During the 
year this species became very abundant on tomatoes, and the 
most interesting point observed was that on muck lands the farm- 
ers had little trouble bringing it under control with the sulphur 
sprays, while on the sandy lands it seemingly could not be stopped 
by almost continual spraying and caused very severe injury. 
Farmers report that this is the case to a certain extent every 
year. 

Millipedes. On the shore of Lake Okeechobee where eggplants 
and peppers were set in the muck lands following the clearing of 
heavy weeds and brush in August and September they were at- 
tacked by millipedes and some injury done. The millipedes did 
most of their work at night, tho some few could be found on the 
plants in day time. Upon digging around the plants three to six 
millipedes could be found in many instances. The damage was 
most pronounced near the edge of the fields, and investigation 
showed that there were thousands of the millipedes under the 
piles of brush. Arsenate of lead was recommended as a contro! 
measure, and probably the ‘‘Kansas Mixture” broadcasted would 
be effective. 

Negro Bugs. During August and September there was con- 
siderable complaint of injury in the Lake Okeechobee region 
from these small black bugs, which the farmers called beetles. It 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


is certain that large numbers of the bugs were present in the 
seed beds and in some fields, but the writer is inclined to doubt 
that they did much damage. Prof. Watson recommended crude 
carbolic acid used at the rate of a tablespoonful to two gallons of 
water or a dust made by adding a half pint of the acid to a bushel 
of lime or plaster, but I do not know what results were obtained. 

Tabanids. Among our very worst pests of livestock are the 
large Tabanids which appear in great numbers for from four to 
eight weeks in the spring. I have seen even mules covered with 
bloody splotches caused by the bites of these insects in one day. 
Work animals are usually protected by repellant mixtures, me- 
chanical means or by screening their quarters, but the unfortun- 
ate range animals suffer severely and lose weight considerably 
during this period. This is a problem to which little attention 
has been given, and which, in justice to our growing livestock in- 
dustry, deserves to be attacked with vigor. 


BOOK AND BULLETIN NOTICES 
The October number of the Quarterly Bulletin of the State 
Plant Board contains two valuable articles on scale insects. The 
first on ‘Some Florida Scale Insects,” by C. E. Wilson, lists 83 
species, most of which are illustrated by original photographs. 
This is a very credible list and should be a great help to those 
working with these insects. 


We note under Cottony Cushion Scale, p. 18, many plants list- 
ed as not having been found infested in Florida that should have 
been recorded among the Florida hosts, as they were found in- 
fested at Key West (See An. Rep. Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta. 1915 p. 
exabye) < 

The second article by Dr. E. W. Berger on the control of scale 
insects is the latest word on the subject. 

Press Bul. 285, Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta., is on the San Jose Scale and 
No. 286 treats of the Boll Weevil in Sea Island cotton. 

Farmers’ Bul. 875, U. S. D. A., treats of (Ligyrus) Huetheola 
rugiceps which the authors, Philip and Fox, call the rough-head- 
ed corn stalk-beetle. This beetle is common in Florida but no 
serious injury to corn seems to have been noted. 

Farmers’ Bul. 843 on pecan insects is of peculiar interest to 
us, as it is the result of work done mostly in Florida by J. B. 
Gill, who is stationed at Monticello. 


Bul. 609, U. S. D. A. (Professional Paper), is on Pilocrocis 


44 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


tripunctata, which the author (T. H. Jones) calls the sweet-po- 
tato leaf-folder. This pyralid moth was in October bred out from 
sweet-potatoes on the Station grounds, where it was working 
with Prodenia. The point that attracted our attention was that 
it was not controlled by the Kansas bait as was Prodenia, doubt- 
less because it feeds largely in the rolled up leaves. The damage 
it did was inconsequential. 

“Fleas and Their Control,” is the subject of Farmers’ Bul. 897, 
by F. C. Bishopp. 

“The Life of the Caterpillar’’ (Dodd Meade and Co.) has been 
translated from the works of ‘that delightful French author 
Fabre, ‘The Insects’ Homer.” 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 
(K. E. BRAGDON, Secretary) 
Science Hall, Gainesville, Fla., Oct. 10, 1917 
The meeting was called to order by the President with about 
seventy members and visitors present. 
The report of the Secretary was read and approved. 
The executive committee reported on the following names and 


they were elected as members in the Society: 


W. N. Hull, Dept. Port & Ry. Insp., State Plant Board,............ Miami, Fla. 
James Kerr, Inspector, State Plant Board............................ Santa Rosa, Fla. 
Dr. Hiram Byrd, Scient. Sec’y State Board of Health........ Jacksonville, Fla. 
Harold Mowry, Inspector, State Plant Board........................ Santa Rosa, Fla. 
Clarence A. Bass, Inspector, State Plant Board.......................- Ft. Myers, Fla. 
R. G. Bateman, Inspector, State Plant Board.....................2...-.. Groveland, Fla. 
©. .D. Kime; Co: Dem: Act. Brevard: Cox... 2s Titusville, Fla. 
Wm. Gomme, Co. Dem. Agt., Lake Co...-.2.......221..cececeeeeeeeeeee ee Tavares, Fla. 
O. W. Caswell, Co. Dem. Agt., Manatee Co.............20-......-.- Bradentown, Fla. 
TB Pe WW OY cco sce ccet So acca et eee een cee ote ve rea Re Haines City, Fla. 
ACM Klemm; Nursenyman. ee Winter Haven, Fla. 
Max Fi Viertel. Citrus crower 2.2 eee Winter Haven, Fla. 
John, Adams Comstock 4...) 321 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, Cal. 
AN Wiostreet, (Citmus Orower = 2) sese 22 eee Ormond Beach, Fla. 
We Ni Crooks; Citrusverower.@ 2 Oe ee eee Viking, Fla. 
Jee WwW: Carson, Citrus verower =. ae ee Frostproof, Fla. 
Me4B Allen, AllencroftuNurseries... 93. es ee ee Mt. Dora, Fla. 
Thomas J. Baker, Asst. Nurs. Insp., St. Plant Board................ Gainesville, Fla. 
James F. Marsh, Inspector, State Plant Board ...................2.... Groveland, Fla. 
See Pools Citrus OVOWer ee ee eee Winter Haven, Fla. 
M. Marcellus Javens, Citrus grower ...................-....... ae eee Mt. Dora, Fla. 
F. F. Bibby, Assistant Entomologist, St. Pl. Bd. ......... -_.....Gainesville, Fla. 
Hee Mekiniey, \Go...Dem: Actin 3. ee pat eels aes Geto S, Miami, Fla. 
Alfredi Warren. Go. Dems Wothic 22.20 Model ee ee Ft. Pierce, Fla. 
Mrs=Marie:Conway Ocemler® 22) oe ee ea ee ee Savannah, Ga. 
L. R. Warner, Asst. Nurs. Insp., State Plant Bd. .................... Gainesville, Fla. 
Cao chompson, Citrusterower 2) se ee ee. See Winter Haven, Fla. 
J. bw Donnelly.: Citpusserower:.-..22. 2 2 eee Ae oe Mt. Dora, Fla. 
AS As hewis; County Dem: Agent, (22s 2 eee Kathleen, Fla. 
Be Ey Drskett; Citrus: crower si.) 27. =. ee eee ee Mont Verde, Fla. 


‘AlextBiniay sCitrassevower «1-03 200s ta)? ee eee Orange Center, Fla. 


WINTER NUMBER A5 


Ee OVOse NTT EER DL. (tas 2... 1k oes eet eee eee ee eee. Gainesville, Fla. 


Cm Gunn. County Dem. Agent) ).22.2. 25 eae. cee Starke, Fla. 
Ha G aGustarsonwy C1tbrus, STOWOK 2.21122 eee ee ee Ft. Pierce, Fla. 
Siesta © iS ONO WCT, 252-22... s2052.- ef ee- te eee ee Crescent City, Fla. 
ee putea O©UGEUS (SOW CT) soccer een es Lakeland, Fla. 
Thomas R. Robinson, Inspector, State Plant Board _.......... Bradentown, Fla. 
RObentelvans OMe @1GRU Sv OVO WET se creer eco eens St. Augustine, Fla. 
A. S. Hooker; Inspector; State Plant Board -.............._ =... Groveland, Fla. 


Mr. W. W. Yothers read a paper on “Effects of the Freeze on 
Citrus Insects.” 

Mr. R. N. Wilson gave a talk on “Some Insects of South Flori- 
da.” General discussion of the points brought out by these two 
gentlemen followed. 

Under “Brief and Timely Notes” Dr. W. A. Wyman mentioned 
the double strength bordeaux mixture and made a plea that fur- 
ther experiments with this solution be carried out. Dr. E. W. 
Berger exhibited a specimen of an insect of the genus Gymnas- 
pis on Bilbergia. 

Prof. Watson spoke of the successful use of the ‘““Kansas Mix- 
ture” in controlling the Sweet-potato Caterpillar. Mr. J. A. 
Miller spoke of the milliped attacking the Irish potato. Mr. O. 
D. Link spoke of a worm affecting the navel orange in Louisiana 
and of brown beetles boring into oranges where leaves came into 
contact with them. 


Science Hall, Nov. 19, 1917. 

The regular monthly meeting of the Florida Entomological 
Society was called to order at 4:30 p. m. by the President, with 
the following members present: Wilmon Newell, E. W. Berger, 
F. M. O’Byrne, J. R. Watson, S. P. Harn, O. T. Stone, F. F. Bibby, 
J. H. Montgomery, Frank Stirling, L. Russell Warner, H. S. 
Davis, T. Van Hyning and K. E. Bragdon. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. It 
was suggested that the students of the University of Florida be 
invited to attend our meetings and that notice of each monthly 
meeting and the program be published in the Gainesville Sun. 

The matter of a suitable heading for the “Florida Buggist” 
was discussed and it was voted that this be left to the discretion 
of the editors. 

After a discussion of the matter of our affiliation with the 
Florida Academy of Sciences, it was voted that the Secretary 
write to all non-resident active members of the Society and as- 
certain their views, in order that a vote may be taken at the next 
meeting to decide whether our society should withdraw as a 
section of the Florida State Academy of Sciences. 


46 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


The following new members were elected by acclamation as 
associate members: 


K.'S. Lamb; Inspector; State Plant Board:.-2 822 24.72 ! Gainesville, Fla. 
© Jake! Bommel yh 0 che pcre Wee raedrets uae Uae ete wae ee aa 2. Ane Le ee oe Buras, La. 
Wintel Drews Cibcus : Or O Wein ee eteere ees ee oe ee emer ee tees Eagle Lake, Fla. 
MG ASC ONL OTIOG actceln. ee occa =n tak were rete ese ne me eee s eee oe Lakeland, Fla. 
Dr: W:.. £: Ay Wyman, Citrus grower: ia) S22 St. Petersburg, Fla. 
Vietelis BrOwNseNUUns Cryin Vis cc eee see eee eee eens Winter Haven, Fla. 
We Bartlett./ Nurseryiman32..222 220 ee See ieee eee ee Ft. Ogden, Fla. 
H. H. Hume, Nurseryman & Pres. Fla. Hort. Soe. ........ Glen St. Mary, Fla. 
H. A. Wartmann, Inspector, State Plant Board ...........................---- Citra, Fla. 
B. EF. Flowers, Inspector, State Plant Board. ...2.. 42 2--)-.2_!- Sebring, Fla. 
John Schlobig, Inspector, State Plant Board ............................--.- Sebring, Fla. 
M..M. Bass; Inspector, State-Plant Board:..2 22 222 Groveland, Fla. 
W. O. Lahrman, Inspector State Plant Board 22.01.0220... 22. DeLand, Fla. 
©: 'T. Stone;, Clerk: State Plant; Board ..:.2\. =e Gainesville, Fla. 
AN, Tas, White, Citrus crower 202 2s a. ee ee ee rece Ft. Myers, Fla. 
CO. G: Bishop? Citruste rowers.) 520. ees Monticello, Fla. 
J. M: Mears, Inspector; State: Plant Board! 222 = 208 2 Manatee, Fla. 
Tn (O. Smith; Inspector; State Plant Board). 20.. Wauchula, Fla. 
H.C. Artis, Inspector; State Plant Boardy{ == Wauchula, Fla. 
S,. fH. (Cassino; spublisher [2805.08 ee eee eee eee Salem, Mass. 


C. E. Whittington, Asst. Nurs. Inspector, State Plant Board. 


The Business Manager of “The Florida Buggist”’ reported that 
the total receipts for subscriptions, advertisements, etc., to date, 
amounted to $74.45; that the total expenditure in publishing 
numbers 1 and 2 and mailing same to members and others 
amounted to $73.86, leaving a balance of $0.59. 

The paper of the evening, entitled “The Spiny Citrus Whitefly 
in Cuba,” was given by Mr. Newell, and was followed by an ex- 
tended discussion. This paper will be printed elsewhere. 

Mr. F. F. Bibby gave a short talk on the distribution of the 
boll weevil in Florida. 

Dr. Berger’s article, “Entomology as a Pure Science,” was post- 
poned for the next meeting on account of the lateness of the hour. 

Under “Brief Timely Notes,’ Professor Watson reported the 
following insects: 

“Negro Bug,” as infesting chufas in various parts of the state. 

Epicaerus formidolosus, as infesting beans and being found on 
cotton and cowpeas, being apparently more abundant this year 
than usual. 

Vaginulus floridanus, a slug on tomatoes, found at Dania, Fla. 

The Woolly Whitefly, in St. Lucie County. 

K. E. Bragdon reported that the seaside morning-glory was 
apparently a preferred host plant of the Sweet-potato Root-wee- 
vil, since it could be found in this vine when it could not be found 
in adjacent sweet potato plants. 


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Florida Bugsgist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. I SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS VOL. II 
No. 4 MARCH 21 AND JUNE 22, 1918 INjo; 


Printed July, 1918. 


BEE KEEPING IN FLORIDA.* 
By FRANK STIRLING 


The keepers of bees in Florida find many reasons for engag- 
ing in this industry. Some engage in it solely for the honey pro- 
duced and the financial gains resulting therefrom, while others, 
in fact a large majority, are in the business for the love of it. 
For some it is a recreation, and there is none better, as it gives 
delightful and absorbing occupation in the open air, and those 
who love natural science find no more fascinating problems than 
the ones still unsolved in the hive. 

As a vocation it requires one’s whole time and energy in order 
to insure success. Florida already has a large number of per- 
sons engaged in the bee industry whose yearly incomes vary 
from $500 to $5000. You will find bee keepers located in most 
all sections of the State, but most of them are at points where 
_the pasturage for the bees is of the best; that is, where the 
plants grow which produce the most and best honey, such as 
the citrus grove sections on the east and west coasts, the swamps 
where great quantities of cabbage palmetto grow, and the north- 
western portions of the State where the tupelo and titi abound. 
Some bee keepers in Florida have several hundred colonies, but 
most of them keep only a few as a “side issue’. Fifteen or 
twenty colonies may be managed with comparatively little time 
and attention, and if proper care be given to such an apiary it 
will prove profitable. If the season is favorable the product of 
one colony should net the owner from $4.00 to $10.00. For 
example, three years ago, from a small apiary of thirty-two col- 
onies, the writer produced one ton of honey which sold at from 
ten to twenty-five cents per pound. It is not considered an 
exception for some colonies to produce as much as one hundred 
pounds of surplus honey during one year. 


*Paper read before the Florida Entomological Society. 


50 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Of all the lower animals, bees are the most highly developed 
in certain ways, especially with regard to the spirit of com- 
munism, which is wonderful. One of the most remarkable 
peculiarities of bees, which is also shared by social insects such 
as ants, wasps and termites, is that there are three distinct kinds 
of individuals in the community, for in addition to the males 
and females which are the reproducing members of the colony, 
there is a third class which performs the labors of the com- 
munity. These, commonly known as workers, are really unde- 
veloped queens or unsexed females. In the termites the work- 
ers are both females and males. 

The queen bee is the acme of a long period of development. 
She may actually be the mother of all her subjects. Too much 
care cannot be given to the selection of the queen, or mother bee, 
of the colony, for her blood is in their blood, her faults their 
faults, and her weaknesses their weaknesses. The mature or 
laying queen is a very graceful insect, her body is long and 
pointed and extends far beyond the tips of her closed wings. 
It requires about fifteen days for her to emerge from her cell 
after the egg has been laid. After several days she mates with 
a drone outside of the hive high up in the air on what is known 
as the “flight”. During her life, which is sometimes less than 
a month, but generally two or three years, and occasionally more 
than five years, she mates with a drone only once. 

Of all the inmates of the hive, the lot of the drones is the 
least enviable, for the reason that one only will fulfill the destiny 
as father of the hive; many are born only to be slain when the 
honey harvest is low. In appearance, the drone differs much 
from the queen and the workers. He is broad and the rear end 
of his body blunt. He is made for a life of idleness, his hind 
legs bear no pollen baskets, his tongue is so short that he could 
not reach the nectar inside the blossoms even if he wanted to 
do so, and he has no wax glands such as the worker has for 
secreting wax, and he cannot fight his enemies because he has 
no sting. His only accomplishment is his buzz. He generally 
lives until the workers decide they cannot afford to keep him 
any longer. In a queenless colony he may live six months. 

In the bee community all the work is carried on by neuters, or 
unsexed females. The life history of the worker is usually as 
follows: The cell in which she is developed is the smallest of 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 51 


those composing the honeycomb. In twenty-one days from the 
time the egg is deposited the worker emerges a fully developed 
bee ready to do the work of tending the larvae, gathering pollen 
and nectar from the field, and also acting in the capacity of 
guardian to the hive. The life of the worker during the busy 
season is usually about six weeks. However, those born in the 
late fall live through until the following spring. Very few die 
in the hive, especially during the busy season, as their wings 
wear out while flying to and fro and they drop to the ground. 
They apparently never rest when there is a good flow of nectar 
from the flowers, for during the day they are engaged in gather- 
ing the harvest, and all night long they work in the hive se- 
creting wax, which is necessary to build the honeycomb; and by 
keeping a constant circulation of air thruout the hive by means 
of their wings, they evaporate the moisture from the sweetened 
water, which is known as nectar, until nothing is left but the 
honey. In other words, while the bees gather nectar, they make 
the honey. 

In these troubled times, when we are all urged to do our ‘“‘bit’’ 

(“best”) in the great struggle for universal peace, when the 
farmer especially is asked to make his acres produce their 
maximum, there is nothing that can add to the general supply 
more than almost any kind of sweetening. 
- The production of honey, bee keeping, has always been quite 
an industry. Long before the dawn of history honey was used 
and prized highly as food. This valuable sweet, to the ancients 
of our race, was a perfectly concentrated sweetening ready for 
immediate use without any preparation. The first mention of 
this ready-made sweet in history is in Genesis, fourteen, eleven. 
“Take of the best fruits in the lands in your vessels, and carry 
down the man a present, a little balm and a little honey.” 

One who is well versed in the science of bee keeping, while 
traveling through the State of Florida, may see the enormous 
waste of the thousands of acres of flowers of numerous kinds. 
What I mean is that just about one per cent of the nectar 
produced by these flowers is being harvested by the honey bees. 
The census reports but $100,000.00 worth of honey produced 
annually in Florida, and there could easily be $1,000,000.00 
worth produced if enough bees were on the job and handled 
properly by competent bee keepers. 

Wild bees are common and the cutting down of bee trees with 


52 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


their stores of honey is not infrequent. Several years ago I cut 
down four bee trees during one morning, securing therefrom 
about one hundred pounds of honey. If bees do so well wild, 
it is certain that by intelligent effort the honey production here 
in Florida could be made profitable. In California, where con- 
ditions for honey making are no better than here in Florida, in 
my opinion not nearly so good, there were produced in 1915, 
600 car loads, or 15,000,000 pounds. 

Most people have the idea that honey can be used only as 
syrup or in the comb to be eaten raw. Experts in nutrition 
in the United States Department of Agriculture have gone 
fully into the subject, and declare that with butter at forty 
cents a pound, a pound of honey at seventeen cents will be 
found equally economical as a source of energy. You can get the 
Department’s Bulletin No. 653 entitled ‘“Honey and Its Use in 
the Home’”’, which is-free, by writing to the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture at Washington. Information can also be secured 
from Wilmon Newell, Plant Commissioner, Gainesville, Florida, 
who has had a wide experience in bee culture. 

Bees serve a good purpose besides the production of useful 
food. They are essential to the proper pollination of fruit 
trees. It is a well known and long established truth that the 
nectar, odor and bright color of the flowers are simply means of 
attracting insects in order that the fertilizing pollen may be 
carried from flower to flower. The honey bee is chief among 
insects for this purpose. It is the most easily controlled of all 
insects to do this necessary work. 

It is of interest to know that Florida holds the world’s honey 
producing record. In support of this claim I will quote from 
a report by P. J. Wester, formerly horticulturist of the U.S. D. 
A. Plant Introduction Station at Miami but now horticulturist 
of the Philippine Bureau of Agriculture, as follows: “It is 
worthy of note that the world’s record for honey production 
is held by the sub-tropical state of Florida. The 103 colonies of 
an apiarist there, known to the writer, averaged about 298 
pounds of honey per colony one year, and one produced the 
astonishing amount of 496 pounds.” 

The average yield per colony for Florida for 1917 was 86 
pounds, which was almost twice the amount per colony produced 
in most of the other states during the same year. So the man 
in Florida who has a hive of bees, especially at the present time, 
is not likely to get “stung’’. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 53 


THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA 


J. R. WATSON 


Agricultural Experiment Station 


These insects are usually called thrips. They are all small, 
the largest measuring about eight millimeters (1/3 in.) in 
length while the smallest is scarcely half a millimeter. The vast 
majority are from one to two millimeters long. This is not as 
great a range in size as is common in other orders of insects. 
They are slender insects and their bodies are composed of four 
movable parts—the head, prothoraz, pterothorax (fused meso- 
and meta-thorax), and abdomen. This mobile structure enables 
them readily to squeeze into cracks in the bark of trees and into 
the parts of flowers where most of them live. Moreover the ten 
joints of the abdomen are loosely articulated so that the abdo- 
men, like that of rove beetles, can be bent up over the back in a 
threatening manner as if the insect would sting. The real ob- 
ject of the motion is, in most cases, to straighten out the hairs: 
of the wings preparatory to flight. 

Each of the four parts of the body bears appendages. On 
the head are the antennae, always long and slender and com- 
posed of from seven to nine segments and capable also of a 
large range of motion. The comparative lengths of these anten- 
nal segments are much used in classifying thrips. On the an- 
tennae are hairs and spine-like organs. Some of these are 
“sense cones’, probably organs of smell and perhaps of hearing. 

Large compound eyes are present and near them usually 
three small simple eyes, ocelli. The anterior one of these fre- 
quently is directed forward and the others upward. 

The mouth parts are of the sucking type and not rasping as 
is sometimes stated. However, the punctures they make in the 
tissues attacked are usually numerous and close together, giving 
to the injured tissues somewhat the appearance of having been 
rasped away. A peculiar characteristic of the mouth parts is 
the lack of symmetry between the two sides. The right mandi- 
ble is entirely missing. 

Although some species are wingless, there are usually two 
pairs of similar wings. Each consists of a long and rather nar- 
row membrane fringed with very long hairs. These hairs are 
responsible for the name Thysanoptera, “fringe wings’. In 


54 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


many species there are from three to twenty or more hairs of a 
second row present near the end of the front wings. | 

The body is usually provided with a few stout hairs or spines. 
These are most numerous towards the end of the abdomen but 
many species have prominent ones on the angles of the thorax 


and often a long stout one (post-ocular) some distance behind 
each eye. 


The legs end in peculiar expansile membranes which are re- 
sponsible for an older name of the order, Physopoda, or ‘‘blad- 
der-feet’”’. 


There are two quite different types of ovipositors, a long saw 
and a softer membranous tube. Those thrips having the latter 
type are placed in the sub-order Tubulifera. Those having the 
saw in the sub-order Terebrantia and in the family Aolothripi- 


dae or Thripidae, according to whether the ovipositor is turned 
up or down. 


This order of insects is most closely related to the true bugs, 
Hemiptera, and was formerly placed in that order. 


HABITS. Most species are plant feeders. They suck the sap 
from the more tender parts of the plants. Some are predatory 
on other small insects and mites. One of our Florida species— 
may his tribe increase—feeds on the eggs and crawlers of white- 
fly. All thrips are of potential economic importance. 


LIFE History. As a typical life history we may give that of 
our most common species, the Florida Flower Thrips. The eggs 
are laid in the tissue of tender plants just below the surface in 
a shallow slié made by the female. They hatch in about three 
(2-4) days. The larvae feed and grow for an average of 15 
days (the minimum was ten and the maximum 24 days in sum- 
mer), molting three times. The last immature stage is the 
pupa. This is peculiar. Like insects with a’ complete meta- 
morphosis, thrips do not feed during this time and move about 
but little. But like their relatives, the bugs and other insects 
with an incomplete metamorphosis, the wing pads are present 
during this stage. Their development is thus intermediate be- 
tween the two types. A final molt and the adult appears full- 
winged and with fully developed reproductive organs. The 
females feed for about five days and then begin to lay eggs. The 
completed life history therefore covers about 23 days. This 
would allow 16 generations per year. But breeding ceases 
altogether during the coldest weather of our winter and pro- 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 55 


ceeds much more slowly during the entire winter. There is not 
a month of the year, however, during which breeding is entirely 
suspended. After a warm spell in even January one can find 
at least a few young in roses and other favorite flowers. They 
do not hibernate, but are equiescent during the coldest weather. 
Further north thrips hibernate in either the adult, egg, or larval 
stages. 

Parthenogenesis is common. Indeed in many species no males 
have ever been seen. 

ENEMIES. Thrips seem to be exceptionally free of predaceous 
enemies. They are apparently too insignificant to figure in the 
commissary arrangements of other animals. An internal para- 
site has been recorded, a hymenopteron, but it is not common. 
A fungus disease or two have been observed, and a small bug 
Triphleps insidiosus, feeds on them. But the chief factor in 
keeping down their numbers is heavy dashing rain, which beats 
them from the plants and pounds them to death on the ground. 

This order of insects has been but little studied by resident 
entomologists of Florida. Mr. A. C. Morgan of the U. S. Bureau 
of Entomology, has done considerable collecting in the State, 
aided by Mr. Runner, and has described several species. Mr. 
J. D. Hood of the U. S. Biological Survey, has described several 
Florida species. 

Prof. A. L. Quaintance and the late H. M. Russell, both of the 
Bureau of Entomology, have studied some species of economic 
importance. The writer has collected in this group only inci- 
dentally while working on some species injurious to plants of 
economic importance. The present list includes all the species 
the writer has collected in the State with the exception of two 
or three apparently new species of which he has not as yet 
_ been able to collect sufficient material for description. There 
has also been included in this list all the species that have been 
listed by other collectors as taken in the State. Many of these 
specimens the writer has not seen, and he assumes no respon- 
sibility for the correctness of their identification. But as they 
have all been listed by careful workers, they are doubtless mostly 
correctly identified. Those records that have thus been compiled 
from the publications of others are indicated in the text with 
the name of the collector and a reference to the publication in 
which the collections were recorded. When the name of the col- 


(Continued on page 65) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 
Florida. 


IPROR Sd... bvcs WEAMLSO Nett oct oe oo en se de ee SI ees Se Editor 
JOR Wo SERGE RS sctoc ist ete eeereen | See ee eyes? Associate Editor 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Florida Entomological Society. 

Subscription price to those who are not members of the So- 
ciety—$1.00 per year in advance; 25c per copy. 


EXTERMINATE THE BOLL WEEVIL 


A late number of the Quarterly Bulletin of the State Plant 
Board bears an editorial of unusual interest to entomologists. 
In brief the suggestion is to exterminate the boll weevil from 
the United States by enacting a “‘no cotton” year. From the 
entomological side the problem is an easy one. The difficulty 
is psychological. -To tell a man that he cannot raise cotton 
interferes with his ‘‘rights”. But, as the Commissioner pointed 
out, by the time the war is over we will have been so thoroly 
““Hooverized” and ‘‘McAdooized” that we will not think so much 
of our “rights”. The fact that the suggestion comes from the 
man who has practically “canned” Citrus Canker (seems as if 
it should be spelled Kanker to link it to other undesirables) will 
give the suggestion weight. Should a few plants of cotton escape 
the inspectors and leave a few colonies of the weevils, their 
extermination will be an easy matter as compared with that of 
Citrus Canker. 

Our members will be glad to read in this issue of the con- 
tinued prosperity of the Lee County Branch. 


NOTES BY THE SECRETARY TREASURER 


The annual dues of the Society were raised to one dollar, be- 
ginning with 1918, at the March meeting of the Society. This 
increase was made necessary in order to have a reserve fund 
available for the publishing of THE BUGGIST, in case other in- 
come should at any time prove insufficient. Each issue of THE 

(56) 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS ie 


BUGGIST costs between twenty-five and thirty-five dollars. It is 
planned, on the other hand, to enlarge each issue as funds be- 
come available. 

It is therefore urged that all members who have not already 
done so, be so kind as to send in their dues at once. In order 
to save postage and thereby to conserve the funds of the Society 
for use in publishing THE BUGGIST, personal notices for the an- 
nual dues will not be sent except when necessary. Please do not 
make this necessary in your case but send your dollar before 
you forget it. Receipts for dues will also generally not be 
mailed, but will be acknowledged in the next number of THE 
BUGGIST. 

New members will also be notified of their election in THE 
BuGGIST under Reports of Meetings. 

The Secretary-Treasurer also wishes to urge upon all members 
to miss no opportunity to obtain new members, and upon all 
others who read this notice and are interested in “bugs” to 
become members. 

The Executive Committee has designated the Curator of the 
University Museum as Custodian for publications received in 
exchange and otherwise. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


(All meetings are held in Dr. Davis’ Lecture Room, Science Hall, Univer- 
sity of Florida, from 4:30 to 6:00 p. m., unless otherwise stated.) 

At the meeting of December 17, 1917, a communication from 
Mr. Roy Thompson, Secretary of the Lee County Entomological 
Society, was read. In this letter application was made for ac- 
cepting this Society as a branch of the Florida Entomological 
Society. As the constitution would need amendment to provide 
‘ for such affiliations, the Executive Committee was instructed to 
draw up the proper amendment. 

The following new members were elected: C. E. Whitting- 
ton, W. L. Benedict, J. L. Shelton, P. F. Robertson, R. G. Oli- 
phant, Roy Thompson, A. H. Andrews and F. 8. Balentine. 

The paper of the evening, “Entomology as a Pure Science’, 
was read by E. W. Berger. It was the aim of this paper to show 
that all modern scientific achievements had their beginnings 
in pure science, or the investigation of natural phenomena for 


58 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


the sake of learning, understanding them as such regardless 
of what the practical bearing might be. This is also true of 
entomology, and for that reason the investigation and study 
of insects as such, regardless of their injury or usefulness, 
should not be lost sight of. It is planned to publish this paper 
in a future number of THE BUGGIST. 


At the meeting of Jan. 28, 1918, the Executive Committee, 
in pursuance of instructions received at the December meeting, 
recommended the following amendment to the Constitution of 
the Florida Entomological Society. This amendment was 
adopted by vote of the Society: 


Article 9.—Ten or more members resident in any 
locality, or having a common interest in Entomology, 
subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, 
may form a branch of the Florida Entomological So- 
ciety. Branches shall have the power to perfect their 
organization, hold meetings, and in general have full 
control over their affairs, providing they conform to 
the constitution and regulations of the Society. All 
members of branches must be included in the mem- 
bership of the Society. 


It was further voted, upon recommendation by the Executive 
Committee, that the Lee County Entomological Society be ac- 
cepted as a branch of this Society. A list of the members of 
this branch was published in the winter number. 

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
President, Dr. H. 8S. Davis; Vice-President, F. M. O’Byrne; Sec- 
retary-Treasurer, E. W. Berger; member of Executive Som- 
mittee, Dr. J. H. Montgomery. 

The following were re-elected on the Editorial Staff of THE 
BuGGIst: Editor, J. R. Watson; Associate Editor, E. W. Ber- 
ger; Business Manager, K. E. Bragdon. 

It was voted that, at the end of a year, those not having 
paid their dues for the preceding year be notified, and if they 
do not pay, be automatically dropt from the membership of 
the Society. 

It was voted that instead of notifying non-resident members 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 59 


of each meeting, the Executive Committee prepare programs 
three months in advance and publish them in THE BUGGIST. 

Mrs. E. G. Rose of Wauchula, and O. K. Courtenay of Gaines- 
ville, were unanimously elected as members of the Society. 

Under “Timely Notes’, Professor J. R. Watson showed beetles 
of the Family Brenthidae occurring in South Florida. These 
are close relatives of Cylas formicarius, the Sweet Potato Root 
Weevil. 

This being the date for the annual election of officers, the 
principal paper of the evening was omitted. 


At the meeting of February 26th, Prof. John Schaffner of 
O. S. University, Columbus, O., and Mr. Frank Steffen of Em- 
poria, Kan., were present as visitors. 

It was voted to hereafter hold the regular monthly meetings 
of the Society on the fourth Monday of each month instead of 
the third, it having become apparent that there would generally 
be less routine work at that time to keep resident members from 
attending. 

The following new members were elected: Geo. G. Ainslee, 
Knoxville, Tenn., Entomologist Bureau of Entomology, U. S. 
D. A.; R. L. Clute, Extension Entomologist Stored Products, 
Insects, Gainesville, Fla.; W. Knaus, Editor and Manager, the 
Democrat-Opinion, McPherson, Kansas; M. V. Millington, 
Tampa; John A. Clinger, Tampa; and Jesse F. Taylor, Seffner, 
Fla. i 

Under “Timely Notes’, Mr. K. E. Bragdon showed specimens 
and reported on the finding of the Banana Root Weevil (Cos- 
mopolites sordidus) at Larkin, Fla. This is the first record of 
its occurrence in Florida, and the infestation is believed to have 
been eradicated. E. W. Berger briefly reported on the Avocado 
Weevil (Heilipus lauri) and showed specimens. Altho this 
insect is not known to occur in Florida, the possibility of its 
introduction from Mexico and Central America is dreaded and 
the Port and Railway Inspectors of the Plant Board are keep- 
ing a keen lookout for it. Prof. J. R. Watson reported seeing 
two more specimens of the Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Vanessa 
antiopa) near Gainesville in February, having previously re- 
ported collecting a specimen in January, 1917. 


60 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


The paper of the evening, ‘‘Insect Photography,’ was read 
by Dr. H. S. Davis and discussed by those present. Dr. Davis 
explained the use of colored screens interposed before the object 
to be photographed. The purpose of these screens is twofold: 
(1) to intensify certain colors and to subdue others, in order to 
bring out their relative values as they appear to the eye; (2) 
to eliminate certain colors altogether. This is necessary be- 
cause photographic plates are not equally sensitive to all col- 
ors. A yellowish or light brown color, for instance, will ordi- 
narily photograph black, but by interposing a screen of that 
color, and giving a longer exposure, its proper value will be 
given in the photograph. However, to use screens successfully, 
plates sensitive to several colors, or all colors, are necessary, 
such as Ortho, Iso, and others. The use of the new Pan-chro- 
matic plates, sensitive to all colors, was explained and illustrated 
by a diagram of the spectrum. That the slower plates give bet- 
ter results for photographing specimens in the laboratory than 
the very rapid ones so generally used, was also emphasized. 


March 25. It was voted to increase the annual dues of the 
Society from 50 cents to $1.00, beginning with 1918. .Of all 
members who voted, non-resident as well as resident, only one 
non-resident member voted against the increase. 

Under “Timely Notes’ Mr. Frank Stirling reported on the 
rearing of 20 Tachina Flies from the caterpillar of a tiger 
moth collected at Gainesville. He also reported collecting the 
grubs and adults of a 11-lined beetle (Leptinotarsa undecim- 
lineata) feeding on wild eggplant at Havana, Cuba, in January, 
1918. This beetle is a close relative of the Colorado Potato 
Beetle (Leptinotarsa decimlineata), so common in the north and 
also occurring in the northern tier of counties of Florida. 
Messrs. Dozier and Van Hyning reported obtaining some nema- 
tode worms from katydids. 

The paper of the evening, “Ecology of Hammock Insects,” 
was read by Mr. Dozier. The discussion was led by Prof. Wat- 
son, followed by others present. 

The Society adjourned at 6 p. m. 


April 29. Visitors present were Prof. C. L. Willoughby of the 
University and Mr. Leland of the University Farm. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 61 


It was voted to sever the Society’s connection as a section 
of the Florida Academy of Sciences and continue as an inde- 
pendent organization. 

The principal speaker of the evening being absent, Mr. A. L. 
Swanson was requested to give a brief account of the inspection 
of the Florida Keys for the Plant Board. Mr. Swanson stated 
that he and his crew lived on a house-boat and that the inspec- 
tion was made between January 8 and April 19, 1918, extend- 
ing from Elliott’s Key, on the north, to Key West. Mr. Swan- 
son further stated that the growth on the Keys is mostly hard- 
wood, including the Gumbo-Limbo. Most of the land is cut-over 
and the largest trees measure 12 to 18 inches in diameter. The 
larger insects appeared to be absent, at least at this time. Cab- 
bage butterflies and the Orange Dog were seen, the latter in 
January at Key West, the insect fauna has many representa- 
tives from the West Indies. Many plantings of cotton, etc., 
were seen without a blemish, being absolutely free from insects 
and diseases, a condition he had never seen before. 

Under “Timely Notes” Mr. O’Byrne reported that birds ap- 
peared to get many of the cutworms in his garden; or did 
wasps get them? EK. W. Berger reported that the whitefly 
was becoming unusually severe in the citrus groves, due to the 
fact that the trees had not been defoliated by the last winter’s 
freezes. 


May 27. At this meeting Prof. W. L. Floyd, of the University, 
and Mr. Geo. B. Merrill were present as visitors. 

The following new members were unanimously elected: Mr. 
B. L. Boyden, Scientific Assistant, Bureau of Entomology, sta- 
tioned in Florida on the Sweet Potato Weevil work; Mr. J. E. 
Graf, Bureau of Entomology, in charge of Sweet Potato Weevil 
work in the Southern States; and Mr. Geo. B. Merrill, Deputy 
Port and Railway Inspector for the Plant Board. 

Under “Timely Notes” Mr. Stirling described an infestation 
of Cottony Cushion Scale, near Sarasota, as the worst he had 
ever seen. Groves that were infested last year now had but 
‘small amounts of scale, with indications that the Vedalia cleaned 
he Ue. Prof. Watson exhibited specimens of the Broad-nosed 
Grain Weevil, collected at Plant City by E. A. Back, of the 
Bureau of Entomology, in corn. He also referred to the occur- 
rence of this same weevil as severely infesting dasheens at 


62 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Brooksville, the dasheens having been stored near some corn 
severely infested. EK. W. Berger reported an early and un- 
precedented demand for the Red Aschersonia, or Red Whitefly 
Fungus. Prof. Carl J. Drake briefly discussed a new species 
of Lacebug (tingid) and showed specimens. He also. briefly 
reported on some of the parasites of the Green Pumpkin Bug. 


The principal paper of the evening was by Prof. Carl J. Drake, 
of Syracuse University, N. Y., on “Water Hemiptera” (Water 
Bugs). Prof. Drake showed a number of live specimens and 
gave brief accounts of their habits. He stated that, while these 
insects are not generally of economic importance, some feed on 
fish and are therefore injurious to the food supply. In species 
of Belostoma, the Electric Light Bugs, the male carries the eggs 
of the female on his back. 

The second paper of the evening was by Mr. K. E. Bragdon 
on ‘‘Huscepes porcellus’”’, a snout beetle very similar to Huscepes 
batatae, the West Indian Sweet Potato Weevil. In his search 
for the latter near Moor Haven, he found the former infesting 
the Moon Vine, a morning glory. Porcellus has been reported 
as injuring sweet potatoes in Jamaica but not known to do so 
in Florida. Batatae is not known to occur in Florida. 


NOTES FROM THE LEE COUNTY ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY 


(Branch of the Florida Entomological Society) 


During the past quarter the Lee County Entomological Society 
has held its regular weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings. 
During the early part of the quarter the society had as its guest 
Dr. J. H. Montgomery, who gave a very interesting and helpful 
talk on the Spiny Citrus Whitefly (Alewrocanthus woglumzi, 
Ashby). 


On Thursday evening, Jan. 17th, W. L. Benedict treated the 
society to a stag dinner at the Hotel Elton. The affair was given 
in honor of R. G. Oliphant, who was shortly to leave on an 
inspection tour of the Florida Keys conducted by the State 
Plant Board. 


Stanley Millege has been transferred to Citra, Fla., where he 
will continue his work as inspector for the State Plant Board. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 63 


At the February 5th meeting the present officers were re- 
elected to serve during the coming quarter. The officers are: 
Shirley B. Walker, Pres.; Fritz Fuchs, Vice-Pres.; Roy Thomp- 
son, Sec-Treas. 


The return of Fritz Fuchs to his home at Redland, Fla., is 
viewed with deepest regret by all who knew him. Mr. Fuchs 
was a hard and enthusiastic worker and his departure is a 
distinct loss to the society. 


Orange aphids are unusually abundant in the vicinity of Fort 
Myers this spring and we may look for some little damage on 
their account. 


The orange sharpshooter is also causing some damage here. 


PERSONALS 


Mr. C. E. Wilson, formerly Assistant Entomologist to the 
Plant Board, has been appointed Neural Histologist in the Brain 
Surgery Department, U. S. A. Medical Corps. He will be en- 
gaged in research work in France. 


Mr. A. C. Mason, formerly connected with the Station and 
Plant Board, is now in the U. S. Army Hospital Service. 


Mr. K. E. Bragdon, who has done such valuable work for the 
Society as Secretary-Treasurer and for THE BUGGLST as Busi- 
ness Manager, has been obliged on account of his official duties 
to resign both positions. It is largely this that is responsible for 
the delay in publishing THE BUGGIST. 


Prof. Carl J. Drake, Associate Professor in Entomology in 
the School of Forestry of Syracuse University, has been em- 
ployed for the summer to assist in the Entomological Depart- 
ment of the Experiment Station. He is working on the life his- 
tory of the Southern Green Stink Bug or ‘Pumpkin Bug” 
(Nezara viridula). 

Among the welcome additions to entomologists of Gaines- 
ville is Prof. Fatig, who has come from Dakota to take charge 
of the work of the State agricultural schools. He has a large 
collection of hymenoptera and diptera. 


Luther Brown, agent State Plant Board, enlisted in the U. S. 
Navy Hospital Service on March 18. 


64 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


A. C. Brown, agent State Plant Board, enlisted in the National 
Army on April 4th. 

F. F. Bibby, Assistant Entomologist State Plant Board, en- 
listed in the U. S. Naval Hospital Service on April 10th. 

Wilmon Newell, State Plant Commissioner, Gainesville, Fla., 
is State Leader of the Sweet Potato Root Weevil Control and 
Eradication Work. 

J. E. Graf, of the Bureau of Entomology, U. S. D. A., is in 
charge of the Sweet Potato Root Weevil Work for the South. 

O. K. Courtenay, U. S. Bureau of Entomology, is Field Agent 
in charge of the Sweet Potato Root Weevil Control and Erad- 
ication Work. 

k. E. Bragdon, Deputy Port and Railway Inspector, State 
Plant Board, is Acting Field Agent in the Sweet Potato Root 
Weevil Control and Eradication Work. 

H. L. Dozier, Entomological Assistant at the Experiment 
Station, has enlisted in the Hospital Service of our country. 

Mr. R. N. Wilson, until recently Farm Demonstration Agent 
of Palm Beach County, has accepted a similar position in River- 
side County, Calif. Florida has lost a good scientist and a val- 
uable citizen. 

Dr. E. A. Back, In Charge of Stored Products Insects, and 
Mr. Walton, In Charge of Cereal and Forage Crops, both of 
the Bureau of Entomology, were recent visitors to the State. 

Mr. Thomas H. Jones, Agent of the Bureau of Entomology, 
was recently in Florida looking over the ground with a view to 
establishing a substation for the investigation of truck crop 
insects. 


BULLETIN NOTICES 


“The Silverfish,” by E. A. Bach, Farmers’ Bulletin 902, will 
interest everyone who owns a book in Florida. 

A 100-page bulletin on Citrus Insects, a companion piece to 
the bulletin on Truck Crop Insects, has been published by the 
Experiment Station. 


WANTED—Diurnal Lepidotera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Dr. John A. Comstock, 321 South 
Hill St., Los Angeles, California. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 65 


THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA 


(Continued from page 55) 


lector is not indicated, the collection and identification are those 
of the writer. 

This should be considered as preeminently only a preliminary 
list and by no means complete. It is thought, however, that it 
includes all species that have been recorded in entomological 
literature as occurring in the State. The only locality in which 
the writer has done systematic collecting is that about Gaines- 
ville, and even this small area is by no means exhausted. 

Nevertheless the list contains more than four times as many 
species as Smith lists in his “Insects of New Jersey’. When 
one considers that in most orders of insects the New Jersey list 
is much larger than the corresponding one of Florida (not be- 
cause New Jersey has more species but because it has been more 
thoroly worked than Florida), it becomes evident that Florida 
is rich both in species and individuals as compared with states 
further north. 

In addition to notes on the distribution, food plants, season, 
and habits of our Florida species, this list contains keys to the 
species in general to which the author has added new species. 
This seems desirable because no adequate keys are in existence. 
These keys have in most cases been modified from those of other 
authors and unless otherwise indicated from Moulton (1911). 
There has been appended bibliography of those works found 
most useful in the study of our Florida species and all papers 
in which Florida captures have been recorded. Any one wish- 
ing to identify our species for himself should be able to do this 
by means of this list and Moulton’s work (see bibliography, 
Moulton, 1911). 


FAMILY AEOLOTHRIPIDAE 


1. Molothrips floridensis Watson. (Watson, 1916.) 
Gainesville, April 1918, on oats. Mar., 1915, on oats and corn. A 
comparatively rare species has been taken a few times on oats and 
corn always associated with the next species. 


2. Molothrips bicolor Hinds. (Hinds, ’02.) THE BLACK AND WHITE 
CEREAL THRIPS. 
Quincy, 1915, on oats (Hooker, ’07); March, ’09, collected by H. 
F. Wilson on Plantago virginica, corn, onions (Morgan, 713); May 
14, 1909, on rutabaga (Morgan, 713). 
Gainesville, April 23, 1914, on oats; Mar., 1915, on strawberries and 
citrus. 


66 


the 


8. 


a: 


THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


This is our common cereal thrips and is often abundant on oats in 
the spring and damages them materially. 


Franklinothrips vespiformis (Crawford). (Crawford, ’09.) 
Orlando, late February to summer on leaves of citrus. (AVolothrips 
vespiformis Back, 712.) 


FAMILY THRIPIDAE 


Thrips quinciensis Morgan. (Morgan, 713.) THE QUINCY THRIPS. 
Quincy, collected by A. C. Morgan and G. A. Runner on Pinckneya 
pubens Mx. 


Thrips spinosus Morgan, (Morgan, 13.) THE MAGNOLIA THRIPS. 
Quincy, May 1910. Collected by A. C. Mason and G. A. Runner in 
blossoms of Magnolia grandiflora. 

Gainesville, May 1915-17, in blossoms of Magnolia grandiflora. 
This thrips may be found quite abundantly in practically all Mag- 
nolia blooms and has been found nowhere else. 


Thrips tabaci Lindeman. (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02, p. 179.) THE 
ONION THRIPS. 

Lake City, 1897-8. On onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and crabgrass 
(Panicum sanguinale). (Quaintance, ’98.) 
Gainesville, Nov.-June, on onions. 
Generally distributed, probably in every onion field in the State, arid 
does great damage every year. It is the most serious enemy of 
onions in the State. Affected onions are characterized by white 
blanched and dying tips. For remedies see Bull. 134, Fla. Ag. Exp. 
Sta. Cosmopolitan in its distribution. 


Thrips abdomalis Crawford. (Crawford, 710, p. 157.) 
Quincy, March ’09. Collected from tobacco by H. F. Wilson; May 
17, 1910, on Senecio by G. A. Runner and A. C. Morgan. (Mor- 
gan, 713.) 
Key West, April 238, 1912. “Miscellaneous collecting” by G. A. 
Runner and A. C. Morgan. (Morgan, ’13.) 
Gainesville, Oct.-Nov., 1913, on Solidago and other composites. 
Extends north to Maryland and Illinois, and west to Mexico. 


Plesiothrips perplecus (Beach). (Beach, ’95.) (Thrips perplexus, 
Hindss:023) 
Quincy, Sept. 8, 1909, on grass. (Morgan ,’13.) 
Extends north to Maryland and Iowa, and west to Texas. 


Heliothrips haemorrhodalis Bouche. (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02.) THE 
GREENHOUSE THRIPS. 

Miami, Sept. 1915; 1908, collected by P. J. Webster on mango and 
avocado. (Russell, ’09.) 
Orlando, on foliage of Acer rubrum. (Black, 712.) 
Gainesville, Jan. 28, 1913, in a greenhouse; May 1917, very destruc- 
tive to Coleus out of doors. 
In the northern states this insect is confined to greenhouses, hence 
the name. But in Florida it is common about gardens and orna- 
mentals out of doors. 


HO: 


UAE 


12. 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


1 


18. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 67 


Heliothrips rubrocinctus (Giard). (Russell, 712.) THE RED-BANDED 
Turies. (Physophus rubrocinctus, Giard, ’01, p. 263.) 

Miami, collected in 1908 on mango (Magnifera indica) and avocado 
(Persea gratissima) by P. J. Webster (Russell, 712), Dec. 1914. 
July 1914, on mango. 
This insect, introduced from the West Indies, is now abundant on 
mangoes about Miami, Ft. Myers (Dr. E. W. Berger) Frostproof 
and West Palm Beach. 
It is a severe pest and causes the leaves to loose their color and ul- 
timately to fall. 


Echinothrips americana Morgan (Morgan, ’13, p. 16.) THE SPINY 
THRIPS. 
Quincy, Sept. ’09 on Magnolia grandiflora and “Coffee Bean”; May 
18, 1910, on Pokeweed. (Morgan, ’13.) 
Extends north to Missouri and Maryland. 
Limothrips cerealium Haliday, ’82. (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02, p. 
139.) (L. avena, Hinds.) THE CEREAL THRIPS. 
Quincy, May ’10, on oats. (Morgan, ’13.) 
Extends north to Massachusetts and Illinois; west to Texas and 
Kansas. In Europe also. 
Chirothrips crassus Hinds ’02. 
Quincy, Oct. and Nov. 1915. (Hooker, 1907.) 


Chirothrips manicatus Haliday (’76). (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02 
joy) dksy'F)) 
Quincy, collected on oats on March 20, 1909, by H. F. Wilson. (Mor- 
ean 33) 
Extends north to Massachusetts and Iowa; Oregon and British 
Columbia; Europe. 


Scolothrips 6-maculatus Pergande (’91.) THE RED-SPIDER HUNTER 
Orlando, spring of 1909. ‘“‘Found feeding on red-spiders on citrus 
and several weeds.” (Back, ’12.) 

Winter Haven, April 1916. (Dr. E. W. Berger, Coll.) 
Extends north to New York and Missouri and Wisconsin; Hawaiian 
Islands. 


Aleurodothrips fasciapennis Franklin. THE WHITEFLY THRIPS. 
Orlando, March and fall of 1909. (Back, ’12.) 
Gainesville, Oct. 2, 1912, on citrus leaves. 
Feeds on whiteflies but is too scarce to be of much importance. 


Odontothrips phaleratus (Haliday). (Thrips phalerata, Haliday.) 
Quincy, on Plantago virginica, H. F. Wilson. (Morgan, ’13.) 
Frankliniella fusca (Hinds). (Huthrips fuscus. (Hinds, ’02.) THE 
ToBacco THRIPS. (Enicotianae Hinds, ’05.) 
Quincy, on tobacco 1905 (Hooker, ’07); March 1909, on Plantago 
virginiana, tobacco and life-everlasting, H. F. Wilson collector; 
May, on peanuts and sorrel. (Morgan, ‘13.) Tobacco, cocklebur 
(Xanthium glabratum), dewberry, mustard and shepherd’s purse. 
(Chittenden, ’04). 
Gainesville, April 23, 1914, on oats; Feb. 4, 1915, on turnips. March 
1915, on strawberries. 


68 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Extends west to Texas; north to Massachusetts and Michigan and 
South Dakota. A common pest of tobacco. 


In the original description Hinds states that the ocelli are 
smaller than the facets of the eyes. While this is true in many 
of the specimens collected at Gainesville, in others the ocelli are 
larger. This character is variable as is also the color and the 
presence of wings. 


19. Frankliniella floridana n. sp. 

FEMALE, Measurements. Total length 0.7 mm. Head, length 0.09 mm., 
width 0.13 mm.; prothorax, length 0.07 mm., width 0.17 mm.; mesothorax 
0.19 mm wide; width of abdomen in widest place 0.20 mm.; antennae, seg- 
ment 1, 21°°2, 29% 3. 3° 2405 be oOr Gsdos) We lice Seal Sumicrons: 

Color of the body bright yellow with brown blotches in center of thorax. 
The posterior margins of the first abdominal segments very dark, forming 
five narrow conspicuous bands across the dorsal surface. 

Head pale yellowish gray with a darker area about the ocelli; deeply 
retracted into the prothorax; anterior margin slightly rounded, bearing 
two moderately long and thick but pale spines, similar but smaller spines 
along the sides. 

Eyes large, not protruding, deep red. Ocelli large, posterior pair sep- 
arated from the eyes by more than the width of the ocelli; orange yellow 
bordered and nearly surrounded by deep orange crescents which are wider 
than the ocelli. These crescents are separated from each other by a 
space narrower than the crescents. Mouth cone long, narrow, reaching 
entirely across the prothorax. Antennae inserted so far below the margin 
of the head as to completely hide the first segment. First and second seg- 
ments, all but the extreme apex and base of the third, and the basal halves 
of the fourth and fifth grayish yellow, a little lighter than the head, re- 
mainder dark brown, giving the antennae a distinctly ringed appearance. 
Spines on the basal portion few but moderately long, thick and heavy, dark 
colored. On the apical portion they are more numerous but pale, short and 
inconspicuous. 

Prothorax oblong-oval in outline, anterior margin slightly and the sides 
markedly convex, surface obscurely reticulated, a large triangle in the cen- 
ter conspicuously outlined in dark brown, destitute of conspicuous spines. 

Mesothorax widest, with sides and anterior margin strongly convex. 

Metathorax with straight sides but diverging sharply posteriorly. 

Legs moderately long and slender, yellowish-gray with the tarsi and a 
large spot on the femora brown. 

Wings light gray with two dark bands across the basal third, 19 spines 
on the fore veins and 22 on hind; dark, thick, heavy; four near the base 
of the fore vein short, others long. Hairs on the margins long but few in 
number. 

Abdomen short; sides of the anterior portion, first five segments, arched, 
of the remainder straight and sharply converging. Anteriorly the spines 
are short and inconspicuous, posteriorly rather short but heavy. 

Described from several specimens taken from velvet beans (Stizilobium), 
Gainesville, Fla., July 1918. Type in the author’s collection. Male not seen. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 69 


This species is about the size of the California species F. minutus as 
given in the original description, but differs markedly in color, position 
of the posterior ocelli, length of the mouth cone, and other characters. It 
is a very distinct species. 


20. Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande.) (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02, 
Deal S21) 
(Euthrips occidentalis Pergande, ’91). 
Dade City, May 12, 1910, on beans, collected by Hunter and Mor- 
gan. (Morgan, ’13). 
Manatee, March 1911, on mango, H. F. Schultz, collector. (Mor- 
Panewe las) 


21. Frankliniella stylosa Hood. 
(Euthrips floridensis Morgan, 713, p. 5). 
Quincy, on Asclepias variegata L and in blossoms of Catalpa ca- 
talpa. Morgan, ’13. 
Extends north to Maryland. 


22. Frankliniella bispinosus (Morgan, 713.) THE 2-SPINED FLOWER THRIPS. 
Described from Dade City where it was taken in blooms of Yucca, 
May 1910. 
Gainesville on oats, April ’14; roses, April 1912; blooms of compo- 
sitae, Oct. 1913. 
Miami, April 1916, on avocado blooms which it severely damages. 


23. Frankliniella bispinosus projectus Watson (Watson, 715.) THE FLor- 
IDA FLOWER THRIPS. 

Gainesville, has been taken every month in the year in roses, and 
could be taken almost any day and in a great variety of blossoms, 
but mostly in those of an open structure. Our most common thrips. 
Begonia (Nov.), tomatoes (March-May), compositae (Oct.-Dec.), 
Aesculus pavia (Mar.), peaches (Jan.-Mar.), Persea (March), peas 
(April), petunias, roses, Cornus floridensis, wild plum (Feb.), 
Cercis canadensis (Feb.), cherry laurel (Feb.), citrus; Ft. Ogden, 
citrus; Gulfport, on sea grape (Cocolobus floridana) Oct. 1913; 
Dania, Ft. Lauderdale and Pompano, on tomatoes, Feb. 1913, White 
City. 
Not usually found in blossoms with a tube but the petunia is an 
exception. Prefers light colored, white or yellow blossoms. 
Certainly most and probably all, the insects that have been men- 
tioned in the Florida literature as EHuthrips tritici belong to this or 
the preceding variety. The writer has not seen typical Huthrips 
tritici from Florida, but has collected it as far south as Swanna- 
noa, N. C., and has it from Atlanta, Ga., and Alvin, Texas. It 
is at once told from either of the above varieties by the second seg- 
ment of the antennae which is asymmetrical. In both of the 
varieties there are on the dorsal surface of this segment, two prom- 
inent spines. In var. projectus in addition this segment is pro- 
longed anteriorally on the dorsal side so as to project over the 
third segment. This is particularly marked in the male. In the 
female the segment is, in addition, very long. 


70 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


24. Bregmatothrips gracilis Hood & Williams (715). 
Orlando, Nov. 5 and 8, 1914, C. B. Williams, collector. 


25. Pseudothrips inequalis Beach (’96). (Redescribed by Hinds, ’02, p. 
146.) 
Quincy, May 17, 1910, on Senecio. (Morgan, 13.) 
Gainesville, Nov. 19138, on wild Begonia. 
Extends north to Maryland and Iowa. 


26. Heterothrips ariswemae, Hood. THE INDIAN-TURNIP THRIPS. 
Quincy, March 1909, on honeysuckle and Rhodendron ulmiflorum, 
H. F. Wilson, collector. (Morgan, ’13.) 
Extends north to Virginia and Illinois. 


27. Heterothrips aesculi Watson (715). THE BUCKEYE THRIPS. 
Gainesville, Mar. 1914, April 1915, in blossoms of Aesculus pavia. 
Very common in blossoms of this plant. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF HETEROTHRIPS 


J. Prothorax twice as long as the head; antennae with apparently nine 
segments. 
a. Antennae without circles of distal sensoria on segment 4. 


b. Segment 3 hght yellow, palest at the base; segment 4 
brownish, palest toward the base; articulations of seg- 
ments brown, not clear; wings brown, paler at base. An- 
terior femora shading to yellow at apex; fore tibiae yellow, 
shaded with brown laterally; tarsi yellow....H. salicis Shull. 


bb. Segment 3 yellow with white bands; segment 4 yellow to 
brown, lightest at the apex; some articulations brown, 
others clear; wings brown with a broad white band near 
the base. Anterior femora shading to brownish yellow at 
the apex; fore tibiae brownish yellow; tarsi brownish yel- 
TOW ae es ene ee Sa nee H. aesculi Watson. 


aa. Antennae with distal circles on segment 4; segments 1 and 2 
slightly lighter than the body, shaded laterally with black; seg- 
ment 3 hght yellow, with a narrow sub-basal white band; distal 
third shaded with brown; segments 4-9 uniform light blackish 
brown except band of sensoria on segment 4. Wings blackish 
brown with a broad white band near the base. Legs concolorous 
with the body except tarsi and distal part of fore tibias which 
arenyelloW.. ...5:-.45. 0s ee ee H. arisaemae Hood. 


II. Prothorax less than twice as long as head. 

a. Antennae with apparently ten segments; circles of sense areas on 
segments 4 and 5 (corresponding to segments 3 and 4 of other 
species of Heterothrips) light yellow; all others dark brown. 
Wings light brown, basal one-sixth clear. H. decacornis Crawford. 


aa. Antennae with nine segments. 


b. Posterior margins of abdominal tergites not fringed with 
scales. 


ec. Abdomen not pubescent ................ H. borinquen Hood. . 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS Teal 


cc. Abdomen closely pubescent; thorax finely striate. 
d. Third antennae segment about 3.6 times as 
long as greatest width, grayish yellow. 
H. analis Hood. 
dd. Third antennal segment less than 3 times as 
long as wide; pale yellow with orange pig- 


Ment) eee H. vitis Hood. (Hood 1916.) 
bb. Posterior margins of abdominal tergites 1-7 fringed with 
GHMUIMO USI S Calle spe ene eee H. pectinifer Hood. 


FAMILY MEROTHRIPIDAE 


28. Merothrips Morgan Hood. 
Pine Key, Jan. 1914. Found by Mr. R. C. Shannon in shell and 
debris. Taken by Mr. John B. Henderson. 
Extends north to Maryland and Illinois. 


FAMILY PHLOEOTHRIPIDAE 


29. Anthothrips niger Osborn. (Redescribed by Hinds ’02, p. 188.) 
Quincy, 1905, on oats, wheat and tomatoes (Hooker, ’07); March- 
May on Plantago virginica, rye, corn, rutabaga, oats, tomatoes, 
cocoa-grass. A. C. Morgan and H. F. Wilson. (Morgan, 713.) 


30. Anthothrips dozieri n. sp. 

2?.—Measurements. Length 1.5 mm. Head, length 0.187 mm., width 
0.187 mm.; prothorax, length 0.16 mm., width 0.267 mm.; mesothorax, 
width 0.31 mm.; abdomen, width ; tube, length 0.126 mm., width at 
base 0.069 mm., at the end 0.035 mm.; antennae, segment 1, 24; 2, 46; 
DOE OS SEO MOM: Oralis h, 29s. 65 20) microns:) total length) 0312 mms: 

Color uniformly dark reddish brown except segments 3-6 of antennae. 
Legs 3-5 yellow, base of 6 yellowish-brown, apex light brown. Eyes red- 
dish brown. 

Head square; cheeks slightly arched and somewhat converging poster- 
iorly. Ocelli large, posterior pair situated well forward, opposite the 
anterior third of the eyes whose margins they nearly touch, concolorous 
with the eyes. Mouth cone rather long and acute, reaching nearly to the 
posterior border of the prothorax. Post-ocular spine short and slender, 
tipped with a small and almost colorless but distinct knob as are all the 
spines on the anterior part of the body. 

Antennae 8-segmented; segments rounded, the fourth somewhat thicker 
than the others. Sense cones and spines short, light-colored, and incon- 
spicuous. 

Prothorax wider than long, sides arched and converging markedly an- 
teriorly; knobbed spines on both the anterior and posterior angles short. 

Mesothorax somewhat wider, sides nearly parallel. One large, knobbed 
spine along the margin opposite the base of the wing. Other spines small 
and not knobbed. 

Legs short and slender, weak, fore femora not thickened. 

Wings well developed. Membrane reaching three-fourths the length of 


72 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


the abdomen; decidedly constricted in the middle. Hairs of the fringe long 
and nearly equal in length; seven of a second row present. 

Abdomen swollen posteriorally. Rather long spines on the posterior por- 
tion, not knobbed. Tube tapering markedly, its length exceeded by six 
of the longer terminal spines. 

Described from a single female. 

Collected from Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) by beating, Mar. 
1917, by H. L. Dozier. 

Type in the author’s collection. 

In the author’s key (Entomological News, XXVII, p. 129) this species 
goes to A. Flavipes Jones, but it differs markedly in its size, relative 
length of antennal segments, and the color of the antennae and tarsi. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF ANTHOTHRIPS 


I. Postocular spines wanting; antennae almost uniformly brown except 
segment 3 and base of 4, which are light brown.—A. niger Osborn. 
II. Postocular spines well developed. 
a. Postocular spines and most of those on the Rosten Onl aechal margin 
of abdominal segments knobbed. 
b. Total length 2.2 mm.; only the base of antennal segment 3 yel- 
low; wings with 10-12 hairs of a second row. A flavipes Jones. 
bb. Total body length 1.5 mm.; antennal segments 3-5 yellow; 7 hairs 
of a second row present. A. dozieri n. sp. 
aa. Posterior and abdominal spines not knobbed. 
b. Apex of femora with a small anteriorally directed triangular 
tooth within; antennae uniformly brownish-black. 
—A. nigricornis Jones. 
bb. Apex of femora without such tooth. 


ec. Segments 3-6 of antennae bright yellow, abdominal spines 
(except those of the tube) slender and rather faint. 
—A. verbasci Osborn 
cc. Segments 38-6 of antennae light brown, abdominal spines 
stout and conspicuous.—A. Variabilis Crawford. 
cece. Only segment 3 of antennae wholly bright yellow; abdo- 
minal spines short and inconspicuous. 
—A. floridensis Watson 
31. Anthothrips verbasci Osborn. (Redescribed by Hinds ’02.) (THE 
MULLEIN THRIPS.) 
Quincy, on corn, May. (Morgan, ’13.) 


32. Anthothrips floridensis Watson. (‘16.) ..(THE FLORIDA ANTHOTHRIPS. ) 
Gainesville, April 22, 1914, on maize. 


33. Trichothrips amplipennis Morgan. (’13, p. 33.) 
Quincy, May 15, 1910. On Hypericum solabriforme. (G. A. Run- 
ner and A. C. Morgan). (Morgan, 713.) 


34. Trichothrips terminalis, Hood & Williams (’15). 
Orlando, collected from stump of a tree, Nov. 15, 1914, by C. B. 
Williams. 


' 
} 
| 
| 
| 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 73 
35. Trichothrips fuscus Morgan (’138, p. 36). 
Quincy, May 21, 1910, swept from Spice-bush (Morgan, 713). 


36. Symphyothrips punctatus Hood & Williams (713). 
Orlando, Jan. 21, 1913. Collected in body of orange tree by W. W. 


Yothers. 
37. Acanthothrips magnafemoralis Hinds (’02, p. 199). (BIG-LEGGED 
THRIPS. ) 
Miami, Hinds ’02. Type locally. “Food plant unknown.” “Under 


bark of various trees and in dried leaves.” North to Massachusetts 
and Illinois. (Hood, 717). 


38. Cephalothrips yucca Hinds (’02, p. 194). (THE Yucca THRIPS.) 
Quincy, May 1910, on Yucca (Morgan, ’13). 
Extends north to Massachusetts and South to Barbadoes. (Hood, 
ales) 


39. Cryptothrips floridensis Watson (713). (THE CAMPHOR THRIPS.) 
Satsuma the original locality, Nov. 1912. W. O. Richtman collec- 
tor. On camphor at all seasons, Glen St. Mary, Tampa, St. Peters- 
burg, Lakeland, Macclenny. This would seem to be an introduced 
species, as it is not found in many localities in Florida. It has 
recently been found in Alabama and New Orleans, always on cam- 
phor. The writer has received specimens from Ceylon. 


40. Cryptothrips pini Watson (’15). (THE PINE THRIPS.) 
Gainesville, March, May, 1914. Common on pine trees among the 
needles. 


41. Cryptothrips citri, n. sp. 

FEMALE. Measurements. Total length 1.4 mm. Head, length, 0.16 
mm., width 0.14 mm.; prothorax, length, 0.17 mm., width (including coxae), 
0.28 mm.; abdomen, greatest width 0.27 mm.; tube, length 0.12 mm., width 
at base 0.053 mm., at apex 0.033 mm.; antenna, segment 1, 22; 2, 42; 
SOA Ooo nee, 41° 7,415 8,28 microns. Lotal 0:32 mm: 

Color brown,, tibiae, tarsi, and third antennal segments yellowish-brown. 


Head rounded in front; widest immediately behind the eyes and con- 
verging slightly behind; sides slightly convex; surface smooth; postocular 
spines moderately stout, about 50 microns long, knobbed. Eyes medium 
sized, orange by reflected light, black by transmitted light in balsam 
mounts; facets large. Ocelli yellow; the anterior facing obliquely up- 
ward; the posterior pair widely separated, contiguous with the margins 
of the eyes about .4 of the distance from the anterior ends. Mouth cone 
very broad at base, a little broader than the posterior end of the head, 
about .6 as long as broad, very rounding at the apex, not reaching the 
middle of the prothorax. 

Antennae 8-segmented, nearly 1.5 times as long as the head. Segment 
1 and base of 2 concolorous with the head, apex of 2 and segments 4 to 8 
light brown, 3 yellow. Spines and sense cones short and light in color, 
inconspicuous. 

Prothorax triangular in outline, the posterior angles very rounding, 
each bearing a moderately long, knobbed, light-colored spine. On each 


74 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


side there is a somewhat longer spine and on each anterior angle a shorter 
one. 

Metathorax a little norrower than the prothorax; sides converging 
posteriorly; destitute of conspicuous spines. Legs of medium length. Fore 
femora considerably enlarged. Legs provided with a few short hairs. 
Wings reaching tip of abdomen. Fore pair constricted in the middle. 
fringed with long hairs; near the apex are three or four hairs of a second 
row. 

Abdomen, first three segments destitute of conspicuous spines but poster- 
ior segments bear progressively longer ones and the last segment a pair of 
very long but pale ones. Tube rather small. 

Described from three specimens collected at Fruitland Park, Fla., in 
Nov. 1916, under the loose bark of a citrus tree. This tree was affected 
with gummosis, a bark disease, and the bark was hanging in loose flakes. 
The insects were found under these flakes. Type in the author’s collection. 

Males unknown. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF CRYPTOTHRIPS 


I. Antenna 8-segmented. 
a. With prominent post-ocular spines. 
b. Color uniformly black except the tarsi which are blackish 
brown; body length about 2.22 mm. .............. C. carbonarius. 


bb. Body color dark yellowish brown. Post-ocular spines 
knobbed. 


c. About 1.7 mm. long. Head twice as long as wide. A 
dark spot behind each ocellus. Antennal segment 3 
muchs shortens hia 4s pees ne anes C. salicis Jones. 


cc. About 1.4 mm. long. Head little longer than wide. 
Without dark spots behind each ocellus. Antennal seg- 
ment synearly, as lone as 49.2 C. citri n. sp. 
aa. No post-ocular spines. Color dark brown to coal black. 
b. Antenna black but segment 3 with two brownish yellow 
bands. Body length about 2.7 mm. C. rectangularis Hood. 
bb. Antennal segments 3 to 6 clear yellow, 8 and tip of 7 yel- 
lowish-brown. Body length about 1.9 mm. 

C. floridensis Watson 
bbb. Antennal segment 3 brownish yellow; others brown, darker 

at tip. Body 1.7 mm. Antenna 7-segmented. 
C. junctus Hood. 


42. Barythrips sculpticauda Hood & Williams (’15). 
Orlando Nov. 5, 1914. Collected from a pine stump by C. B. Wil- 
liams. 


43. Letpthothrips mali Fitch. (THE BLACK GARDEN THRIPS.) 
(Cryptothrips aspersus, Hinds ’02. Phyllothrips aspersus Hood 
’08., Leptothrips aspersus, Houd ’09). 
Quincy, on magnolia, beans, coffee-bean, cotton, Cersis, ete. (Mor- 
anyaeloe) 


44. 


45. 


46. 


47. 


48. 


I. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 75 


Orlando, “‘All times of the year on citrus foliage.” (Back, 712.) 
Key West, “Miscellaneous collecting.”” Runner & Morgan. (Mor- 
gan, ’13.) 

Gainesville, on leaves of citrus at all seasons, radishes, Nov. 19, 
1914; mustard and turnips, Jan. 1915; abundant on avocados 1915. 
On grasses. Our most common black Thrips. 

Extends north to Massachusetts; west to California and South to 
Panama and Barbadoes. (Hood, 717.) 


Haplothrips (?) bellus, Hood & Williams (715). 
Orlando, Nov. 8, 1914, on rushes. 
Leesburg, Nov. 16, 1914, “From grasses at edge of canal’. 
Emeralda, Nov. 17, 1914, on rushes. All collected by C. B. Williams. 


Haplothrips statices Holiday. 
SKMorida- Hood, “17)). 
Extends north to New York and Michigan and west to California 
and Oregon. 


Zygothrips bicolor Hood & Williams (715). 
Orlando, Nov. 5 to 8, 1914, from Spanish moss on pine tree, on 
bamboo, on rushes. E. B. Williams, collector. 
Emeralda, Nov. 17, on rushes. E. B. Williams, collector. 


Phloeothrips raptor Crawford (710). 
Quincy, “Miscellaneous collecting.” (Morgan, 713.) 


Phloeothrips floridensis Watson (’13). 
Gainesville, under bark of citrus in greenhouse. Jan. 1913. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF PHLOEOTHRIPS 


Postocular spines long and conspicuous. 
a. Segment 3 of antennae longer than 1 and 2 together; body color 
dark reddish brown; antennae light brown. 

b. Head nearly 1.3 times as long as wide; antennae 1.3 as long 
as head; segment 3 more than 1.5 times as long as 1 and 
LOM TNC hee ete sats ee ee eee ee wee P. jennei Jones. 
bb. Head slightly more than 1.3 times as long as wide; anten- 
nae 1.5 times as long as head; segment 3 about 1.1 times 
as long as segment 1 and 2 together; males with teeth at 
apexotutore, femora: 32... ise ee P. armiger Jones 
aa. Segment 3 of antennae shorter than 1 and 2 together; antennae 
mostly brown or with only the bases of segments 3 to 7 yellow. 
b. General color yellowish brown, with considerable irregular 
red hypodermal pigmentation; antennae twice as long as 

the head or nearly so. Cheeks slightly arched. 
ec. Legs grayish brown; body length 1.68 mm.; postocu- 
lar bristles knobbed; mouth cone reaching across pro- 
GIT O Weel xem ck Mies Pee! A acs Sh Re Se P. pergander. Hinds. 
cc. Femora brownish yellow; tibiae and tarsi yellow; 
body length 2.5 mm.; poctocular bristles not knobbed; 
mouth cone reaching two-thirds the distance across 
NOLO Axe ee ae P. floridensis Watson 


76 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


bb. General color brown; fore tibiae and all tarsi light brown; 
cheeks strongly arched; antennae 1.5 times as long as the 
WV Ca Gl ee eee oe es oe ele ee Ne reer ae P. raptor Crawford. 
bbb. General color dark brown, tibiae and tarsi bright yellow; 
cheeks nearly straight; antennae 1.75 times as long as 
He ad SSeS Bsa Oe ee ee Be P. uzeli Hinds. 
II. Postocular spine wanting; general color dark mahogany brown, with 
many small white pigmental markings along head, thorax, abdomen 
FW OK Me 2 18s re ee SD cet ae Ia creer res ME Pere chet a a P. maculatus Hood 
49. Liothrips flavoantennis Watson (716). (YELLOW-HORNED THRIPS.) 
Gainesville, Fla., April 23, 1914. On wild grape. 
50. Liothrips caryae var. floridensis Watson (716). (THE HICKORY-GALL 
THRIPS. ) 
Gainesville, Fla., May and June 1914-16. In galls of Phylloxera on 
hickory. 
51. Gynaikothrips useli Zimmerman. (THE CUBAN LAUREL THRIPS.) 
(Mesothrips ficorum, Marchal, Liothrips bakeri Crawford.) 
Key West on Ficus (Russell, Bur. Ent. Bull. 99). 
Miami, Fla., Wilmon Newell. A severe pest. 
52. Anophothrips megaceps Hood and Williams (’15.). 
Emeralda, Fla., Nov. 17, 1914, E. B. Williams, collector. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY OF FLORIDA THYSANOPTERA _ 
Back, E. A. 
1912, Some New Thysanoptera from Florida, Ent. News, Feb. 1912. 
Crawford, D. L. 
1909, Some Thysanoptera of Mexico and the South, Pomona Coll. Jour. 
Ent., Vol. I, No. 4, pp. 100-121. Figs. 
1910. Thysanoptera of Mexico and the South ,II do. Vol. 2, No. 31. 
Chittenden, F. H. 
1904 Yearbook, U. S. D. A. 
Daniel, S. M. 
1904. New California Thysanoptera—Ent. News, Vol. 15, pp. 293-297. 
Fitch, Asa. 
1854. First Rep. Nox Ins. State, N. Y., p. 102. 
1856. Third Rep. Nox Ins. State, in An. Rep. N. Y. State Agr. Soc. 
Vol. XVI, p. 445. 
Hranklin, sel, ede 
1908. On a collection of Thysanopterous Insects from Barbadoes and 
St. Vincent Islands—Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 33, pp. 715-730. 
1909. On Thysanoptera—Ent. News, Vol. 20, pp. 228-281. 
Giard, A. 
1901. Bull. Soc. Ent. France. 
Hinds, W. E. 
1902. Contributions to a monograph of the insects of the order Thys- 
anoptera inhabiting North America—Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 25, 
pp. 79-242, pls. 1-11. 
1905. Proc. Biol. So. Wash., Vol. XVIII, p. 197. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS ee 


Hood, J. D. 
1908. New Gernera and species of Illinois Thysanoptera, Bull. II 
State Lab. Nat. Hist., Vol. 8, Art. 2, pp. 361-378. 
1908. Can. Ent., Vol. XL., p. 305. 
1909. Ent. News, Vol. XX, p. 32. 
1914. On the proper generic names for certain Thysanoptera on 
- economic importance. Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., Vol. 14, pp. 34-44. 
1914. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., Vol. X XVII, pp. 151-172. 
1915. Descriptions of New American Thysanoptera, Insecutor Insci- 
tiae Menstruus, Vol. III, No. 1-4, pp. 1-40. 
1916. A New Sp. of Heterothrips from E. U. S—Ent. News. 27 No. 
3: 
1917. An annotated list of the Thysanoptera of Plummer’s Island, 
Insecutor Inscitiae Menstruus. 
Hood, J. D. and Williams, C. B. ; 
1915. New Thysanoptera from Florida and Louisiana, Jour. of New 
York Entomological Society, Vol. XXIII, No. 2, pp. 121-138 (June 
1915). 


Hooker, W. A. 
1907. The Tobacco Thrips. U.S. D. A. Bur. Ent. Bull. 65. 


Jones, Paul R. 
1912. Some New California and Georgia Thysanoptera. U.S. D. A. 
Bur. Ent. Technical Series, Bull. 23, Pt. 1. 


Morgan, A. C. 
1913. New Genera and Species of Thysanoptera with notes on distri- 
bution and food plants. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 46. 
Multon, Dudley. 
1907. Contributions to our Knowledge of the Thysanoptera of Cali- 
fornia, U. S. D. A. Bur. Ent. Technical Series Bull. 12, Pt. III. 
1911. Synopsis, Catalogue and Bibliography of North American Thys- 
anoptera. U.S. D. A. Bur. Ent. Technical Series No. 21. 
Lindeman, K. 
1888. Die. schadl. Insekten d. Tabak in Bessarabien, pp. 61-75. 
Osborn, H. 
1888. Rep’t. U. S. D. A. for 1888. 
Quaintance, A. L. 
1898. The Strawberry Thrips and the Onion Thrips. Fla. Exp. Sta. 
Bull. 46. 
Russell, H. M. 
1909. The Greenhouse Thrips. U.S. D. A. Bur. Ent. Bull. 64, Pt. VI. 
1912. Notes on Thysanoptera, Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., Vol. XIV, p. 13. 
1912. The Red-Banded Thrips. U. S. D. A. Bur. Ent Bull. 99, Pt. II. 
Watson, J. R. 
1913. New Thysanoptera from Florida. Ent. News, Vol. 24, p. 145. 
19138. An Unusual Type of Injury Due to Thrips. Jour. Ec. Ent. 
Wolk 6; .p. 413 ((Oct:):. 
1915. New Thysanoptera from Florida II, Ent. News, Feb. 1915, Vol. 
26, No. 2. 
1916. New Thysanoptera from Florida III, Ent. News, Vol. 27, No. 3. 


78 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


A PARTIAL LIST OF THE DIURNAL LEPIDOPTERA INDI- 
GENOUS TO FORT MYERS, EXCLUSIVE OF 
THE HESPERIDAE 


By SHIRLEY B. WALKER 


Papilio ajax, Linn., Var. floridensis, Holland. 
Papilio ajax, Linn., Var. marcellus, Boisd. 
Papilio asterias, Fab. 

Papilio cresphontes, Cramer. 

Papilio palamedes, Drury. 

Papilio philenor, Linn. 

Papilio troilus, Linn. 

Papilio turnus, Linn. 

Pipilio turnus, Linn., Dimorphic?, glaucus, Linn. 
Catopsilis agarithe, Boisd. 

Catopsilis eubule, Linn. 

Catopsilis eubule, Linn., Albino Form. 
Terias lisa, Boisd.-Lec. 

Terias nicippe, Cramer. 

Anosia berenice, Cramer. 

Anosia plexippus, Linn. 

Basilarchia floridensis, Strecker. 

Lycaena ammon, Lucas. 

Lycaena hanno, Stoll. 

Lycaena marina, Reakirt. 

Lycaena theonus, Lucas. 

Thecla melinus, Hubner. 

Anartia jatrophae, Linn. 

Grapta interrogationis, Dimorphic Form—umbrosa, Lintner. 
Chlorippe alicia, Edwards. 

Neonympha phocion, Fab. 

Neonympha sosybius, Fab. 

Pyrameis huntera, Fab. 

Pyrameis atalanta, Linn. 

Junonia coenia, Hubner. 

Junonia genoveva, Cramer. 

Dione vanillae, Linn. 

Euptoieta claudia, Cramer. 

Heliconius charitonius, Linn. 

Pieris monuste, Linn. 

Eunica sp. (probably tatila). 

Nathalis iole, Boisd. 


SPRING AND SUMMER NUMBERS 79 


A member suggests that, instead of bombarding the Germans 
with bombs, copies of Wilson’s declaration of war, etc., we load 
up a few aeroplanes with Colorado potato beetles and spread 
them over the empire. Would the Hague Convention allow this? 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this 
genus, of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive 
Florida specimens, especially of the rarer species. Will ex- 
change or pay reasonable cash prices. Address W. Knaus, Mc- 
te Sou Kansas. 


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Florida Buggist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. II FALL NUMBER NO. 2 
September, 1918 


(Printed in November) 


ENTOMOLOGY AS A PURE SCIENCE* 
By E. W. BERGER 


My chief concern about this society and its publication (THE 
FLORIDA BUGGIST) is that it should always reflect Entomology as 
a true science, as distinguished from Applied Entomology or 
Economic Entomology. From the nature of our organization, we 
shall not need to worry about the applied side not being duly 
represented, for we are practically all economic entomologists, 
or near-entomologists, or otherwise interested in insects that 
injure crops. But, if for no other reason than for the sake of 
those in our organization whose training in entomology has 
been limited, I believe that we should make every effort to 
present some papers and articles having a bearing upon the 
science of entomology in its broader aspects. For instance, 
Prof. Watson’s paper on The Thysanoptera of Florida (THE 
FLORIDA BUGGIST, Vol. I, No. 4 and Vol. II, No. 1) is such a 
paper, it being a distinct and permanent contribution to the 
science. 

There was a time, perhaps not a hundred years ago, when 
science was studied for the sake of knowing, for the information 
that it yielded about the natural things surrounding us, and the 
pleasure it afforded to the few. More recently, however, it 
has become the business of mankind to apply scientific knowledge 
of all kinds in every-day affairs so that men and institutions have 
arisen whose primary object it is to make science practical. This 
condition of affairs has caught the attention of the public and the 
business man, so that pure science has stood in danger of being 
neglected. But it is apparent to the thoughtful that in order to 


*Paper read before the Florida Entomological Society, Dec. 17, 1917. 


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Please mention Buggist when you write our advertisers. 


82 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


keep up the supply of new ideas, principles and knowledge for the 
workers in applied science, the investigations in pure science 
must be continued. In other words, if new ideas, new principles, 
new facts were not being brought out continually, the worker in 
applied science, including economic entomology, would soon be 
at a standstill. : 

As an illustration of the importance of isolated and apparently 
insignificant facts and principles, the development of another 
science appeals to me, and I believe that this also lends itself bet- 
ter as an illustration. 

As an example of the slow accretion of knowledge, sometimes 
accidental, sometimes fostered studiously by individuals, later 
by groups of men and students at universities and other seats 
of learning, and finally by institutions established for the pur- 
pose, until the few scattered facts, at first apparently useless and 
largely curiosities, became developed into a system of related 
facts and principles, I love to think of the science of electricity 
and magnetism. From static electricity, generated by rubbing a 
piece of amber (a fact known to the ancient Greeks 600 B. C.), 
to the modern telephone, the dynamo and motor, the X-ray, and 
finally, the wireless, is a far cry. However, any one who knows 
something of the facts, I am sure, will subscribe to the statement 
. that the modern electric locomotive, for instance, was presaged 
by the apparently trivial and curious electrical phenomena known 
to the Greeks, the inventions of the Italians, Galvani and Volta, 
and later in the coils of wire and magnets of Faraday. I love 
to think of it, that the germ of the electric motor and dynamo 
was present in the very simple experiment of the deflection of a 
magnetic needle by means of an electric current passed thru a 
wire near it. This simple experiment first demonstrated the 
relationship between magnetism and electricity, and while ap- 
parently useless knowledge then, was a ready-made fact for 
Faraday and others, so that today we have all kinds of electrical 
apparatus and machinery serving mankind. 

Coming back to our own subject of entomology, the classifica- 
tions of insects and the studies on structure, particularly of the 
mouth-parts and their uses, and the manner in which insects 
breathe, were the foundation on which those who were devising 
methods for destroying insects could build. While no doubt 
successful attempts at destroying injurious insects were made 
by those having no particular knowledge of insects, the process 
could only be carried on with understanding by those knowing 


FALL NUMBER 83 


something of the structure and life history of the insects that 
they desired to destroy. As an illustration of the futility of 
blind effort in an attempt to control an insect, I have in mind 
the spraying operations against the citrus whiteflies in Florida. 
Power sprayers were bought and an attempt made to spray the 
groves in a whole county (Orange County, 1906) regardless of 
the time at which the fly was most susceptible to sprays, with 
the result that spraying was once more condemned as a failure. 
The facts were known to the entomologists that had been in the 
State prior to that time, but whether these facts had not been 
sufficiently featured in the bulletins or were ignored by the 
parties undertaking the spraying, I cannot advise. At all events, 
the whitefly of citrus is now successfully controlled by spraying. 

To sum up this part of my paper, it is apparent that no facts, 
ideas, principles or laws, tho apparently insignificant and useless 
at the time of discovery, are useless, but will eventually be ap- 
plied in the life of mankind. The world can never know whether 
a fact is economically useful and important until it finds out, and 
for that the world may need to wait a thousand years. 

From motives of a pure desire to know, any one could study 
insects (I mean the insects themselves, not books) from the 
following points of view; in fact each point of view is a science 
by itself: Taxonomy; Morphology; Ecology; Psychology—be- 
havior, instincts; Paleontology. 


TAXONOMY OF INSECTS 


This includes description and classification of insects into 
orders, sub-orders, families, genera, species, and sometimes 
varieties. (I should perhaps explain that the term Taxonomy 
means classification, and is used in the same sense whether ap- 
plied to the classification of insects, other animals or plants.) 
This phase of entomology has probably been more extensively 
studied than the others, and was for a considerable period of 
the last century the principal subject of insect study. Classi- 
fication may also have been the very first phase of entomology 
to engage students of nature. It would only be natural to ar- 
range a collection of insects into groups according to their 
likenesses and give the groups names. Aristotle was apparently 
the first to leave a record of this kind. He made a classification 
of animals, and his classification of insects is only a part of the 
whole. 


84 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


MORPHOLOGY 


Morphology is the study of form and structure of animals, 
and logically it should precede classification, as classification is 
based upon form and structure; but in point of time it largely 
followed classification, which was then based mostly upon the 
external characteristics only. Studies of form and structure 
naturally bring out relationships, and, thanks largely to mor- 
phology, we now have classifications of insects, and other ani- 
mals, that represent more nearly true relationships. 

It will be quite apparent that the form and structure of an 
insect, or other animal, or plant, may be studied from three 
points of view: Anatomy, Histology, Embryology. 

Anatomy.—This consists in the study of the organs, or larger 
units of an animal. We may speak of the external anatomy and 
the internal anatomy. External atanomy deals with the shape, 
structure and relative positions of the external organs: wings, 
mouth parts, head, legs, eyes, etc., of an insect; internal anatomy 
with the internal organs. 

Histology.—Histology is the structure of living things as mani- 
fested by the microscope. From this we learn, for instance, that 
the organs and parts of insects are made up of microscopic cells, 
or units, similar to those of other animals and plants. 

Embryology and Life History.—A tracing of the development 
of an animal, be it insect, bird or mammal, prior to its birth or 
hatching from an egg is called embryology. It may be stated 
here that some insects are born alive. The complete life history 
of an animal consists of its several developmental stages, includ- 
ing its embryology. Specifically, in most insects, it includes the 
following stages or states of development: egg, embryo, larva 
(grub, caterpillar, maggot, etc.), pupa, and adult. For the 
study of embryology a compound microscope and other special 
apparatus is necessary, as well as a knowledge of special methods 
to preserve the many delicate and microscopic structures found. 


ECOLOGY 


When a naturalist, whether entomologist or other investigator, 
studies insects or other organisms inhabiting certain localities 
in an endeavor to solve their mutual relations to each other and 
to their environment, we have the science of ecology, meaning, 
literally, a study of the household. 


FALL NUMBER 85 


PSYCHOLOGY: BEHAVIOR, INSTINCTS 


This title is quite self explanatory as to its subject matter. 
The habits and instincts of insects are varied and have been 
extensively studied. This is especially true for ants, bees and 
wasps. ; 

The definition of psychology is science of mind, and it may be 
questioned whether insects have mind, as this term is ordinarily 
used. The writer, nevertheless, prefers to retain the term, psy- 
chology, as it is difficult to believe that there should not be some 
form of mind involved in all the manifold activities of insects. 


PALEONTOLOGY 


The study of the remains (fossils) of living things found in 
the different layers of rock and earth forming the earth’s crust 
is called paleontology. The fossil insects found indicate profound 
changes in the insect life of this earth during its successive 
geological periods. Of unusual interest are the insects found 
embedded in the fossilized accumulations of resin known as 
amber. Paleontology shows that insects as a whole are, geolog- 
ically speaking, a recent group. Their soft, or at best chitinized 
bodies do not readily form fossils and so it happens that, as 
compared with animals having bony and calcareous parts, their 
past is poorly preserved. 


ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 


These two sciences were not included in the preceding list 
because they deal directly with the practical application of ento- 
mological knowledge to human affairs. They draw largely for 
their information upon the phases of entomological science pre- 
viously noted, altho each has its own problems to solve and in- 
vestigations to make, and each is just as scientific as the other. 
The former, however, are regarded as in the realm of pure 
science, in which the practical application of the results is not 
necessarily considered, whereas the latter (the subjects of this 
topic) are in the realm of applied science, where the practical 
application of results obtained is the primary object. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this genus, 
of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive Florida 
specimens, especially of the rarer species. Will exchange or pay 
cash. Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


86 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


June 24. Visitors present were Professor Carl J. Drake, 
Associate Professor of Entomology, The N. Y. State College of 
Forestry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y., and Mr. Geo. F. 
Arnold, Nursery Inspector, State Plant Board of Mississippi. 

Under “Timely Notes’ Prof. Watson reported that stink 
bugs and pumpkin bugs were attacking fruit unusually early 
this year. In answer to a question by Dr. J. H. Montgomery, 
Prof. Watson advised that the Whitefly Ladybeetle (Delphastus 
catalinae) received by him from the State Insectary of California, 
and introduced into several places in Florida, was reported as 
having become established at Bradentown, but that he had not 
been able to go and verify the report. 

In the first paper of the evening, “Insects and the Optimistic 
Grower’, Mr. F. M. O’Byrne, Inspector of Nursery Stock, noted 
some personal experiences and made some suggestions valuable 
to those whose lot it becomes to recommend treatment for insects 
or diseases. Some growers will follow the advice of the last 
visitor rather than of the man supposed to know. Others, the 
optimistic kind, discount all recommendations made. In such 
instances, reference to concrete results obtained by others who 
had the same insects or diseases in their trees are most convinc- 
ing. In general, advice given should anticipate mistakes growers 
may make and be followed by a second visit if possible. Recom- 
mendations should preferably be in written form in which neces- 
sary details should be stressed. 

The second paper of the evening, “Storage and Fumigation of 
Corn and Other Seeds for Weevils”’, was by Mr. R. L. Clute. 
Mr. Clute first briefly referred to the kinds of insects generally 
found infesting stored plant products in Florida, and then 
showed plans for the proper storage of corn, etc., in which fumi- 
gation for insects can be properly done. The importance of 
storing corn without the husks was particularly emphasized, as 
it requires less room for storage and less carbon bisulphide for 
fumigation. Several photographs of good storage houses in use 
in Florida were also exhibited. Mr. Clute is embodying the sub- 
ject matter of this paper in a practical bulletin for farmers and 
others. 

In a third paper of the evening, “The Purse Spider and Two 
Rare Tingids”’, Professor Drake gave some very interesting in- 
formation. The Purse Spider, supposed to be of rare occurrence, 
was found by Prof. Drake to be quite common at Gainesville, 


FALL NUMBER 87 


Fla. He had previously taken a specimen from a frog’s stomach 
at Cedar Point, Ohio. A colony of these spiders has been re- 
ported at Washington, D. C., and Professor J. H. Comstock 
collected it at Lake City, Fla., some years ago. The first tingid 
in question is Teleonemia belfragei, now very common on Calli- 
carpa americana (French mulberry) on the University campus 
and vicinity at Gainesville. Previously reported only from the 
West Indies, Callicarpa is furthermore a new host for this tingid. 
The other tingid is Dichocysta pictipes, of which Prof. Drake 
collected two specimens in the hammock on the University cam- 
pus. This species had previously not been collected east of Ari- 
zona in the United States, but is found in Mexico. 


July 22. Visitors present were Miss Isabelle Mays, Instructor 
in Mathematics, University Summer School, and Mr. E. L. Rob- 
inson, Asst. Principal, Public Schools, Tampa. 

Professor Carl J. Drake, School of Forestry, Syracuse Uni- 
versity, N. Y. State, and Mr. E. L. Robinson were elected to the 
membership of the Society. 

Under ‘‘Timely Notes’ Professor Drake reported a new species 
of Fulgorid (Lantern-fly Family) on gallberry and huckleberry 
about Gainesville, Fla. Professor Watson reported on the 
successful use of Kansas bait on the Fall Army Worm (Laphygma 
frugiperda) on a property south of the University grounds, and 
that army worms were general over the State from Miami to 
Bonifay and Chipley. Mr. Geo. B. Merrill reported briefly 
an outbreak of the Fall Army Worm just north of Gainesville, 
advising that the same was controlled in part by dusting zinc 
arsenite and calcium arsenate and in part by plowing furrows 
to keep the worms back. 

In the first paper of the evening, Plant Commissioner Wilmon 
Newell described an outbreak of the Banana Root Borer (Cos- 
mopolites sordidus) in South Dade County. Thirty-four proper- 
ties were inspected from January 6 to 19, of which seven were 
found infested. This beetle had been declared a public nuisance 
by the Plant Board only in the December (1917) preceding. 
Eradication work was at once begun by digging and burning the 
plants. Split banana stems were used as baits in the fields and 
large numbers of the beetles caught and destroyed. This beetle 
is a pest in Cuba, Jamaica, British Guiana, islands of the South 


(Continued on page 91) 


Ghe 

FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 
Florida. 


PROBS ict 1; WIT SON 22 ses aetna ee ae ee eee Editor 
Dr. KX. W. BERGER......Associate Editor, Acting Business Manager 
Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 
Subscription price to those who are not members is $1.00 per 
year in advance; 25c per copy. 


Fumigation of citrus trees may be revived in Florida. The 
Roessler and Hasslacher Chemical Company is conducting ex- 
tensive demonstrations at Windermere and elsewhere in Florida. 
Improved methods of generating and discharging the gas under 
the tents by means of a machine greatly simplify and shorten 
the operations. Particulars may be obtained by addressing Mr. 
J. B. Dales, Pine Tree Inn, Windermere, Fla. 


THE CALIFORNIA DELPHASTUS 

The whitefly-eating lady-beetle (Delphastus catalinae) con- 
tinues to multiply in several Florida groves at a most gratifying 
rate. In the grove near Bradentown they are present in count- 
less thousands and arrangements have been perfected for sbip- 
ping these beetles from there to different parts of the state. It is 
desired to introduce them into all citrus communities. it is 
thought that enough are now in sight to supply a colony to any 
grower who desires one. Anyone interested should apply to is 
county agent or to the Department of Entomology of the Experi- 
ment Station. A small charge, sufficient only to defray the cost 
of collecting and packing, is made for these.—J. R. W. 


AN OUTBREAK OF THE COTTON STAINER ON CITRUS 

Citrus and avocado growers in some of the southern counties 
of the state where, in order to escape the boll weevil, cotton has 
been raised this season, are having trouble with the Cotton 
Stainer (Dysdercus saturellus (H. S.)). This bug is a pyrrho- 
corid with deep red body and black wings and is sometimes 
called the “red bug.” This is a common name for the cotton 
stainer in the West Indies and would be appropriate and desir- 
able for Florida were it not preoccupied by those pestiferous 
mites, the larvae of Trobidium, with which we are all too well 
acquainted. 

On citrus the cotton stainer does about the same type of dam- 

(88) 


FALL NUMBER 89 


age as the pumpkin bug (Nezara viridula), i. e., it punctures the 
rind and the fruit soon drops from the tree and decays. The 
punctures, however, are smaller and entirely invisible to the 
naked eye. There is not the hardening and discoloration of the 
surrounding tissue characteristic of pumpkin bug injury. The 
bugs feed mostly on the oil cells but frequently penetrate to the 
pulp. They are much more restless than the pumpkin bugs and 
do not remain feeding in one spot for hours as the latter fre- 
quently do. They show the same preference for thin-skinned 
varieties of citrus, tangerines being their first choice. They are 
not as apt to feed all night as are the pumpkin bugs, but usually 
collect in colonies on the interior of the tree. Even in the day 
time they are distinctly gregarious, collecting in colonies on 
the leaves and fruit both on the tree and the ground. 


The present outbreak has undoubtedly been brought on by 
the planting of cotton in citrus communities. No outbreak has 
been recorded in communities where no cotton was planted.. The 
adults can fly considerable distances. The writer recently saw 
one heavily infested grove that was three-fourths of a mile from 
the nearest cotton. There were adults only in this grove. An- 
other grove directly across a road from a cotton patch was 
heavily infested with both adults and young. Scattering half 
grown nymphs were seen as far as 800 feet from the cotton. 
The vast majority of these had crawled from the cotton field. 
Indeed, scores were observed in the act of crawling across. 
They travelled in a nearly straight line for the citrus as if they 
smelled it, altho the wind was from another direction. How- 
ever, one colony of very young nymphs was observed that must 
have hatched from eggs laid on fallen oranges. The nymphs 
were but a few days old and were bunched in a compact colony 
after the fashion of newly hatched nymphs of these bugs. It 
is incredible that the colony could have crawled en mass such a 
distance without becoming scattered. A search was made for 
Spanish cockle-burr on which they might have bred but none 
was found. Evidently, they can occasionally breed on citrus, 
altho Hubbard states that they do not do so. 

Evidently the growing of cotton in citrus communities in the 
southern counties should be abandoned. Altho the bugs are 
rather sporadic in their appearance, being abundant some years 
and searce others, the practice involves too great a risk. Hub- 
bard, in “Orange Insects”, warns against the practice. Another 
statement that he makes, however, is erroneous, or at least only 


90 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


partly true. He states that chickens will not eat the bugs. The 
writer saw chickens gorging themselves on the bugs, both 
nymphs and adults. The chickens had saved a portion of a cot- 
ton field nearest a house from destruction. It is easy to make a 
mistake like this in regard to the food of chickens. Fowls are 
often rank “standpatters’”, refusing absolutely to even taste a 
food to which they are unaccustomed. Probably it would fre- 
quently happen that a handful of cotton stainers thrown to 
fowls that had never eaten this species of bug would at first be 
refused. The writer has had a similar experience with pumpkin 
bugs which are usually eaten by hens. Indeed he once owned a 
flock of hens which persistently refused to touch perfectly good 
Kaffir corn. 

The cotton stainer is a southern species and usually does severe 
damage only in the southern part of the state. Indeed Barber, 
in his list of the ““Hemiptera of Florida”, does not record it from 
north of Lake City and St. Augustine. The absence of any 
reports from the northern counties, however, is probably due to 
the absence of entomologists rather than the absence of the 
bugs, as it is recorded as a pest of cotton in South Carolina, 
Georgia, and Alabama. It has been recorded from many places 
in Florida not in Barber’s list (see Sellards in Rep. of Fla. Ag. 
Exp. Station, 1905). Apparently in the compilation of this list, 
as in some others of the series of lists published by the American 
Museum of Natural History, the literature of economic ento- 
mology has been largely ignored. 

Two other species are listed by Barber as having been taken 
in the extreme southern part of the state. One of them, and 
at least two other species of the genus, are severe pests of cot- 
ton in the West Indies. One of these, D. delanneyi Seth., has 
“been rendered negligible” in St. Vincent by the destruction of 
its wild hosts, the silk cotton tree, the wild okra (Malachra 
capitata), and the John Bull tree. Perhaps the same happy result 
could be achieved in Florida by the destruction of the Spanish 
cockle-burr (Urena lobata) on which it largely breeds in the 
absence of cotton. 

The name “cotton stainer” is derived from the effect of these 
bugs on cotton lint. They feed.on the seed and collect on the 
bolls in the fields, staining the lint a pinkish or reddish color, 
greatly lowering its value. This staining is said (West Indian 
Bulletin XVI No. 3, p. 236) to be due not directly to the bugs but 
to fungi and bacteria which follow.—J. R. W. 


FALL NUMBER 91 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 
(Continued from page 87) 
Pacific and India. The infestation was traced to a nursery on 
the West Coast. 

“Pumpkin Bugs’, the second paper of the evening, was read 
by Professor Drake, who was then investigating the habits and 
life history, but especially the insect enemies of these bugs. 
Professor Drake suggests the common name of Southern Green 
Stink Bug for Nezara viridula to distinguish it from Nezara hil- 
aris which is the commoner species farther north but also found 
here. N. viridula is in northern Africa, Asia, and other parts of 
the world. N. marginata and N. pennsylvanica are also in Flor- 
ida but rare. Radish is the favorite food of these bugs in spring 
and is suggested as a trap crop to protect other plants and veg- 
etables. Cowpeas are also much attacked. The egg masses of 
N. viridula average 80-90 eggs and hatch in 4-5 days. There are 
5 instars, or stages, i. e., there are 5 sizes of the bugs, counting 
the newly hatched and including the full grown bugs. The life 
cycle is 4-6 weeks in summer. WN. viridula has its share of natural 
enemies, including the Wheelbug, Tachina Flies, Sarcophagidae, 
and egg parasites. The Tachina Flies and Sarcophagidae are 
flies resembling houseflies, but are more hairy, and it is the mag- 
gots of these flies that infest the bugs. 

Both of these papers were discussed by those present. 


August. No meeting was held because so many of the resident 
members were absent from Gainesville on account of professional 
duties. 


September 30. Twenty-seven visitors were present from 
among those who were attending the Citrus Seminar and the 
Live Stock Roundup at the University. 

The first paper of the evening was by Mr. W. L. McAtee of 
the U.S. Biological Survey. Mr. McAtee gave a very instructive 
account of the different lines of work conducted by the Survey. 
These include investigations of the useful and injurious mam- 
mals and birds of the United States, habits and distribution of 
North American animals, enforcement of federal laws pertain- 
ing to importations, quarantines, etc., and a game law section. 
The Society’s interest, however, was centered mainly upon the 
methods of identifying insect remains in bird’s stomachs. This 
is a very difficult task, but not impossible, since there are certain 


92 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


hard parts of insects, such as jaws, that admit of fairly accurate 
identification. Brief accounts of the insect diet of such birds 
as the bullbat, swallow, quail, oreole, flicker, etc., were given. 
Thus, the quail, swallow and oreole are undoubted enemies of 
the Boll Weevil. 5000 ants were found in the stomach of a 
single flicker. The Boll Weevil is eaten by 66 kinds of birds, 
the Gypsy Moth by 45 kinds, and leaf-hoppers by 200 kinds. 

The second paper of the evening was a round table discussion 
of common names of insects, led by Professor J. R. Watson. 
While common names are of practically no value to the ento- 
mologist whose requirements are wholly met by the scientific 
names, it is recognized that common names are needed when 
discussing insects with growers and others who are generally 
not familiar with the use of scientific names. The trouble with 
common names, however, is that there may be several of them 
in use at the same time or in different localities for the same 
insect, and it is apparent that in written articles at least, some 
one name should be selected and used and not a different one 
in each article. Thus Nezara viridula, commonly known as the 
Pumpkin Bug, is also called the Southern Green Plant Bug, while 
the name Southern Stink Bug has been suggested. Again, Selen- 
aspidus articulatus is known as the West Indian Red Scale, or 
Rufous Scale. It being apparent that, in order to secure uni- 
formity in common names and to avoid the duplication of such, 
some one should be recognized as authority to indicate the pre- 
ferred common names. To further this end, it was voted, on 
motion of Mr. Wm. Somme, that the President appoint a com- 
mittee of three on common names of insects. Appointed were 
J. R. Watson, E. W. Berger and Dr. J. H. Montgomery. It will 
be the duty of this committee to report to the Society from time 
to time lists of the preferred common names of insects for pub- 
lication in THE BuGGIST. Discussion was continued at the next 
meeting. 


Approximately 300,000 species of insects have been described 
and named and there are probably five times as many more. 


WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
exchanges. Dr. John A. Comstock, Southwest Museum, Los 
Angeles, Calif. . 


FALL NUMBER 93 


KATYDID 


Thou art a female, Katydid! 
I know it by the trill 
That quivers through thy piercing notes 
So petulant and shrill. 
I think there is a knot of you 
Beneath the hollow tree, 
A knot of spinster Katydids— 
Do Katydids drink tea? 


(O. W. Holmes—To an Insect.) 


It is stated that over 150,000 species of beetles have been de- 
scribed in the world. 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Organized to further the discovery and dissemination of knowledge 


about insects, especially Florida insects. The Society appeals to all those 
interested to join and assist. It is the only organization of its kind in 
Florida and the South. Your membership will strengthen the Society and 
THE FLORIDA BUuUGGIST, its official publication. Annual dues are $1.00, which 
includes THE BuacisT. The headquarters of the Society is Gainesville, 
Fla. The regular monthly meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each 
month in Science Hall, University of Florida, from 4:30 to 6 p. m. 
Officers: President, Dr. H. S. Davis; vice president, Mr. F. M. O’Byrne; 
secretary-treasurer, Dr. E. W. Berger; member executive committee, Dr. 


J. H. Montgomery. 


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94 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


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Ohe 
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Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VO: I WINTER NUMBER NOZ3 
DECEMBER, 1918 


(Printed in February, 1919) 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—IV. 
J. R. WATSON 
58. Trichothrips brevitubus n. sp. 

Measurements: Head, length 0.187 mm., width 0.2 mm.; prothorax, 
length 0.115 mm., width 0.3 mm.; abdomen, width 0.4 mm.; tube, length 0.1 
mm., width at base 0.064 mm., at the apex 0.032 mm.; total body length 1.17 
mm. Antennae: segment 1, 24; 2, 52; 3, 64; 4, 63; 5, 52; 6, 48; 7, 46; 8, 26 
microns; total length 0. 39 mm. 

Color, including legs and tube, brown, head and abdomen very dark brown. 
Antennae entirely bright yellow except segment 8, which is ight brown. 

Head nearly square in general outline, a little wider than long, sides 
convex, an acute projection between the bases of the antennae. The only 
prominent spine is the post-ocular which is about 26 microns long. Like 
all the other spines on the body it is dark brown and ends in a small colorless 
knob. Eyes rather small, about nine facets showing in lateral profile which 
occupies about two thirds of the margin of the head, not protruding, black. 
Ocelli inconspicuous, posterior pair situated far forward opposite the 
anterior .2 of the eyes whose margins they touch, widely separated. The 
anterior one points forward, color very dark. Mouth cone long and tapering, 
reaching a trifle beyond the posterior margin of the prothorax. Antennae 
twice as long as the head, 8-segmented, spines and sense cones rather short, 
especially on the basal segments, all colorless and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax broad and short, approaching a semi-circular outline, sides 
convex and sharply diverging posteriorly, a long (81 microns) heavy spine 
near each posterior angle, each angle provided with a single shorter spine. 

Pterthorax with sides convex and slightly converging posteriorly, without 
prominent spines. Legs moderately long and slender, without prominent 
spines. Wings rather short, membrane not reaching the end of the abdomen, 
fringed with long hairs that reach little beyond the end of the tube. 

Abdomen wide and short, about a third longer than broad, bearing a few 
dark spines which become long and heavy posteriorly. Tube but little 
more than half as long as the head. The longest of the terminal bristles 
about equal to the length of the tube. 

Described from a single female brot to the author by the janitor of the 


Please mention Buggist when you write our advertisers. 


98 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


experiment station building with the statement that he extracted it from 7 
his eye where it was very painful, causing a much more severe smarting 
than a egnat. 

Gainesville, Fla., August, 1918. 

Type in the author’s collection. 

The following key will enable one to separate the North American species 
(except J. semicaeus the description of which, in Uzel, is too brief) which 
are now (see Hood in Entomologist, Vol. XLVIII, No. 624, May, 1915, p. 106) 
placed in the genus Trichothrips. Moulton’s key (U.S. D. A. Bur. Ent. Tech. 
Ser. 21) has been followed for the species there given. 


KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TRICHOTHRIPS OF NORTH AMERICA 


I. Prominent spines on body with blunt or dilated tips; most forms very 
dark brown or nearly black (except T. angusticeps), usually nes short 
wings (except T. longitubus). 

a. Each fore tarsus armed with a tooth; antennae about 1.7 times 
as long as head; total body length about 1.5 mm. 
T. angusticeps Hood. 
aa. Fore tarsi not armed; antennae about twice as long as head. 

b. Wings fully developed; body length about 1.8 mm.; tibiae, 
tarsi, and intermediate segments of the antennae bright 
lemon yellow; tube fully as long as the head. 

T. longitubus Hood. 

bb. Wings short; body length about 1.2; whole antenna clear 
yellow; tube about half as long as the head. 

T. brevitubus n. sp. 

II. Prominent spines on body acute; antennae about twice as long as head. 

a. Individuals small, about 1 mm. in length, without ocelli or wings. 

b. Eyes reduced, lateral profile showing but three facets; first 
segment about half as long as the second....T. smithii Hood. 

bb. Eyes small but normal; first antennal segment nearly as 
lONS FAS SCCOMC eee eee eee eee: T. flavicauda Morgan. 

aa. Individuals rather large, 1.5 mm. or more, wings fully developed 
or brachypterous. 

b. Each fore tarsus armed with a tooth. 

ec. Antennae 1.75 times as long as head; tube .7 as long 
as head; total length about 2 mm., fore tarsi with a 
shorisestouts toothy T. ambitus Hinds. 
ec. Antenna slightly more than twice as long as the head; 
tube slightly shorter than head. 
d. Total body length about 1.7 mm.; fore tarsi with 
a small acute tooth; wings light gray brown, 
spotted with darker. ............ T. americanus Hood. 
dd. Tarsi with a large tooth. 
e. Last two antennal segments completely 
united; eyes very small; body length about 
PSM hee eee T. anomocerus Hood. 


WINTER NUMBER 99 


ee. Last two antennal segments not compactly 
united; eyes normal; body length 1.8 mm. 
or more. 
f. Tarsal tooth straight. 
T. marginalis Hood & Williams. 


ff. Tarsal tooth curved. 
T. terminalis Hood & Williams. 
lojoy. > ARS RSNV EOFS ete aVe0 beeen SE ee T. zonatus Hood. 


MEGALOMEROTHRIPS, gen. nov. 

Head considerably longer than wide; cheeks with a few stout bristles but 
without warts; antennae about twice as long as the head, 8-segmented, inter- 
mediate segments elongated. Mouth cone about as long as width at the base 
which is swollen to a diameter considerably greater than the width of the 
head; labium rounded but labrum sharp-pointed, reaching nearly to the 
mesosternum; fore femora enlarged, without teeth; tarsi without teeth. 
Wings short and weak, not narrowed in the middle. Tube long and slender. 

Type M. eupatorii n. sp. 

54. Megalomerothrips eupatoru, n. sp. 

Measurements: Total length 2.1 mm.; Head, length 0.31 mm.; width 
0.23 mm.; Prothorax, length 0.24 mm, width (including coaxe) 0.43 mm.; 
mesothorax, breadth 0.40 mm.; abdomen, breadth 0.46 mm.; tube, length 
0.34 mm., width in the middle 0.08 mm. Antennae: segment 1, 59; 2, 68; 
3, 148; 4, 118; 5, 88; 6, 71; 7, 58; 8, 48 microns; total 0.62 mm. 

Color an almost uniform light brown; posterior segments of abdomen 
darker and segments 2 and 3 of antennae very light yellow, 3 almost color- 
less as are the last tarsal joints. 

Head subquadrangular in outline, about 1%% longer than wide; frons but 
slightly convex; cheeks nearly parallel, but slightly convex, provided with 
a few short thick spines; post-ocular bristles rather long, exceeding the 
eyes; dorsal surface of head with faint cross-striations. Eyes rather small, 
not protruding, black. Ocelli prominent, all facing upward; posterior pair 
opposite the middle of the eyes but not touching their margins. Mouth cone 
about as wide as the width at the swollen base, labrum tapering to a point, 
exceeding the labium and nearly reaching the mesosternum. Antennae 8- 
segmented; segment 3 long and almost colorless; sense cones and bristles 
colorless and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax shorter than the head; wide; sides sharply diverging posteriorly 
and very convex; posterior angles very rounding, provided with moderately 
long but colorless spines with blunt tips. 

Pterothorax; sides nearly straight, converging posteriorly; a pair of 
stout short spines about the middle of the mesothorax. Legs moderately 
long, concolorous with the body except for the colorless last joints of the 
tarsi. Fore femora greatly enlarged, % as wide as the head. Wings very 
short and weak, not nearly reching the base of the tube; fringed with rather 
short hairs, about 20 interlocated ones. 

Abdomen elliptical in outline, no bristles on anterior segments but heavy 
ones on the posterior ones, the longest exceeding the tube. Tube longer 
than the head, narrow with almost parallel sides, tipped with a few spines 
which are only slightly more than half the length of the tube. 

é unknown. 


100 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Described from a single female taken by beating Hupatorium ageratoides 
in bloom. Nov. Gainesville, Fla. Type in the author’s collection. 

The following key will enable one to separate the new genus 
from the others of section 2 of the Phloethripidae (Moulton Bul. 
21 Tech. Se. Bur. Ent., U. S. D. A.), comprising those genera in 
which the head is considerable longer than wide and longer than 
the prothorax. This is not a very good character on which to 
divide the family, as it divides at least one genus (Haplothrips), 
but it is a convenient one, and much used. 


KEY TO THE GENERA OF PHLOEOTHRIPIDAE 


II. Head considerably longer than wide and longer than the prothorax. 
a. Head less than twice as long as wide. 

b. Fore femora with a tooth on the inner side near the end. 
In our species the fore femora are enlarged but the inter- 

mediate antennal segments are not elongated. 
Acanthothrips, Uzel. (Hoplothrips). 

bb. Fore femora unarmed, in the female, at least. 
c. Wings wanting, reduced to pads, or very short and 

weak. 

d. Mouth cone shorter than its width at the base, 
labrum with a blunt tip. ....Cephalothrips Uzel. 


dd. Mouth cone as long as width, labrum sharply 
pointed. 
e. Cheeks with spine-bearing warts. 
Malacothrips. 
ee. Cheeks without spine-bearing warts. 


f. Intermediate antennal segments not 
elongated. Fore femora not greatly 
enlarged. 


g. Cheeks parallel, fore tarsi 
armed with spines. 
Neothrips Hood. 


ge. Cheeks arched, fore tarsi un- 
armed. Gnophothrips 
Hood & Williams. 


ff. Intermediate antennal segments 
elongate, fore femora greatly en- 
larged. Megalomerothrips, gen. nov. 
ec. Wings fully developed. 
d. Wing's constricted in the middle. 
e. Mouth cone broadly rounded at the end. 
f. Cephalic bristles normal. 


WINTER NUMBER 101 


eg. Wings only slightly narrowed 
in the middle; head length 
more than 1.5 times. the 
breadth; fore tarsi unarmed. 

Cryptothrips Uczel. 
ge. Wings distinctly narrowed in 
the middle; head length less 
than 1.5 times the breadth; 
fore tarsi with a tooth. 
Haplothrips (in part). 
ff. One pair of cephalic bristles (not 
including the post-ocular) much 
elongated. 

g. Post-ocellar bristles elongated; 
anterior margin of prothorax 
semicircular, emarginate and 
greatly thickened. 

Dichaetothrips Hood 714. 

gg. Pair of bristles laterad of me- 

dian ocellus elongated; ante- 

rior margin of prothorax nor- 

Mal erees See ee Diceratothrips. 

ee. Mouth cone acute at the tip; wings con- 

siderably narrowed in the middle, like a 
sole. 

f. Head nearly twice as long as wide; 
mouth cone reaching nearly across 
prosternum. ........ Leptothrips Hood. 

ff. Head only a little longer than broad. 

g. Mouth cone reaching only to 
middle of prosternum. 

Zygothrips Uzel. 
gg. Mouth cone reaching across 
prosternum. ........ Phyllothrips. 
dd. Wings of equal width thruout. 
e. Cheeks with a few very small warts, each 
of which bears a small spine. 

f. Cheeks nearly straight. 

Gynaikothrips. 
ff. Cheeks arched. 

g. Post-ocular bristles long and 
consepicuous; fore femors of 
3 with two teeth near apex. 

Hoplandrothrips. 
gg. Post-ocular spines lacking. 
Phloeothrips Haliday. 


ee. Cheeks without such warts. 


102 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


f. Fore femora not enlarged. 
g. Mouth cone acute. 

h. Tube short; eyes pro- 
longed on ventral side 
of head; a pair of long 
bristles on vertex at in- 
ner angles of eyes; in- 
termediate antennal 
segments obliquely trun- 
cate at both base and 
apex. 

Omnatothrips Hood 715. 
hh. Tube, eyes and cephalic 
bristles not as above; 
antennal segments nor- 
ORM Sate Liothrips Uzel. 
gg. Mouth cone blunt; individuals 
very large. 
Polyphemothrips 
Hood and Williams. 
ff. Fore femora greatly enlarged. 
Horistothrips Morgan ’13.. 
55. Frankliella tritici (Fitch). THE GRAIN THRIPS. 

A single specimen of the typical species as distinct from the common 
varieties was swept from Eupatorium ageratoides in November 1918. The 
antennal segments 2 are typically symmetrical and the measurements agree 
closely with those given for the species. The spcimen is, however, almost 
colorless except for the eyes, and the bristles in front of the ocelli are very 
small. This is the first specimen of the typical species the writer has seen 
from Florida. 


MODERN BEEKEEPING* 
By FRANK STIRLING 

One of the most fascinating pursuits and one that has shown 
a remarkable degree of expansion during the past few years is 
beekeeping. As in the case of other lines of endeavor, the 
tendency is more towards specialization. Authorities, such as 
Henry Alley, G. M. Doolittle and Frank C. Pellett, have found 
that, in order to develop beekeeping up to its present state of 
perfection, careful selection of the Queen Bee was necessary. The 
queen bee is the foundation of the community, or colony, because 
she is eventually the mother of all the bees in the hive. It is 
therefore necessary that she be vigorous, a rigorous egg layer, 
and like race horses, well bred. 

There are. many species of bees. During spring and summer 


*Read before the Florida Entomological Society on Dec. 30, 1918. 


WINTER NUMBER 103 


one can see many different kinds among blossoms and flowers, 
but most of these are of very little economic importance; their 
only value lies in carrying pollen from flower to flower, and for 
this reason they are sometimes called the ‘‘Marriage Priests” of 
the flowers. Higher up in the scale one finds the bumble bees, 
which not only are useful in pollenizing, but store up very small 
quantities of honey. 

While the number of species of these less important bees is 
considerable, only those commonly known as honey bees (of 
the genus Apis) are the ones of real importance as honey pro- 
ducers. 

Of this genus, the great bee of southern Asia (Apis dorsata) 
has been the subject of considerable interest. This giant bee 
builds a very large single comb out in the open, generally sus- 
pended from the branch of a forest tree. On account of its 
fierceness, efforts to domesticate it have not met with success. 

In Mr. Frank C. Pellett’s book, ‘‘Practical Queen Rearing’’, 
mention is made of a number of other species of bees, of which 
the most important is the Apis florea, a very gentle little bee, 
much smaller than the common honey bee, and which builds a 
delicate little comb around a twig. 

But of all species, the common honey bee (Aphis mellifica) is 
the only one that has been found of real value as a honey pro- 
ducer. Of this species a number of varieties occur, namely, the 
Italians, Blacks, Carniolans, etc. 

While the Italians are generally accepted as the most valuable 
bees and are by far the most popular in the United States, some 
very good results have been obtained by the black bee here in 
Florida. The Italian has been tried out under all kinds of con- 
ditions and has proved the most satisfactory, as it is more gentle 
than the blacks and is more resistant to certain diseases. 

Honey bees are not native to America. The wild bees often 
seen in Florida are the descendants of those imported. According 
to the American Bee Journal, the first honey bees were imported 
into Florida by the Spaniards previous to 1763, for they were 
first noticed in West Florida during that year, and it is quite 
probable they were brought to this State first, as they were not 
noticed in any other state until 1780, at which time they were 
observed in Kentucky; in New York in 1793; and west of the 
Mississippi river in 1797. The bees introduced by the Spaniards 
were evidently what is commonly known as the black, or German 

(Continued on page 106) 


OGhe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 
Florida. 


PROBS A dice Bed cs WIATSOIN cessete ea oN ree eee e  eee Editor 
Dr. E. W. BERGER......Associate Editor, Acting Business Manager 
Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
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Subscription price to those who are not members is $1.00 per 
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Those who would like to see the citrus tree fumigation demon- 
stration being conducted in Florida by the Roessler & Hass- 
lacher Chemical Company should address Mr. Walter S. Lenk, 
San Juan Hotel, Orlando, Fla. 


Reports from the Better Fruit Campaign, being conducted 
jointly by the University Extension Division, the State Plant 
Board and the U. S. D. A., indicate much interest and good 
attendance on the part of the growers. 


PERSONALS 

My. E. E. Wehr, a specialist on insect pests of live stock in the 
Bureau of Entomology, U. S. D. A., who has been in the State 
for several weeks on extension work, has left for Maryland. 

Mr. A. C. Mason, formerly assistant in the Experiment Station 
and later in the Plant Board, has just been released from the 
army and has accepted a position with the Bureau of Ento- 
mology. He is to be located at Miami where he will take up the 
study of the insects of subtropical fruits other than citrus. 


OBITUARY OF MEMBERS ' 

Mr. John A. Clinger died at Leesburg, Fla., Oct. 22, 1918. 

Mr. B. O. Gaston died at Kissimmee, Jan. 17, 1919. 

It is with the profoundest regret that we chronicle the death 
of these two gentlemen. Each filled his place on the force of the 
Plant Board and in the Society in a manner which showed an 
active interest in the agricultural welfare of the State. Both 
were men of high purpose and sterling character. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 
October 28. Professor P. W. Fattig of the Teachers College 
and Mr. C. M. Berry of Sanford were unanimously elected to 
membership in the Society. 


WINTER NUMBER 105 


Under ‘“‘Timely Notes” the presence of the Saddle-back Cater- 
pillar on trumpet vine at the Experiment Station was reported 
by Professor J. R. Watson. 

The principal paper of the evening, “Birds and Animals In- 
jurious to Farm Products’, was read by Mr. T. Van Hyning. 
Mr. Van Hyning reviewed the records of a number of birds, and 
it is his belief that but few are wholly injurious, most of them 
really being useful in reducing insects. Of mammals, the pocket 
gopher is the worst and a real parasite. Poisoned water is a 
remedy for rats in buildings. 

The second paper of the evening, by E. W. Berger, was a con- 
tinuation of the discussion on “Common Names of Insects” con- 
ducted at the previous meeting. The following principles were 
indicated as guides that may be followed by entomologists and 
others in the selection of common names: 

1. Select a name already in use by the growers or others. 

2. If there is no common name already in use, the scientific 
name may be translated wholly or in part. Thus we have Oak 
Ericoccus for Hricoccus quercus (oak), Flocculent Whitefly for 
Aleurothrixus floccosa, Bay Whitefly for Paralemodes perseae 
(bay), ete. 

3. Some well defined and readily apparent characteristics 
may be used; as Woolly Whitefly, Cloudy-winged Whitefly, Long 
Scale, Chaff Scale, etc. 

4. Sometimes the name of the person who described and 
gave it the scientific name is used as the common name; thus 
we have Putnam’s Scale for Aspidiotus ancylus (Putnam). Or 
the name of the town or locality from which an insect is known 
may be used as the common name; thus we have Jan Jose Scale 
for Aspidiotus perniciosus, Florida Red Scale and California 
Red Scale for Chrysomphalus aonidum and C. aurantii respect- 
ively. 

Scientific names of living things are recognized the world 
over. In other words, whenever an insect is described and given 
a scientific name, that is its name from Washington to Tokio, 
either way around the world. The fact that scientific names are 
written in Latin, either in Latin words or other words having 
the Latin endings, probably accounts for their ready acceptance. 
By using Latin as the language for scientific names, the compe- 
tition between the many other languages is avoided. lLinnaens, 
the noted botanist, first began the use of two latinized names for 
plants and animals nearly 200 years ago. 


106 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


But common names are convenient for local usage, because they 
are in plain English, easier to spell and pronounce, and absolutely 
necessary to the economic entomologist who needs to discuss 
insect problems with many people. 


MODERN BEEKEEPING 
(Continued from page 103) 
bee, and it has been generally supposed that our first bees came 
from Germany, but Pellett, who is accepted as authority, states 
that they very probably came from Spain. The native black bees 
of Great Britain, France, Germany and Spain are said to differ 
but little. 

While the production of honey has for centuries been con- 
sidered a profitable undertaking, it was not brought to its present 
state of perfection until such men as A. I. Root, L. L. Langstroth, 
and a few others, by means of the invention of modern methods, 
gave it the prominence it now attains. The 8 and 10 frame regu- 
lation hive which was invented by Langstroth has been almost 
universally adopted by progressive beekeepers, thereby making it 
easier to handle the bees. 

Many states have beekeepers’ associations, and at their annua! 
meetings the most up to date methods for handling bees are 
discussed, and such men as E. F. Phillips, Kenneth Hawkins and 
others from the Department of Agriculture, as well as authorities 
like C. P. Dadant frequently attend. At the Iowa Experiment 
Station short courses in beekeeping are annually given, and at 
the Universities of Missouri and Texas departments of ento- 
mology have been offering courses in beekeeping for the regular 
University students; women as well as men select these courses, 
and upon completing their University course have pushed bee- 
keeping in their respective communities. 

Had it not been for this industry, the whole world would have 
suffered much more from the lack of sweets than it did during 
the past months, when war conditions made the amount of sugar 
available inadequate for the needs of mankind. 

Increase in the cost of honey, due to the big export demand 
created by the war, makes it safe to predict that the coming year 
will see the greatest effort ever made in furthering beekeeping. 
During the last half of this year, honey to the value of perhaps 
$2,000,000 was exported—about 10 times the valuation for any 
year previous to the beginning of the war—indicating that honey 
has ceased to be a luxury in the minds of the Allied Peoples. 


WINTER NUMBER 107 


Also, the home demand for honey has increased. Figures are 
not available, however, as much of the honey of this country never 
reaches the larger centers of trade. 

The amount of sweet produced by bees is reaily enormous. 
Honey is produced in this country, in ordinary years, in excess 
of two hundred and fifty million pounds. Those plants and 
flowers from which bees gather nectar are legion, and are 
scattered throughout the length and breadth of the land. The 
white-clover belt is the most important honey-producing region, 
because it furnishes not only the leading commercial honey but 
also more than one-half of the honey crop of the entire country. 
This belt extends from Maine to Virginia and westward to the 
great plains. From white clover alone is secured about one 
tenth of the Nation’s crop of honey. This kind is almost color- 
less and has a delicate and delicious flavor. 


According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 
alfalfa honey comes second in importance commercially, while 
sweet clover is third in line of importance. About 4 per cent of 
the Nation’s honey comes from flowers of the cotton plant, 314 
per cent from the bass-wood, 3 per cent from the tulip poplar 
tree and buckwheat, and 2 per cent from the goldenrod. 

California leads all other states in the production of honey. 
In fact, she produces about 20 per cent of the entire Nation’s 
crop. This is because of the. presence of great quantities of 
mountain sages, together with the fact that the beekeepers of 
that state have gone into the business in a business-like manner, 
using modern equipment. 

Florida has, until recent years, been backward in her bee- 
keeping industry. There have been, however, some few pioneer 
beekeepers in this State who have made more than a success of it. 
The late Mr. O. O. Poppleton was considered one of the foremost 
veteran beekeepers in the State, and on the East Coast, where he 
operated, he harvested immense crops of honey from the orange, 
palmetto and mangrove. Mr. W. S. Hart of Hawks Park, also 
a Florida beekeeper of prominence, has for years operated an 
apiary with profitable results in the hammocks along the East 
Coast. Dr. Edwin G. Baldwin, Professor of Latin at the Stetson 
University, has for many years made a business of beekeeping, 
and while it is more a hobby with him, yet it has turned out to 
be a very profitable one. In fact, he has made himself very promi- 
nent as a queen breeder, and his queens, in large numbers, have 
been sent throughout the North. Mr. H. L. Christopher is now 


108 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


operating two large apiaries in the groves of the Atwood Grape- 
fruit Ranch at Manatee, where the bees were intended primarily 
for the fertilization of the orange and grapefruit bloom. Mr. A. 
I. Root, the celebrated founder of the largest bee supply estab- 
lishment in the world, and one of the foremost authorities on 
beekeeping, has for years operated apiaries in different sections 
of the State. Mr. Root spends his winters in Manatee County, 
and aithough he is 79 years old, he can still be seén plugging away 
at his winter home near Bradentown. 


Even on the western side of Lake Okeechobee, Mr. C. C. Cook 
produces some of the most wonderful crops of honey ever heard 
of (mostly from gallberry). 


While the main harvests of honey were formerly produced in 
the western portion of Florida, in the bottom lands of the Apa- 
lachicola and Choclahatchee Rivers, and in the southern portion 
of Walton County, the opportunities for this industry have in 
recent years been found present in practically all sections of the 
State. 


The mild winters in Florida tend to make beekeeping more 
profitable than in the northern and western states. The low cost 
of operation is largely due to the fact that the bees have a 
chance to gather a little honey during almost every month. Then 
there is the large number of honey-producing plants; most de- 
sirable of which are the orange, palmetto, tupelo, titi, mangrove, 
partridge pea, goldenrod, gallberry, Spanish clover, and cotton. 
(Cotton produces about 32 per cent of all the honey made in the 
Southern States.) 


It is not even necessary to have a farm on which to keep bees; 
they seem to do just about as well in cities and towns (where 
the number of colonies is limited) as they do in the country. f 
happen to know of one gentleman in Jacksonville who has four 
or five hives on top of a five-story office building, and I have 
heard of similar instances in Tampa. 


Right here within the city limits of Gainesville, which section 
is not by any means considered well adapted for bee culture, there 
are to my knowledge 9 men who keep bees; these 9 men have a 
total of 48 colonies and there are undoubtedly others. As a rule, 
these gentlemen have had very good harvests of honey during the 
past year. One of them, who has but 2 colonies, made 172 pounds 
of surplus honey and comb. My own bees (I have six hives in 
my back yard) made an average of 70 pounds surplus per colony 


WINTER NUMBER 109 


this past season; and one of them, a ten-frame hive, made a 
little over 100 pounds. 

Bees, if permitted to swarm naturally, will increase about 
double each year, although some will swarm more than that, so 
when a beginner starts out with one or two colonies, it is not 
many years before he has quite a large sized apiary. The cost 
of operation, with a few colonies, is very little, and the time 
required for their care is of no real importance. 

It is advisable that those who anticipate going into the business 
of keeping bees should start out with not more than one or two 
colonies, learning all they can about it while their colonies are 
increasing. In order to secure the best information on the sub- 
ject, it is advisable to subscribe to some one of the bee journals 
published in this country and to secure some text book, such as 
“A. B.C. and X. Y. Z. of Bee Culture’. Bulletins on beekeeping 
can also be obtained free of charge from the Department of Agri- 
culture, Washington, D. C. Failures have been made by some who 
started in on too large a scale, not having the needed experience 
required in handling large numbers of hives. The subject is one 
that should be thoroly studied, and one finds that the deeper he 
gets into it the more interesting it becomes. As stated before, 
the first question is that of selecting good stock; then it is 
necessary that the bees should be properly housed in regulation 
hives, using comb foundation for the purpose of keeping the 
honey comb straight. Regardless of the opinion expressed by 
some, the old fashioned hive, or “gum”, should never be con- 
sidered, as it has been conclusively proven unprofitable. The en- 
trances to the hives should be so adjusted as to assist the bees 
in protecting themselves from their enemies, and care should be 
taken to so place the hives that they will have the proper amount 
of shade and ventilation. 

The up-to-date beekeeper is not only an operator of his apiary, 
but a co-operator with his bees, and it seems that the bees soon 
become educated by the partnership as well as the beekeeper. By 
this co-operation and co-education of bees and beekeeper, to- 
gether with an increased interest in the business and with sen- 
sible up to date handling, the result will be a development of 
honey production now scarcely dreamed of. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this genus, 
of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive Florida 
Specimens, especially of the rarer specie. Will exchange or pay 
cash. Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


110 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
exchanges. Dr. John A. Comstock, Southwest Museum, Los 
Angeles, Calif. 


WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysophidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


"TESTED SEEDS FOR FLORIDA” 


SEEDS FOR 


FARM AND GARDEN 


INSECTICIDES, 
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Send for our Catalog. 


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Printing for All Purposes 
Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


"CYANEGG” 


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SHAPE. Each egg weighs approximately one ounce. 


The most effective FUMIGATING MATERIAL to destroy 
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Factory: PERTH AMBOY, N. J. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


0.Painter Fertilizer Company 


Now is the time to spray for trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. There is no better spray than 


Sulpho-Citrol 


the new lime Sulphur spray. It adheres about twice as long 
as the commercial lime Sulphur. 


OUR INSECTICIDE DEPARTMENT 


is the largest in the state. We carry a full line of all first 
class insecticides and fungicides. 

Arsenate of Lead - Swift’s or Corona, DeVoe’s 

Bluestone 

Bordeaux Mixture 

Genuine Avenarius Carbolinium 

Caustic Soda 

Carbolic Acid, crude 

Copperas 

Fish Oil Soap 

Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 


IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable; such as Atsco 
Power Sprayer, Leggett’s Champion Duster, Lowell’s Com- 


pressed Air Sprayer, One Man Sprayer, and Gould’s Sprayer. 
Write for booklet and prices. 


[.0, Painter Fertilizer Company 


JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


Ohe 
Florida Bugzgist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


WOlLs i SPRING NUMBER NO. 4 
MARCH, 1919 


(Printed in April, 1919) 


A DAY WITH THE WILD PLUMS 
(Feb. 22, 1919) 


For perfect bliss give me a day like this, clear, bright, and 
warm, but not too hot, a thicket full of bloom and insects, a net, 
and a holiday. The sun’s rays fall cheerfully on coatless back 
and hatless head; the scent of the blossoms thrills the nostrils 
and the busy hum of insects the ears. Such a day and place 
will quickly drown all care and worry, the blues, a hard cold, 
and almost an appetite for dinner if one has to forsake the 
thicket to get it. For this will be our last chance, as the trees 
are fast dropping their petals. A few more days and the hum- 
ming host will have dispersed to other hunting grounds hardly 
to meet again in such a notable gathering until the chin- 
quepin blooms, in late April or May. For the wild plum is a 
democratic blossom; its nectar and pollen are open to all comers 
from the lordly Yellow Swallow-tail (Papilio turnus) or the 
even larger butterfly of the Orange Dog (Papilio cresphontes) to 
the minutest fly or thrips. Not so all blooms. Look, for in- 
stance, at that Red Bud, Cercis Canadensis. An exclusive aris- 
tocrat, its sweets are locked up from the common herd in a 
corolla of rigid petals which only the stronger bees (honey- and 
bumble-bees) can force apart. The charming Yellow Jasmin is 
’ only a little less aristocratic. Its voluptuously scented vase is 
accessible to only the long sucking tubes of some of the larger 
butterflies. I note only the Yellow Swallow-tail and the black 
and white Papilio ajav. Poor pickings for an entomologist at 
either of these plants, so let us back to the Wild Plum. 

Most conspicuous among the busy throng are the butterflies. 
The tree is the Mecca for most of those that have emerged to 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Buggist. 
Please mention Buggist when you write our advertisers. 


aA THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


date. The Swallow-tails (Papilios) have just commenced to 
appear. Besides Turnus and the Orange Dog, Ajax is here, the 
Green-clouded Spice Bush (P. troilus) and the blue Pipe Vine 
(P. philenor). Almost as large as the Swallow-tails but tail- 
less, the Red-Spotted Purple (Basilarchia astynax). Smaller 
but still of good size is the variegated Thistle Butterfly (Pyrameis 
cardui) and the dark brown Buckeye (Junonia coenia) with six 
peacock eyes, a quarrelsome chap, ever ready to engage in com- 
bat with a butterfly twice his size. Of the smaller species, an 
inch or so across the wings, the pretty little Hair Streaks are 
common but not conspicuous. They get their name from the 
delicate hair-like “tail” on the hind wings. They are quiet 
fellows and stick closely to the blossoms. The largest is Ura- 
notes melinus. Its larva is the Cotton Square Borer which also 
mines loquat buds. Atlides halesus is about as large and has 
perhaps the most beautiful irridescent blue wings of them all. 

Darting restlessly from bloom to bloom are several species 
of skippers: Thanaos horatius, Lerodea maculata, Thanaos 
petronius, Catia drury. 

But tastes differ, even in butterflies. Not all of them care for 
the wild plum. The Long-tailed Skipper, the adult of the Bean 
Leaf-roller, Hudamus proteus, stops for a moment but soon flies 
on to the few belated blossoms of the catnip over which he 
lingers long. Like the catnip, this butterfly is a relic of last 
year’s vintage, a straggler which has lived thru the winter 
rather than a spring addition to our fauna. The Cloudless 
Sulphur (Catonsilia ebule) too is restlessly roaming the woods 
today but stops at the plum for but a moment. The Monarch 
(Anosia plexippus) and the orange Nicippe pay but little more 
attention to the blossoms. 

There are a few day flying moths about the blooms. The 
pretty pink and white Bella Moth (Utethesia bella) is here in 
some numbers considering the time of the year; they too are’ 
creatures of the fall. 

But the catch of the day is a pair of Psychomorpha epimenis. 
It is a rare moth here. I have never seen it before and it has 
been reported but once from the state. At first glance, as I 
saw them in the top of the tree, I mistook them for an old friend, 
the Orange Tip Butterfly, whose acquaintance I first made in a 
warm south-facing canon in the Sandia Mountains of New Mex- 
ico, to visit which I traveled fifteen horizontal miles and half 
a vertical one. But my reward was ample. In spite of the great 


SPRING NUMBER 115 


difference in the setting, the clean-cut towering Rockies with 
their exhilarating air in place of the flat landscape draped with 
Spanish moss and enveloped in a dreamy haze, the insect visi- 
tors were much the same, at least as far as orders and families. 
The calendar said April instead of February, but, as in my 
garden today, the peach trees were pink with bloom. But they 
grew in irrigated orchards with a vivid green carpet of alfalfa. 

But not all the lepidoptera here are adult visitors. Some are 
“at home” here, feeding on the leaves. My net gathers several 
unknown species of “measuring worms”, Geometrid larvae; but 
most conspicuous are the Tent Caterpillars, Malacosoma ameri- 
cana. The first warm February days that enticed forth from 
their winter buds the first tender leaves hatched out these cater- 
pillars. Very quickly they will complete their growth, pupate, 
and issue as moths to lay their eggs in a bunch around the 
twigs. Here, protected from rain by a heavy coating of var- 
nish, they will remain all summer and winter. Why only a 
single brood a season, when there is time for a half dozen? 
Many other insects, which can find time for but a single gen- 
eration in the North, produce two or three in the South. Why 
not Malacosma? Why this neglect of opportunity? Is it that 
the insect is, geologically speaking, a recent arrival from the 
North and has failed to change its habits? 

Next to the Lepidoptera, the Hymenoptera are most con- 
spicuous. The major part of the busy hum is due to the honey 
bees. This is their first good “feed” of the spring and they 
are making the most of it. The wild bee, Agepostenon (?) is 
here, a beautiful irridescent blue and green fellow, but a lazy 
profiteer, a parasite on more industrious bees in the matter of 
raising a family. 

The bumble bees are here. Prof. Fattig reports four species: 
Bombus fraternus, pennsylvanicus, impatiens, and separatus. 
But few wasps are about as yet. The common Mud Dauber, 
Polistes, is here as everywhere and a number of Digger Wasps. 
Of the others I have identified only Odynerus capra. 

Diptera, the two-winged flies, are the next most abundant 
group, particularly Syrphidae. Prof. Fattig, who paid especial 
attention to this group, took fourteen species on this date from 
the blossoms of the wild plum. His list, as far as identified, 
follows: FHristalis tenax, E. dimidiatus, BE. vinetarum, E. trans- 
versus, Helophilus latifrons, Allograpta obliqua, Syrphus amer- 
icana, Tropidia quadrata, Syritta pipiens, Psilota buccata, Tem- 


116 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


nostoma sp., Melanostoma sp. There are a number of Blue-bot- 
tles and Green-bottles about, especially the little Orthellia cor- 
nicini. There are a few Tachinid Flies about too, the most com- 
mon being Archytas lateralis, built on the plan of a Blue-bottle, 
but hairy. 

Beetles do not seem to be particularly attracted to the wild 
plum. The common little Soldier Beetle or Firefly, Chauliog- 
nathus marginatus, is of course, here. From now to late Novem- 
ber hardly a blossom will appear that will not be overrun with 
these. Here too is the adult of the Southern Corn Root Worm, 
the “Bud Worm” of the Carolinas and Georgia, Diabrotica 12- 
punctata. We Floridians reserve the name “Bud Worm” for 
the first generation of the Corn Ear Worm. The “Black Weevil” 
of corn, Calandra oryzae, is here too. I take some pretty little 
bronze colored Chrysomelids, Monachus thoracicus, and large 
numbers of a minute Chrysomelid and an equally small weevil 
as well as a Bruchus. 

Neither are true bugs much in evidence. There is an occa- 
sional Stink Bug, Pentatomid, mostly EHuschistus servus and E. 
variolaris, and a Capsid or two are met with. The Green Peach 
Aphid, Myzus persicae, is common and the minute predator 
Triphleps insidiosus, which is to be found in most blossoms, is 
here in small numbers feeding on plant lice and thrips. 


ADDITIONS TO THE THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA—V 
J. R. WATSON AND EVELYN OSBORN 


29. Haplothrips orlando, n. sp. 

FEMALE. Length 2 mm. Color, including the entire antennae, uni- 
formly dark brown, with considerable reddish-brown hypodermal pigmen- 
tation. 

Head nearly a third longer than wide, surface striated; cheeks slightly 
arched and converging posteriorly, roughened with minute elevations and 
set with a few hairs; post-ocular spines rather long and slender but pale. 
Hyes rather small, occupying little more than a third of the profile of the 
head. Posterior ocelli large, situated opposite the middle of the eyes and 
in contact with their margins, directed partly outward. Anterior ocellus 
directed forward.- Mouth-cone shorter than its width at the base, scarcely 
reaching the middle of the prosternum, rounded. Antennae about 1.5 
times as long as the head, segments unusually uniform in size, shape and 
color; hairs short and weak. 

Prothorax but little more than half the length of the head, 2.5 times as 
wide as long, sides widely diverging posteriorly; posterior angles rounded, 
each bearing a medium-sized bristle on the posterior border and a shorter 
one in front of it; two minute bristles on the anterior border near the mid- 


SPRING NUMBER LG 


dle. Legs rather long, concolorous with the body; fore femora greatly 
enlarged: all femora with a small, stout anteriorly directed, triangular 
tooth at the apex within. Fore tarsi with a very large strong tooth within. 
This tooth is nearly as large as the rest of the tarsus. 

Wings reaching abdominal segment 6 or 7; membrane clear, distinctly 
narrowed in the middle; 23 interlocated hairs on the margin of the fore 
pair. 

Abdomen widest at the base of the first segment, thence rounding to the 
base of the rather large tube; no conspicuous bristles on the anterior seg- 
ments, those on the posterior about as long as the tube but pale. Those 
at the end of the tube pale and slender of medium length, the longest 
over half the length of the tube. 

Measurements: Head, length 0.3 mm., width 0.21 mm.; prothorax, 
length 0.17 mm., width, including coxae, 0.42 mm.; Pterothorax, width 0.45 
mm.; abdomen, width 0.5 mm.; tube, length 0.19 mm., width at the base 
0.07 mm., at the apex 0.038 mm. Antennal segments 1, 27; 2, 57; 3, 67; 
4, 64; 5, 67; 6, 59; 7, 56; 8, 48 microns; total length 0.47 mm. 

Described from a single female taken in sweeping shrubs in the “flat 
woods” near Orlando, Fla., Feb. 1919. It resembles H. jonesii Karny in 
size, color, antennae and the presence of the femoral teeth, but differs 
in numerous characters including the size of the spine on the fore tarsi, 
short mouth-cone, and absence of spines near the base of the femora below. 

Type in the Experiment Station collection. 


KEY TO THE NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF HAPLOTHRIPS 
(Seville) (Anthrothrips Uzel) 
I. Post-ocular spines wanting. Antennae almost uniformly brown ex- 
cept segment 3 and base of 4 which are light brown. 
H. statices Haliday (Anthothrips niger Osborn) 


II. Post-ocular bristles well developed. 
a. Post-ocular bristles and most of those of the thorax knobbed. 
b. Sides of the head set with minute spines, surface roughened; 
fore tarsus with a large tooth; 10 to 12 accessory hairs on 
BREE LOTCM WiInwss osiey D722. 38 eee H. flavipes Jones. 
bb. Sides of the head with a few inconspicuous bristles. 

c. Head faintly sculptured; no accessory bristles on fore 
wing; tibiae brown ....H. (?) Bellus Hood & Willlams. 
ec. Head faintly striated; 7 accessory bristles on fore 
LLL os ee ee ©) H. dozieri (Watson.) 
ecc. Head almost free of sculpture; 3 or 4 accessory 

bristles on fore wing; tibiae pale yellow. 
H. (2?) tibialis Hood. 

aa. Post-ocular bristles not knobbed. 
Apex of femora with small anteriorly directed tooth within. 
ce. Antennae uniformly dark brown; terminal bristles 
shorter than the tube. 

d. Tarsal spine short; width of prothorax less 
than 2 times the length. H. jonesii Karny 
(A. nigricornis Jones.) 
dd. Tarsal spine very large; width of prothorax 2.5 
INES tS em ox hy eeeeene eee een H. orlando n. sp. 


118 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


ce. Antennal segment 3 yellowish brown; terminal brist- 
les longer than the tube. 

d. Body length 1.8 mm.; antennae nearly concolor- 
ous with the body; tube nearly as wide at the 
apex as at the base ............ H. haplophilus Hood. 

dd. Body length 1.3 mm.; antennae much lighter 
than the body; tube about 1.5 as wide at the 
base as at apex ........ H. floridensis (Watson.) 


bb. Apex of femora toothless. 
ce. Width of tube at base more than 1.5 width at apex. 
d. Wings clear, except a brownish area at base. 
e. Antennae twice as long as head, usual 
sense cones present on segment 3. 

f. Bristles on the anterior and poste- 
rior margins of prothorax about 
equal. 

g. Antennal segments 3-6 
bright yellow, abdominal 
spines (except those of the 
tube) slender and faint; pro- 
thorax: about 1.5 times as 
wide as long. 

H. verbasci (Osborn.) 
gg. Antennal segments 3-6 lght 
brown or yellow; abdominal 
spines stout and conspicuous; 
prothorax about twice as wide 
as long. 

H. variabilis (Crawford.) 
ff. Bristles of the anterior margin of 
the prothorax much shorter; fore- 

wings without interlocated hairs. 
H. malifloris Hood. 


ee. Antennae less than twice as long as head, 
no sense cones on inner surface of seg- 
ment 3; bristles of anterior margin of 
prothorax greatly reduced. 

f. Only antennal segment 3 yellow, a 
little shorter than 2; wings with 7 
interlocated hairs; prothorax less 
than twice as long as wide. 

H. graminis Hood. 

ff. Antennal segments 3-6 yellow, 3 
longer than 2; 9 interlocated hairs 
on wing; prothorax more than twice 
as wide as long....H. fawrei Hood. 

fff. Antennal segment 3 yellow, 4-6 pro- 
gressively darker, segment 3 dis- 
tinctly shorter than 2. (Panama) 

H. humilis Hood. 


SPRING NUMBER 119 


dd. Wings clouded with gray, a nearly black area 
at the base and a paler one just before the 
middle, 2 interlocated hairs. 

H. nubilipennis Hood. 
ec. Width of the tube at the base less than 1.5 width at 
apexcm a GWi., Ts) -222 ee. eee H. gowdeyi Hood. 


No. 29 of our previous list (Buggist, Vol. I, No. 4, p. 71) An- 
thothrips niger Osborn, is synonymous with No. 45 Haplothrips 
statices Haliday. We have therefore given the new species No. 
29. 


56. Frankliniella insularis (Franklin). Miami, Mar. 1919. 
Collected by A. C. Mason on flowers of Citrus and Carissa grandi- 
flora. This thrips is widespread thru Mexico and the West Indies. 


PERSONALS 


Thomas H. Jones of the Bureau of Entomology, Division of 
Truck and Garden Crops, stationed in Louisiana, is in the state 
for a few weeks in connection with extension work on the melon 
aphis. 

Mr. Fiske of the Columbia, 8S. C., laboratory of the U. S. 
Bureau of Entomology was a recent visitor at Gainesville in 
connection with some work on corn insects that is being carried 
on in cooperation with the Experiment Station. Mr. Fiske is 
a classmate of Mr. Geo. B. Merrill of the Plant Board. 

Mr. Merrill has been passing the cigars—a young entomolo- 
gist. 

Miss Evelyn Osborn is a temporary assistant in the Depart- 
ment of Entomology of the Experiment Station. Miss Osborn 
is a daughter of Prof. Herbert Osborn, the noted entomologist 
of Ohio State University. 

Farmer’s Bulletin 1029, ‘Conserving Corn from Weevils in 
the Gulf Coast States”, by E. A. Back, contains some data and 
photographs obtained by Mr. R. L. Clute here in Florida last 
summer. 

W.S. Blatchley in Canadian Entomologist, Vol. LI, No. 3, p. 
65, treats of “Some New or Scarce Coleoptera from Florida’. 
We are able to add a new locality and two host plants to one of 
the species he mentions. Tachygonus lecontei Gyll has been 
taken at Gainesville from holly and prickly ash. Dec. 2 and 
April 18. 

The Business Manager of THE BUGGIST spent ten days during 
last February assisting in the Better Fruit Campaign in Florida. 


. Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROMI. “R: WATSON. 2 een ao ee Editor 
(ORT OR. Wile BERGER... 202s ee eee eee Business Manager 
Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 


Society. 
Subscription price to those who are not members is $1.00 per 
year in advance; 25c per copy. 


According to the daily papers the city of West Palm Beach has 
undertaken a systematic campaign against mosquitoes. We trust 
that the movement is backed by trained men and will be such 
a success as to serve as an object lesson to the rest of the state. 
At least by this highly sensible and progressive action that city 
has been placed in a class by herself among Florida cities. May 
her tribe increase. May her hotels fill with tourists and her 
real estate men flourish as her own bay trees. 


The Entomologist of the Experiment Station was recently 
called to Florence Villa to advise in regard to combatting mos- 
quitoes. 


Our most enthusiastic bee man while out on a pleasure ride on 
a recent Sunday afternoon espied a swarm in a tall tree. Seizing 
his wife’s linen duster he climbed the tree, wrapped up the 
colony and carried it safely home. Wonder what his go-to- 
meeting (?) trousers look like? 


THE CUBAN CITRUS THRIPS IN FLORIDA 


In a collection of thrips recently received from Miami from 
Mr. A. C. Mason are numerous specimens of Frankliniella in- 
sularis (Franklin). This is by no means a welcome addition to 
the “bugs” of Florida. Not much is recorded in economic 
literature concerning this insect but from what we have been 
able to gather from men who have worked in Cuban groves it 
would seem that it is a much more serious pest than is our Flor- 
ida Flower Thrips and that spraying for it is a more or less 
regular procedure in the Isle of Pines. An effort will be made 
to discover how widespread this insect is in Florida and a close 
watch will be kept on its comings and goings. 


(120) 


SPRING NUMBER 121 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


Nov. 25, 1918. Under “Timely Notes’ Professor Watson ex- 
hibited a collection of several hundred moths of the Velvet Bean 
Caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatilis) which shows unusual vari- 
ation in color and markings. Professor Watson also reported 
severe attacks on citrus and avocado fruits by the cotton stainer 
at Miami. 


In the first paper of the evening, ““The Sweet-potato Root 
Weevil (Cylas formicarius) Situation”, Mr. Bragdon gave an 
account of the attempt to eradicate this pest from Baker County. 
This comparatively small infested area was selected for three 
reasons: (1) isolation; (2) absence of wild host-plants of the 
weevil; (3) climate, all potato vines being killed by cold dur- 
ing the winter. The Bureau of Ent. U.S. D. A. has established 
a laboratory at Macclenny which will attend primarily to the 
eradication work. The Plant Board’s share in the work consists 
principally in maintaining the necessary quarantines. One or 
two growers who cooperated from the very beginning have ap- 
- parently already cleared their farms of weevils. The method of 
procedure is, in brief: (1) to collect and destroy the last vestige 
of potatoes at digging time; (2) to sort and destroy all infested 
potatoes at digging time; (3) to dispose of all potatoes by 
February in order to starve out the weevils; (4) to plant vines 
free of weevils and to plant late; (5) to locate this year’s fields 
as far as possible from those of last year. Mr. Bragdon ex- 
hibited a map showing the infested regions—Texas, Louisiana, 
Alabama (Mobile Co.), and Georgia. Another map showed a 
narrow infested strip, five to eight miles wide, bordering the 
coast from Tarpon Springs on the west to Ormond on the east 
coast. Above those points on each side there is a break in the 
distribution of the sea-side morning-glory, the native host-plant 
of the weevil. This apparently accounts for the absence of the 
weevils on the beaches north of those points. 


The second paper of the evening was by Dr. Berger, who gave 
a brief account of the larvae, pupae and adults and showed 
specimens of one of the Soldier Flies (Stratiomyidae). These 
dirty gray maggots and dark brown leathery, active, pupae were 
found living in the droppings of chimney swallows that had ac- 
cumulated to the volume of about half a hushel on a ledge inside 
the chimney just above the fireplace. The droppings, apparently 
made up mostly of insect remains, were quite alive with several 


122 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


sizes of these larvae and pupae. The species was identified by 
Prof. Watson as Hermetia illudens SC, a common scavenger in 
rotting potatoes and insects. The adult Stratiomydae are re- 
ported as frequenting flowers, but in the larval stages as living 
in decaying vegetable matter. 

Both papers were discussed by those present. 


Dec. 30. Under ‘‘Timely Notes’? Prof. Watson directed at- 
tention to the scarcity during the past fall of a group of tropical 
insects which extend into the southern U. S. including the Zebra 
Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia), the Bella Moth (Utethesia 
bella), and the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae, and Anticar- 
sia). He is of the opinion that the severe winter of 1917-18 may 
be the cause of the scarcity of these tropical species. 


Mr. Stirling stated that the Cotton Stainer was causing un- 
precedented injury to citrus fruit this fall and winter, especially 
in Polk and DeSoto Counties. 


The paper of the evening, “‘“Modern Bee Keeping”, by Frank 
Stirling (published in THE BuacIsT, Vol. II, No. 3), was next 
read and discussed. 


Jan. 27, 1919. H.S. Davis in the chair. The annual election 
of officers resulted: President, F. M. O’Byrne; vice president, 
Geo. B. Merrill; secretary-treasurer, P. W. Fattig; executive 
committee, Dr. J. H. Montgomery; editor of THE FLORIDA BUG- 
GIST, J. R. Watson; associate editor, Wilmon Newell; business 
manager, EH. W. Berger. 


Under “Timely Notes” Mr. Frank Stirling reported finding 
two specimens of the Palmetto Weevil (Rhyncophorus cruenta- 
tus) in a bud of cabbage palmetto which he cut for eating while 
on a hunting trip on the Suwannee River a few miles south of 
Vista, in Levy County. Prof. Watson reported finding the Big- 
legged and the Leaf-footed Plant-bugs (Acanthocephalus feme- 
ratus and Leptoglossus phyllopus) hibernating in large numbers 
in the large thistles so common in pastures. These thistles 
should be cut during the winter. Mr. Bragdon reported find- 
ing Huscepes porcellus on moonvine on the shores of Lake Okee- 
chobee and on seaside morning-glory at Ft. Pierce; and the 
Sweet-potato Root Weevil on sweet-potatoes at Titusville. 


SPRING NUMBER 123 


Mr. R. L. Warner read the paper of the evening on “Side 
Lights on the Black Fly in Cuba”. Mr. Warner served from 
Feb. to Aug. 1918 in Cuba in an advisory capacity to the Cubans 
in their efforts to control this aleurodid (Alewrocanthus wog- 
lumi). 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER FOR 1918 


RECEIPTS 
Balance received from previous Secretary-Treasurer.....................-..-...- $16.95 
IDWS, TeAOSINECL thoy dlewanbrerey PAG TUN eee ee 46.50 
MOtaleFeCel pS wear NRR Me Te SR ee ee Ae eee $63.45 
EXPENDITURES 
1OOPNotice=-Ducs)Cardss Pepper, Printing Con... $ 1.50 
SREUTT IOS: eM ee a eRe 1.25 
SEUbbersstampss balbine stamp Con Nampa: eee 87 
AD NOUICESMOMEOUES MO Cm eres oe ee ee 2e3D 
The Florida Buggist, printing, Mar., June, and Sept. Nos..................... 56.35 
IROL MMEXPONGTEUNES Bee ne Pees es es ee $62.32 
TBI OKAS Wray WANING] aces ee le ey ave UN aos ales 


$63.45 


E. W. BERGER, Sec’y-Treasurer. 


March 3, 1919. The Society was called to order by the Presi- 
dent with the following members present: E. W. Berger, F. M. 
O’Byrne, G. B. Merrill, J. R. Watson, P. H. Rolfs, Frank Stir- 
ling, J. BE. Graf, ©. K. Bynum, J. Chaftin and H. 8. Davis. Vis- 
itors present were Miss Evelyn Osborn and C. H. Popenoe of the 
Bureau of Entomology, Washington. The following were elected 
to membership: Dr. Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottes- 
ville, Va., and E. K. Bynum, State Plant Board, Gainesville, 
Fla. The resignation of P. W. Fattig as secretary-treasurer 
was read and accepted and Dr. H. S. Davis was elected to suc- 
ceed him. 

Mr. G. B. Merrill then read a paper on “Some New Florida 
Scales”. Since the publication of the paper on “Some Florida 
Scale Insects” by C. E. Wilson in the Quarterly Bulletin, State 
Plant Board, Oct. 1917, 11 additional species have been found in 


124 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


the state. The more important facts regarding each species 
were briefly summarized. (This paper will be published in the 
Quarterly Bulletin State Plant Board.) 

This was followed by a paper on ‘‘Mealy-bugs” by J. Chaffin. 
Less work has been done on these insects than on any other 
group of the Coccidae. About 76 species have been described— 
43 of them from California. Practically no work has been done 
on these insects in Florida and there are probably fully as many 
species in the state as in California. Five species have already 
been collected from citrus. 


Mar. 22, 1919. In place of the regular March meeting a 
smoker for Mr. George Compere, Plant Quarantine Inspector of 
California, was held. The following members were present: 
F. M. O’Byrne, E. W. Berger, Wilmon Newell, O. T. Stone, J. C. 
Goodwin, Frank Stirling, J. H. Montgomery, A. C. Brown,. J. 
Chaffin, G. B. Merrill and H. S. Davis. There were present as 
guests George Compere, J. C. Holton, J. R. Fulk, Jno. Spencer, 
J. J. Grimm, C. H. Willoughby and Mr. F. S. Dresskell of Chi- 
cago. The regular order of business was dispensed with and 
Mr. Compere gave an informal and exceedingly interesting ad- 
dress on ‘‘Parasitic Insects’. This consisted largely of personal 
reminiscences of his work in introducing insect parasites into 
California and Australia, following the introduction of the 
Vedalia, or Australian Lady-beetle, to combat the Cottony 
Cushion Scale in California in 1888. 


Roughly speaking, a species is a collection of individuals 
which resemble each other as closely as the offspring of a 
single parent.—Comstock. 


A genus is a group of species. Thus all the species of pine 
trees belong to the genus Pinus. 


Observation, record, generalization, experiment, verification— 
these are the processes necessary for the mastery of this sub- 
ject.—Forbes. 


SPRING NUMBER 1a 


A “BAT” FOR A “RACET WILD ANIMAL” 


The following, contributed by a farmer on the shores of Lake 

Okeechobee, may prove valuable to those similarly afflicted: 
“dear sir, 
- Please Regard Rabbits & Rats Poisoning How is To Best 
Uising Bats (baits) For This Racet Wild Animal Eated Ali 
Plant Up and Digging All Seed Out Peanuts Corn Broom Corn 
Just Think Digging Out Corn Plant From Two To Three Weeks 
Old. * * *K * ok ‘ 

Since This Rats Eated Seed Bad I Go Over A Bout 30 Acre 
Two Week Head Before Plant Corn With Poison Bats Paris 
Grien and Arsenata Of Lead Arsenic Zing Together Corn Meal 
And Indian Pomckins Coked And-Hed One Pound Sugar & One 
Quart Surp To One Peck Poison Bats Distributed Two Time A 
Week And I Did Seved 20 Acre Corn. * * * 


Yours Veriy Truly, 


WANTED—To exchange insects of Michigan, preferably Lepi- 
doptera. for insects from Florida. W. C. Platt, 625 Wallace 
Ave., Kalamazoo, Mich. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this genus, 
of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive Florida 
specimens, especially of the rarer specie. Will exchange or pay 
cash. Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


Insects are eminently instructive, though their automatic be- 
havior is often so remarkably successful as to appear rational, 
instead of purely instinctive.—Falson. 


Perhaps, after all, it was just a happy thought that prompted 
the wasp to grab a pebble in its jaws and with it tamp the 
earth over its burrow.—kE. W. B. 


126 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


WANTED-——Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
exchanges. Dr. John A. Comstock, Southwest Museum, Los 
Angeles, Calif. 


WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysopidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


“TESTED SEEDS FOR FLORIDA” 


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class insecticides and fungicides. . 

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IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 


we carry only the best and most reliable; such as Atsco 

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0 Pater rere ana 


eee. eee 


Ohe 
Florida Buggist 


Official Crees oO oe Hileige Entomological Society- - 


VOL. ie SUMMER NUMBER NO. 1 
JUNE, 1919 


A NEW SPECIES OF VELIA FROM FLORIDA (HEM.-HET.)* © 
By CARL J. DRAKE 


While collecting insects about two miles southwest of Gaines- 
ville, Florida, during the summer of 1918, the writer found 
numerous specimens of a species of a water-strider in an old 
swamp. A study of this material indicates the insect to be an 
undescribed species of the genus Velia, family Veliidae. The 
species is very closely allied to Velia stagnalis Burm. Mr. W. L. 
McAtee has very kindly compared a male and female with his 
series of V. stagnalis, collected in the vicinity of Washington, 
D. C. The insect is named in honor of Prof. J. R. Watson, who 
has taken a great interest in Florida insects. 


Velia watsoni new species. 


Head formed as in V. stagnalis Burmeister, the smooth impressed 
median line quite distinct. Eyes globose, strongly faceted. Antennae long 
and slender; basal segment curved, much stronger, also two-sevenths longer 
than the second; the second a little stronger than the third; the second, third 
and fourth about equal in length. Pronotum very coarsely punctured, longi- 
tudinally carinate in the middle, produced and rather narrowly rounded 
posteriorly, the tubercles large and prominent. Metapleura with the up- 
ward projecting spines visible from above, located, as in stagnalis, about 
the middle. First and second abdominal segments (dorsal surface) with 
a lateral carina on each side. Legs long and rather stout, the under sur- 
face of femora and tibiae denticulate; length of tarsi and tarsal segment 
proportioned about the same as in stagnalis. Antennae, legs and body 
pilose and setigerous, the hairs along the posterior margin of the pronotum 
becoming rather long. Length, male 4.2 mm. and female 4.1 mm.; width, 
male about 1 mm. and female 1.12 mm. 

Color: General color dark or blackish brown. Legs pale luteous, the 
bands varying from light brown to fuscous. Eyes black. Antennae pale 


*Contributions from the Department of Entomology, New York State College 
of Forestry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Buggsst. 
Please mention Buggist when you write our advertisers. 


2, THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


brown to brown. Pronotum brown, the posterior portion becoming yellow- 
ish brown in the female. Abdomen dark brown, the venter blackish; con- 
nexivum (male) with a yellowish brown spot on the anterior portions of 
each of the last three abdominal segments and the entire connexivum 
lighter with more prominent markings in the female. 


Described from numerous specimens, collected during the summer of 
1918 near Gainesville, Florida. Type and allotype in my collection. Para- 
types in the Florida Experiment Station, Museum of the University of 
Florida and my collection. The eggs are deposited on floating aquatic 
plants and floating sticks or wood just beneath the surface of the water. 
The species is predaceous and lives in stagnant water. The macropterous 
form is unknown. The insect very closely resembles Velia stagnalis Burm. 
from which it may be distinguished by its darker color, the much more 
prominent tubercles in the pronotum and the much longer antennae. The 
first antennal segment in V. watsoni is much longer than the first antennal 
segment in stagnalis, the first segment in the latter and the second seg- 
ment in the former being equal in length. 


Velia stagnalis Burmeister. Z 


Van Duzee (Cat. Hem. of Amer. North of Mexico) records this species 
from Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, North Carolina and West Indies. 
I have two specimens from Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie (collected by V. R. 
Haber) and four from Rockbridge, Ohio (collected by A. J. Bassinger). 
The Ohio specimens were collected in stagnant water; they agree perfectly 
in form and color with a specimen from District of Columbia that Mr. 
McAtee has kindly presented to me. 


ADDITIONS TO THE THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA.—V. 
J. R. WATSON 


A collection of thrips from Mr. A. C. Mason of Miami, contains 
two new species and a new variety as follows: 
57. Dictyothrips floridensis, n. sp. 


General body color dark brown, legs and antennae light brown. Head 
and thorax deeply reticulated. 


Measurements: Total body length 1.00 mm. Head: length 0.10 mm., 


width 0.15 mm.; prothorax: length 0.11, width 0.16 mm.; mesothorax: 
width 0.24 mm.; metathorax: width 0.20 mm.; abdomen: width 0.23 mm.; 
antennae: segment 1, 24; 2, 40; 3, 50; 4, 40; 5,485 6, 58s) 7) Loses 24 
microns; total length 0.267 mm. 

Head 1.5 times as broad as long; cheeks strongly arched, sparsely pilose; 
front with a median ridge, extending well forward, forming a right angled 
projection between the antennae. Bristles: two postocular, one in front of 
each posterior ocellus, and a row of four across the frons in front of the 
anterior ocellus; all short, but with bright-colored conspicuous bases. 
Eyes very large, occupying %3 of both the length and width of the head, 
markedly bulging, sparsely pilose, facets very large. Ocelli very large; 
the posterior pair situated about the middle of the border of the eyes, 


a sr a ane aaceall 


SUMMER NUMBER 3 


anterior facing forward. Antennae 2.5 times as long as the head; seg- 
ments 1 and 2 dark brown, concolorous with the head, and 3 and 4 yellow- 
ish brown, others light brown; 2 much wider than the others, 6 longest; 
sparsely provided with bristles. 

Mouth cone short and sharp pointed. 

Prothorax about the size of the head, sides convex and roughened with 
rather large papillae and bearing a few short, recurved bristles. <A 
rather long and stout bristle on each posterior angle. 

Mesothorax abruptly widened (the widest part of the insect), sides very 
convex and set with papillae and short bristles like the prothorax. 

Mesothorax much narrower, sides nearly straight, slightly diverging 
posteriorly. Legs long and slender, light brown, distal part of femora and 
proximal part of tibiae darker; tarsi and distal part of tibiae very light 
brownish-yellow; provided with numerous slender bristles. : 

Wings reaching the tip of the abdomen; membrane slender, dark 
brown, except the extreme base which is clear, and clothed with numerous 
short hairs. Anterior margin provided with 14 exceedingly long and stout 
spines with colorless, dilated tips and arising from thickened bases; an- 
terior vein with 11 spines nearly as large; posterior vein with none, scale 
with two. Veins inconspicuous. Marginal fringe sparse, lacking from the 
basal half and the extreme tip of costal margin. 

Abdomen rather abruptly widened to the third or fourth segment and 
from there gradually narrowed to the tip. Spines on the posterior seg- 
ments moderately long. 

Described from many females taken on young guava plants in a green- 
house at Miami by Mr. A. C. Mason on June 10. Type in the-author’s 
collection. 

Male not seen. 

- Related to D. reticulata but differing in many characters. 


58. Cephalothrips elongata, n. sp. 

Head, thorax, and tube dark reddish brown; abdomen, hind and middle 
legs and fore tibiae and tarsi and antennal segments 2-5 pale yellowish 
brown. Base of fore femora and antennal segmental, 6, 7 and 8 darker. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.9 mm.; Head: length 0.224 mm., 
width 0.129 mm.; prothorax: length 0.147, width 0.240 mm.; mesothorax: 
0.230 mm.; abdomen 0.240 mm.; tube: length 0.114 mm., width at base 
0.058 mm., at apex 0.032 mm. Antennae: segment 1, 40; 2, 45; 3, 53; 4, 56; 
_ 5, 45; 6, 40; 7, 45; 8, 27 microns; total length 0.33 mm. 

Head nearly twice as long as wide; cheeks nearly straight and parallel 
(converging slightly posteriorly) for the first % of their length and then 
slightly constricted. Postocular bristles long and slender but pale, with 
colorless dilated tips; a small bristle behind each posterior ocellus and 
another near posterior median corner of each eye. Vortex smooth. Eyes 
medium sized, elongated obliquely inward and backward on dorsal surface, 
dark, not protruding. Ocelli large but pale, posterior ones situated near 
the middle margin of eye, anterior directed forward.. Antennae nearly 1.5 
times as long as the head. Segments 2-5 quite uniform in size and color, 
bristles short and colorless, very inconspicuous. Mouth cone very short, not 
reaching the middle of prothorax. 

Prothorax triangular, posterior angles rounded and bearing each a pair 


4 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


of stout but short bristles with dilated tips; a similar bristle on each an- 
terior angle and two along each side. 

Pterothorax narrower, sides nearly straight, converging posteriorly; 
bearing a few pale, slender spines. Legs long and slender; anterior 
femora somewhat enlarged; fore tarsi with a rather conspicuous thumb- 
shaped forward-directed tooth; a few slender colorless bristles near distal 
end of tibiae. Wings short, scarcely reaching the middle of the abdomen, 
membrane narrow, pale, marginal hairs rather long. 

Abdomen remarkably long and slender, more than twice as long as the 
head and thorax together. Spines on the anterior segments few and 
colorless but rather long, becoming longer and darker posteriorly. 


Described from a single female collected from a Barnacle Scale (Cer- 
oplastes cerripediformis) at Miami, Fla., by Mr. A. C. Mason. 


Type in the author’s collection. 


This thrips is easily recognized by its remarkably long light yellowish 
abdomen. 


Among the collection of thrips taken in and around Miami by 
Mr. A. C. Mason are numerous specimens of a Frankliniella which 
was identified by Mr. A. C. Morgan as close to F’. Cephalica 
(Crawford). It differs, however, from the description of that 
species in many characters and would seem to merit at least 
varietal distinction. F. cephalica was described from Mexico 
and has never been reported from Florida. 


59. Frankliniella cephalica masoni, n. var. 


Differs from the description of the species (Thysanoptera of Mexico 
and the South II. Pomona College Jl. of Ent. Vol. II, No. 1) in the 
following characters: 

Postocular spines short but heavy, the smaller ones absent. Eyes dark 
orange red. Ocelli large, pale yellow, bordered with deep orange crescents, 
situated further forward than in Crawford’s figure. Antennal segment 
1 and basal half of 2 yellow, concolorous with the head; 5, basal half of 4, 
and most of 3 grayish, almost colorless; remainder light brown. 

Posterior angles of the prothorax not as broadly rounded as in Craw- 
ford’s figure, the two stout spines sharply recurved. The spines on the 
anterior angles and those on the anterior margin much shorter. Wing 
membrane usually extending beyond the tip of the abdomen. Anterior 
margin with about 25 spines, anterior vein 23, posterior vein 17. 

Abdomen short and thick, about half as wide as long. 

General color yellow; thorax and tip of abdomen tinged with orange. 
Abdomen with light brown transverse bands. 

Measurements: Head: length .07 mm., width .14 mm.; prothorax: 
length .10 mm., width .17 mm.; mesothorax, width .24 mm.; abdomen, 
width .24 mm.; total length .9 mm. Antennae: 1, 15; 2, 538; 3, 58; 4, 51; 
5, 36; 6, 48; 7, 9; 8, 8 microns; total length .267 mm. 

Like F. cephalica the anterior portion of the head is markedly depressed 
with two stout spines on the edge of the depression in front of the ocelli. 
Anterior ocellus directed forward. These characters, the smaller size, 


SUMMER NUMBER 5 


and paler color will distinguish it from F. bispinosa which it resembles 
in general appearance. Like both F. cephalica and bispinosa the second 
segment of the antenna is extended upward and forward so that it overhangs 
the 3rd segment and bears two heavy spines on the dorsal surface near 
the anterior end. 

Described from numerous specimens taken from blossoms of Bidens sp., 
wild morning-glory, Carissa grandiflora, citrus, mango, avocado, papaya and 
beans at Miami March-June, 1919, by Mr. Mason, and a single specimen 
taken by the author from oak at Gainesville, April 20, 1919. 

Type in the author’s collection. Paratypes in the National Museum. 


KEY TO THE AMERICAN SPECIES OF FRANKLINIELLA 
(Euthrips in part) 


I. Postocular bristles short or wanting; row of.bristles along the anterior 
margin of the prothorax wanting or at least inconspicuous except 
often the third from the outer angle. 

a. Antennae uniformly brown to dark brown, concolorous with the 

body; wings light brown, veins prominent; spines brown, 16-22 

on fore vein, 13 to 17 on hind, short and comparatively stout, a 
white longitudinal area near the base of the wing. 

F. minuta (Moulton) 767. 

aa. Antennal segment 3 yellowish, 4 and 5 light grayish-brown, yel- 

lowish at the base; wings gray-brown, veins not prominent, 

spines on the wings normally long and stout, 14 on fore vein, 

Herc rae avin Glee ete Bec. Bs Fae eee eset tebe -oe F.. fuscus (Hinds). 


II. Postocular bristles conspicuous. 
a. Abdominal sternites with a transversely elliptical pale area. 
F. tympanona Hood (715). 
aa. Without such pale area. 

b. Second segment of antennae enlarged on dorsal side on 
the anterior end (asymetrical in side view) and bearing 
two heavy spines. 

ec. Vertex of the head depressed and anterior ocellus 
directed forward. 
d. Antennal segment 3 a third longer than 2; 
abdomen slender. 
e. Body yellow, surface not reticulated. 
F. cephalica (Crawford). 
ee. Color uniformly brown; surface of 
body reticulated. 
F. cephalica reticulata (Crawford). 
dd. Antennal segments 2 and 3 about equal in 
length; abdomen short; color yellow tinged 
with orange and brown. 
F. cephalica mason, n. var. 
ee. Vertex of the head not markedly depressed; thorax 
orange; ocellus directed nearly vertically. 
F. bispinosus (Morgan) 713. 


THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


bb. Second segment of antennae symmetrical, none of its 
bristles markedly enlarged. 
ec. Thorax tinged with orange. 
d. General color brownish-yellow, not uniform; 
thorax orange yellow; antennal segment 1 
pale yellow; 2 light brown, base sometimes 


yellowishees aoe see F. tritici (Fitch). 
dd. General color brown to dark brown; thorax 
orange brown........ F.. tritici moultoni (Hood). 


ddd. Head pale lemon yellow to light yellowish 
brown; abdomen brownish yellow to brown; 
antennal segment 1 whitish to light brown, 
2 dark brown. 


e. Antennal segments 3-5 pale yellow at 
the base; wings yellowish. 
F. tritici occidentalis (Perande). 
ee. Antennal segments 3-5 light brown or 
slightly gray at base; wings brown. 
f. Antennal segment 5 shorter than 
2, 6-8 gray; prothorax more than 
1.5 times as long as wide. 
F.. stylosa (Hood). 
ff. Antennal segment 5 as long as 2, 
segments 6-8 brownish; prothorax 
less than 1.5 times as long as 
wide........ F.. floridensis (Morgan). 
dddd. Color pale yellow; antennal segments 1-5 light 
CHU KON ALS! OSes ee F. williamsii Hood. 
ec. Color yellow to brownish yellow, shaded with 
brown; no orange. 
d. Costa of wing with 23-30 bristles; fore vein 
17-22; hind 13-16. 


e. Scale with 6 bristles; head nearly as 
long as wide; antennal segment 2 dark 
brown; tenth abdominal segment not 
split open above. 

F. helianthi (Moulton) 711. 


ee. Scale with 5 bristles; head % as long 
as wide; antennal segment 2 yellowish 
gray; tenth abdominal segment split 
open above.....F’. gossypii (Morgan) 713. 


dd. Costa of wing with 15-19 bristles; fore vein 
13-16; hind 9-10: scale 5. 
F. runneri (Morgan). (’13.) 


ccc. General color uniformly brown to dark brown, no > 
orange; antennal segments 3-5 light brown to yel- 
low and shaded. 


SUMMER NUMBER t 


d. Color uniformly dark brown to black; wings 
brownish gray to dark brown, the basal %4 
to 4% clear. 

e. Bristles, especially on prothorax and 
wings, very long and heavy; prothorax 
considerably longer than head. Large, 
1.6 mm. or more. 

f. Bases only of middle and hind 
femora and tibiae clear pale yel- 
low.....---. F. annulipes Hood (’15). 

ff. All tarsi and tibiae, and most of 

fore femora pale lemon yellow. 
F’. citripes Hood (’16). 
ee. Bristles long but slender; body length 
about 1.4 mm.; prothorax about as long 
as head; all tarsi and tibiae lemon yel- 
LO Witenes F. auripes Hood (715). 
eee. Bristles moderate; middle and _ hind 
tibiae and femora deep brown; pro- 
thorax longer than head. Length 
about 1.4 mm.....F. insularis (Franklin). 
dd. Body color yellowish brown, fore wings uni- 
formly shaded with gray...F’. nervosa (Uzel). 


THE BUTTERFLY’S LULLABY 


As we lay stretched out on the forest floor at the edge of the 
hammock feasting our eyes on colors of the sunset sky, along 
comes a butterfly hunting a safe nocturnal retreat. After trying 
several leaves, she finally finds one to her taste and settles down 
on the under side of it. Can one whose day has been so full of 
activity suddenly cease all motion and sink into the quiet of 
sleep? No more easily than can an active child. There must be 
a transition, a gradual letting down of nervous tension. So 
the butterfly waves her wings up and down, rather rapidly at 
first but then slower and slower until all motion ceases. Have 
we not here the essence of a lullaby, a monotonous repetition 
which gradually becomes slower and slower; a lullaby of motion 
rather than of sound; a lullaby given by the tired one herself, 
because there is none other to give it. 


“The morning wind forever blows, the poem of creation is 
uninterrupted; but few are the ears that hear it.”—Thoreau. 


“Hold thou, my friend, no lesser life in scorn, 
All nature is the womb whence man is born.” 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFS Je itz WATSON aE Sos patie ae eR On aie ae Seats ; ce Editor 
PRO. WilMONGCNEWHE LESS ee ee Associate Editor 
DRS Ee W. BERGER 5 30 eee eee Business Manager 
Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 


Society. 
Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


THE CHASE OF CATOCALA 


What the trout or the tarpon is to the fisherman, or the tiger- 
beetles to the coleopterist, the Catocalas are to the lepidopterist— 
the most “game” of all his prey. The hind wings of many species 
are very showy with wide, curved bands of red or orange. For 
these the moths are called ‘“Underwings”. Their attractive 
colors and goodly size make a desirable showing in the cabinet. 
But in the woods, as the moths squat in their favorite day quar- 
ters on the bark of some tree, these gaudy colors are safely hid- 
den under the somber grays and browns of the fore pair which 
are laid back at an angle of 45 degrees so that the moth forms a 
triangle. The camouflage is perfect and could the moths but sit 
pat, they could rest in peace as far as humans are concerned. 
But if one passes within a yard or two of the tree they invariably 
have an attack of “nerves” and dart away with a quick jerky 
flight and I can no more resist the impulse to give chase than 
can a puppy resist the impulse to pursue any rapidly moving 
thing, be it mouse or railway train. The lepidopterist may 
know full well that he already has a case full of that particular 
species and has no more need of another than has the puppy 
for the train, but the pursuit is the rarest of sports. The primi- 
tive instinct of the chase asserts itself and after the moth he 
goes. But the method of the chase must be that of the cat 
rather than the dog. We will watch the moth as it darts away 
to seek another hiding place, trying first one tree trunk and then 
another until it finds one dark enough to satisfy its negative 
heliotropism. It will always be in dense shade and usually on 
the side away from the sun. Towards dusk the moth may fly 
into the tree tops but very seldom during the middle of the day. 
Still more seldom does one alight on the level ground but often 


(8) 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


under the overhanging edge of a perpendicular bank. As it 
darts away it usually becomes lost among the tree trunks. But 
by following it carefully with our eyes—and feet too—we can 
sometimes locate the alighting place. If we are so fortunate 
the stalking begins. No use to try a frontal attack on these wary 
fellows; they will invariably fly again long before cone gets within 
striking distance. Having spotted our moth we will make a wide 
detour, the radius of the circle being in direct proportion to our 
desire for that particular moth, keeping our eyes constantly on 
the central tree trunk. The chances are that he will fly again 
before we can get near him, but sometimes fortune again smiles 
and we get up to the tree unobserved. By cautiously peeping 
around the bole we may bring one of his wings into view without 
being seen ourselves. Having thus located our quarry we make 
a quick sweep around the tree and capture our prize—sometimes. 
More usually we catch nothing but a fleeting glimpse of his 
gay underwings as the now thoroly frightened moth betakes 
himself to parts unknown. Rarely indeed does he give us another 
chance at him. Altho the chances are against us at every turn, 
if we are persistent and the moths plentiful, we may occasion- 
ally experience the thrill of seeing one wildly flapping in the net; 
a freshly landed trout jumping on the bank has no greater. But 
the moth is game to the last and sorrow and exasperation will 
surely be our lot if there is a hole in the net. But should fortune 
frown upon us and we leave the woods with empty bottle, we 
reek no more than the luckless fisherman who at the close of a 
perfect day goes home to a supper of collards. Have we not en- 
joyed a rare game? Are our lungs not full of the ozone of the 
forest, and our eyes and nerves, tired by a week’s work in office 
or laboratory, again refreshed? It is rare sport, much superior 
I am convinced to either tennis or golf, and as for sitting idly 
on a bare bleacher and watching someone else play baseball— 
one might as well go to a formal reception. 


Only in the more dense hammocks may we hope to find the 
underwings, a forest to whose floor but few rays of sunshine 
penetrate. And it must be a high and dry hammock where the 
larva’s host plants, oaks and hickories, grow. A low hammock 
of maples, ashes and sourgums will yield us nothing. Further- 
more it must, for a successful hunt, be comparatively free of 
underbrush. Not that the catocalas object to underbrush but 
the hunter does. To put all your energy and thought into a 
grand final sweep with the net only to tear it on a greenbrier 


10 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


while the moth dashes away, is conducive to language which 
should be reserved for mules, stovepipes, and collar buttons. 

The season of the Catocalas is from the last week in April te 
the middle of June. My earliest capture was of ultronia celia 
on April 11; but Grossbeck (Bul. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., vol. 27, 
List of the Lepidoptera of Florida) records ilia as having been 
captured at Lakeland on March 31. He does not record a single 
capture of any species after May 8. This is due, however, not 
to the lack of Catocalas after that date, but to the lack of col- 
lectors. Most of our entomologists have been migratory animals 
which left early in the season. Catocalas are at their height of 
abundance in late May and early June. Only two species have I 
ever captured after July 7: ultronia celia on Oct. 16 and agrippina 
from June 29 to September 13. Evidently the latter does not 
emerge until late June, which accounts for its having been 
missed by collectors. 


THE CATOCALAS OF FLORIDA AND GAINESVILLE 


Grossbeck lists seventeen species and seven varieties from the 
state. To these I can add two species and a variety as follows: 

C. consor, May 25; said to be a rare species. 

C. agrippina from Gainesville and its variety subviridis col- 
lected by Mr. Fritz Fuchs at Wauchula in June. So our Florida 
species now total 19 with 8 additional varieties. Of these I have 
captured about Gainesville but nine species and a variety. 

Sappho seems to be our most common species,‘at least more 
have been captured. This, however, may be partly because its 
large size (often three inches across the wings) and the light 
gray color of its upper wings make it more conspicuous than 
the others. The under wings are dark brown edged with white. 
Both Holland and Barnes and McDunnough say it is rare. Its 
life history is entirely unknown. Its relatives spend their cater- 
pillar days on the hickory and it is probable that this one does 
likewise. It is found only in woods with hickories. 

Another with dark brown under wings is epione. This is 
smaller and the upper wings are mottled dark gray and brown. 
It has been captured only at Gainesville and in late May. It 
is evidently another late-emerging species which has escaped 
the tourist entomologists. Its larva lives on oaks and hickories. 

Agrippina is the third species with dark brown unbanded 
under wings. Its colors are much like epione but it is a larger 
insect, Some measuring 3.5 in. 


SUMMER NUMBER 11 


Of the species with bright orange bands across the underwings, 
ilia Cramer is the most common. Its upper wings are mottled 
gray and expand 3.5 in. My captures are from May 12 to 23. 

Cara is a trifle larger. It is more brown on the upper wings 
and the bands on the under wings are red. It is not common here 
because, of the food plants of its larva, willow is scarce and pop- 
lar entirely absent. Ours is the var. carissimas, the southern 
form. 

Ultronia has much the same colors but is smaller, about 2.25 in. 

Its var. celia has the first black band of the under wings nar- 
rower and usually a whitish smudge running lengthwise of the 
fore wing. Its larva feeds on oak, wild cherry, and plum. 

In muliercula Guer (The Little Wife) the bands are yellowish 
orange. My captures range from May 26 to June 11, but Gross- 
beck records it from Lakeland as early as May 5. The food plant 
of the caterpillar is wax myrtle. 

In similis var. aholah the orange has been replaced by yellow. 
This is the smallest of our species, measuring but little more 
than 1.5 in. April 18 is the only date. 

The caterpillars of the hickory feeding species often attack 
pecans but seldom become numerous. The insect is a lover of 
the deep forest and visits the more open pecan groves only occa- 
sionally and at night. 


PERSONALS 


Clarence Bass, who is now with a subchaser doing patrol duty, 
recently enjoyed shore leave at Miami and renewed his ac- 
quaintance with former associates in the State Plant Board work. 

F. F. Bibby is at present with the U. S. Field Hospital and is 
stationed at Santo Domingo, D. R. 

O. K. Courtney is now in the employ of the Federal Horti- 
cultural Board and is stationed at New Orleans in connection 
with the work of inspecting plant importations at that port. 

L. A. Daniel, District Inspector for the State Plant Board, is 
planning to leave for the North early in July to be gone for 
several months. 

J. Chaffin is at present on a trip to the East Coast, where he 
is assisting various assistant nursery inspectors of the Plant 
Board in the work in their respective districts. 


2 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


J. C. Goodwin is spending a couple of weeks in the field inspec- 
tion work on the East Coast along with the Plant Board in- 
spectors working under the direction of District Inspector A. L. 
Swanson. 


J. E. Graf recently left for Washington, where he will spend 
some time in conference with the officials of the Bureau of Ento- 
mology regarding the eradication of the sweet potato weevil. 


A. S. Hooker has recently been transferred from scout inspec- 
tion work in Lake County, Fla., to duty at Sebring, Fla. 


W. N. Hull has recently returned from a few weeks’ sojourn 
at Hot Springs, Ark. He plans to shortly move from Miami to 
a point on the Florida Keys where important developments in 
connection with the lime industry are under way. 


Arthur C. Brown is at present in charge of the port and quar- 
antine inspection work at Miami for the Federal Horticultural 
Board and State Plant Board of Florida. : 


Walter O. Lahrman, formerly assistant nursery inspector for 
the State Plant Board, is now in the garage business at Daytona. 


L. Russell Warner is in charge of the plant quarantine inspec- 
tion work at Key West, assisted by Messrs. Emil L. Gehry and 
Harold Mowry. 


Thomas R. Robinson, who returned a few weeks ago from 
military service, is now stationed at Largo, Fla., in connection 
with the canker eradication work of the Bureau of Plant In- 
dustry and State Plant Board. 


| L. O. Smith is now an inspector in the employ of the Federal 
Horticultural Board and is stationed at E] Paso, Texas. 


“Doc” (C. E.) Wilson and Mrs. Wilson (formerly Miss Mil- 
dred Nothnagel) are now located in their new home at the Ex- 
periment Station at St. Croix, Virgin Islands. 


Miss Evelyn Osborn leaves for her home in Ohio early in July. 
The small appropriation given to the Experiment Station by the 
Legislature has rendered it necessary to dispense with all as- 
sistants. 


Dr. H. S. Davis, secretary of the Society, has left on his sum- 
mer vacation. He will spend most of it at the laboratory of the 
U.S. Bureau of Fisheries at Fairport, la., studying the diseases 
of fishes. 


SUMMER NUMBER lies 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


April 28. The Society was called to order by the president 
with the following members present: E. W. Berger, E. K. Bynum, 
H. S. Davis, P. W. Fattig, K. S. Lamb, G. B. Merrill, Wilmon 
Newell, F. M. O’Byrne, Frank Stirling, O. T. Stone, J. R. Wat- 
son, A. C. Brown. Visitors: F. N. Cellon, Miss Evelyn Osborn. 

Under ‘Timely Notes” Mr. Stirling exhibited specimens of the 
large luminous elater of the West Indies, Pyrophorus noctilucus, 
_ taken from the mails by the quarantine department at Key West. 
The large luminous areas on the sides of the prothorax gave off 
a light sufficient for reading a newspaper. Mr. Stirling exhibited 
a drone trap filled with drones captured at the entrance to one 
of his hives. 

Mr. Stirling read a paper on “Birds as Plant Preservers’’, 
pointing out the great value of birds in keeping down insect 
pests and in destroying the seeds of weeds. 

Prof. Watson gave a brief talk on The Cuban Citrus Thrips, 
Frankliniella insularis. 


May 26. The meeting was called to order by Pres. O’Byrne. 
The following new members were elected: Miss Evelyn Osborn, 
assistant entomologist in the Experiment Station, and G. F. 
Mosnette, in charge of the Laboratory for the Study of Insects 
of Sub-tropical Fruits Other than Citrus, U. S. Bur. Ent., Miami. 

P. W. Fattig gave the paper of the evening on “Grasshoppers’’, 
drawing largely from his experience while connected with the 
anti-grasshopper campaign in North Dakota. He stated that he 
had collected 47 species in the Gainesville region. 

Under ‘‘Timely Notes’? Dr. Berger exhibited specimens of an 
unidentified beetle boring in citrus. He stated that it is the first 
time he has had any experience with borers injuring citrus but 
has understood that there was considerable injury after the 
great freeze. Prof. Watson, as the member of the committee 
for Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, announced that the 
Ecological Society of America desired information concerning 
tracts of land which should be preserved in their natural con- 
dition for the study of their peculiar fauna and flora. He also 
announced considerable damage to peanuts by thrips at Olds- 
mar. E. K. Bynum reported having found a severe infestation 
at Moore. Haven. 

The Secretary called attention to a monograph on #te Ameri- 


14 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


can species of the genus Catocala (Moths) by Barnes and Mc- 
Dunnough which had been presented to the Society by the Amer- 
ican Museum of Natural History. 

H. S. DAVIS, Sec’y. 


June 23. Meeting called to order by Pres. O’Byrne. Visitors 
present were Dr. C. F. Hodge, instructor in nature study in the 
summer school; Mr. W. L. Goethe, principal of the Eustis schools ; 
Miss Ora Hiatt and Mr. J. C. Holton, beth of Gainesville, Fla. 

The paper of the evening on “Spiders” was read by Miss 
Evelyn Osborn. This was illustrated by specimens of some of 
the more common species of spiders of the Gainesville region. 

Under ‘‘Timely Notes” Dr. Hodge mentioned the success which 
his fly trap is meeting. Jock. We 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this 
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When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


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WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
exchanges. Dr. John A. Comstock, Southwest Museum, Los 
Angeles, Calif. 


WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysopidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


oOhe 
Florida Buggist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL III AUTUMN NUMBER NO. 2 
SEPTEMBER, 1919 


(Printed in November) 


*MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
By UC) LORTIN 


PART I. SPECIES, BREEDING PLACES, MOSQUITOES AND DISEASE, 
NATURAL ENEMIES, PREVENTIVES 


Mosquitoes have been known to man since time immemorial, 
but so far as we know, there has been only one man who was 
thankful for their existence. In the Old Testament we find that 
when King Saul was seeking David to slay him, he was asleep 
in a cave one night when David entered and secured his spear 
and a bit of his robe. In the Talmud version of this story, we 
are told that King Saul was guarded by Abner who had stretched 
himself across the entrance of the cave so that David had to 
crawl over him to enter. As David was leaving, Abner turned 
and threw his leg over David’s ankle. If David moved, Abner 
would awaken and kill him; if he waited, day would come and 
death would follow. The Lord seeing David’s predicament, sent 
a mosquito to bite Abner and cause him to move his foot, thus 
freeing David who went away thankful and praising God for 
sending the mosquito. Since that time, man has considered them 
a nuisance—not only this, but the more recent discoveries have 
shown them to be transmitters of disease and one of the greatest 
menaces to public health with which we have to contend. 

Mosquitoes are found everywhere, from the frozen arctic 
regions to the depths of the tropical jungle. When Linnaeus, in 
1758, published his catalogue of all the animals then known to 
exist, he recorded only six species of mosquitoes. Theobald 


*Thesis presented at the Univ. of Fla., in 1913, for the degree of Master of 
Science. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Buggist. 
Please mention Buggist when you write our advertisers. 


PLATE I. Culex quinquefasciatus. (1) Egg rafts (enlarged). (2) Larvae (Wig- 
glers) showing long anal or respiratory tube and oblique angle of suspension from 
surface of water. (3) Respiratory tube of larvae (greatly enlarged). (4) Head end 
of Larva (enlarged). (5) Larvae (enlarged). (8) Head of adult’ male showing 
plumose antennae and long palpi. 

Original numbering of figures has been retained but Figs. 6, 7, 11, 14 and 15 
have been omitted 


AUTUMN NUMBER 19 


(1901), in his Monograph of the Culicidae of the World, listed 
about six hundred species, over sixty of which are recorded from 
the United States. 

Naturally the first question that arises is, ““Where do all these 
pests come from?” “Where do they breed?” It is now known 
that, with a few possible exceptions that do not occur here, all 
mosquitoes are aquatic in their younger stages. They live under 
the surface of the water but are true air-breathers without gills 
and must come to the surface for air. The air is taken in through 
the trachael tube which ends in the prolongation of the eighth 
abdominal segment, called the anal or respiratory tube. This 
tube is pushed through the surface film and a supply of air drawn 
in. Later, in the pupal stage, they breathe through two trumpet 
like tubes arising from the top of the thorax. The food of these 
larvae consists of bacteria, slimes, and decaying animal and 
vegetable matter, while a few are carnivorous. Different species 
breed in different kinds of water. Some will breed only in salt 
water, others in clean fresh water, while still others prefer pol- 
luted sewerage. In studying the mosquito question for extermi- 
nation, it is important to know where and what kind of breeding 
places we have to contend with. 

The following species have been taken, but there may be others 
that occur rarely: 

“Culex quinquefasciatus Say. 

Anopheles crucians Wied. 

Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say. 

Stegomyia calopus Meig. 

Psorophora ciliata Fab. 

Psorophora floridense D. & K. 

Megarhinus sp.? 

Following is a brief description of these species: 


CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS 


Eggs.—This is the commonest species. The eggs are somewhat conical 
in shape and are laid on the surface of the water with the large end down. 
They are placed side by side and stuck together, forming a boat shaped 
raft (Fig. 1) of six to thirteen rows with forty eggs in a row, each raft 
containing from one hundred to four hundred eggs, with an average of one 
hundred and seventy-eight and four-tenths (Davis 1906). They are white 
when freshly laid, but soon turn grayish brown to black as seen from above, 
and silvery grayish below, due to a film of air which protects the eggs 
from the water. They usually hatch in from sixteen to twenty-four hours 
but they have remained unhatched in the laboratory for ten to twelve days. 
A few hours desiccation kills them. (Mitchell 1907.) 


The eggs are usually laid at night or early morning, but I have observed 


20 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


PLATE II. (9) Head of adult female Culex quinquefasciatus showing pilose 
antennae and short palpi (enlarged). (10) Wing of Culex quinquefasciatus. (12) 
Larvae of Anopheles resting at the surface of water. (13) Larvae of Anopheles 
seen from above. (16) Head of adult male Anopheles (enlarged). 


a female finishing a raft as late as 9:30 a. m. on a bright day. Males and 
females bred from larvae in the laboratory, have been confined in a breeding 


AUTUMN NUMBER re 


cage for four weeks with a diet of fresh and dried fruit, but never have 
any eggs been deposited unless they were fed a meal of blood. Smith (1908) 
states that blood is the preferred food but is not a necessity and he has had 
females ovipost on a diet of foul water. 

Larvae.—The larvae issue from the under side of the eggs. They have 
a long anal tube and float below the surface at an oblique angle (Fig. 2). 
The anal tube is about five times as long as wide, tapering rapidly toward 
the last half and bears four tufts (Fig. 3). The antenal tufts are set in a 
notch on the apical half, and are never over half the length of the antennae 
(Fig. 4). 

The larvae (Fig. 5) vary in color from light, almost colorless, to greenish, 
and nearly black, depending upon the food. Larvae that have had scant 
food supply and developed slowly seem to be lighter colored than those 
that developed quickly. The larval stage lasts from seven days (Howard 
1902) to several months. Smith (1908) has found the time in New Jersey 
to vary from one to three weeks depending upon the temperature and the 
food supply. The time required here was about two weeks in September and 
October, but was probably longer during the winter. In one instance, in 
May, they required only seven days to pupate while they have been kept 
in the laboratory from October twenty-first to February third and then 
died before pupating. The usual time required in the laboratory was four 
or five weeks. 

The food consists of minute algae, bacteria, and decaying vegetable 
material. They browse over the vegetable material and eat the bacteria, 
slime, etc., that accumulates there, as well as some cellular tissue, but no 
animal tissue has been found in the stomachs examined (Johnson 1902). 
They have frequently been observed nibbling over the bodies of the larvae 
that had died, and in one instance the larvae of Citheronia regalis*, but they 
may have been eating only the bacteria. 

Pupae.—The pupae are easily distinguished from the larvae by their 
enlarged head and thorax. The trumpet like breathing tubes which are 
over six times as long as wide (Mitchell 1907), arise from the dorsum of 
the thorax. The pupal stage lasts from two to several days. 

Adults.—The adults are small to medium sized individuals, usually light 
brown in color, though varying from light green to almost black. The 
abdominal segments are banded basally with white, usually conspicuous, 
but sometimes indistinct. They rest upon the wall in a horizontal position, 
with the head upward, and the body held parallel to the wall. 

The scutellum is three lobed with the posterior end of the thorax bare. 
The palpi in the males are as long as the proboscis, but in the females less 
than one-half as long. The antennae of the males (Fig. 8) are thickly 
covered with hairs, but in the females, sparsely covered (Fig. 9). The front 
claws of the males are toothed, but single in the females with the tarsi 
uniformly blackish. The veins of the wings (Fig. 10) are uniformly covered 
with narrow scales. The petiole of the first submarginal cell is about one- 
fourth the length of the cell. They do not fly far, but several hundred 
yards may be covered when seeking for food or breeding place. (Smith 
1908.) 

The length of life of the adult is very variable. In the north the im- 


*The Regal Moth. 


22, THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


pregnated females hibernate over winter and then may live several weeks 
and lay two or three times. They have lived for five weeks in confinement 
in breeding cages (during April and May) on a ration of dried fruits. 


PLATE Ill. (17) Head of adult female Anopheles (enlarged). (18) Wing of 
Anopheles crucians (enlarged). (19) Wing of Anopheles quadrimaculatus (enlarged). 
(20) Pupae of Stegomyia calopus suspended at surface of water by the breathing 
tubes on thorax. (22) Top Minnow (Gambusia affinis). 


AUTUMN NUMBER 23 


BREEDING PLACES 


Larvae have been taken in holes, puddles, wells, buckets, barrels, stump 
holes, basements of buildings, wagon ruts, marshes, ditches, cess-pools, 
and dishes inside or outside of buildings. 


ANOPHELES 


Eggs.—The eggs are boat shaped, one side being flatter than the other, 
and are covered with a fine reticulated membrane. They are not stuck 
together in rafts, but float singly or in groups upon the surface of the 
water. They usually hatch in thirty-six to forty-eight hours, but they 
may remain viable for several months (Mitchell 1907). They have remained 
unhatched for fifteen days in the laboratory. 

Larvae.—The larvae are easily distinguished by their resting position 
in the water (Fig. 12). They have a very short anal tube and the body 
is always held parallel to and touching the surface, and are supported by 
the anal tube and the racemose hairs (Fig. 13) along the sides of the body 
indenting the surface film. (Berkley 1902.) 

The color varies from very light green to dark brown, almost black. 
There are often whitish markings on the thorax and abdomen, but these 
are very variable and often entirely lacking. The length of the larval stage 
under favorable conditions, may be as short as six days (Howard 1902), 
but is often much longer. Anopheles quadrimaculatus has remained in this 
stage for two months in the laboratory. 

The larvae feed at the surface and will swallow any minute floating 
particle. 

Pupae——The pupae resemble Culex very much, but they have shorter 
and broader respiratory tubes which are placed near the middle of the 
thorax. The length of the pupal stage is longer than for Culex, varying 
from five to ten days (Howard 1902). 

The eggs, larvae, and pupae of the two species we have are very much 
alike, and are not easily distinguished. 

Adults.—The adults of this genus are easily recognized by the position 
in which the body is held when at rest. It is held at an angle to the 
surface, which gives them the appearance of standing on their heads. The 
body of A. crucians is usually held at an angle of sixty to seventy degrees, 
while A. Quadrimaculatus usually forms an angle of forty-five to fifty 
degrees. When there is a breeze blowing, they have been observed clinging 
to the window screens in the position assumed by Culex, and once or twice 
when the wind was blowing hard, the body was pressed against the screen. 
When resting, the hind feet usually point backward and are held a little 
below the level of the body. 

The scutellum is convex behind and the proboscis is straight. The palpi 
are as long as the proboscis (Figs. 16 and 17) and the claws simple in 
both sexes. The wings are spotted with white and black scales, but the 
front margin is wholly black scaled. 

Anopheles crucians can be distinguished from Anopheles quadrimaculatus 
by the spots on the wings. In A. crucians (Fig. 18) the last vein is white 
scaled and marked with three black spots; while in A. quadrimaculatus 
(Fig. 19) the last vein is wholly black scaled. 


(Continued on page 28) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
EROR E.  WANCONS Se ee ne eee _Editor 
PROFS WAL MON JNE WB eels oer eras eee oe Associate Editor 
DRS Eo VW GBR RGER:- sibe net: lee idieas Leone kare yO i Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


AN UNDESCRIBED TELEONEMIA FROM FLORIDA AND 
JAMAICA (HEMIP.)* 


By CARL J. DRAKE 


Since the publication of ‘The North American Species of 
Teleonemia Occurring North of Mexico” (Ohio Journal of Sci- 
ence, Vol. XVIII, pp. 328-332, 1918) the writer has received 
through the kindness of several workers many specimens of 
Teleonemia from North America and the West Indies. The new 
species described herein is the same form as listed by Van Duzee 
in “Notes on Jamaican Hemiptera” (Bulletin of the Buffalo 
Society of Natural Science, Vol. VIII, pp. 3-77, 1908) under the 
name Teleonemia scrupulosa Stal. The insect is named in the 
honor of Prof. E. P. Van Duzee. 


Teleonemia vanduzeei new species. 

Antennae moderately long, slender, sparsely pilose; first segment a 
little stouter than and subequal in length to the second; third segment 
moderately long, slender, about three times as long as the fourth; fourth 
segment subequal in length to the first and second conjoined. Head armed 
with five moderately long, porrect spines, the spines arranged as in related 
species. Length, 3.15 mm.; width, 1.2 mm. 

Pale testaceous or light brownish testaceous, with dark brown markings. 
Pronotum brown, slightly tinged with ferrugineous, tricarinate, lateral 
carinae slightly diverging posteriorly; paranota distinctly uniserate, not 
quite reflected back against the pronotum proper; carinae rather thin, all 
strongly raised and with a single row of rather large areolae, the median 
carinae raised anteriorly and projecting subangularly over the base of head. 
Elytra constricted a little beyond the middle, with dark brown to nearly black 
markings in discoidal and sutural areas; costal and subcostal areas unise- 
riate, the areolae rather large; sutural area with the color marking tending 
to form a transverse band a little before the apex; discoidal area bounded 


_  *Contributions from the Department of Entomology, The New York State 
College of Forestry, Syracuse, N. Y. 


(24) 


AUTUMN NUMBER PAS 


by strongly raised nervures, faintly pubescent, mostly dark brown to nearly 
black in color. Antennae brown, the apical segment somewhat darkened. 
Body beneath brown, usually tinged with ferrugineous. Legs brown, the 
tips of femora and bases of tibiae, and the tarsi dark. Rostrum extending 
slightly beyond the meso-metasternal suture. Rostral sulcus open behind. 


Akin to T. scrupolosa Stal, but readily separated from it by 
the longer and much less pilose antennae; the pubescence in the 
discoidal area is almost entirely wanting. Twelve specimens. 
Florida: Crescent City, September 7, 1898, Otto Heidemann Col- 
lector. Jamaica: Mandeville, Kingston, January to April, 1908, 
E. P. Van Duzee Collector. Type in my collection; paratypes 
in the collections of E. P. Van Duzee, Cornell University (late 
Heidemann Collection) and of the writer. 


THE NATIVE HOST-PLANT OF THE CAMPHOR THRIPS. 
(Cryptothrips floridensis Watson.) * 


The camphor thrips was first collected by Mr. W. O. Richtman, 
on the camphor farm at Satsuma in November, 1912 (see An. 
Rep. Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta. 1913, p. Ixvii). Subsequent search 
thruout Florida revealed its presence in many places, but by 
no means in all those investigated. This discontinuous distri- 
bution and our failure to find the insect on any plant except 
camphor, which is an introduced plant, finally led us to the 
opinion that it is an introduced pest, perhaps brought to us on 
camphor. This opinion was strengthened by the receipt of a 
single poor specimen of an adult and several larvae of apparently 
this species collected on camphor in Ceylon (An. Rep. Fla. Ag. 
Exp. ota. 1915, p. xxi). 

The first evidence that pointed to an Nopuecie: conclusion was 
gathered on a visit to the DuPont Camphor Farm at Waller last 
July. The insect was not noticed in this plantation until spring 
of this year and one of the first centers of infestation was near: 
a “bayhead” in an out-of-the-way section of the farm. This 
pointed to the bayhead as a possible source of the insect. Ac- 
cordingly the native vegetation in the bayhead was subjected to 
a vigorous sweeping and a single adult of the camphor thrips 
was captured. Altho this pointed strongly to the bayhead as 
the home of the insect, there was a possibility that the thrips 
caught there had strayed into the bayhead from neighboring 


*Paper read’ before the Florida Entomological Society Sept. 29, 1919. 


26 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


camphor. If the insect was native to the bayhead what was its 
foodplant there? Those of you who are familiar with our bay- 
heads know that the vegetation there is a bewildering mixture of 
a large number of species of shrubs, herbs and grasses with no 
apparent order or zonation. It was therefore difficult indeed 
to determine the exact host plant. Because it belongs to the same 
family as camphor we naturally suspected the bay itself. There 
are two entirely unrelated genera of plants that are commonly 
called “bays” in Florida. One is a certain small species of Mag- 
nolia of the magnolia family and the other is Persea, or Tamala, 
of the laurel family, the family to which camphor belongs. It 
was, of course, the latter only that was suspected of possibly 
being the host plant of the camphor thrips. However, a thorough 
beating of this plant at Waller failed to reveal the presence of 
the thrips. A fortnight’s vacation spent at Daytona Beach af- 
forded an opportunity to study the bay there, Tamala littoralis 
being one of the most abundant trees on the island. The very 
first tree investigated yielded many of the camphor thrips, both 
adults and larvae. Further investigation showed that the thrips 
was generally distributed thruout the island. It was found 
on trees miles from any camphor and in isolated places to which 
the opportunities of catching a ride must be few. On only a 
few trees, however, was the infestation heavy. It has since been 
found on the same species of bay at Orlando. 


Following the discovery of this thrips on bays and its identi- 
fication on structural grounds as Cryptothrips floridensis, live 
thrips were taken to the laboratory and transferred to camphor. 
Vice versa thrips collected from camphor were transferred to 
bay. In both cases the insects fed with avidity on the new host. 
They seemed to have no choice whatever as between camphor and 
bay, provided the leaves or twigs were of an equal age. We 
have not as yet had an opportunity to study their behavior in the 
field where bays and comphor are growing side by side. 


There can then, it would seem, be no doubt but that the native 
bays of the genus Tamala are the native hosts of the camphor 
thrips which is a native insect that has spread to the camphor 
wherever opportunity offered. Its uneven distribution over the 
state and its absence from many camphor hedges and trees is to 
be explained by the remoteness of the uninfested trees from 
bays and lack of transportation facilities. 

These developments lead to a reexamination of the specimen 
from Ceylon, for if the insect is a native of Florida, feeding on 


AUTUMN NUMBER P| 


the wild bays, it would seem unlikely that identically the same 
species should be found in Ceylon. Altho the Ceylon specimen 
is undoubtedly a Cryptothrips and remarkably similar in size 
and color to C. floridensis, a close examination reveals differ- 
ences in the shape of the thorax and the antennal segments. The 
Ceylon specimen is probably a distinct but closely related spe- 
cies. 

The injury inflicted on bay is similar to that on camphor but 
less severe. There is the same destruction of the new terminal 
growth but fewer and less severe bark lesions. The larvae seem 
to feed more on the leaves and less on the bark than when attack- 
ing camphor. Following the destruction of the terminal bud 
the lateral buds develop freely, resulting in a sort of witch’s 
broom or “multiple bud” growth. The withered terminal shoots 
cling to the tree longer than do those of camphor and form 
retreats in which the thrips commonly hide. These dead twigs 
are the most likely places in which to search for the insects. 

Thus far the larvae have been found on only the shore bay, 
Tamala littoralis, but trees of Tamala barbonia about Gaines- 
ville show typical thrip injury. The avocado belongs to the 
genus Persea to which genus the bays have been commonly 
referred. Upon the discovery that the latter were the native 
hosts of the thrips, some apprehension was felt lest the insects 
might be able to feed also on avocadoes and ultimately perhaps 
to invade the avocado orchards of the state. In the laboratory, 
however, they have refused to feed on young growth of the 
Mexican avocado. 

The life history of the camphor thrips has not been worked 
out in detail. A single generation was raised in May 1913. The 
eggs hatched in eight or nine days and the larvae had become 
adults by the 24th day. 


Contrary to our previous experience we have lately observed 
the insect to fly. The flight was, however, very short. That it 
does not commonly fly far is indicated by the fact that camphor 
trees less than a half mile from a center of infestation have 
remained free for years. A hedge near the writer’s home at 
Gainesville is still uninfested, altho a colony of thrips has for 
six years existed within a half mile and for the past year within 
900 feet. This hedge borders an unused alley where opportu- 
nities for transportation are few. Trees along the neighboring 
street where traffic is heavy have become infested. 


J. R. WATSON (Ag. Exp. Sta.). 


28 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
(Continued from page 23) 


The length of life of the adult is variable. They must live for at least 
a week after biting before they can transmit malaria. In the north, they 
hibernate as adults in cellars, barns, ete. (Howard 1911). They fly only 
short distances. In the work at Panama, three hundred yards from the 
breeding points has proved to be safe. 


PLATE IV. (23) Warmouth Bass (Chaenobryttus gulosus). 


Anopheles usually bite only at night and this point has been empha- 
sized in protection from malaria, but both A. crucians and A. quadri- 
maculatus have bitten in the late morning in the Experiment Station toilet. 


BREEDING PLACES 


Larvae have been taken in the edge of marshes, in road ditches, base- 
ments, pools, and several other places that were a mile or more from the 
University. They have been several times taken with Culex larvae. 


STEGOMYIA 


Eggs.—tThe eggs are laid singly as with Anopheles. They are black in 
color, conically elongated, and are covered with a reticulated membrane 
which collects air and gives them buoyancy (Berkley 1902, Art. by Dr. 
Agromonte). They usually hatch in from fifteen hours to three days, but 
will stand desiccation for a day or two and remain viable for at least a 
month (loc. cit.). 

Larvae.—tThe larvae closely resemble those of Culex, but are larger, less 
active, and remain below the surface much longer. The anal tube is 
somewhat shorter and thicker than Culex, being about three times as long 
as wide, and tapers regularly. The anal tube bears but one pair of tufts 
and has the teeth of the pecten evenly spaced. The antennae do not taper 
apically and the tuft is placed at or before the middle. The length of the 
larval stage varies from eight to twenty days. 


AUTUMN NUMBER 29 


Pupae—The pupae (Fig. 20) resemble Culex, but are larger. They 
remain as pupae two or three days. 

Adults——The adults are easily recognized. They have the legs and 
abdomen conspicuously banded with white and the dorsum of the thorax 
bears a lyre-shaped area of white, though this is sometimes inconspicuous. 
They fly and bite only during the day. 


BREEDING PLACES 


The larvae of this species have been found in an old pot, tin cans, and 
in pans in the laboratory. 


PSOROPHORA 


The eggs are large, spined, and laid singly. The larvae are much like 
Culex, but can soon be distinguished by their large size, being over one-half 
of an inch when full grown. They are cannibalistic and feed upon larvae 
of Culex, Anopheles, and the smaller ones of their own species. (Berkley 
1902.) The adult of P. ciliata is easily recognized by its large size and the 
bands of erect scales on the legs. P. Floridense looks very much like 
Stegomyia, but so far as I have observed, they fly and bite only at night. 
Neither species are ordinarily troublesome here. No local breeding places 
have been found. 

(To be continued in Nos. 3 and 4. No. 3 will contain Mosquitoes and 
Disease, Natural Enemies, and Preventives; No. 4, Part II, Traps: for Mos- 
quitoes. ) 


PERSONALS 


‘Announcements of the marriage of Mr. A. C. Mason of the 
U. S. Ent. Laboratory at Miami to Miss Mary McConchie, at 
Paris, Ill., have been received. | 


Mr. C. A. Bennett has established his laboratory for the cam- 
phor thrips work at Satsuma. With J. R. Watson of the Fla. 
Exp. Station, who has been made colaborator in the Bureau on 
this project, he has recently made a trip to Macclenny, Glen St. 
Mary, and Monticello. 


Mr. K. E. Bragdon is at present supervising the inauguration 
of a general survey of the peninsular section of Florida for the 
purpose of finding whether or not the sweet potato weevil has 
become established at interior points. 


Mr. W. R. Briggs has recently been appointed County Agent 
for Manatee County, with headquarters at Bradentown. 


Mr. A. C. Brown recently participated in the boll weevil in- 
vestigations conducted by the State Plant Board in the northern 
part of the state. 


30 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Mr. Clarence A. Bass, until recently in the navy, is at present 
in Baltimore, recuperating from an operation. Upon his re- 
covery he is expected to resume his position with the State 
Plant Board. 


Mr. Milledge M. Bass recently resigned from the position of 
District Inspector for the State Plant Board to accept a position 
as manager of a large citrus property belonging to the Standard 
Growers’ Exchange, located near Fort Myers. 


Mr. Eli K. Bynum has been granted a leave of absence of 
several weeks by the State Plant Board, in order to attend to 
personal business affairs at his home at Satillo, Miss. 


Mr. Virgil Clark is now in western Florida making re-inspec- 
tions of citrus properties formerly infected with citrus canker, 
this work being done jointly by the State Plant Board and the 
Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. D. A. 


Mr. Howard G. Carter recently resigned as District Inspector 
for the State Plant Board. He will henceforth devote his time 
and attention to his fruit-growing properties in southern Dade 
County. 


Mr. E. F. DeBusk, County Agent of Orange County, has 
announced his forthcoming resignation. It is understood that 
he will engage in commercial work. 


Mr. B. F. Floyd, Plant Physiologist of the University of Flor- 
ida Experiment Station, has resigned for the purpose of entering 
commercial life. He will have charge of the insecticide work of 
the Wilson-Toomer Company. 


Mr. Wm. Gomme is now County Agent of Polk County. 


Mr. Chas. M. Hunt, Assistant Nursery Inspector for the State 
Plant Board, is now located in the Nursery Inspector’s office at 
Gainesville. 


Mr. Neal E. Hainlin is now engaged in the citrus canker 
re-survey work and is located in the northeastern portion of the 
state. 


Mr. K. 8. Lamb, formerly Asst. Quarantine Inspector with 
the State Plant Board, is now occupying a position as traveling 
salesman for the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Co. 


Mr. Harold Mowry, Asst. Quarantine Inspector for the State 
Plant Board, is now located at Key West. 


AUTUMN NUMBER il 


Mrs. N. M. G. Prange, of Jacksonville, was one of the enthu- 
siastic attendants at the recent Citrus Seminar at Gainesville. 


Mr. Wilmon Newell, Plant Commissioner, attended confer- 
ences, regarding the European corn borer, at Albany, N. Y., and 
Boston, Mass., on August 28th and 29th. He afterwards visited 
Riverton, N. J., and made a personal investigation of the Jap- 
anese beetle infestation at that point. 


Prof. S. I. Kuwana, Government Entomologist of Japan, re- 
cently visited Florida. At Orlando he visited the Bureau of 
Entomology Laboratory in charge of Mr. W. W. Yothers, at 
Tampa he investigated the quarantine work of the State Plant 
Board, and at Largo the citrus canker eradication work, after 
which he spent two days at the University of Florida Experi- 
ment Station and the State Plant Board offices at Gainesville. 


Mr. L. Russell Warner, Asst. Quarantine Inspector for the 
State Plant Board, is ill with typhoid fever at Key West. For- 
tunately his condition is not considered as critical and hopes are 
entertained for his steady recovery. 


Mr. Frank Stirling installed and had charge of an exhibit for 
the State Plant Board at the West Florida Fair, at Marianna, 
October 28th to November Ist. 


Mr. D. N. Reynolds is at present assisting the farmers of 
western Florida and particularly those of Jackson and Liberty 
Counties in dealing with the mosaic disease of sugar cane. 


Mr. A. L. Swanson is heading a small party of inspectors 
assigned by the Plant Commissioner to the task of determining 
to what extent the mosaic cane disease may have become estab- 
lished around Lake Okeechobee. 


Dr. C. F. Hodge has accepted an appointment with the new 
Extension Division of the University and is a most welcome 
addition to our meetings. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this 
genus, of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive 
Florida specimens, especially of the rarer species. Will ex- 
change or pay cash. Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


32 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


A NEW PHYSOTHRIPS FROM OREGON 
J. R. WATSON 


A small collection of thrips collected by Prof. A. Burr Black 
and sent to the writer contains specimens of an apparently un- 


described species. 
Physothrips blacki, n. sp. 

2. General color brown, a slight tinge of orange on the thorax of some 
specimens. 

Measurements: Total length 1 mm. Head length .09 mm., breadth 
0.15 mm.; prothorax: length 0.13 mm., breadth (including coxae) 0.17 mm.; 
mesothorax: breadth 0.24 mm.; metathorax: breadth 0.21 mm.; abdomen: 
breadth 0.26 mm. Total length on antennae 0.22 mm. Segment 1, 25; 
2, 835°3,.005 4,:36.0500,/02.03.0, 425° 7,71 5,5, | famicrons: 

Head considerably wider than long; cheeks slightly convex, sparsely 
hairy; vertex with several very distinct cross striations; no large post- 
ocular bristles, but a row of 8 small bristles extends across the vertex 
behind the eyes; a long spine in front of each posterior ocellus. Hyes 
large bright red by reflected light, occupying over half the length of the 
head and two-thirds the breadth, sparsely pilose, facets large. Ocelli very 
large, posterior margins of the posterior pair even with and near the 
posterior margins of the eyes, bordered on the inner sides by heavy pig- 
mented crescents. Anterior cellus directed partly forward, bordered poste- 
riorly by a large pigmented area. Mouth-bone long and pointed, reaching 
nearly or quite across the prosternum. Antennae 8-segmented, 1 and 2 
almost as dark as the head, 2 often darker than 1; 3 and the base of 4 
light-brownish yellow, remainder light brown. Spines and sense cones short 
and colorless but some of the latter heavy. 

Prothorax squarish, sides slightly convex and diverging posteriorly. 
Posterior angles rounded and provided with a pair of heavy bristles. The 
anterior angles bear only very short bristles. Mesothorax with very convex 
sides, no large bristles. Metathorax with sides nearly straight and parallel. 
Legs rather long, except for the lighter tarsi, nearly concolorous with the 
body. Fore legs often lighter than the others. Fore wings light brown; 
veins bearing prominent bristles; 11 or 12 on the fore vein, 8 or 9 near the 
base, 2 in the center and one near the apex; 11 or 12 on the posterior vein, 
none on the base; fringing hairs stout but rather short and sparse. Hind 
wings colorless. 

Abdomen elliptical, tapering acutely to the base. Spines short on the 
anterior segments and those on the posterior less than % the greatest 
width of the abdomen. 

é Smaller than the female. Some specimens are considerably lighter in 
color, especially the antennae and legs. The latter are sometimes yellow. 

Abdomen widest at the base; well rounded posteriorly. The last seg- 
ment bears several pairs of strong but short bristles. 

Measurements: Total body length .87 mm.; head: length .086, breadth 
134 mm.; prothorax: length .107 mm., breadth .155 mm.; mesothorax 
.202 mm.; abdomen: width at base .156 mm.; antennae: total length .187; 
sepment i183" 2,.30% 3, 343 4, 34-75; 2886.59") 7, Os) Oo, 1 2eoemicrons: 

Described from six females and 12 males collected from California poppy 
and dandelion at Corvallis, Oreg. . 


AUTUMN NUMBER 33 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


Aug. 4 (Adjourned meeting). Meeting was called to order by 
Vice President Merrill at 5 p. m. with the following members 
present: Geo. B. Merrill, P. W. Fattig, J. R. Watson, Dr. J. H. 
Montgomery, J. C. Goodwin, C. M. Hunt, Frank Stirling, O. T. 
Stone, P. H. Rolfs, and E. W. Berger. Visitors present were 
Prof. W. L. Floyd, Dr. C. L. Crow, W. L. Goette, Dr. C. F. Hodge 
and several students of the summer school. The following new 
members were elected: Miss M. F. Hill, teacher, Trenton; W. J. 
Schubert, of Armour and Co., Jacksonville; E. F. DeBusk, 
County Agent, Orlando; Dr. C. F. Hodge, instructor in summer 
school; and W. L. Goette, teacher, Eustis. 

The address of the evening by Dr. Hodge on “Housefly Con- 
trol’ was listened to attentively. Dr. Hodge exhibited and 
explained his fly trap and gave much valuable data on the habits 
of flies. Flies will usually not travel much over 500 yards if 
food is available within that area. They may travel even a 
mile in search of food, and even further over water. The 
waterworks of Cleveland, Ohio, situated 114, 5, and 6 miles from 
shore were one summer overrun with flies. On the furthest 
crib the biting stable fly was most abundant and troublesome. 
On the nearer cribs some blue-bottles were present. 

One trap is sufficient for a radius of 100 yards provided all 
other food is kept out of reach of the flies. One afternoon is 
sufficient to capture all the flies in such an area. 

Dr. Hodge also explained how he got the idea that it was 
possible to “trap a vacuum” of flies. He had been paying boys 
to collect flies for feeding young quail. One day while dining 
with a friend on an open porch of his residence the absence 
of flies was commented upon and it occurred to him that the 
boys had caught all the flies. The trap was the outcome of this 
observation and finally led to his successful attempts at cleaning 
up the flies in whole cities. 

E. W. BERGER, Acting Sec’y. 


Sept. 29. Meeting called to order by Pres. O’Byrne at 5 p. m., 
with the following members present: E. W. Berger, K. E. Brag- 
don, H. S. Davis, G. M. Hunt, G. B. Merrill, Wilmon Newell, F. 
M. O’Byrne, Frank Stirling, and J. R. Watson. Visitors present 
were C. A. Weigel, and C. A. Bennett. 

The paper of the evening was by J. R. Watson on the Origin 


34 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


and Hosts of the Camphor Thrips. After an extended dis- 
cussion of the paper Mr. C. A. Weigel, who has been conducting 
a general survey of the thrips situation in Florida for the U. 8. 
Bureau of Entomology, outlined the plans for the camphor 
thrips campaign about to be undertaken by the Bureau under an 
appropriation of $5000. Following this Mr. C. A. Bennett, 
who is to have direct charge of the control work, made a few 
remarks. Meeting adjourned at 6:30. 
H. S. Davis, Sec’y. 


Some damage is being done by pumpkin bugs and cotton 
stainers (Nezara viridula and Dysdercus saturellus) to citrus 
and other crops. After the adult pumpkin bugs have gotten 
onto the fruit the only known remedy is to collect them in large 
nets. The cotton stainers may be killed with a good strong 
oil emulsion or soap solution sprayed on the trees. Mr. Mosnett 
has found that spoiled avocadoes cut in half make excellent 
traps for them. While congregated on the avocado they may be 
sprayed with kerosene. 


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scab or melanose. We handle the 


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It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
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WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
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Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


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ohe 
Florida Bugsgist 


Official wi cal of pa loede Eom er 


VOL. m “WINTER NUMBER NO. 3 
DECEMBER, 1919 


(Printed in January, 1920) 


*MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
By U. C. LOFTIN 


MOSQUITOES AND DISEASE 

Malaria has been known for a long time, but it is only recently 
that it has been shown to be caused by a sporozoan parasite, be- 
longing to the family Plasmodidae, and that it is transmitted by, 
and only by, Anopheline mosquitoes. 

The idea that mosquitoes might spread malaria had been sug- 
gested many times, but it was not until 1898 that Dr. Ronald 
Ross, of the London School of Tropical Medicine, worked out the 
life history of the parasite causing “bird malaria” and found the 
' spores developing in the stomach of the mosquitoes. A little later, 
Grassi, following Ross’ theory, demonstrated the transfer of 
human malaria by Anopheline mosquitoes. Since that time, it 
has been confirmed by such a large number of workers that there 
can no longer be any doubt. 


*This is the second installment of Mr. Loftin’s paper and concludes Part I. The first 
installment was printed in the previous number. Part II, ‘“‘Traps for Mosquitoes,’’ will 
appear in the next number. All the figures for Part I were printed in the previous number. 


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38 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Theobald (1901) in his Monograph reports forty-two species of 
Anopheles from the world. There are eleven species found in 
the canal zone, at least five of which carry malaria (Darling, 
1910). But we, in the United States, have only three that ordi- 
narily carry malaria. These are Anopheles punctipennis Say., 
Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say., and Anopheles crucians Wied. 
(Howard, 1911), the last two being found in Florida. 

While the etiology of malaria is well understood, few people 
realize the importance of it. They take it as a matter of provi- 
dence that every one in the South should have it and that it does 
not amount to much. Indeed, it is very difficult to estimate the 
damage it does. But Herrick (1903) says that malaria is re- 
sponsible for more sickness among the white population of the 
South than any other disease. Howard (1907) points out that 
from the meager data available, the death rate from malaria in 
the United States amounts to fifteen per hundred thousand, or 
twelve hundred per year, and that two-thirds of this is in the 
South. Although there are no records available for this state, 
Florida, with its semitropical climate, summer rains and large 
areas of flat lands, undoubtedly has its share. But the death rate 
alone does not begin to show the importance of the disease. 
Howard (1909) says: 


“But with malaria perhaps as with no other disease, does the death rate 
fail to indicate the real loss from the economic point of view. A man may 
suffer from malaria throughout the greater part of his life, and his pro- 
ductive capacity may be reduced from fifty to seventy-five per cent, and yet 
ultimately he may die from some entirely different immediate cause. In 
fact, the predisposition to death from other causes brought about by malaria 
is so marked that if, in the collection of vital statistics, it were possible to 
ascribe the real influence upon mortality that malaria possesses, this disease 
would have a very high rank in mortality tables. Writing of tropical condi- 
tions, Sir Patrick Manson decided that malaria causes more deaths, and more 
predisposition to death by producing cachetic states predisposing to other 
affections, than all the other parasites affecting mankind together. How- 
ever, it has been shown that the average life of the worker in malaria places 
is shorter and that infant mortality is higher than in healthy places.” 


Malaria is undoubtedly the most prevalent disease among the 
students. The records of the University Infirmary show that 
for the present scholastic year (up to May 5, 1913) there were 
a total of seventy-two cases treated in the infirmary, thirty-one 
of which were for malaria. This is in spite of the fact that there 
is, among the students, a strong aversion to going to the infirm- 
ary and that only the more serious cases were recorded. The 
records show that the time spent in the infirmary for treatment 
varies from one to ten days, with an average of three and one- 
tenth, or a total for the year of ninety-six. But, as pointed out 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


above, these records do not begin to show the loss of efficiency 
among the students, which is much higher than is shown by these 
bare records. 

Yellow Fever 

We have only to turn the pages of history to see how fatal an 
epidemic of yellow fever may be. In 1773, Philadelphia was 
nearly wiped from the map. In 1853 there was a severe epidemic 
throughout the South, New Orleans alone having a mortality of 
eight thousand. In 1878 another severe epidemic swept this 
region, and spread up the Mississippi Valley, causing twelve 
thousand deaths. In 1892 there were one hundred and ninety- 
two deaths at Pensacola, and more recently there was an out- 
break, in 1905, in which nearly one thousand lives were lost. It 
was clearly demonstrated by Reed, Carroll, Lazear and Agro- 
monte, a Board appointed by the Surgeon-General of the United 
States Army to investigate this disease, that yellow fever is car- 
ried by a mosquito, Stegomyia calopus. The work done in the 
recent epidemic, in 1905, shows that an epidemic can be stamped 
out by destroying these mosquitoes. 

We have Stegomyia present in large enough numbers to cause 
trouble should an epidemic break out. I have killed as many as 
a half dozen in the laboratory in one afternoon, and for a while 
during the fall of 1911 they were very troublesome during the 
day at the Experiment Station. At present, there is no danger 
from them because we have no causal agent present to start an 
epidemic, but it may be introduced into Florida ports at any 
time, and this will be especially true with the increased trade 
incident to the opening of the Panama Canal. 

Dengue fever is another mosquito-borne disease that is of in- 
creasing importance. Dr. J. H. Hodges, local agent of the State 
Board of Health, estimates that there were five thousand cases 
in this county alone last year. While this estimate is probably too 
high, it shows that this disease must be reckoned with in the 
future. 

NATURAL ENEMIES OF MOSQUITOES 

Some adult mosquitoes are destroyed by birds, bats, dragon- 
flies, and other predacious insects, but their number is compara- 
tively small. 

A small mite determined by Dr. Nathan Banks as a Hydrach- 
nid, close to the genue Thyas, has been found parasitic on the 
body of Anopheles. During October and November, it was found 
attached to from ten to fifteen per cent of the Anopheles caught, 


40 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


but never in a single instance to Culex. As many as eight and 
ten have been counted attached to the thorax and abdomen of 
some individuals; but it is doubtful if any mosquitoes are killed 
by them. 

The larvae are more easily preyed upon and we have some 
enemies that are very effective in holding them in check. There 
are a few water beetles, especially in the sinks, that feed upon 
the larvae. This community is a regular paradise for dragon- 
flies and there are from fifty to seventy-five species found. Any- 
where around the grounds, on a quiet day, one can see scores of 
them. Their larvae feed upon mosquito larvae and bemg present 
in such large numbers devour many of them. Two well grown 
dragon-fly larvae have eaten thirty-five Culex larvae over night. 
Dragon-fly larvae have been found in the larger areas of water 
in all the marshes surrounding the University, but have not been 
found in the sink holes. 

The most active enemies* we have are the little top minnows 
(Gambusia affinis) (Fig. 22, p. 22) and the “goggle-eye” or a 
warmouth bass (Chaenobryttus gulosus) (Fig. 23, p. 28). The 
usefulness of the top minnows has been mentioned by other writ- 
ers (Howard 1902, Van Dine 1906). It is surprising how many 
mosquito larvae these little fellows will eat. A half dozen of them 
have eaten over a hundred Culex larvae in a couple of hours, and 
ten of them have eaten two hundred larvae (all that were fed 
them) for several days in succession. They are very active and 
one has only to stand quietly on the bank to see them as they 
patrol the water every few minutes. They have been found in 
the deeper portions of all the marshes, the sink holes, ditches, and 
wherever there is a permanent supply of water. Their small size 
enables them to go almost anywhere and to work their way in 
among the vegetation. Wherever they are found is a poor place 
to look for mosquitoes. They have been found in only one in- 
stance in the same pond with mosquitoes. This was in a circu- 
lar depression covering four or five acres, lying about a mile 
northwest of the University. The depression is shallow and the 
slope from the bank toward the center is very gradual. It is 
overgrown with water weeds and in some places the edges are 
surrounded with sphagnum moss. Anopheles larvae were found 
abundant in some places among these weeds and moss. In some 
cases, the weeds and moss were so thick that the water could not 
be seen at all and it looked as though the larvae were actually 


*Determined by Dr. H. S. Davis. 


WINTER NUMBER 41 


resting upon the moss. The minnows were all about the edges, 
but in some places the vegetation was too thick for even them. 
Wherever a little open water was found, there were the minnows 
but no mosquito larvae. They are very hardy and are entirely 
capable of freeing and keeping free from mosquitoes, any area 
of permanent water. They can be very readily introduced into 
ponds and aquaria that are not already stocked with fish of some 
kind. They are oviparous and breed all the year, so a few only 
would be necessary for a start. 

In the sink holes we have also the “‘goggle-eye”’ which is pre- 
daceous upon mosquito larvae. Four of these ate two hundred 
full grown larvae and ten Gambusia in four hours. Another rec- 
ord shows that they ate one hundred and fifty Culex and thirty- 
five Gambusia within forty-eight hours, and still another that 
they ate three hundred Culex in one hour. The sinks are well 
stocked with them. I have several times caught fifteen or twenty 
in an hour with a hook and line. In about one hundred specimens 
caught, this was the only species found. They do not seem to 
prey upon Gambusia naturally, for both are found abundant in 
the same sink. It was very fascinating to watch one of these 
fish, six inches long, chase a tiny wriggler. They seem very 
hardy and can be kept in an aquarium without much trouble. 
These and Gambusia keep the sink holes entirely free. I have 
several times during the year, carefully examined the sinks with- 
out ever finding a single larva. 


PREVENTIVES FOR MOSQUITOES 


This subject is naturally divided into two parts. Preventives 
for (1) Adults and (2) Larvae. There are endless protective 
fluids that have been recommended for protection from the bite 
of the adult. These usually contain some essential oil such as oi! 
of citronella, castor oil, pennyroyal oil, kerosene, oil of tar, etc., 
and many are undoubtedly repellant to mosquitoes. But all of 
them are more or less disagreeable to use and have to be fre- 
quently renewed to be effective, and, all in all, they are a poor 
makeshift. 

Screens and canopies afford great protection, but as ordinarily 
used do not keep out all of the mosquitoes. Examination of rooms 
in Thomas Hall has shown as high as thirty mosquitoes present, 
ten of which were Anopheles (crucians and quadrimaculatus). 

This is in spite of the fact that the dormitories have as good 
screens aS money can buy, showing how hard it is to keep mos- 
quitoes out if they are present. 


A? THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Smudges of almost any material that give a dense smoke have 
been used and, if the smoke is thick enough, will keep adults away 
should anyone prefer to be suffocated rather than bitten to death. 


Fumigants will quickly rid a house of the pests and are very 
useful in some instances. Sulphur dioxide, made by burning two 
pounds of sulphur per thousand cubic feet, has been the stand- 
ard in the past and is absolutely reliable but it is objectionable 
to use on account of its injurious effect upon household goods. 
Pyrofume, a product obtained from the fractional distillation of 
pine wood, seems to be as effective as sulphur dioxide and less 
objectionable to use (Francis, 1906). Mimms’ culicide, made 
by mixing equal parts by weight of melted carbolic acid crystals 
and camphor gum, used at the rate of four ounces per thousand 
cubic feet is entirely satisfactory but expensive. In experiments 
conducted by the writer, it killed all the Culex quinquefasciatus 
which were confined in the room in a battery jar covered with 
cloth. It is much easier to use and not so injurious as sulphur 
dioxide. Tobacco smoke will quickly kill mosquitoes confined in a 
tight receptacle. As tobacco is so universally distributed and 
cheap, it would be very convenient to use if it would form an 
effective fumigant. In experiments conducted by the writer, the 
great difficulty was in burning it so as to make a smoke. When 
alcohol or saltpeter was mixed in sufficient quantities to burn it, 
it would burn without making much smoke and was not effective 
when burned in a tight room at the rate of two ounces per thou- 
sand cubic feet. It is believed that if some device for burning 
tobacco so as to make a dense smoke can be perfected, it will 
form a cheap and efficient fumigant. Perhaps something like the 
“smoker” used for bees could be used successfully. 

Tobacco decoction (containing about two and two-thirds per 
cent nicotine) was tried in a tight room containing about seven 
hundred cubic feet of space. Twenty-five cubic centimeters were 
evaporated over a gas burner and one hundred and four Culex 
quinquefasciatus exposed to the fumes for thirty minutes. All 
of them were stupefied, but when removed to fresh air, about 
seventy-five per cent revived. Another experiment was made in 
which ninty-five cubic centimeters were evaporated in the same 
room and about fifty Culex quinquefasciatus exposed to the fumes 
for one hour. In this experiment none of them were killed. Some 
trouble was found in evaporating this much of the decoction, as 
it forms a thick syrupy mass and vaporized slowly. It is thought 
that “Black Leaf 40” which contains nicotine sulphate can be 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


used to much better advantage, but none was available for experi- 
ment. As it contains about fifteen times as much nicotine per 
volume as the other decoction, probably no diffieulty will be ex- 
perienced in evaporating a sufficient quantity to kill the mosqui- 
toes if it proves effective. 

Oil of turpentine was tried as a fumigant, but it caught on fire 
so the experiment was discontinued. It burned with a dense 
smoke which completely filled the room, but did not kill the mos- 
quitoes. Green camphor leaves dried in an oven and burned at 
the rate of two ounces per seven hundred feet were not effective. 

It is important that the evaporating vessels for any fumigants 
be placed near the floor, otherwise the mosquitoes near the floor 
will not be harmed, as the fumes are lighter than air. 


PREVENTIVES FOR LARVAE 


Preventive and remedial work against the adults is desirable 
and often very effective, but it is only temporary and does not 
destroy the root of the trouble. It is better, in all cases where it 
is possible, to either kill the larvae or to destroy or render unin- 
habitable the breeding places. It is more satisfactory and usually 
cheaper in the long run to destroy the breeding places. The pecu- 
liar habits and structure of the larvae make it possible to kill 
them rather easily with substances called ‘“‘larvacides.” These 
substances float on the surface, forming a film which prevents the 
larvae from reaching the air with their breathing tubes. Various 
substances have been tried and many have given good results, 
but considering everything, petroleum products have proved the 
most satisfactory. It was suggested as early as 1812 that kero- 
sene was effective in killing larvae, but the use of it did not be- 
come very general until about 1895. Since then it has been used 
extensively with good results. H.W. Weed rid the campus of the 
Mississippi Agricultural College of mosquitoes by oiling eleven 
water tanks. Professor Kellogg found that by pouring a little 
kerosene in some post holes that the mosquito plague was almost 
immediately alleviated at Leland Stanford University. Mr. W. 
C. Kerr did some extensive work on ponds and swamps on Staten 
Island, and Dr. J. B. Smith reports its successful use in two cases 
on Long Island. An oil suitable for this work should be light 
enough to spread rapidly and yet heavy enough not to evaporate 
too readily. A low grade oil known as fuel oil has been found best 
suited for this. Mr. H. J. Quayle (1906) used a mixture of a 
heavy, eighteen degree Baume, oil and a light, thirty-four degree 

(Continued on page 48) 


OGhe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROF. J. Re “WATSON lr ee ee ee Editor 
PROB: WiEMON NEWELL Sore ae ee Associate Editor 
DR oH Wi CBE RGER 2) iver. 2 es See Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


TRICHOGRAMMA MINUTUM TO THE RESCUE 


The issue of the Weekly News Letter of the U. S. D. A. for 
January 14 bears a reassuring message to the great corn belt. It 
has been found that the European Corn Borer seriously damages 
only sweet corn and the smaller varieties of flint corn, and that 
only in regions where the insect has two generations per year. 
In at least the northern part of the chief corn belt only one 
generation per year has appeared. Also little damage is done 
where weeds are kept down in corn fields, fence rows and waste 
places. And lastly, the above named common hymenopterous 
parasite is attacking a large percentage of the eggs. However, 
no one knows how many generations the insect would produce 
during a Florida season, nor its effect upon our flint corn and 
sugar cane. 


PLANT COMMISSIONER WILMON NEWELL, PRESIDENT 
OF THE ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS 


Our society was signally honored at the St. Louis meeting of 
the American Association of Economic Entomologists by the 
election of one of its members as president of that association. 

In celebration of this honor some of his Florida friends ten- 
dered to Prof. Newell a surprise banquet on the evening of Janu- 
ary 12. There were present some fifty guests from the Univer- 
sity faculty and Plant Board offices, including the entire Plant 
Board (alias Board of Control). Mr. Hodges of Lake City, pres- 
ident of the Plant Board, acted as toastmaster. Toasts were 
responded to by the members of the Plant Board, the president 
and faculty of the University. 

(44) 


WINTER NUMBER 45 


ANNOTATED LIST OF THE INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL 
INSECTS OF THE AVOCADO IN FLORIDA®* 


By G. F. MOZNETTE 
Entomological Inspector, U. 8S. Department of Agriculture 


INJURIOUS INSECTS 


Trialeurodes floridensis Q.—The Avocado White Fly. Like citrus, the 
avocado also possesses its particular white fly. This species attacks the 
avocado in the more protected growing sections as does the Dictyospermum 
Seale. It is smaller than any of the citrus white flies, possesses white wings 
and a pale yellowish body. The pupae are readily distinguished by having 
a characteristic fringe. It multiplies rapidly during the summer months, 
and causes sooty mold in considerable abundance where present. The 
avocadoes growing along the keys and ocean shore are more particularly 
attacked by this white fly than are those growing on the mainland. ‘Trees 
in the nursery which are more or less protected often become badly infested 
with this species. The species is present in Florida wherever avocadoes 
are grown. 

Tetranychus yothersi McG.—The Avocado Red Spider Mite. The red 
spider mite which attacks the camphor in the northern part of Florida, 
seriously attacks the avocado at certain times of the year. This is particu- 
larly true during the dry winter months. This mite, when abundant, gives 
a grove a very unsightly appearance, by yellowing and browning the foliage. 
It is the only red spider mite known to the writer which lives and performs 
its depredations on the upper surface of the foliage. 

Heliothrips hemorrhoidalis Bouche.—The Greenhouse Thrips. This species, 
which is so common in greenhouses in the northern states, attacks the avo- 
cado in Florida in the open, and is present in varying numbers throughout 
the year. It becomes seriously abundant in places on the approach of dry 
weather in the fall and winter, and is capable of doing considerable damage 
by causing defoliation. It works on the upper surface of the foliage as does 
the avocado red spider mite. It also attacks the fruit when it becomes num- 
erous. Like the white fly of the avocado it multiplies more rapidly in the 
orchards situated on the keys and beach places in southern Florida. 

Chrysomphalus dictyospermi, Morgan.—The Dictyospermum Scale is a 
small circular scale of a light brown color. It is particularly abundant on 
the avocado in the more protected places, and where the temperatures are 
more even. Especially is this true along the ocean shore and keys. It 
attacks the branches killing many of the smaller limbs, but when abundant 
may often kill the tree. 

Saissetia oleae, Bernard.—The Black Scale becomes particularly notice- 
able in avocado groves on the keys and ocean front, especially during the 
fruit forming period, by congregating in masses about the stems of the 
fruits. Here it produces honey dew which accumulates on the fruit in which 
the black sooty mold develops necessitating washing of the fruit. Fruits 
so attacked by this scale bear weak stems and invariably drop prematurely. 
It does not apparently become abundant on the mainland. 

Pseudococcus nipae, Mask.—The Cocoanut Mealy Bug becomes noticeable 


*Published by permission of the Secretary of Agriculture, U. S. D. A. 


46 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


at times on the avocado in certain sections where it has become established. 
It attacks the foliage particularly. 

Pulvinaria pyriformis, Ckll—The Pyriform Scale. This species, where 
present, does considerable damage to the avocado. It is brownish in color, 
rounded or ovate in shape, and on maturing, when the egg sacs are pro- 
duced, a cottony material pushes out from under the edges of the scale. It 
produces an abundance of honey dew for sooty mold to develop. The scale 
is prevalent wherever the avocado is grown, especially on seedling trees 
growing in neglected yards. 

Frankliniella cephalica var. masonii, Watson.—This species of thrips 
which is light yellow in color attacks the avocado in the bloom. The writer 
has observed that the West Indian varieties growing in groves along the 
keys and on the mainland become infested with it. The thrips deposits its 
eges in the pedicel of the flower clusters. These punctures at times are very 
numerous, depending on the variety of avocado, causing the flower cluster 
to drop. The species differs from the citrus thrips in being considerably 
‘lighter in color. 

Empoasca minuenda, Ball.—The Avocado Leaf Hopper. This leaf hopper 
which is exceedingly small and yellowish in color attacks the avocado foliage 
by sucking the plant juices. It confines its attacks to the lower surface of 
the leaf and causes white spots to appear on the foliage viewed from above. 
When very numerous, this species will give an avocado tree a decidedly 
whitish appearance. It is particularly abundant on the avocado during the 
growing season. 

Gracilaria sp. near niolacella Clem.—The Avocado Leaf Roller. This 
small greyish moth is present wherever avocadoes are grown. It deposits 
its eggs on the new growth. The larvae which hatch from these eggs curl 
the foliage on which they feed. The foliage on maturing develops unevenly 
giving the tree a decidedly ragged appearance, especially is this true when 
this species is abundant. The larvae are small and yellowish in color. 

Dysdercus suturellus H. Schf.—The Cotton Stainer. This is one of the 
plant bugs and often attacks the fruit of the avocado in considerable num- 
bers. The species congregates on the fruit where it injures it by punctur- 
ing and sucking the plant juices. The punctures afford entrance places for 
plant diseases to enter and develop. It is only in certain years that this 
insect appears in the groves. 

Acysta perseae Heid.—The Avocado Tingid. This species, which feeds. 
upon the juices of the foliage of the avocado, is a small lace bug. The in- 
sect causes the leaves to appear yellowish and drop. The species is not 
widely distributed, however. 

Anomala undulata, Mels——This small beetle, or leaf chafer, visits the 
avocado groves in swarms during the blooming period in southern Florida 
during certain years. It is nocturnal in its habits, coming out from the 
soil at night and devouring the bloom wherever present. Its depredations 
last only a week or so, the adults returning to their breeding grounds. It is 
not known where they breed. This species is capable of doing considerable 
damage. 

Caulophilus latinasus.—This small brownish weevil, which resembles the 
grain and rice weevils, attacks the seed of the avocado in the orchard in 
fallen fruits and wherever seed is stored for planting purposes. The larvae 
and weevils completely tunnel the seed rendering them worthless. 


WINTER NUMBER 47 


Sparganothis (Platynata) sp.—A moth, which is of a light brown color, 
deposits its eggs in the avocado blossom cluster. The larvae which hatch 
from these eggs in turn tie the blossom cluster together with their webs 
to form a nest; the larvae feed on the flower parts. This insect has not 
been noticed in large numbers nor is it widely distributed. Wherever they 
should become abundant, they would be capable of considerable injury. The 
larvae when full grown are about a half inch in length and a dark green 
in color. 

Lypsimena fuscata, Lec. and EHlaphidion inerme, Newm.—These two 
Cerambycid beetles attack the dying or unhealthy branches of the avocado. 
This is true especially after a freeze. If the dying branches are allowed 
to remain the borers or larvae often burrow down into the healthy tissue 
beyond the axis of the branches. 

A number of scale insects of minor importance have at times been noticed 
on the avocado doing damage to individual trees. Some of these are the 
Common Mealy Bug, Pseudococcus citri Risso; Florida Wax Scale, Cero- 
plastes floridensis Comst.; Hemispherical Scale, Saissetia hemisphaerica 
Targ.; and the European Fiorinia, Fiorinia fioriniae Targ. 


BENEFICIAL INSECTS 


A number of beneficial insects, either predatory or parasitic on the prev- 
iously named injurious insects of the avocado in Florida, are as follows: 

Sympiesis dolichagaster, Ashm.—Represents a parasite which keeps the 
avocado leaf roller in check to a considerable extent. It is a small greenish 
colored hymenopterous insect. 

Chrysopa lateralis, Guer.—This lace wing fly is present on the avocado in 
considerable numbers at the time the avocado red spider mite is present in 
abundance. The larvae of this species carry with them a protective covering 
of small particles which is characteristic of some lace wing flies. The larvae 
devour large numbers of the red spider mites. 

Franklinothrips vespiformis, Crawford.—This is a large species of thrips. 
It is black with a whitish band and is very active on the foliage when dis- 
turbed. It is present in large numbers on the avocado in the late winter or 
early summer. The larvae and adults of this thrips destroy large numbers 
of all stages of the avocado red spider mite. The adults resemble ants on 
the foliage. It is also predatory on the larvae of Heliothrips hemorrhodalis 
Bouche’ and the nymphal stages of Hmpoasca minuenda Ball. It attacks 
the avocado white fly, Trialeurodes floridensis Q., in the larval and pupal 
stages as well as the egg stage. This thrips is peculiar in its habits in that 
it spins a cocoon, on the lower surface of the leaf, in which the larva pupates. 
The larvae are a deep red in color also possessing a whitish band on the body. 

Scymnus utilis, Horn.—This insect is commonly found among the red 
spider mite colonies on the avocado. It is a small lady bird beetle about the 
size of a pin head, black in color. With the beetles may be found their dark 
brown larvae, also feeding on all stages of the red spider mite. This species 
is very beneficial. 

Scymnus kinzeli, Casey —Another lady bird beetle. It is larger than the 
former and is bicolored, abdomen black and head reddish. It is never abund- 
ant, however. 

Leptothrips mali, Hinds.—This is a large black thrips and is very active 
on the foliage. When disturbed it elevates its body as if going to sting. 


48 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


It is not abundant, and is found predatory in both the larval and adult stage 
on the avocado red spider mite. 

Prospaltella sp—This species is a small hymenopterous parasite, fre- 
quently bred from the pupal and larval stages of the avocado white fly, 
Trialeurodes floridensis Q. 

Cryptognatha (Delphastus) pallida, Lec.—This a small lady bird beetle, 
light brown in color and about the size of a pin head. It is one of the 
Secymnus group. The larvae are whitish in color. Both the larvae and adults 
are very beneficial, being predatory upon the avocado white fly in the larval 
and pupal stages. 

Scolothrips sexmaculatus, Pergande.—This thrips, which is light in color, 
possesses six spots on the abdomen. It was not found by the writer to be 
abundant and feeds when present in both the larval and adult stages on all 
stages of the avocado red spider mite, Tetranychus yothersi, McG. 

Aspidiotiphagus citrinus, Craw.—A hymenopterous parasite found to be 
destroying considerable numbers of the dictyospermum scale, Chrysomphalus 
dictyospermi, M. 


MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
(Continued from page 43) 

Baume, oil in some pool and creek beds that could not be readily 
drained, with good success. He found this to be efficient for 
from one to four weeks, depending upon the nature of the pond 
and the exposure to the wind. To be on the safe side, the pond 
should usually be oiled every two weeks. He used a barrel spray 
pump in the accessible places and a knapsack pump in the others 
to good advantage, but it may be simply poured on from a sprink- 
ler or applied from a bucket with a mop. In inaccessible swamps, 
it is sometimes applied by standing a barrel on end and boring a 
small hole near the bottom so there will be a constant drip. 

In the Panama Canal work there was considerable difficulty 
in getting the oil to completely cover the surface when the vegeta- 
tion was thick. There they found a solution made from one hun- 
dred and fifty pounds of sulphuric acid, one hundred and fifty 
pounds of powdered resin, and thirty pounds of caustic potash 
boiled together made a good larvaecide (Gorgas 1909), which, 
in some cases, was more effective than fuel oil. 

A pool on the campus between Buckman and Science Halls, and 
the septic tank back of Thomas Hall, have been treated with 
“Zenoleum” disinfectant twice. This forms a milky mixture 
with the water and kills the larvae in a short time. Both pupae 
and larvae were found alive four hours after application, but all 
were dead next morning. No record was obtained of how much 
was applied, but enough to make the water appear decidedly 
milky. It was found to prevent egg laying for about twelve days, 
and should be applied about every two weeks. 


WINTER NUMBER 49 


Ordinary kerosene is commonly used when only small areas 
are to be oiled. It is more expensive than crude oil and not any 
more effective. 

Any system of oiling has to be done every few weeks during 
the year, which in the long run, proves expensive. It is cheaper 
after all to drain the breeding places, as they then require very 
little attention. 

Drainage 

Drainage has become more popular in recent years and large 
areas, that it would have been thought foolish to attempt to 
drain a few years ago, have been successfully drained. Perhaps 
the most extensive work has been done in the New Jersey salt 
marshes by Dr. J. B. Smith (Smith 1901-1911). Salt marsh 
mosquitoes are long distance fiyers (forty miles in some cases) 
and large areas had to be drained to control them. Something 
of the magnitude of the work in general is gathered from the 
following figures. Up to 1911, about thirty thousand acres had 
been drained and nearly four million feet of ditches dug at a cost 
of about $75,000 (Smith 1911). Wherever this work has been 
done, the mosquitoes are practically eliminated and it has proved 
successful in every way. This work has been accompanied by 
considerable oiling, as is usually the case, to give immediate re- 
lief, and in some places where it was not practicable to drain. 

Numerous other cases of the eradication of these pests and 
the diseases they carry, by these remedial measures are on record. 
Prior to 1905, a house to house inspection showed that twenty 
per cent of the population in some parts of Staten Island were 
suffering from malaria. Anti-malaria work was undertaken, 
and in 1909 there were only five cases of malaria reported (How- 
ard 1910). Dr. E. P. Felt (1905) states that Lawrence, Long 
Island, has been freed from the salt marsh mosquitoes. H. J. 
Quayle (1906) reports some very satisfactory work against the 
salt marsh mosquito near San Francisco. The Lawrence, L. L., 
Board of Health (1903) has done good work which has rid their 
town. Havana, Cuba, has been cleared of yellow fever and made 
habitable by anti-mosquito work done under direction of the 
United States Medical Army Corps. The epidemic of yellow 
fever in New Orleans, in 1905, was stamped out by clearing the 
city of mosquitoes. Some of the most successful, as well as the 
most difficult anti-malarial work, has been done in the Panama 
Canal Zone. Under the French administration this was a veri- 
table death trap. The tales told of the deaths are almost unbe- 


50 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


lievable; in fact it was difficult to keep enough men there to keep 
records. When the Americans took charge, the first thing done 
was to organize a Department of Sanitation to clear the zone of 
mosquitoes and fever. This has been so successful that it is now 
considered a health resort. Their hospital reports show (Gorgas 
1913) that their monthly average of cases sent to the hospital 
for malaria was only ninety-two hundredths of one per cent of 
the entire force, while similar records at the University show 
ten per cent. 

These facts leave us no room for doubt as to the efficiency of 
these methods. If Staten Island and Long Island, surrounded by 
water; if New Jersey with her thousands of acres of marsh and 
mosquitoes flying forty miles, and Panama with her tropical 
rains and with excavations made by buildings, can be freed from 
mosquitoes and malaria, why cannot most towns in Florida? 
They can. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this 
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Florida specimens, especially of the rarer species. Will ex- 
change or pay cash. Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


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Factory: PERTH AMBOY, N. J. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
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Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
exchanges. Dr. John A. Comstock, Southwest Museum, Los 
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WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysopidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


ohe 
Florida Bugsgist 


Official ae of vale Jase mae isarecaet 


VOL. tT SPRING NUMBER NO. 4 
MARCH, 1920 


(Printed in April) 


*MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
By U. C. LOFTIN 


PART IJ.—TRAPS FOR MOSQUITOES 


During the fall and winter of 1912-1913, the writer, at the 
suggestion of Dr. E. W. Berger,** conducted some experi- 
ments with traps for adult mosquitoes. These experiments 
have been recorded in an unpublished thesis, submitted at the 
University of Florida. The principle results are summarized 
here. The traps (simplified forms of the one used by Lefroy) 
were vessels and boxes, dark inside and of several sizes and 
shapes, placed where the mosquitoes would be likely to use 
them for hiding places in the early morning. A successful 
style was a plain earthenware jar, or crock, such as is often 
used for churns, six to eight inches in diameter, sixteen to 
eighteen inches high, dark chocolate to black inside (Fig. 27). 


*Third and final consecutive installment of Mr. Loftin’s paper. 
**Dr. Berger first used the traps during June and part of July, and then placed 


his records at the writer’s disposal. 


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404-410 W. 27th Street, New York, N. Y. 


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We buy and sell rare insects. Illustrated catalogue on request. 


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54 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Another type that gave good results was wooden boxes, seven 
by seven inches square by thirteen inches deep, painted black 
or dark green inside, or lined with black or dark green cloth. 
A joint of six-inch stovepipe was also used with good results. 
Other sizes, shapes and colors of crocks and boxes were used, 
but it was found that the traps of small diameter and a depth 
of twice the diameter gave the largest catches. No noticeable 
difference was found between the black and the dark green 
cloth, but the cloth lined boxes gave slightly better results than 
the painted ones. It is well known that mosquitoes seek a 
dark place in which to hide during the day and anything that 
furnishes this condition and is nearly air-tight so that they 
can be easily killed with a fumigant can be successfully used. 
Mosquitoes, in common with living things in general, are 
positively phototactic up to a certain degree of light intensity, 
and negatively so after this is exceeded. With mosquitoes this 
optimum, or turning point, is commonly met a little before 
sunrise. it 

The traps were placed in various positions and kept un- 
covered during the night. They were covered from 7:00 to 
7:30 in the morning, before the direct rays of the sun reached 
them. <A board or piece of stiff cardboard makes a good cover, 
but the best and most convenient cover found was a wooden 
frame covered with wire gauze with a piece of cardboard cut 
to fit. This cover allows an examination of the contents and 
the addition of the killing agent without any danger of escape. 
Gasoline was found to be the cheapest and most effective 
fumigant. It was added at the rate of 14 teaspoonful per 
gallon capacity of the crock, and about twice this amount for 
the boxes, when they were covered in the morning, the amount 
depending somewhat upon the temperature, more being re- 
quired on a cold day when vaporization was slower. From 
fifteen to twenty minutes was found sufficiently long to leave 
the traps covered. If the specimens are to be kept for future 
study, no more gasoline than will readily vaporize should be 
added, for otherwise the specimens will be wet and bedraggled. 
If they are not to be kept, a pint of boiling water poured into 
the crock quickly kills them. 

The position of the trap is very important and upon it de- 
pends its success or failure. Most of the tests were made on 
porches (Fig. 31), at 203 W. Ninth Street, South, and 2300 W. 
Hernando Street, Gainesville, Fla., but traps were tried for 


SPRING NUMBER 55 


short times at several other dwellings in Gainesville, and in 
the dormitories and Experiment Station Building of the 
- University of Florida. 
The West Ninth Street house faces west with a porch 
extending entirely across the front. The woodwork is painted 


Plate V. Fig. 27. Crock, or earthenware jar, and box that gave good 
results as traps. Leaning against crock is shown cover consisting of a 
frame and fine wire netting. 


dark green and the porch has a solid coping around it and a 
wire trellis for vines at either end. There are two double 
windows and a door opening on to it. The porch and the 
position of the traps are shown in the diagram, Figure 3la. 
Traps were placed on the south end of the porch on the east 
side next the wall (SE:bc) ; on the west side next the coping 
(SW :bc) and at a point midway between the two. On the 
north end they were located on the east side near the wall 
(NE :bbb). 

The house at 2300 W. Hernando Street is situated about one- 
fourth mile northwest of Thomas Hall, University of Florida. 
It faces south with a front porch and a side porch part of the 
way along the east side. The woodwork is white with a door, 
2 single window, a double window opening on the front (south) 


56 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


porch and two single windows on the side (east) porch. There 
is a corner two feet east of the door that projects outward a 
couple of feet and a trellis of wisteria shades part of the front 
and side porches. The traps were located at the right and 
left of the door (D:rl) ; at the windows on the front (south) 
porch (W:bbb); and on the north end of the east porch 
(N:cb). See diagram, Fig. 31b. 

The importance of the position of the traps is strikingly 
shown in Table I, which gives the records of two similar crocks 
situated on the south end of the West Ninth Street porch. One 
was on the east side near the wall (SE:c) and the other not 
eight feet away on the west side near the coping where it was 
more exposed to light (SW:c) (see Fig. 3la). The table 
gives the average number caught per night for a five and six 
months period, from October to March. (There is no record 
for the crock near the coping for November, hence this is for 
a five months period only.) 


TABLE I.—THE EFFECT OF POSITION ON THE NUMBER CAUGHT 


Position of ‘Crock (ce) | Months Recorded | Average No. Per Night 
W.2Oth Sti atrotce. Gl) eae. | 6 | a 
W. 9th St. at SW:c............. of2| 5 | Aue 


This large difference is explained as follows: As day ap- 
proaches the outer edge of the porch becomes light first and 
the mosquitoes move towards the darker side, next the green 
wall, and eventually settle in the traps. The house also breaks 
the wind on this side and the air is calmer. This tendency to 
go toward the darker side is also shown near the door at 2300 
W. Hernando Street (Fig. 31b). A crock was placed on one 
side of the door and a joint of stovepipe on the other through- 
out the winter. Records for an average of ten nights in 
March show that when the crock was on the right it caught 
1.56 times as many as the stovepipe on the left and that when 
the stovepipe was on the right it caught 1.47 times as many 
as the crock. This is in spite of the fact that a flower stand 
and a box for rubbers, etc., was always on the right and a 
considerable number always settled here. The conditions here 
are somewhat similar to those at West Ninth Street. The pro- 
jecting wall shuts off the early light from the east and the 
wisteria vines, which end about opposite the trap, shut off the 
light from the front, leaving this a darkened corner. The 
effect of a large dark place where the mosquitoes can hide was 


SPRING NUMBER 57 


shown at another house. The back porch is latticed, but not 
screened, and mosquitoes are plentiful. A crock set in various 
places on and about the porch gave almost negative results, as 
most of the mosquitoes settled in a large dark cupboard in a 
corner of the porch. This being larger and equally as dark 
as the jar seemed more attractive. In a bedroom at 203 West 
Ninth Street, where the furniture and walls are light colored, 
four or five, and at once time a dozen mosquitoes were caught 
when they were not numerous enough to be troublesome, 
while in the dormitory, where the woodwork is dark and there 
are closets and bookcases for them to hide in, never more than 
three or four, and often none, would be caught, even when they 
were too numerous for comfort. 


No data were secured on the relation of the direction of the 
wind to the number caught, but the catch was always greater 
on a still than on a windy night. But as a high wind was 
usually accompanied by a drop in temperature, this may 
account for most of the difference. The effect of temperature 
was noticed throughout the winter, a high catch always coming 
with a rise in temperature. The curve in Figure 32 shows 
the temperature recorded and the number caught in a green 
cloth-lined box on the porch at 2300 West Hernando Street 
during February, and the close correlation between the two. 
The temperature of February was the coldest and most varia- 
ble of any month of the year. 

Various substances such as apples, bananas, guavas, raw 
beef, urine, water, banana oil, etc., were placed in the traps as 
attractions, but none caused any appreciable increase in the 
number caught. Very definite results were secured, however, 
with repellants. The method employed was to place a small 
vial, or to pour a little of the substance to be tested in the 
bottom of the trap, and to have a similar trap about a foot 
away for a control, or check. The percentage of efficiency, as 
repellants, of three proprietary compounds, Bombay Vapor, oil 
of citronella and oil of tar, varied from 92.8% to 82% in the 
order named. Traps of this nature should prove useful in 
testing the efficiency of repellants because of the ease in which 
a control can be secured. 

A daily record was kept of the position and the catch of the 
individual traps and the mosquitoes placed in vials or pill 
boxes for future study. Some of the specimens were destroy- 
ed by breakage, loss, destruction by ants, etc., but during the 


58 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


year 20,449 individual mosquitoes were caught and identified. 

Table II gives the number of males and females, the per 
cent of females, the number of females with blood in the 
abdomen, the number of females with well developed ovaries, 


Mie Pe 


Plate VI. Fig. 31. (a) Smaller figure, diagram of porch at 203 W. 
Ninth Street South. Size of porch 9x26 ft. (b) Larger, L-shaped 
figure, diagram of porch at 2300 W. Hernando Street. Size 7 and 9 ft. 
by 28 and 18 ft. (b, c, r, 1, stand for box trap, crock, traps right and left 
of door, respectively.) 


SPRING NUMBER 59 


the total number and the per cent of each species caught during 
the year. 


TABLE II 
og nn 
| vo eS) 
s/o 
Sl ee 
fees 2 ale 
Species Caught ie SIS = 53 r= | Pies 
| = 5 oe ote eo - Ss 
2 | el|ee/ee| ee] 2] as 
o | D | oo 7S » 
a: | tay es, i ee 
Culex quinquefasciatus Say.|11723|8363|41+ | 839 | 1022 |20086| 98.30+ 
Anopheles quadrima : 

CULTS ON eee 26| 171/86.8 11 18 197 Noa = 
Anopheles crucians Wied... at) 124)77-- 8 1 161 ks 
Psorophora ciliata Fab....... aie | 2 il 
Stegomyia calopus Meig.....| | | 3 (ince 

otal See 11786|8658)42.33| 858 | 1052 |20449/100.06 


It is seen from the table that Culex quinquefasciatus is the 
dominant species but the percentage given is probably higher 
than is usually found. The relative abundance of the different 
species varies from time to time, but Culex quinquefasciatus 
usually comprises from 80 to 85% of those seen. During 
December very few Culex quinquefasciatus were seen at the 
Experiment Station, while Anopheles were common. Anophe- 
les comprised from 15 to 20% and sometimes more of those 
collected by hand in the dormitories during October and 
November. No Anopheles were found resting on the window 
screens at 2300 West Hernando Street with the Culex until 
about December 1st. From December 1st until February 1st 
both species of Anopheles were found, but usually more 
Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Then Anopheles crucians became 
more abundant, comprising about 10% and sometimes more 
of all those seen. On March 29th, twenty-five Anopheles 
crucians and only two Culex were counted on the screen. Only 
an occasional individual was seen on the screens at 203 West 
Ninth Street, while they were always thick on the screens on 
the front porch at 2300 West Hernando Street, often as many 
as a hundred individuals being counted in the morning before 
they were disturbed. The wisteria vines shade the screens 
at the latter place while there is no such protection at the 
former. 

Stegomyia was occasionally seen in considerable numbers 
about the building, but only three were taken throughout the 

(Continued on page 67) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA BUGGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROM: hdeetc WATSON 2 eee el et eos ee Editor 
PROER. WILMON, NEWELL. ee eee Associate Editor 
IDR: AW. "BERGERS =o ee eee eee ore Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. . 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


In accordance with a vote of the Society at its February 
meeting, THE FLORIDA BUGGIST-will, with the new volume, be- 
come THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST. 

Yes, and the Business Manager regrets that this change of 
name was made without at least a month’s previous notice, 
and without getting the vote of the non-resident members. It 
is the writer’s belief that changes of name of a publication 
should not be hastily made, especially when it is considered 
that THE BUGGIST has completed three years of an honorable 
record, being successful far beyond the anticipation of its 
originators. A few people, somewhere in the United States, 
have been critical of the name Buggist, and so the movers for 
a change, Buggists who visited the Entomological meetings at 
St. Louis in December, rushed home and ology it must be with 
“all other ologies whatsoever’. Verily, like a rush to cover 
of chickens from a shadow. . 

If those who are similarly minded will voice their senti- 
ments by writing at once to the Secretary, there is still time 
for reconsideration. If the name must be changed, the writer 
would suggest The Florida Insectist—a name that is new and 
different, and not stale.-—E. W. B. 


RECENT BULLETINS OF INTEREST TO OUR READERS 


Bulletin 805, U. S. D. A., “Two Leaf-Hoppers Injurious to 
Apple Nursery Stock,” by A. J. Ackerman. The author gives 
only one locality for the Bean Leaf-Hopper (Empoasca mali) 
in Florida, about Ft. Lauderdale. The insect is of course ex- 
ceedingly abundant over the entire state and has been fre- 
quently cited in literature to that effect. 

(60) 


SPRING NUMBER 61 


Farmers’ Bulletin 1070 on the ‘Fowl Tick,” by F. C. 
Bishopp. This tick has become established in several localities 
in Florida. 

Ohio Station Bulletin 329 on the “Peach-Tree Borer’, by 
Gossard and King. 


PERSONALS 


Messrs. J. H. Montgomery, F. M. O’Bryne, Frank Stirling, 
J. C. Goodwin and Wilmon Newell attended the meeting of the 
Entomological Society of America and the American Associa- 
tion of Economic Entomologists at St. Louis, December 29 to 
January 2. : 

Mr. K. E. Bragdon is now County Agent for Brevard 
County, with headquarters at Cocoa. 

Mr. A. C. Brown, Assistant Quarantine Inspector for the 
State Plant Board, is now on duty at the Board’s offices at 
Gainesville. 

Mr. Clarence A. Bass, having received his discharge from 
the navy, is now doing nursery inspection work for the State 
Plant Board of Florida. 

Mr. F. F. Bibby has recently received his discharge from 
the navy. 

Mr. M. M. Bass is in charge of extensive grove properties 
near Ft. Myers, being associated with the Standard Growers’ 
Exchange. 

Mr. B. L. Boyden was a recent caller at the office of the 
State Plant Board at Gainesville, conferring with members 
-of the Plant Board staff regarding the sweet potato weevil 
eradication work in Baker County, Florida. 

Mr. Eli K. Bynum is engaged in farming at his home at 
Saltillo, Miss. 

Mr. Virgil Clark, Inspector for the State Plant Board, took 
a vacation during the holidays and returned to Gainesville 
with a “better half’’. 

Mr. Leon A. Daniel is at present employed by the Atlantic 
Coast Line in connection with fruit inspection service. 

Mr. James Kerr has completed the citrus canker eradication 
work at Santa Rosa, Florida, and is now working with the 
nursery inspection forces of the State Plant Board. 

Mr. Wilmon Newell spent several days during December on 
the east coast of Lake Okeechobee, in connection with the 
Plant Board’s campaign against mosaic disease of sugar cane. 


62 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


Mr. W. V. Millington is assisting in the port inspection 
service at Key West, for the Federal Horticultural Board and 
the State Plant Board. 

Mr. Shirley B. Walker has been reappointed Assistant Nur- 
sery Inspector for the State Plant Board. 

According to the Monthly Letter of the U. S. Bureau of 
Entomology, Mr. H. E. Loomis, who has just returned from 
service in the Marine Corps, has been appointed Assistant 
Entomological Inspector in the Division of Truck Crop Inves- 
tigations with headquarters at Macclenny, Fla. 

Another member of the staff of the Experiment Station, 
Professor S. E. Collison, the chemist, has resigned his posi- 
tion to go into commercial work in New York. The migration 
of the older experienced men from the faculties of our uni- 
versities and other scientific institutions into commercial lines 
‘has reached the proportions of almost a stampede and is a most 
alarming state of affairs which is bound to seriously affect the 
value of these institutions for decades to come. Our public 
schools, with their constantly shifting personnel among the 
teachers, furnish a shining example of the evils that result 
when teachers look upon their positions as a mere temporary 
occupation to be dropped as soon as something better can be 
secured. While all true scientific workers labor for the love 
of science, still they must eat and their families, if they have 
been rash enough to follow the teachings of the eugenicists and 
raise one, must be fed, clothed, and educated. In many cases 
this has become impossible on a salary whose purchasing 
power has been cut in two since pre-war days. ; 

Thos. H. Jones, Entomological Assistant, U. S. Bureau of 
Entomology, and a member of our Society, who maintained for 
a few months at Ft. Myers a laboratory for the study of insects 
of truck crops, has returned to Louisiana. The station at Ft. 
Myers has been abandoned. 

Mr. Weigel, of Washington, D. C., recently visited Satsuma 
and Gainesville in the interest of Camphor Thrips work. 

Mr. E. F. DeBusk, formerly County Agent for Orange 
County and until recently with the Wilson Toomer Fertilizer 
Company, at Winter Haven, has accepted a position as 
Assistant Boys’ Club Agent with the Extension Division of 
the College of Agriculture. 


The unofficial nursery inspection duties of F. M. O’Byrne 
have been increased. Boy, 10 pounds. 


SPRING NUMBER 63 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


October 27. Meeting was called to order in Language Hall 
at 4:30 by Vice-President Merrill. There were eleven mem- 
bers and visitors present. The paper of the evening was on 
the Japanese Beetle, by Mr. Wilmon Newell, State Plant Com- 
missioner. The speaker gave a description of the adults and 
illustrated it with specimens. He also outlined the life history. 
Only the adult form is especially injurious. They skeletonize 
the leaves of a large number of plants, especially ornamentals, 
and are very destructive. It was introduced from Japan about 
ten years ago and at present is confined to a limited area in 
New Jersey, but is rapidly extending its range each year. 
Owing to inadequate control measures there is great danger of 
its being widely disseminated. The speaker stated his belief 
that the beetle would become a very severe pest if introduced 
into Florida. 


November 24. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 by 
President O’Byrne with fourteen members present. Out of 
town members present were J. E. Graf and B. L. Boyden. The 
following new members were elected: M. D. Cody, University 
of Florida; Thos. H. Jones, Bureau of Entomology; U. C. 
Loftin, Federal Horticultural Board. The paper of the 
evening was by Dr. J. H. Montgomery, Quarantine Inspector, 
on “Some Phases of the Quarantine Work of the State Plant 
Board’. The speaker emphasized the great danger of intro- 
ducing injurious insects into Florida. There is especial danger 
of introducing the Citrus Flack Fly from Cuba on account of 
inefficient control measures. There is also great danger of 
introducing the European Corn Borer from New England on 
straw used for packing. The insect, if introduced into Florida, 
would probably attack sugar cane. The outlook is very 
promising for the eradication of the sweet potato weevil from 
Baker County. Every effort is being made to prevent the 
spread of the weevil to portions of the state not now infested. 
He concluded by calling attention to the real danger of intro- 
ducing severe pests from Central and South America and to 
the fact that little is known concerning the insects in those 
countries. 

Mr. G. B. Merrill, Assistant Entomologist, thtn gave an 
account of the work of the Entomological Department of the 
State Plant Board in connection with the quarantine in- 


64 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


spector’s task. Specimens sent in by the inspectors are 
identified if possible, but in some cases it has been necessary 
to refer the material to the U. S. Bureau of Entomology or 
elsewhere. 

Under the head of “Timely Notes”, Mr. Frank Stirling, 
General Inspector State Plant Board, gave an account of the 
large hornets’ nest constructed during the summer at the home 
of President A. A. Murphree. The hornets (Vespa canadensis) 
had constructed a nest about eight feet long and several feet 
wide under the eaves. They were destroyed by a misty spray 
of kerosene and the nest removed. 

Prof. J. R. Watson exhibited a map which he had prepared 
showing the months of average maximum and minimum 
precipitation thruout the state. This map showed that the 
rainy season starts in June in the south central part of the 
peninsula and spreads in both directions from this center 
during the four succeeding months, concluding in Palm Beach 
and Dade Counties in October. He also showed specimens of 
a new thrips, Trichothrips drakei, which is remarkable for its 
size, 3 mm.; and also specimens of the Puss Moth, exceptionally 
large numbers of the caterpillars of which have been sent to 
the Experiment Station during the fall—H. 8S. Davis, 
Secretary. 


January 26, 1920. Meeting of the Society was called to 
order by the Vice-President, Mr. Merrill, at 4:30 P. M. Pre- 
sent the following: Newell, Berger, Stirling, Merrill, Watson, 
Montgomery, Stone, Goodwin, Davis, Fattig, Schlobig, and 
Brown, members; and Mr. Dely Hunt, guest. 

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

This being the first meeting of the new year, annual election 
of officers was held. Mr. Geo. B. Merrill was elected Presi- 
dent; C. M. Hunt, Vice-President; J. H. Montgomery, Secre- 
tary; and Dr. Davis, member of the executive committee. The 
business and editorial staff of the official organ of the Society, 
THE FLORIDA BUGGIST, were re-elected. It was moved and 
passed that the retiring President, Mr. F. M. O’Byrne, be re- 
quested to deliver the annual presidential address at the Febru- 
ary meeting of the Society. 

Dr. E. W. Berger, Business Manager of THE FLORIDA 
BUGGIST, presented a report on the financial condition of that 
publication. This report was received, accepted and filed. 


SPRING NUMBER 65 


Dr. J. H. Montgomery discussed the pink bollworm situation 
in Texas with more particular reference to the efforts being 
-made by the federal and state authorities to handle the situa- 
tion. The discovery of reinfestation in some of the fields in 
southeastern Texas last fall has been the occasion for a con- 
ference of state officials held at Houston and Beaumont early 
in December. Dr. Montgomery reported that the situation, 
although discouraging and disquieting, is not necessarily 
alarming. No radical changes are contemplated in the 
eradication methods which have been made use of other than 
the extension of the period of quarantine on infested fields to 
cover a period of not less than two years. 

Mr. Frank Stirling made a further report on observations 
made by him in connection with the destruction of a large 
wasp nest. This nest or colony had become established be- 
tween the walls and under the eaves of the house of Dr. Mur- 
phree. Mr. Stirling and others undertook to destroy this 
colony with most satisfactory results. The outstanding fea- 
ture of this account was that the efficiency of the use of an 
oil fog to control the wasps during the destruction was 
demonstrated. 

Dr. Berger, Entomologist, State Plant Board, made a pre- 
liminary report on the work which he is doing in producing 
pure cultures of the Cuban Aschersonia, a fungus found infect- 
ing several soft scales. 

Under the head of new business, notice was given of a pro- 
posed change in the constitution to the effect that the Business 
Manager of THE BUGGIST shall also act as Treasurer of the 
Society. Under the constitution a change can only be made 
by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a meeting held 
thirty days subsequent to the giving of notice of the proposed 
change.—J. H. Montgomery, Secretary. 


February 23. Meeting of the Society was called to order, 
the President, Mr. Merrill, in the chair. Members present: 
Mr. Merrill, the President, in the chair. Members present: 
Newell, O’Byrne, Chaffin, Goodwin, Brown, Stirling, Watson, 
Schlobig, Berger, Montgomery and the President. 

Minutes of the previous meeting were read, corrected and 
approved. 


The paper of the evening was read by Mr. O’Byrne, retiring 


66 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


President, his subject being “Standardization of Nursery In- 
spection Rules and Requirements’. 

Notice of the proposed amendment to Article III of the 
Constitution of the Society having been given at the last 
previous meeting the proposed amendment was presented to 
be voted upon. The amendment was adopted and read as 
follows: 


“The officers shall consist of a President, a Vice- 
President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. There shall 
be an executive committee consisting of the President, 
Secretary and one other member. The officers shall 
be elected at the annual meeting in January.” 


Under the head of new business, Dr. Montgomery present- 
ed for consideration of the Society a proposition to change the 
name of the official organ of the Society. There was con- 
siderable discussion which was participated in by practically 
all members present, and after considering various sugges- 
tions decision was finally arrived at that the name of the 
publication be changed from THE FLORIDA BUGGIST to THE 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST, this upon motion of Mr. O’Byrne, 
seconded by Dr. Montgomery. 

Under Timely Notes Mr. Watson, Mntomolonint Florida 
Experiment Station, displayed specimens of a spider, the 
“black widow”, Latrodaectus mactans. This is said to be the 
most poisonous of the spider family known in Florida. 

Mr. Goodwin reported a newspaper item indicating that the 
pink bollworm had found lodgment in Louisiana near the 
Texas line. 

Dr. Berger made further report on production of Cuban 
Aschersonia, Aschersonia cubensis, and two or three other 
fungi (names not known). Dr. Berger reported that the 
growth of these cultures was very much slower than the 
yellow and red aschersonias.—J. H. Montgomery, Secretary. 


OUCH! 


On the first page of Bulletin 87 of the Arizona Agricultural 
Experiment Station occurs the following remark: ‘Many farm- 
ers now located in Arizona have had experience with it (the 
boll weevil) in Texas, Oklahoma and other states of the so 
called cotton belt’ (italics mine). 


SPRING NUMBER 67 


MOSQUITOES FOUND ABOUT GAINESVILLE, FLA. 
(Continued from page 59) 

year in the traps. Psorophora were usually rare, but com- 
prised about 75% of a lot collected by hand or found dead on 
the window sills of the Agricultural Building. They were 
sometimes troublesome at night during May in Science Hall. 
Two or three specimens of Megarhinus were collected, but 
were never taken from traps. 

The percentage of females caught in traps is much lower for 
Culex than for Anopheles. Smith (1) has pointed out that 
male mosquitoes do not fly as far as females and that more 
females than males enter. the house. He collected some out- 
- side and some inside the house, a total of 1,350, representing 
several species. Of these taken outside, only a small per- 
centage (10-23%) of those breeding considerable distances 
away were males, while 60% of the Culex pipiens, which were 
breeding locally, were males. Of a total of 318 individuals 
taken within the house, Smith did not find a single male. 
Lefroy (2) caught an average of 21.8% females in a similar 
trap set inside the house. 

Culex were found breeding closer to both houses than 
Anopheles. 


TABLE III.—AVERAGE NUMBER CAUGHT PER MONTH IN SIMILAR CROCKS 
AT BoTH. STATIONS 


_ Average Number Caught Per Night ae 
Month 203 W. Ninth St. S. 2300 W. Hernando St. 
September) 1912) 21.0 | 30.1 
WCtODe Tete ee 44.2 18.7 
INovembent 14.3 Zoe 
Wecember ss 14.2 32.0 
Jerberay, agile) ee ee 12.0 15.0 
TE GY OPE DYE caver, See ee ee 14.5 25.0 
WI TRONa Sue eo oe ee eee Sila 49.0 
ANT OTT IS ieee op A 30.0 
inv ee ee es _ 1015 ones: 
Average per year.............. 19.3 Sone 


The number given as having blood in the abdomen included 
only those in which the blood was undigested and could be 
seen through the abdominal walls as a dark clot. All of those 
with the abdomen plump and distended, where no blood could 
be seen, were counted as having well developed ovaries, 
though some of them were probably distended with other food. 

(1). Smith, John B., Annual Report of the Entomologist, Report of the New Jersey 


Experiment Station for 1902. 
(2). See “Literature Cited’’. 


ils 


Ee sian ae aaa eiehe ta 


- 


REEL 


Cees 


reer pe bP ey fi be fe be 2 fe pe pe pe Be pe Be pr pe 


Nt he 


VERS eae Ss Seas 
CONAN eet 


Uf 
f\ 


ni 


Te 

A 
fle 

ain elie 


Bea 


s 
WoO 


Re ERRRRRRRRKAREEO 
Qj D 4 C ay q Q O . 7 
Plate VII. Fig. 32. Curves showing correlation between temperature 
and the number of mosquitoes caught per night during February, 1913. 
Figures at left and dotted line denote temperature, degrees F.; figures at 
bottom denote days of the month; figures at right and solid line denote 
the number caught. Porch, 2300 Hernando Street, corner Waukulla 


Avenue, Lot 1, Block 5, College Park Plat, Gainesville, Blase Lrapaes 
box (see Fig. 27) lined with dark green cloth. 


SPRING NUMBER 69 


In twenty-five dissections, however, all contained well de- 
veloped eggs, the number varying from 30 to 130, depending 
upon the size of the specimens, with an average of 80.5 eggs. 

In Table III is given the monthly average number caught 
per night in similar crocks situated on the southeast end of 
the porch at 203 West Ninth Street (Fig. 3la SE:c), and on: 
the right side of the door at 2300 West Hernando Street (Fig. 
Sl b:r). 

PRACTICAL USE OF TRAPS 


Traps of this nature may not rid a place of mosquitoes, nor 
even reduce the number enough to make them unobjectionable. 
But in favorable positions, they will catch large numbers and 
certainly could be used as a controlling factor. The average 
number caught throughout the year (September to May) by a 
single crock at 2300 West Hernando Street, was 33.9 per night. 
This would give a total of over twelve thousand for the year. 
Suppose one thousand houses in Gainesville should run two of 
the traps, one on the front porch and one on the back porch, 
for a year. This would rid the city of twenty-four million 
pests—I dare say more than have ever been killed by artificial 
means within the city in the last ten years. Certainly they 
are not so plentiful in Gainesville that these twenty-four 
million would not be missed. But even this is not all; each 
female caught during the winter and spring is cut off from 
becoming the progenitor of at least a thousand others during 
the summer. If every home would cooperate by running one 
or two of these traps, at least during the winter and early 
spring, the number of mosquitoes present would probably be 
greatly reduced. 

Such traps also afford a very convenient means for testing 
the efficiency of repellants and determining the relative abun- 
dance of mosquitoes at different seasons. 


SUMMARY 


1. All of the mosquitoes found at the University breed 
locally, but the breeding areas are small and could be drained 
with the expenditure of a small amount of money. 

2. Traps used for adults, when favorably located on porches, 
have caught an average of thirty-three mosquitoes per night 
for nine months. 

3. Crocks and boxes, black inside or lined with dark cloth, 


70 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


have given the best results. They should be rather narrow 
and deep. 

4. The success or failure of traps depends on the location. 
They should be placed in a well lighted room or porch, which 
is free from dark cupboards, closets, etc. The best position 
is determined by experiments. 

5. High winds affect the number caught, but temperature is 
the most important factor. The largest numbers caught were 
on warm still nights. 

6. Not all species are equally attracted to the traps. Culex 
quinquefasciatus is attracted more than Anopheles or 
Stegomyia. 

7. These traps are not recommended to rid a place of mos- 
quitoes, but if used with judgment they will reduce the num- 
ber present in the house or outside. Such traps are also useful 
for collecting mosquitoes for specimens, demonstration or 
class uses, or for testing repellants. 


LITERATURE CITED 


Berkley, W. N., 1902, Laboratory Work With Mosquitoes. 

Darling, Samuel T., 1910, Studies in Relation to Malaria. Publication of 
the Isthmian Canal Commission, Laboratory of the Board of Health, 
Department of Sanitation. 

Davis, J. J., 1906, The Number of Eggs of Culex Pipiens. Entomological 
News, Vol. 17, No. 10, p. 368. 

Felt, E. P., 1910, Report of the N. Y. State Entomologist for 1905. 

Francis, 1906, Public Health Notes, Vol., No. 26, June, 1909. 

Gorgas, W. C., 1909, Larvaecides. Report of the Department of the 
Isthmian Canal Zone for 1912. 

Gorgas, W. C., 1909, Larvaecides. Report of the Department of Sanita- 
tion of the Isthmian Canal Zone for 1909. 

Herrick, Glen. W., 1903, The Relation of Malaria to Agriculture and 
Other Industries of the South. Popular Science Monthly, April, 1903. 

Howard, L. O., 1909, Mosquitoes; How They Live; How They Carry 
Disease; How They Are Classified; How They May Be Destroyed. 

Howard, L. O., 1910, Preventive and Remedial Work Against Mosquitoes. 
Bureau of Entomology, U. S. D. A. Bulletin 88. 

Howard, L. O., 1911, Some Facts About Malaria, U. S. D. A. Farmers’ 
Bulletin 450. 

Johnson, H. P., 1902, A Study of Certain Mosquitoes in New Jersey and 
a Statement of the ‘“Mosquito-Malaria’”’ Theory. Appendix A., N. 
J. Agricultural Experiment Station. Report of the Entomologist 
for 1902. 

Lefroy, H. Maxwell, 1907, A Preliminary Account of the Biting Flies of 
India, Agricultural Research Institute. Pusa, India, Bulletin 7. 
Lugger, Otto, 1896, Report of the Entomologist Maine Agricultural 

Experiment Station, Report for 1896. 


SPRING NUMBER val 


Mitchell, Evelyn Groesbeck, 1907, Mosquito Life. 

Quayle, H. J., 1906, Mosquito Control. California Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station Bulletin 178. 

Smith, John B., 1901-1911, Reports of the Entomologist for 1901-1911. 
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 

Smith, John B., 1908. The House Mosquito, A City, Town, and Village 
Problem. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 246. 

Theobald, F. V., 1901, Monograph of the Culicidae, or Mosquitoes. 
Official Publication of the British Museum, London. 

Van Dine, D. L., 1906, Mosquito Control. The Introduction of Top 
Minnows in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Station Report Press 
Bulletin 20. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF PHYSOTHRIPS 
(Continued from page 32) 


The genus Physothrips is part of the old genus Huthrips which name 
Karny (1909) has shown should be applied to the genus Anaphothrips. 
The species formerly included under Huthrips are now divided between 
four genera which may be separated by the following key: 


1. Tibia with a strong, curved spine on the end....._.... Odontothrips Serville 
2. Tibia without such a spine. 
aaWwines withetransverse bands. ......2-_-cc-nc0sn-escncneece Taeniothrips Serville 


aa. Wings without transverse bands. 
b. Bristles on the fore angles of the prothorax conspicuous. 
Frankliniella Karny 
bb. Bristles on the fore angles of the prothorax not conspicuous. 
Physothrips Karny 


KEY TO THE NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF PHYSOTHRIPS 
(Adapted from Jones, 1912) 


1. General color white to light yellow or orange. Head noticeably wider 
than long. 


a. Last two segments of antennae rather long and slender, and to- 
gether about 2-3 as long as segment 6. Wings shaded brown except 
Taverne Joes Giavel ey oe ee ere P. orchardii (Moulton) 

aa. Last two segments of antennae not long and slender, about 1% as 
long as segment 6. Wings not shaded brown. 


b. Ring vein and longitudinal veins conspicuous. Wings dilute 
SLO a a eee P. costalis (Jones) 
bb. Ring and longitudinal veins not conspicuous. Wings white. 
P. albus (Moulton) 
2. General color brown. 
a. Head nearly as long as wide; no prominent bristles in front of 
OSCERIORMOCelee eee Re eo P. longirostrum (Jones) 


aa. Head noticeably wider than long; a prominent spine in front of each 
posterior ocellus. 


b. Eyes not pilose; postocular bristles present; antennal segments 
3 and 4 not pedicellate; posterior longitudinal vein of fore wings 
ULE) OV TSS SOT OVS SUs ce ie ele a Re ne eee P. ehrhornii (Moulton) 

bb. Eyes sparsely pilose; post-ocular bristles absent; antennal seg- 
ments 3 and 4 pedicellate; posterior longitudinal vein with 11 or 
eer ap Teen se crea th hs oy ol eA ee ee Ou ta P. blacki n. sp. 


t2, THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 


“Here’s to the chigger 
That isn’t any bigger 
Than the point of a very small pin, 
But the lump he raises, 
Itches like blazes 
And there’s where the rub comes in.” 


WANTED—A temporary laboratory assistant in the Depart- 
ment of Entomology of the Florida Agricultural Experiment 
Station. Address J. R. Watson, Gainesville, Fla. 


STRATEGUS WANTED—Am making a special study of this 
genus, of the Scarabeidae, and should be very glad to receive 
Florida specimens, especially of the rarer species. Will ex- 
change or pay cash. .Address W. Knaus, McPherson, Kansas. 


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Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 


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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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WANTED—Diurnal Lepidoptera of Florida in exchange for 
desirable western species. Over 3000 butterflies on hand for 
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WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
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Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Buggist 


; oOhe 
Florida Entomologist 


(Formerly The Florida Buggist) 
Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. IV SUMMER NUMBER NO. 1 
JULY, 1920 


THE MOSQUITO-MALARIA PROBLEM IN FLORIDA* 
C.F. Hopee, 
Extension Professor of Biology, University of Florida. 

My extension work during the year has taken me from Pensa- 
cola to Miami and over a number of circuits in the northern and 
central sections of the state. In all of my trips a study of this 
problem has occupied a good share of my spare time; and I have 
come unexpectedly to one conclusion which greatly simplifies the 
solution of the mosquito problem. As an observer who accom- 
panied me on one of my excursions expressed it: “We have been 
thinking and looking at the big places and have entirely over- 
looked the little places in which all of our mosquitoes really 
breed.” A rain barrel, a green pool by the watering trough in 
the barnyard, or a pile of tin cans may not amount to the prover- 
bial “drop in the bucket” compared to the nearby lake, marsh or 
cypress swamp, and still all the mosquitoes that infest the farm 
home, the village or town may be breeding in the former places. 

Take a few typical cases. At Stuart I found at the rear of a 


*Given before the June meeting of the Florida Entomological Society. 


The Kny-Scheerer Corporation 


Department of Natural Science 
404-410 W. 27th Street, New York, N. Y. 


Entomological Supplies of Every Description 


We buy and sell rare insects. Illustrated catalogue on request. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


2 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


restaurant in the heart of the town a battered sheet iron wash 
tub, evidently used in its last stages as a garbage receptacle. It 
was about half full of filthy water. There were scores of mosquito 
egg-rafts on the surface and the water was alive with larvae and 
pupae. Mosquitoes were numerous, and there were probably 
many other similar breeding places, but enough mosquitoes were 
breeding in that one tub to supply the town. None were found 
breeding in any of the natural waters. 

In Plant City, on the freight station platform, were seven 
barrels of water, all supplied with eggs and alive with wrigglers 
in all stages. They were pouring mosquitoes by the thousands 
into the business center of the city. The septic tank on the out- 
skirts of the city was also found breeding mosquitoes, literally, 
I think, by the millions. This is a problem for the city engineer. 
No breeding whatever was found in ditches or bay heads during 
a number of examinations extending from March through the 
first half of May. 

Dade City furnishes an especially instructive example. Near 
the A. C. L. depot are extensive water-lily ponds that look from 
the distance utterly hopeless. Careful examination, however, 
along their marshy borders, in the worst looking places, revealed 
only top minnows everywhere and no mosquitoes breeding what- 
ever. Mosquitoes were breeding abundantly in tin cans and 
rubbish of a large dump alongside of one of these ponds. 

The worst night I had during the whole year was spent in a 
room of a hotel in Haines City. There were inside screens sup- 
posed to cover the lower half of the windows, but both lower 
sashes were immovably stuck about half way up. This left two 
eracks the width of each window thru which all mosquitoes at- 
tracted to the windows could pour into the room. I spent the 
entire night killing the pests and estimated the casualties roughly 
at between four and five thousand. In the morning I determined 
to find out where those mosquitoes were breeding. Diagonally 
across the street from the hotel was the railroad station and on 
the freight platform, as usual, were barrels of water, five in this 
instance. One of these had oil on it. The other four were 
covered with a solid scum of mosquito eggs and empty pupa cases, 
and hundreds of mosquitoes could be seen in the act of emerging 
from the water. The capacity of one of these barrels, I should 
think, might be 200,000 mosquitoes every ten days. I was told, 
as usual in such cases, that those barrels didn’t amount to any- 
thing compared with the numbers that were breeding in the lake. 


SUMMER NUMBER 35 


Again careful examination of the most likely places along the 
lake shores revealed only schools of minnows and other natural 
enemies and no mosquito larvae. A boat drawn up to the shore 
with some water in it showed one or two rafts of eggs and a 
few young wrigglers. If left a few weeks it might become a 
breeding place. 

I might give many more illustrations that prove the same 
point. Of course being a stranger and spending, usually, only 
one day in a place, it was impossible to make a systematic ex- 
amination of all the backyards, henyards and barnyards of a 
town; but I have found in most towns the water barrels on the 
freight platforms breeding enough mosquitoes to make life a 
burden to the entire community. 

Bringing the matter home to us here, mosquitoes, both 
Anopheles and Culex, are now numerous on the University 
campus. A recent survey, while not as yet complete, certainly 
adds evidence to support the position above advanced. At the 
meter box north of Buckman Hall, where the water mains come 
in from West University Avenue, both Anopheles and Culex 
larvae were found in considerable numbers. Many more of both 
kinds are breeding in the stagnant water that has collected in the 
bottom of the swimming pool. Culex in great numbers were 
found in the water pans in the poultry yard back of the kitchen. 
A few Culex were found in a trash can at the barracks. Culex 
by thousands were found in a barrel of fertilizer water back of 
the Experiment Station barn and also in a barrel half full of 
water near the mule stable. Considerable numbers were breed- 
ing in the watering tubs at the dairy and especially, as most of 
the faucets are dripping continually, in the pools that form on 
the ground around them. The cement watering troughs and 
wallowing basins in the hog yards close by contained numbers of 
wrigglers. On the other hand the three sinks, the small stream 
in the kitchen garden, and the effluent from the septic tank were 
all examined and no mosquitoes discovered in them. My obser- 
vations coincide, in the main, with those reported by Loftin in 
recent numbers of THE FLORIDA BUGGIST, although he does record 
finding a few mosquito larvae in “marshes”, “ditches” and 
“sphagnum swamps” where the moss and weeds form wet masses 
too dense for top minnows to penetrate. And I do not wish to 
be understood as meaning that mosquitoes do not commonly breed 
in natural as distinguished from artificial waters. I have many 
times found them breeding in numbers in the mountain bogs of 


4 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Oregon and the Rockies, in the prairie sloughs of Montana and 
the Dakotas, in the river sloughs and marshes of Wisconsin, and 
in the swamps of New England. It is thus with the greater 
surprise that I have found the natural surface waters of Florida 
so free from them. There is a valid biological reason for this 
in the fact that Florida waters are so abundantly stocked with 
natural enemies. Minnows swarm in sinks to all appearances 
entirely separated from other surface waters. Dragon- and 
damsel-flies, often called “mosquito hawks”, are everywhere in 
Florida and their aquatic larvae, all carnivorous and active, 
voracious feeders, make short shrift of mosquito wrigglers m 
any pools that may be inaccessible to minnows. Then there 
are the water-bugs, water-scorpions, water-striders, water-boat- 
men and the whole series of predaceous water-beetles policing 
both surface and bottom of every pool, stream or lake margin. 
If man would consistently do his part, I am convinced that 
natural enemies would effectively do theirs in holding mosquitoes 
in check in Florida. . 

How can the people do their part? One home may breed mos- 
quitoes to cover an area at least two hundred yards in diameter. 
How can we get every home, rich and poor, black and white, to do 
its share for its own comfort and safety and for that of the whole 
community? The solution of this problem means more to 
Florida socially, educationally and’ financially than possibly that 
of any other problem in the state. The statistics of our own State 
Board of Health give a death rate from malaria for 1919 of 41.8 
per 100,000 of population; while for other states in the registra- 
tion area the rate was only 3.2 (for 1917). We try, at least, to 
provide by law that every citizen shall learn to read and write. 
Of the two, in Florida, I should prefer to live next door to a man 
who could not read, if he knew how to prevent the breeding of 
mosquitoes on his premises, to living alongside of a university 


professor who didn’t know and wouldn’t learn enough to do this. - 


Adequate and universally required science lessons in every 
grammar and high school in Florida offers the only practicable 
solution for the problem I can find. In what other way can we 
hope to reach every home? 

Probably not one adult in ten has ever seen mosquito eggs, to 
know them, or has clear ideas about the life history of the insects. 
Every school child can be given this information in a single well 
developed science lesson. These lessons are clearly outlined in 
available books; but the pupils should collect and study the actual 


SUMMER NUMBER 5 


specimens wherever possible. Every school child will then be 
able to know whether or not mosquitoes are breeding anywhere 
about the home. 

The children should be provided with adequate equipment for 
this work. How many school children have insect nets? (Insect 
nets, inexpensive and easily made by the children themselves, for 
collecting in both water and air, were demonstrated.) Here is 
a weapon with which anyone can sweep up all the mosquitoes in 
aroom inafew minutes. I have saved many a night’s sleep with 
this simple device and have promised myself never to be without 
one in my future journeys in Florida. With our insect damage 
tax of over $1,500,000,000 annually every child ought to have and 
use the insect net during some part of every year of his school 
course. 

Loftin, in the articles referred to, has described mosquito traps 
that may help in the solution of our problem. These traps are 
black or dark boxes or crocks set in favorable places about 
porches and are designed to take advantage of the instinct of 
mosquitoes to hide in dark holes during daylight, and considerable 
numbers might be trapped in this way. But we may be pardoned 
for asking whether the providing and daily tending of these traps 
might not entail more expense and labor than the entire work of 
doing away with the breeding places. These traps, too, seem to 
me to be lacking somewhat in definite attracting power. Are 
there not always too many other dark places in the dense foliage 
of trees, weed patches, vines and shrubbery—known to be the 
natural hiding places of mosquitoes? And could we hope by 
any arrangement of such traps to catch but comparatively few 
of the entire number about the premises ?* 

In making my experiments upon trapping stable flies I think 
I have caught at least as many mosquitoes in a single night in a 
single stable window trap as Loftin caught in all his traps in a 
year. Of course they happened to be there to catch that night, 
and no real comparison with the Loftin traps is intended. In 
this case a cow just inside the window supplied adequate attrac- 
tion. In regions where extensive natural breeding places cannot 
be drained, filled or oiled, or stocked with fishes, such traps might 
readily be designed to catch all the mosquitoes that were attract- 
ed to house or stable windows, the occupants serving as “bait” 
but in no danger of being bitten. The traps would not be ex- 


*As we understand it, Loftin’s traps were intended only for use in closed rooms 
and exposed porches where natural hiding places for mosquitoes are few or 
absent.—Ed. 


6 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


pensive and would catch bushels as easily as dozens, if they were 
there to catch. They would also be automatic and require no 
attention except to empty when full. Related as they would be 
to the one passion of a mosquito’s life, the thirst for blood, if 
we could protect our domestic animals and ourselves with such 
traps during the hours when mosquitoes are active, we might 
save not only quantities of blood but catch practically all the 
breeding mosquitoes within flying distance. In general it is 
probably true that a mosquito does not produce eggs until she has 
drawn a meal of blood; so this method, if we could cover all the 
local sources of blood supply, might yield practical extermination. 
Quite possibly, too, differences in the mosquito attracting power 
of different animals might help in the good work. A cow, horse 
or mule might be found to attract practically all of the mosquitoes 
away from the wild birds, frogs and toads of a region. Of 
course these latter suggestions apply only to such places, if any 
exist in Florida, where extensive natural breeding waters are 
beyond present possibilities of control and should not be per- 
mitted to confuse or obscure the main point of this discussion. 
This is, that any community in northern Florida and the central 
part of the peninsula can completely rid itself of mosquitoes and 
malaria, at practically no expense, just as soon as it can secure 
the intelligent cooperation of every home in doing away with 
the strictly artificial and domestic breeding places of the pests. 
This does not apply to localities within flying distance for 
migratory species of either the Atlantic or Gulf coasts. 

Beginning at home, the University campus should be made and 
kept absolutely free of mosquitoes. Then Gainesville might well 
be made a shining example and be in a position to tell other cities 
exactly how the work was accomplished. 

The railroads are all bidding for tourists and settlers and if 
the attention of officials were called to this matter, orders from 
headquarters might quickly put a stop to mosquito breeding upon 
their property. 

This is, of course, but a brief summary of the results of my 
first year’s observations on the mosquito-malaria problem in 
Florida. JI am fully convinced, however, that any farm home or 
community that acts on the above suggestions will be most agree- 
ably surprised at the results. At any rate, will it not be good 
common sense to be absolutely sure that all the little domestic 
breeding places are attended to before undertaking expensive 
draining or oiling operations of swamps and ponds? 

(See “Note”, p. 14.) 


SUMMER NUMBER iii 


AN APPARENTLY NEW HAPLOTHRIPS FROM CUBA 
J. R. WATSON 


Haplothrips merrilli, n. sp. 

Color: Brown, tarsi and antennal segments 3 and 4 yellowish brown. 

Measurements: Total length 1.14 mm.; head, length 0.14 mm., breadth 
0.114 mm.; prothorax, length 0.1183 mm., breadth 0.20 mm.; mesothorax, 
breadth 0.19 mm.; abdomen, breadth 0.21 mm.; tube, length 0.086 mm., width 
at base 0.048 mm., at the apex 0.023 mm. 

Antennae: Total length 0.245 mm. 


Se ET ae ee Se ec 8 
Weno th .21..-...- | 32520) 338.0 | 38.0) | 37.5 | 35.4 | 32:5 | 32:0) || 21.4 microns 
ipreadth..;........: | 26.7 | 23.5 | 20.0 | 23.0 | 20.6 | 20.0 | 15.5 | 10.6 microns 


Head longer than wide and longer than the prothorax; cheeks slightly 
convex, sides almost parallel; vertex rounded; surface smooth. Postocular 
bristles rather long but pale and inconspicuous, knobbed. A pair of smaller 
bristles in the middle of the dorsum, one at the inner angle of each eye and 
one behind each posterior ocellus. Eyes rather small, occupying about %4 
the margin of the head and .6 the breadth; dark red; not pilose; facets 
small. Ocelli much larger than the facets of the eyes; red; bordered by 
heavy, dark red crescents; situated far forward, the posterior pair opposite 
the anterior 1% of the eyes and close to their margins but not touching; 
anterior far forward, facing forward. Mouth cone reaching .5 or more 
across prosternum, labium well rounded. Antennae 8-segmented, 1.7 times 
as long as the head. Segment 1 broad at the base, truncated; 2 constricted 
near the base into a broad stalk, cut squarely off at the apex; 3 broadly 
vase-shaped with a rather narrow stalk at the base; 4 oval, broad, short- 
stalked; 5 and 6 barrel-shaped with a short broad stalk; 7 oblong with a 
broad base; 8 conical. All provided with many short dark bristles. Sense 
cones short, colorless and inconspicuous. Three and 4 yellowish brown, 
the others concolorous with the head and body. 

Prothorax a little shorter than the head, anterior margin slightly convex, 
posterior more so; sides diverging markedly posteriorly; coxae large and 
conspicuous. Surface free of sculpture. Long but colorless knobbed bristles 
on each angle and on each coxa; two pair near the posterior border, a 
smaller pair near the middle and a larger laterad, a small pair near 
anterior margin. 

Pterothorax somewhat narrower than the prothorax (including coxae), 
sides slightly converging posteriorly; a few faint anastomozing lines near 
the anterior margin; 3 pairs of small bristles along the anterior margin 
and at least 6 pair along the sides. Legs rather long and slender. Fore 
femora considerably enlarged. Fore tarsi with a small curved tooth. 
Wings short, membrane reaching about to the fifth abdominal segment; 
fringing hairs very long, 5 interlocated ones. 

Abdomen rather long and narrow, quite so in some specimens; a pair of 
pale, rather large, knobbed bristles on the posterior angles of each tergite, 
and three pairs of heavy, curved, dark, sharp-pointed spines on the outer 
third of each dorsal surface of segments 2-5; the innermost of these, along 


(Continued on page 12) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR Jc Re WATSON. 2S 2 ee ee Editor 
IDR AWALMON: NEW Ebsi6 20 20) 2 35 2s So Associate Editor 
DR HW. DERGER S00 0 Bates bo ie s0t ies cee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


For this number Dr. C. F. Hodge contributes an especially 
valuable and timely article. There is little doubt but that the 
mosquito problem is the most important the state, as a whole, 
has to solve. And the most difficult part of the work is to dissi- 
pate the popular notion that little or nothing can be done about 
it; that mosquitoes are an inevitable part of Florida and there- 
fore best ignored; that it is not good “boosting” to mention the 
subject; that they fly long distances and mostly breed in swamps 
and marshes whose drainage at this time is out of the question. 

It seems to us that the best and quickest method of eliminating 
mosquitoes from a town is to hire a man who knows their breed- 
ing habits to see to it that no one allows mosquitoes to breed on 
his premises. We once lived in a town of 10,000 which paid a 
man to spend his entire time inspecting yards, alleys and vacant 
lots. That was a clean town and a favorite of tourists and 
health seekers. As Dr. Hodge remarked before the Society, 
“Few men can be trusted to know what is in their own back 
VaLas: < 


“* * * and ology it must be with ‘all other ologies what- 


soever’’”’. Seventeen letters expressing preference for FLORIDA 
ENTOMOLOGIST were received by the Secretary in response to the 
Business Manager’s remarks on the change of name of THE 
BuGGIST (p. 60, vol. III) ; seven from inspectors in the Nursery 
Inspection Department (two not members of the Society, two 
with unpaid dues 2 and 3 years, two with unpaid dues 1920) ; 
four from the Quarantine Department (two with unpaid dues 
2 years) ; two from Citrus Canker Inspectors (both dues 2 years 
unpaid) ; one grove manager (dues 2 years unpaid) ; one County 
8 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


Demonstration Agent (dues paid); and two professional ento- 
mologists (dues paid). 

It is known that at least one of the movers of the resolution 
of February 23, while on a trip in the state in June, advised on 
the matter with one or more of his assistants in the Sand Hill 
country. Seven responded (three addressing their letters in 
care of their boss) ; the next largest number also responded in 
perfect harmony; the two canker inspectors and an ex-canker 
inspector addressed their letters in care of their boss and ex-boss. 

One writer is “Looking down through the annals of ento- 
mology”; another, quite poetical himself, accuses the editor of 
bursting forth in poetry, but fails to observe that the editor was 
responsible for neither the poetry on page 72 nor the remarks 
on page 60. Another ‘would want a good english word”’. 

Now that we are dignified, will the movers of the resolution of 
February 23 see to it that the delinquent ones pay up their dues 
and the non-members become members of the Society? 23.— 
iH. W..B. 


PERSONALS 


Doctor Newell. It was with peculiar pleasure that we read 
in Science for July 2, among the names of those upon whom the 
Iowa State College, at the June commencement, conferred the 
degree of Doctor of Science, that of our most distinguished and 
widely known member, Wilmon Newell. 

Mr. C. A. Bennett, in charge of the camphor thrips investiga- 
tions at Satsuma, has resigned from the U. S. Bureau of Ento- 
mology. He will engage in the garage business in Palatka. 

County Agent Marcellus Javens of Lake County, has resigned. 


Mr. R. N. Wilson, the first secretary of our society and until 
recently county agent at Riverside, Cal., now holds a very re- 
sponsible position as secretary of a legislative committee for 
agriculture at Sacramento, Cal. 

Mr. Thomas H. Jones of the Division of Truck Crop Insect 
Investigations of the U. S. Bureau of Entomology, who was 
located at Ft. Myers during the winter, has returned to Baton 
Rouge, La. 

Mr. H. S. Dozier, who has held an entomological fellowship at 
Ohio State University during the past year, is now with the 
Mississippi State Plant Board. 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


There has been recently organized in New Orleans the Louis- 
iana Entomological Society. This is the second entomological 
society in the South, ours being the first. Among the list of 
charter members we note the names of two of ours, Thos. H. 
Jones and O. K. Courtney. 

A. C. Mason is now stationed at Orlando, Fla. 

Virgil Clark has resigned from State Plant Board and now has 
charge of Narcoossee Branch of Buckeye Nurseries. 

J. C. Goodwin, Chief Clerk State Plant Board, has resigned, 
effective August 15th. He will take post graduate work at 
Ames, Iowa, next year. 

County Agent K. E. Bragdon has organized a “Bee Club” in 
Volusia County. The club is giving a picnic on July 16th and 
has invited Frank Stirling and Chas. Reese to give a talk on 
apiculture. 


SOME RECENT PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST TO 
FLORIDIANS 


As senior author of Bulletin 833, U. S: Department of Agricul- 
ture on the Chrysanthemum Midge-Diarthronomia hypogaea 
(F. Low.) Dip.—we find the name of one of our members, Mr. 
C. A. Weigel. 


The Canadian Entomologist for March contains a paper by W. 
S. Blatchley on “Notes on Winter Coleoptera of West and South 
Florida With Descriptions of New Species’. On page 72 he 
mentions Polypleurus geminatus with the statement, “It has not 
been recorded from Florida’. The beetle is included in Dozier’s 
List of the Coleoptera of the Gainesville region. 

Among recent Farmers’ Bulletins, U.S. Bureau of Entomology, 
are the following: No. 1097, by F. C. Bishopp, on the Stable Fly. 
The author illustrates and describes in considerable detail Dr. 
Hodge’s fly trap. No. 1037, by T. E. Snyderison, “White Ants’, 
termites, or as they are commonly called in Florida, “wood lice’’. 
No. 1094, by V. L. Wildermuth, treats of “The Alfalfa Cater- 
pillar” (Hurymus euretheme). Although we have little alfalfa 
in Florida, the butterfly is common. It breeds on various other 
legumes. No. 1061, by F. H. Chittenden, also treats of a com- 
mon Florida insect, the Harlequin Cabbage Bug. The map on 
page 6 “showing the distribution” is very incomplete for Florida. 


SUMMER NUMBER ali 


It shows but two localities, whereas the insect is common the 
state over. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS 


The regular March meeting was postponed until April 5. O. 
W. Boggs of St. Augustine, was elected to membership. The 
subject of the evening was “A Round Table Discussion of the 
Latest Ecological Map of North America and Especially Florida’, 
led by Prof. Watson. 

Under Timely Notes Prof. Watson called attention to a species 
of thrips (Heterothrips aesculi Watson—H. azaleae Hood), which 
has been found only in the blossoms of the Swamp Honeysuckle 
(Azalea nudiflora) and the Southern Buckeye (Aesculus pavia). 
Prof. Watson called attention to the fact that, altho these two 
plants were not related, the shape of the two blossoms was very 
similar—long, narrow, dry tubes. He stated that this illustrated 
what seemed to be a general law governing the distribution of 
thrips. The physical characteristics of the various habitats of a 
species are always similar although the different hosts are often 
not at all related. He also called attention to the fact that a 
hedge of transplanted azalea on the station grounds had not yet 
become infested although it had been there several years, less 
than a quarter of a mile from infested buckeyes, showing that 
this species, like thrips in general, are slow travellers. 

FRANK STIRLING, Temp. Sec. 


April 26. Due to the amendment of Article III of the consti- 
tution separating the offices of secretary and treasurer, Dr. E. 
W. Berger was elected treasurer. 

The Secretary read a communication received from Mr. John 
J. Davis, chairman of the National Museum Committee, Ameri- 
can Association of Economic Entomologists, urging our Society 
to call to the attention of the Florida Congressional delegation 
the urgent needs of the National Museum. The President was 
instructed to name a committee of three to prepare representa- 
tions. J. H. MONTGOMERY, Secretary. 


At the June meeting Dr. Hodge presented a report of his in- 


ne THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


vestigations of the breeding places of mosquitoes in Florida. 
(An abstract of this paper is printed in this number.) 


The Secretary read a number of letters in regard to the change 
of name of the official organ of the Society. The majority of 
the writers were in favor of the name “‘FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST”’. 


A resolution was passed directing the Secretary to call the 
attention of the State Board of Health to the breeding of mos- 
quitoes on the property of the railroads and especially in the 
water barrels on the freight platforms. 


Under Timely Notes Prof. Watson called attention to the 
apparent absence of the camphor thrips from the lower East 
Coast. 


New members elected were: Max Kisliuk, Jr., Scientific Assis- 
tant, U. S. Marine Hospital, Wilmington, N. C.; J. G. Grossen- 
bacher and R. E. Lenfest, both of Apopka, Fla.; Wm. E. Stone 
and Wm. H. Merrill, Agents Bureau of Entomology, U.S. D. A., 
Daytona, Fla. 


AN APPARENTLY NEW HAPLOTHRIPS FROM CUBA 


(Continued from page 7) 


the posterior border, is especially large and curved sharply inward. Its 
length is fully 4% the width of the abdomen. Terminal bristles longer than 
the tube. 


Male similar but smaller. The fore femora slightly enlarged. 
Measurements: Total length 0.86 mm.; head, length 0.13 mm., breadth 
0.10 mm.; prothorax, length 0.085 mm., breadth 0.165 mm.; mesothorax, 


breadth 0.17 mm.; abdomen, 0.16 mm.; tube, length 0.073, width at base 
0.04, at apex 0.02 mm.; antenna, total length 0.28 mm. 


(2 | Seement || 2 so 4 a | ee eee 
Menethtt 22 can. 18.7 | 29.5 | 34.6 | 37.0 | 35.4 | 32.0 | 30.8 | 21.6 
Breadth :.1...00.0.*.....| 22.05) 22.7 | 19.2 |°200 | 19.1 | 17:25|nIaoa ore 


Described from four females and three males collected by Mr. G. B. 
Merrill from under the cap scales of several cocoanuts taken at quarantine 
at Key West during March and April, 1920. Type in the author’s collec- 
tion. Paratypes in the National Museum and in that of the University of 
Florida. 


This species is close to H. gowdeyi (Franklin), but differs in many 
characters, including the shape of the head, absence of striations, color of 
antennae and abdomen. 


SUMMER NUMBER 13 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—VII 
J. R. WATSON 


29. Haplothrips orlando Wats. & Osborn. 


The original type of this insect (Florida Buggist, Vol. II, No. 4, p. 116) 
is a male. We now have two females and three additional males. These 
were collected by beating mostly ‘oak-runners” (Quercus pumuli) in the 
“flat woods” east of Gainesville, August 9. This is evidently a flat woods 
insect, as the ecological situation at the type locality near Orlando was 
similar. 


Female. Measurements: Total length 1.8 mm.; head, length .21 mm, 
width .19 mm.; prothorax, length .18, breadth .832 mm.; abdomen, width 
.44 mm.; tube, length .145, width at base .055, at apex .04 mm.; antennae, 
sepment 1, 40; 2, 53; 3, 67; 4, 62; 5, 538; 6, 50; 7, 49; 8, 48 microns; total, 
40 mm. Color identical with that of the male; considerably smaller. Fore 
femora are but slightly enlarged. Tarsal tooth much smaller, in one 2 
entirely absent. A brown area at the extreme base of the wings. The 
number of interlocated hairs varies from 15 to 25, usually about 20. Type 
in the author’s collection. 


Male. The new males are considerably larger than the type, averaging 
2.25 mm. in length. In some of them the tarsal tooth is scarcely half as 
large as in the type, and no larger than that of one female. 


45. Haplothrips statices (Haliday). 


Gainesville, Fla., July 10, sweeping in short grass along stream. In some 
of these specimens, as also in some the writer has from Massachusetts and 
Oregon, post-ocular bristles are present. In the original description and 
in Moulton’s key they are said to be absent. 


A CASE OF SERIOUS SICKNESS DUE TO THE 
PUSS MOTH CATERPILLAR 


The editor recently received from Dr. H. D. Venters of the 
State Board of Health a caterpillar of the puss moth with the 
statement that ‘‘a boy almost died” from the effects of contact 
with the larva “which poisoned him similar to the bite of a 
rattlesnake’. 

Different individuals react very differently to the poison of 
various insects. The editor has frequently been “stung’’ by these 
larvae which are not uncommon in citrus groves. On him the 
effects were little more serious than those resulting from contact 
with a nettle or our common pretty “Horse Nettle’ (Solanum 
sp.). Can it be that different specimens of the insect also vary 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


immensely in the quantity or quality of their poison? We did 
not feel sufficiently positive on this point to care to handle that 
particular caterpillar. 


Note—A recent visit to the Dudley place, a large stock farm 
thirteen miles west of Gainesville, offered the most conclusive 
proof of my main point as to the ease with which mosquitoes 
may be controlled. Here we have ideal natural breeding pools 
all about and scores of farm animals to supply blood and still for 
three nights I slept between two large windows, wide open, shad- 
ed by shrubbery and without screens or netting of any kind with- 
out once hearing the song of a mosquito. Keeping the rain water 
barrels and the cistern stocked with minnows, one or two in 
each barrel and five or six in the cistern, and strict attention to 
all watering troughs had completely solved the problem.—C. 
F. Hodge. 


WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysopidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. 8S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


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ff } J 

LEPIDOPTERA 

IS A MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY 

TO BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 
and is the only regularly appearing magazine of its kind in 
America. It is the Official Bulletin of the Boston Entomological 
Club. 

Subscription $1.00 per volume of 12 copies. Dr. N. Stowers, 
Editor, 52 Patten Street, Forest Hills, Mass. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


: Ghe 
Florida Entomologist 


(Formerly The Florida Buggist) 
Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. IV FALL NUMBER NO. 2 
SEPTEMBER, 1920 


LUMINOUS BEETLES OF FLORIDA 
To the Editor of The Entomologist: 

I have been interested in the habits of various groups of Co- 
leoptera for some time, and thought I would write you regard- 
ing a subject which might be of interest to the readers of The 
Entomologist relative to luminous beetles in Florida. The av- 
erage layman is quite familiar with the fact that certain species 
of the beetles are luminous and this knowledge is invariaby con- 
nected with the group commonly known as “fireflies” or Lampy- 
rids. Whenever a beetle flashes a lightat night invariably it is 
acclaimed a “firefly”. In Florida we have two species of lumi- 
nous Elaterids scientifically known as Pyrophorus phsoderus 
Germ. and Pyrophorus atlanticus Hyslop. I have recently col- 
lected a large series of Pyrophorus atlanticus Hyslop in this 
section of Florida. The species was observed flying at dusk of 
day in fields where species of the so-called “‘fireflies’” were also 
present. The distinction between the luminous Elaterids and 
Lampyrids is observed in both the location of the luminous or- 
gans and their habit of flash. The Elaterids have their light 
vesicles situated on the pronotum while those of the Lampyrids 
or “fireflies” are situated on the ventral of the posterior seg- 
ments of the abdomen. The flash of the Lampyrids is intermit- 
tent while at flight while that produced by the Elaterids is quite 
constant. It was also observed that the males of Pyrophorus at- 
lanticus Hyslop were present in greater numbers on the wing 
while those of the opposite sex were scarce in comparison and 
were for the most part resting on the foliage displaying a light 
at times quite constant, apparently waiting the coming of the 
males. The flashes of the Elaterid were only to be observed but 
a short while at the dusk of day while the Lampyrids continued 
their activities into the night. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


I am merely writing about this subject thinking that it will be 
of interest to the readers of The Entomologist. Two other spe- 
cies of luminous Elaterids occur in the United States, one in 
Arizona and the other in Texas, while Florida possesses two spe- 
cles. Very truly yours, 

G. F. MOZNETTE. 

(Miami, Fla., Aug 1920.) 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—VII 
J. R. WATSON 
(Continued from page 13) 


60. Haplothrips gracilis n. sp. 


Length about 1.4 mm. Color brown with much orange hypodermal pig- 
mentation; head dark brown; fore tibiae and all tarsi yellowish brown. 

Measurements: Head, length 0.24 mm., width 0.12; prothorax, length 
0.115, width including coxae, 0.20 mm.; pterothorax, width 0.20 mm.; abdo- 
men width, 0.20 mm.; tube length 0.08 mm., width at base 0.045 mm., at 
apex 0.027 mm. 


Antennae, segment .... Lek sa 
Length in microns............ 3 37 | au | Soles 
Width in miecrons.........- 2B ha 2 he ee ee 20 18\5 |e 


Total length 0.25 mm. 


Head: Length about % longer than wide, cheeks nearly straight, slight- 
ly converging posteriorly, postocular bristles dilated into a small head, rath- 
er shorter than the eyes. Hyes small, occupying about one-third the length 
of the head, rounded, not protuding, not produced on the ventral surface. 
Posterior ocelli opposite the anterior one-third of the eyes. Antennae near- 
ly twice as long as the head. Segments all short and thick; 2-6 about equal 
in length; 1 and base and inner border of 2 concolorous with the head; 
remainder of 2, and 3 yellowish brown; 4 darker; 5-8 dark brown. Mouth 
Cone rounded at the apex. 

Prothorax nearly as long as head and nearly twice as wide as long, a 
long and short bristle on each posterior angle and a conspicuous one in the 
middle of each side, all capitate. Pterothorax about as wide as prothorax. 
Wing membrane with a brown area at the extreme base, plainly narrowed 
in the middle. Fringing hairs sparse but long, no interlocated ones. Legs 
rather short, fore tibiae slightly enlarged, tarsi devoid of teeth. 

Abdomen long and slender, 4.5 times as long as broad, prominently band- 
ed with dark brown and orange, sparsely provided with bristles some of 
which are capitate and some pointed. Tube about half as long as the head. 

Described from a single ? taken from ironweed (Vernonia) at Gaines- 
ville Aug. 7, 1919. 

The species is remarkably close to H. bellus Hood and Williams in most 
characters but is longer (smaller in most measurements except the abdo- 
men); the eyes are not produced on the ventral side; and the intermediate 
segments are shorter. 


FALL NUMBER 19 


48. Haplothrips graminis Hood. 

The author’sAnthothrips floridenis seems to be identical with this spe- 
cies and as Hood’s description was published a few months earlier it takes 
precedence. 

61. Hoplandrothrips quercuspumilae, n. sp. 

Female. Total length 1.43 mm. General color dark brown with much 
red hypodermal pigmentation; all but segments 7 and 8 of the antennae 
clear brownish yellow; large yellowish brown areas on the inner sides of 
the distal ends of all femora; tarsi light brown. : 

Measurements: Head, length 0.24 mm.; breadth 0.21 mm.; prothorax, 
length 0.115 mm.; breadth 0.32 mm.; pterothorax, breadth 0.38 mm.;abdomen 
width 0.43 mm.; tube, length 0.145, breadth at base 0.07 mm.; at apex 0.038 
mm. Antennae: segment 1, 37; 2, 45; 3, 66; 4, 62; 5, 56; 6, 53; 7, 44; 8, 28 
microns. Total length 0.40 mm. 

Head rounded in front, only a little longer than broad, cheeks slightly 
arched and converging posteriorly, provided with small warts which ccrry 
short spines. Postocular bristles rather short but stout and conspicuous, 
dilated into a small colorless head as are all the other prominent bristles 
except those on the tip of the tube. Eyes rather small, dark red. Anten- 
nae 1% as long as the head. Segments 7 and 8 light brown; seg- 
ment 4 thickest, bearing very few, pale, inconspicuous spines; sense cones 
rather long but very pale and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax very short, less than half as long as the head; sides very 
rounding and bearing a thick, heavy spine. Legs moderately long, nearly 
concolorous with the body except the tarsi which are lighter. The light 
areas on the femora are largest and lightest on the hind femora where 
they occupy half of the length and two-thirds of the width of the femora. 
They are smaller on the middle femora. Fore femora but slightly enlarged. 
Wings moderately long, membrane colorless, not constricted in the middle, 
fringed with long hairs which are double for 7-9 hairs on the fore wings. 

Abdomen short and thick, provided posteriorly with dark, capitate, con- 
spicuous bristles. Tube rather small, bearing six bristles which are about 
as long as the tube and equal number of shorter ones. 

Described from three females collected from “oak runner” (Quercus 
pumuli) near Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 7 and 8, 1919. Type in the author’s 
collection. Paratype in the National Museum. 

This thrips bears a superficial resemblance to H. flavo-antennis (Wat- 
son), but it is the apical segments of the antennae which are dark instead of 
the basal and the intermediate segments are not elongated. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF HOPLANDROTHRIPS. 


In the key to N. A. species of Phloeothrips (Florida Buggist, Vol 1, No 4, . 
p. 75) those species in Section 1 now go into the genus Hoplandrothrips, as 
does also the author’s Liothrips flavoantennis. The following additions to 
the key will serve to distinguish the species now placed in this genus. 

aa. ‘Segment 3 of antennae shorter than 1 and 2 together. 
1. Antennae mostly brown or only the bases of 3-7 yellow. 
b. bb. and bbb. remain as before. 
2. Antennal segments 3-6 light brownish yellow.—H. quercus- 
pumulae n. sp. 


20 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


aaa. Segment 3 about equal to 1 and 2 together, all segments yellow 
except 1 and base of 2. Antennae 1 two-thirds as long as head. 
H. flavoantennis (Watson) 
Myrmecothrips gen. nov. 

Head subglobose, well rounded in front and much contracted posteriorly, 
much larger than the prothorax, eyes small. Antennal segments, especially 
the intermediate ones, all much longer than wide. Mouth cone shorter than 
its breadth at the base, reaching more than half way across the prothorax. 
Legs long and slender; fore femora slightly thickened in the females, much 
enlarged in the males; fore tarsi with a short, blunt tooth in the females. 
A large long one in the males. Wings wanting. Abdomen short and thick. 


Type Myrmecothrips querci n. sp. 

This genus agrees with Uzell’s description of Cephalothrips in all char- 
acters except the long legs. However, in all other described species of 
Cephalothrips the antennal segments are moniliform and it seems undesir- 
able to stretch Uzell’s description to cover a form so diverse in shape of 
head and antennae. Named from its resemblance to an ant. 

62. Myrmecothrips querci n. sp. 

Female. General color brown, abdomen black with large white spots on 
the outer edges of segments 1, 3 and 4. Head dark brown; prothorax a 
lighter brown, and metathorax lighter still with a yellow area on the pos- 
terior part; legs brown. Antennal segments 1 and 2 light yellow, others 
dark brown. 

Measurements: Total body length 2.22 mm.; head, length 0.45 mm.; 
breadth 0.36 mm.; prothorax, length 0.31 mm., breadth 0.33.; mesothorax, 
breadth 0.29 mm.; abdomen, breadth 0.52 mm.; tube,length 0.19 mm.,breadth 
at base 0.09 mm., at apex 0.06 mm. Antennae: Segment 1, 52; 2, 62; 3, 148; 
4, 119; 5, 96; 6, 90; 7, 52; 8, 46 microns; total 0.67 mm. 

Head subglobose, only a little longer than wide, rounded in front; cheeks 
arched and strongly converging posteriorly to a neck whose diameter is only 
.6 that of the greatest diameter of the head, which is directly behind the 
post-ocular bristles; post-ocular bristles short (.05 mm.); a little longer 
bristle in front of each eye; both light brown and dilated at the tip into a 
large colorless head. Eyes small with a few facets. 

Antennae 8-segmented; spines few and pale; sense cones short . Mouth 
cone reaching about .6 distance across prosternum. 

Prothorax also subglobose; rounded posteriorly; with a deep constriction 
near the middle of each side; covering only the basal half of each coxa; 
each posterior angle and each coxa provided with a capitate bristle. Legs 
long and slender, nearly uniformly dark brown; fore femora considerably 
enlarged near the base, provided with a few knobbed bristles. Fore tibiae 
with an especially stout but rather short bristle on the inner side near the 
end. Fore tarsi with a short tooth; middle and hind tibiae with a row of 
about 8 stiff, pointed bristles along the inner side, the terminal one and 
another on the outer side longer than the tarsi. 

Abdomen short and thick, abruptly rounded behind the seventh segment. 
On side of segment 1 there is an elongated, pearly white area, on segment 
3 a similar small round one, and on segment 4 a larger round spot. The 
posterior segments bear modestly long, light brown sharp-pointed bris- 
tles. Tube short and thick with a terminal ring of 15 bristles, 8 of which 
are about as long as the tube. 


FALL NUMBER Par 


Male similar to the female, but a little larger. Fore femora greatly en- 
larged and tarsal spines very long, stout, and curved. 

Measurements: Total body length 2.46 mm.; head length 0.48., mm., 
breadth 0.32 mm.; prothorax, length 0.28 mm., breadth 0.38 mm.; 
mesothorax, breadth 0.29 mm.; abdomen, width 0.53.; tube, length 
0.20 mm., width at base 0.09 mm., at apex 0.05 mm. Antennae: 
sepment 1; 62; 2, 72; 3, 157; 4, 107;.5, 96; 6, 86; 7, 52; 8, 48 microns; to- 
tal length 0.67 mm. 

Described from six females and two males obtained by beating ‘oak run- 
ners” (Quercus pumula) near gainesville, Aug. 2. 11919. 


Dolichcthrips gen. nov. 

Head nearly twice as long as wide and longer than the prothorax, sub- 
rectangular in outline, the anterior angles not rounded; sides nearly par- 
allel, somewhat narrowed posteriorly. Mouth cone very short and blunt not 
reaching the middle of the prothorax. Legs rather short. Wings very short 
and feeble. Abdomen exceedingly long and slender. 


Type Cephalothrips elongata Watson. 

The species used as the type of this genus agrees in every particular 
with Uzell’s description of Cephalothrips. But the other species of the 
genus have a short abdomen and the head is rounded in front. It now seems 
undesirable to include a form so diverse in shape of head and abdomen in 
that genus. Hind’s figure of Cephalothrips yuccae does not show the head 
to be rounded in front but all specimens the author has seen show the char- 
acter well. 

The following key will separate the three genera. 

Legs short. Head rounded in front. Anntennal segments all short.— 
Cephalothrips. 

-Legs short. Head square in front. Antennal segments short.—Dolicho- 
thrips. 

Legs long and slender. Head rounded in front. Interdemediate antennal 
segments elongated—Myrmecothrips. 


63. Chirothrips floridenis n. sp. 

Female. General color uniformly light brown. 

Measurements: Total body length 0.9 mm.; head, length 0.11 mm., 
breadth 0.11 mm.; prothorax, median dorsal length 0.12 mm., width in- 
cluding coxae 0.23 mm.; pterothorax, width 0.28 mm.; abdomen, width 0.27 
mm. 


Antennae: y 
Segment [ 2 Per Ree eae ee eee 
eenothe ee ee PAC 23 PAL 23 20 PH 10 | 9 microns 
Seat heresy eee eee 43 40 25 27 21 16 8 | 5 microns 


Total length .155 mm. 


Head about as long as its greatest width (behind the eyes), sides con- 
spicuously swollen behind the eys and slightly so between the eyes and the 
bases of the antenae. Vertex depressed in front, the anterior ocellus sit- 
uated on the margin of the depression and facing forward; no conspicuous 
bristles. Hyes rather large, occupying two-thirds the length of the head, 


220m. THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


slightly protuding, sparsely pilose, facets large . Ocelli large, posterior 
pair situated opposite and near the posterior margins of the eyes. Mouth 
Cone short, its length little more than half its width at the base, apex well 
rounded. Antennae but little longer than the head, basal segment rounded 
and very large, 1.6 times as wide as long, darker than the head. Segment 
3 conspicuously pedicellate. Sense cones on segments 3 and 4 colorless but 
exceedingly thick and heavy; bristles short, pale, and inconspicuous. 


Prothorax trapezoidal; sides straight and sharply diverging posteriorly, 
one moderately heavy spine at each posterior angle. 

Pterothorax somewhat wider than the prothorax, sides bulging. Wings 
long and narrow, projecting beyond the tip of the abdomen; fore pair 
curved, light brown except for a clear area above the base, surface sparsely 
covered with very minute hairs; the anterior longitudinal vein bears three 
bristles, one near the middle and the others midway between it and the 
base and apex respectively; the posterior vein bears six small spines near 
the base; scale with a pair of heavy bristles near the apex, a smaller one 
near the base and three along the distal margin. Hind wings light gray. 
Legs short, fore femora enlarged, .7 as wide as long; all femora and tibiae 
brown, tarsi yellowish brown. 


Abdomen short and thick, margins of segments almost black, producing 
distant transverse bands, bristles on the last two segments rather long. 


Described from a single female taken by sweeping Bermuda grass at Sea- 
breeze, Fla., Aug. 24, 1919, and several at Moor Haven June 1920. Type in 
the author’s collection. 

Male unknown. 

In the shape of the head and thorax and in the presence of but one spine 
at each posterior angle of the prothorax, this species approaches nearest to 
C. mexicana; but in its wing characters it agrees with other species of the 
genus. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF CHIROTHRIPS 


1. A single median longitudinal vein in each fore wing. 
C. mexicanus Crawf. 


2. Two longitudinal veins in each fore wing; fore wings brown. 
a. Two stout spines at each posterior angle of prothorax. 
b. Antennal segment 6 longer than 4 and 5 together. 
C. insolitus Hood. 
bb. - Segment 6 shorter than 4 and 5 together. C. manicatus Holiday. 
aa. A single stout spine at each posterior angle. C floridensis n. sp. 
aaa. Without stout spines at the posterior angles of prothorax. 
b. Abdomen usually yellow. 
e. Thorax yellowish brown. 
d. Vertex with only two pairs of prominent bristles. Length 
about .8 mm. Prothorax 1.3 as long as the head. 
C. obesus Hinds. 
dd. Vertex with 9 pairs of prominent bristles. Length about 
1.1 mm. Prothorax 2.7 as long as head. 
C. spiniceps Hood. 


FALL NUMBER 23 


ec. Thorax yellow ochre shaded with gray......... C. vestis Hood. 
bb. Abdomen gray or yellowish brown  ................ C. crassus Hinds. 


64. Haplothrips cassiae, n. sp. 

Color uniformly brown with black hypodermal pigmentation; antennal 
segment 3 light brown and 4 little lighter than the remainder. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.8 mm. (from 1 mm. to 1.5). Head, 
length 0.22, breadth 0.17 mm.; prothorax, length 0.13 mm., breadth, (in- 
cluding coxae) 0.26 mm.; mesothorax, breadth 0.28 mm.; abdomen, greatest 
width 0.34 mm.; tube, length 0.12, width at base .075, at apex .03 mm. An- 
tennal segment 1, 30; 2, 53; 3, 59; 4, 61; 5, 48; 6, 44; 7, 41; 8, 27 microns. 

Head about 1.3 times as long as wide, cheeks nearly straight but notice- 
ably diverging posteriorly to the base of the mouth cone, roughened with 
minute warts and bristles. Vertex rounded, finely cross striated; no post- 
ocular nor other prominent bristles. Hyes rather small, occupying about 
one-third the length and a little over one-half the width of the head on 
the dorsal surface, slightly produced posteriorly on the ventral surface; 
dark reddish brown. Ocelli dark red; posterior pair situated opposite the 
anterior one-third of the eyes. Mouth cone very full and rounded at the 
base, then sharply contracted to a narrow point which however is rounded 
at the very apex; reaching about three-fourths the distance across the pros- 
ternum. Antennae about 1.6 times as long as the head; intermediate seg- 
ments elongated; bearing very few conspicuous bristles; sense cones short 
but thick, colorless. 

Prothorax little more than half as long as the head and twice as wide as 
long; the posterior angles rounded, bearing each a single heavy bristle with 
dilated tip. 

Metathorax rectangular in outline; the middle of the dorsal surface bear- 
ing conspicuous longitudinal striations; destitute of prominent bristles. 
Legs moderately slender; concolorous with the body, even the tarsi being 
dark brown. Fore femora slightly enlarged, bearing on the lower surface 
an exceedingly long slender bristle. Fore tarsi with a very small incon- 
spicuous tooth. Wings well developed; membrane reaching the base of the 
tube, clear except for a brown area at the extreme base, markedly con- 
stricted in the middle, fringed with long hairs, about 6 (5 to 7) interlo- 
cated ones. 

Abdomen rather stout and short. Terminal segments bearing dark bris- 
tles of medium length. Tube short, wide at base but sharply tapering to 
the tip; sides straight; terminal bristles rather longer than the tube. 

Described from five females collected from blossoms of Cassia at Sea- 
breeze, Fla., Aug. 1919. Type in the author’s collection. Paratypes in the 
-National Museum and in the Museum of the University of Florida. 

65. Haplothrips Funki, n. sp. 

2. General color light brown; head and thorax darker, tibiae, tarsi, and 
antennal segment 3 yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.87 mm. Head, length 0.187 mm., 
breadth 0.149 mm.; prothorax, length 0.187, breadth 0.307 mm; pterothorax, 
greatest width 0.32 mm.; abdomen, greatest width 0.357 mm.; tube length 
0.12, width at base 0.067, at apex 0.029 mm. Antennal, total length 0.3738 
mm; seoment 1, 27> 2, 43: 3, 53; 4, 51; 5, 45; 6, 48; 7, 40; 8, 28 microns: 

; (Continued on page 27) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
‘PROFESSOR 3° R: WATSON 222... eee Editor 
ORS Wi AMIONE LING WH eee ce ee ee Associate Editor 
DREW. BERGER 22s 2. fea ee ee eee Business Manager 


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MOSQUITOES 


THE ENTOMOLOGIST is receiving many complimentary letters 
on the article by Dr. Hodge in the last number. The awakening 
interest in this most important matter of reducing the mosquito 
fauna of our state is indeed encouraging. 

In this connection the Jacksonville Times-Union of Sept. 12 
has an interesting article on the campaign now being waged to 
make the city of Perry an example and an object lesson for the 
other cities of the state. 

Last month the editor spent an all too brief vacation in one of 
our beach resorts. We enjoyed the days hugely; the fish bit 
well and the surf was fine. But the nights! Well, it was nec- 
essary, soon after sunset, to beat an inglorious retreat to the 
shelter of our rooms and stay there. The half hour before retiring 
was dedicated to mosquito swatting and it was frequently nec- 
essary to repeat the operation between 12 N. and 2 A. M. How- 
much more attractive would be our resorts would they but spend 
a few thousand dollars in cleaning up the local breeding places of 
mosquitoes. 

At the “city limits” of many of our towns we see a sign ‘“Wel- 
come to Our City’. It tickles our vanity to feel that the resi- 
dents think enough of us to erect those signs. But, unfortunate- 
ly, in many towns the culicidae extend an even more hearty wel- 
come, including a reception committee of “prominent citizens” 
to meet us the second our car stops. 

Now in all this we are not “knocking” Florida but endeavor- 
ing to do a little missionary work. If the mosquito were a nec- 
essary evil we would be like the “man convinced (by his wife) 
against his will’, who was “of the same opinion still’”— (mighty 

(24) 


FALL NUMBER 2D 


still). But the problem in most Florida towns is so simple and 
so cheap compared with the interests involved that we feel that 
it is the one largest opportunity for real service to the state now 
before us. The mosquito is the most powerful ‘“‘knocker’ we 
have. Culicid delendus est. 

Many of our boards of trade etc. are spending hundreds or 
even thousands of dollars and much nerve energy in advertising 
their towns. How would it do to spend at least a part of that 
money in eradicating mosquitoes and let every delighted tourist 
and traveling man advertise our town gratis, especially if we are 
going to inaugurate a movement to open the tourist season on 
Oct. 1, the very date when mosquitoes are at their maximum 
abundance ? 

In the review of Applied Entomology (London, Eng.) Vol. 
Mile sen. Bb. Part & p. 141, occurs an abstract of a paper 
by E. Roubaud on the feeding habits of Anopheles in France 
The author states that the malaria mosquito much prefers the 
bloed of cattle, horses and mules to that of man and that malaria 
is on the decrease in those regions where cattle are numerous. 
He thinks, however, that this is a recently acquired habit of the 
mosquitoes. Some observations along this line in Florida would 
be interesting. In any event there is no doubt but that if our 
farmers would keep their horses and mules in a tightly screened 
barn at night and install one of Hodge’s traps in the windows, 
they could greatly reduce the numbers of mosquitoes about the 
premises ; particularly if the house also was well screened. 


THE TOILET OF THRIPS 


There is at least one thing quite humanly feminine about a 
thrips. Her chief concern is for her hairs. When she has noth- 
ing else to do, and frequently when to our masculine minds she 
has many more important duties, she nevertheless elaborately 
brushes and smooths her hairs. There are some minor peculiar- 
ities of behavior necessitated by her anatomical plan. The more 
important hairs are on her wings instead of her head and she 
uses mostly her hind feet for a comb. 

Invariably before she can start on a journey or drop in in her 
neighbor she must comb her hairs. Even in the face of grave dan- 
ger, as the approach of the collector’s needle, she cannot take 
flight until she has combed her hairs. Combed she must be even 
tho the delay proves fatal. 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


The camphor thrips especially spends a goodly part of her 
time in—combing her hairs. Even while she sucks the life sap 
of a camphor twig her hind legs are busy—combing her hairs. 
Having drunk her fill she retires to a shady, secluded nook and, 
resting on her four fore legs, doubles her hind ones over her 
back and—combs her hair. Watch her under a glass until your 
patience is exhausted—she continues to comb her hairs. Go 
back hours later—she is still combing her hairs. The 
wingless young show none of this concern for their hairs, but 
the first act of the adult is to comb her newly acquired wings. 
Collect one in a bottle and almost before you can insert the cork 
—she is combing her mussed hairs. If caught in a shower her 
first act after the rain has ceased is—to comb her hairs. Injure 
one mortally and with her last mite of strength she—combs 
her hairs. 


PERSONALS 


Several of our out of town members were in attendance upon 
the meeting of the County Agents in Gainesville during the week 
of September 6-11. 

The work on the Camphor Thrips carried on by the U. S. Bur. 
of Ent. is now in charge of Mr. W. W. Yothers. 

Mr. M. Marcellus Javens of Mt. Dora is suffering from an in- 
jury to his éye. 

The county commissioners of Brevard and Polk Counties have 
recently given Mr. K. E. Bragdon and Wm. Gomme respectively 
very substantial evidence of their appreciation of their ef- 
forts as county agents. 

Dr. E. W. Berger has returned from his annual visit in Ohio. 
Australian lady bird beetles please take notice. 

Mr. A. C. Brown, Asst. Quarantine Inspector of the Plant 
Board at Miami, recently spent a few days at Gainesville. 

Mr. W. L. Benedict has accepted a position with the Bureau 
of Plant Industry and has been assigned to citrus inspection work 
in California. 

Mr. B. L. Boyden recently visited the Plant Board afices at 
Gainesville for conference regarding the sweet potato weevil 
eradication work. 

Mr. Fritz Fuchs has recently disposed of his grove property 
in south Dade County and has removed to Miami. 


FALL NUMBER Zit 


Mr. B. F. Floyd, with the Wilson & Toomer Fertilizer Co., 
now has headquarters in Orlando with office in the San Juan 
Hotel. 

Mr. J. C. Goodwin has taken a year’s leave of absence from 
his duties as Chief Clerk for the State Plant Board and will pur- 
sue advanced studies during the year at the Iowa Agricultural 
College. 


Mr. J. E. Graf has recently been investigating the bean lady- 
bird beetle outbreak for the Bureau of Entomology in the vicin- 
ity of Birmingham, Ala. 

Messrs. Wilmon Newell, J. H. Montgomery, Frank Stirling 
ena C. E. Whittington attended the “black fly conference” at 
Orlando on September 9th. 


Mr. Jas. Kerr, Asst. Nursery Inspector for the State Plant 
Board, is now in charge of the northern nursery inspection dis- 
trict, extending from Jacksonville to Pensacola. 

Mr. Jas. F. Marsh is now in charge of the citrus grove inspec- 
tion work in the vicinity of Ft. Myers, having succeeded Mr. 
Wm. L. Benedict. 


Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Reese are the proud parents of a handsome 
baby daughter. Chas. “did the right thing” by the office force. 


Mr. W. W. Yothers was among those attending the citrus 
growers conference at Orlando on September 9th. 

Professor P. H. Rolfs, Director Florida Experiment Station, 
has recently visited Washington, D. C., on official business. 


Dr. J. H. Montgomery represented the Plant Board. at a Con- 
ference at Birmingham, Ala., of the Southern States Entomol- 
ogists on September 20. This conference was called on account 
of the recent appearance of the Western Bean Ladybeetle (E'pz- 
lancha corrupta Muls) in Alabama. 

Mr. €. M. Hunt has built a house at Lake Wales. Mr. 
Hunt is now manager of a grove property at this place, having 
severed his connections with the Plant Board. 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—VII 


(Continued from page 23) 

Head longer than broad, cheeks slightly arched, roughened, slightly con- 
verging posteriorly. Post-ocular bristles thick but light colored, with a large 
transparent head. Hyes rather small, occupying about a third of the length 
of the head and a little more than half the breadth, deep red by reflected 
light. Ocelli large, concolorous with the eyes, situated far forward; pos- 


28 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


terior pair opposite the anterior third of the eyes and touching their mar- 
gins. Mouth cone short and very bluntly rounded, scarcely reaching the 
middle of the prosternum, slightly swollen at the base. Antennae twice as 
long as the head. Segments 1 and 5-8 dark, concolorous with the head; 2 
and 4 lighter brown; 3 yellow, clear at the apex. No sense cones on the in- 
ner surface of segment 3, those on 4, 5 and 6 thick but colorless. Bristles 
light colored and short. 

Prothorax about as long as the head, sides conspicuously bulging across 
the coxae where they bear each a heavy, knobbed, but light-colored bristle; 
posterior angles much contracted, each bearing a similar bristle. 

Pterothorax subrectangular, sides straight and nearly parallel. Legs 
rather long and slender. Femora dark brown, concolorous with the body. 
All tarsi and tibiae light brownish yellow, the latter shaded with brown on 
the outer surface. Fore femora considerably enlarged. Fore tarsi with 
a strong curved tooth and a smaller straight one. Wings well developed 
but not reaching the tip of the abdomen. Membrane clear in distal half 
but the proximal half of fore wing clouded with brownish gray. Fore wing 
much contracted in the middle, destitute of prominent veins or bristles; 
fringing hairs numerous and fairly long, 4 or 5 interlocated ones. 

Abdomen rather long, sub-cylindrical, conspicuous bristles on only the 
last two segments but a few of these are quite long, light brown. 

Described from two specimens; one obtained from sweeping vegetation 
including scrub oak at Daytona Beach Aug. 1919, and another from beating 
Basswood foliage Tilia americana at Gainesville, May 1920. 

Male similar to the female but the fore femora more enlarged and the 
tarsal spine larger. 

Described from a single specimen collected from underneath the bark of 
an oak tree (Quercus falcata) at Orlando Oct. 1919. Stated by Mr. Funk 
of the U. S. Drug Garden who called our attention to this insect, to have 
been abundant on the oaks in the spring. 


66. Haplothrips querci, n. sp. 
* General color grayish brown with a little red and purple hypodermal 
pigment. Fore femora and tarsi lighter. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.17 mm.; head, length 0.19 mm.; width 
0.17 mm.; prothorax, length 0.20, width including coxae 0.288; mesothorax, 
width 0.37 mm.; abdomen, width 0.24. mm. Antennae, segment, 1, 32; 2, 
42; 3, 40; 4, 48; 5, 48; 6, 37; 7, 37; 8, 27 microns. 

Head 1.1 times longer than broad, sides slightly bulging, parallel or 
slightly converging posteriorly, sparsely pilose, post-ocular bristle short and 
pointed, not reaching the middle of the eye. Hyes moderately large, occupy- 
ing .4 the length and .7 the width of the head. Ocelli large, posterior pair 
set in front of the middle of the eyes and touching their margins. Mouth 
cone evenly and bluntly rounded, reaching a little past the middle of the 
prosternum. Antennae 1.5 times as long as the head; almost uniformly 
grayish brown, segment 2 a little darker and segment 3 a little lighter than 
the others; sense cones and bristles pale and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax shorter than the head, nearly 1.5 times as wide as long, trap- 
ezoidal in outline; posterior angles well rounded and each bearing a pair of 
heavy but rather short, colorless bristles which are blunt at the end. 


FALL NUMBER 29 


Pterothorax sub-rectangular in outline, sides converging slightly pos- 
teriorly. Legs moderately long; except the tarsi and fore tibiae which are 
lighter brown, concolourous with the body. Fore femora slightly enlarged. 
Fore tarsi with a small spine. 

Wings well developed. Membrane clear except for a small area at the 
base and the scale of the fore wing which are clouded with brown. Fore 
wing noticeably contracted in the middle; fringing hairs long, 6 or 7 inter- 
located ones. 

Abdomen quite short. The sides of each segment about parallel but ab- 
ruptly contracted at the point of contact with the next. Bristles rather 
short, tube small, terminal bristles short. 

Male similar but fore femora much enlarged and fore tarsal spine robust. 
Sides of the head converging posteriorly. Eyes larger. 

Described from a single female and two males beaten from scrub oak at 
Daytona Beach, Fla., Aug. 1919. Type in the author’s collection. Very 
close to H. Graminis but the color is less yellowish brown and the inter- 
mediate antennal segments are more elongated, especially the third. There 
is a sense cone on the inner surface of the segment 3 but it is thin 
and inconspicuous. The most noticeable difference is in the shape of the ab- 
domen which is much shorter than in H. graminis. 

67. Heliothrips fasciatus. 

A single specimen of this species, which is very abundant in California 
where it is called the “Bean Thrips” because of its ravages on cultivated 
beans, was collected from Cassia at Seabreeze, Fla., Aug. 1919. This was 
far from any cultivated land and there can be no doubt that it is a native 
insect. This is the second report of its presence in the East, Mr. Mor- 
gan having collected it in Tenn. 

68. Heterothrips tiliae, n. sp. 

-?, General body color dark brown, intermediate antennal segments, 
tarsi, tips of all tibiae and entire fore tibiae brownish yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 0.75 mm. Head, length 0.07 mm.; 
breadth 0.13 mm.; prothorax, length 0.08, width 0.19 mm.; mesthorax, width 
0.23 mm; abdomen greatest width 0.24 mm.; antennae, total length 0.19. 
Segment 1 (exposed portion) 9.5; 2, 28; 3, 48; 4, 38; 5, 29; 6, 26; 7, 11; 
8, 12; 9, 10 microns. 

Head about twice as wide as long, broadest behind the eyes; entire dorsal 
surface conspicuously transversely striate; cheeks bearing several short but 
stout hairs; frons deeply emarginate at the base of each antenna. Hyes 
black, prominent, projecting; hairs between the facets conspicuous, fully 
as large as those on the cheeks. Ocelli large, yellow, prominent. Posterior 
pair contiguous with the posterior inner angles of the eyes; flattened on 
the side next to the eye. Anterior facing forward. Mouth cone reaching 
nearly across the prosternum. Antennae almost three times as long as the 
exposed portion of the head; 9-segmented; segment 1 cup shaped, 2 and 6 
barrel shaped, 3 urn shaped, 4, oblong, 5 ovoid, 8and 9 conical; 1, 2 and 6 
to 9 dark brown, 3 to 5 brownish yellow; 3 nearly colorless at the base, 
4 shaded with brown on apical half; 3 with two deep constrictions near 
the base and many shallow ones above. Bristles and sense cones short and 
very inconspicuous, nearly colorless except those on segment 2 which are 
larger and brown; segments closely united, articulations brown. 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Prothorax considerably longer than the head, twice as wide as long, sides 
arched and strongly diverging posteriorly; dorsal surface transversely 
striated; two or three short, curved spines at each anterior angle; and a 
heavy, dark but short one at each posterior angle directed backward. Legs 
brown except the tarsi, distal ends of the hind and mid tibiae and the entire | 
fore tibiae which are brownish yellow; surface marked with diagonal stri- 
ations. 

Mesothorax wider than either the prothorax or the metathorax; anterior 
portion of dorsal surface transversely striated, middle longitudinally -stri- 
ated. Wings considerably longer than the abdomen, membrane brown, cov- 
ered with minute hairs, abruptly widened at the base, costal margin sparse- 
ly fringed with long hairs and bearing about 28 stout bristles, fore vein 
bearing about 14 and hind vein about 19. 

Abdomen oval in outline, last segment markedly narrow and elongated, 
tubular. Bristles very short, those of the last two segments longer but still 
unusually short. 

Male. Considerably smaller. Body length 0.50 mm. Head 0.047 mm. 
long and 0.14 mm. wide; prothorax, length 0.095 mm., breadth 0.18 mm.; 
mesothorax, greatest width 0.2 mm.; abdomen 0.14 mm. Antennae, seg- 
ment 1,10; 2; 28; 3, 50; 4, 36; 5, 30:6, 27; 7, 125 8°14:09) 1 microns: 

Striations on the head and prothorax are less marked. Abdomen very 
small, scarcely twice as long as wide. Wings much exceeding the abdomen. 

Described from a singe female and a single male collected from Bass- 
wood (Tilia americanna) at Gainesville, Fla., May. 

This species is very close to Heterothrips vitis Hood but is smaller, lacks 
any suggestion of orange on the third antennal segment which is much 
shorter as is also the prothorax, and the forth antennal segment is also 
yellow. Type in the author’s collection. 


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VoL. IV WINTER NUMBER No. 3 
JANUARY, 1921 


NOTES ON SOME FLORIDA WEEVILS 


A small collection of Rhyncophora recently identified for the 
Department of Entomology of the Experiment Station by Mr. 
W.S. Blatchley supplies two new records for Florida and some 
new data on distribution within the state, on dates of appear- 
ance, and food habits. Most of the systematic collecting in the 
state has been done during the winter so that summer records 
are rather valuable. The numbers in parenthesis are those in 
Blatchley’s and Leng’s “Rhyncophora of N. E. America.” 

(34) Avraeocerus fasciculatus DeG. The Coffee-Bean Weevil. 
Taken from a frosted avocado tree near Tampa; and on the calyx 
of a Japanese persimmon from which the fruit had _ fallen, 
Gainesville, May. Probably not the cause of the dropping of the 
persimmon. This insect feeds on dried seeds and evidently also 
on diseased and dying tissue. It is a serious pest of coffee in 
some parts of the West Indies. It is said to have originated in 
India but is now apparently thoroly established in Florida. 

(127) Epicaerus formidulosus Boh. This is a very common 
weevil and one of considerable economic importance. It is com- 
mon on cotton plants and has been mistaken for the boll weevil 
by a great many farmers, in spite of its larger size and spotted 
color pattern. It is sometimes very destructive to young pepper 
plants, which it punctures at or a quarter inch below the surface 
of the ground. In Nov. 1919 it “ruined a field of peas” at 
Leesburg. In Bul. 67, U. S. Bur. Ent., it is said to injure young 
tobacco plants. We have taken it also on velvet beans, Ironweed 
(Vernonia), yellow jasmine, goldenrod and several other com- 
positae, and during every month from April to November. Evi- 
dently a quite general feeder. We have no winter records. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
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advertisers. 


34 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
°(153) Tanymecus lacaena Hbst. Captured in Gainesville, 
eating the leaves of Baccharis. 

(177) Hudiogogus rosenschoeldi Fabr. was collected in Oc- 
tober near Tampa by Mr. U. C. Zeluff, who writes: ‘On oak 
trees some of which were very heavily infested.” This is the 
first record of this large handsome weevil from Florida. It also 
establishes a new host plant. 

(217) Hyperodes cryptops Dietz. Gainesville, April 21. At 
“lizard’s tail” (Saururus cernuus) in bloom. Said to be scarce. 

(258) Derelomus basalis Lec. Said by Blatchley and Leng 
to be especially abundant on the dwarf papaw (Asimina parvi- 
flora). We have taken it at Gainesville on wild plum in Feb., 
on velvet beans in July, and on blossoms of the button-bush 
(Cephalanthus). 

(411) Tachypterus quadrigibbus Say. The Apple Curculio. 
Branford, Fla., on cotton, a new host. 

(434) Anthonomus signatus Say. This is the Strawberry 
Weevil which is quite a pest in some of the more northern states. 
It lays its eggs in the buds and then cuts the stem so that the 
bud withers and dies. It does not seem to attack strawberries 
in Florida but is abundant in the blossoms of the wild haw 
(Crataegus) in March. 

(549) Baris splendens Casey. Reported only from thistle 
Feb.-April. We have taken it on thistle on Jan. 19, and on 
goldenrod, Grindelia, ironweed (Vernonia) and other compo- 
sites, July-Sept. All records are from the heads of composites, 
evidently its preferred hosts. 

(560) Aulobaris ibis Lec. On dog fennell and bee-balm 
(Monarda), abundant in October. But also from “mayweed” 
and ironweed on July 4. All previous Florida records are in 
the fall. 

(575) Centrinus modestus Boh. On goldenrod in Sept. 

(577) Centrinus albotectus Casey. Said to be “scarce” at 
Sanford in April but abundant here during April and May on 
goldenrod, flebane daisy, lizard’s tail, blackberry and haw blos- 
soms. Evidently a spring insect only with us, but reported in 
July in New Jersey. 

(579) Centrinus perscillus Gyll. Schon. Campville, Fla., 
“Feeding on Cotton”; Sanford Aug. 3, 1918, on Cassia sp. 

(584) Odontocorynus scutellum-album Say. Common at 
Gainesville, on various composites as are most other records. 
Evidently a weevil of compositae. 


| 
' 


| 
| 


WINTER NUMBER 35 


(586) O. selebrosus Casey. On cotton, a new host plant. © 


(671) Auleutes cruralis Lec. Taken in a damp meadow 
along Hog Town Creek near Gainesville. Apparently the first 
record from Florida. 


(748) Conotrachelus coronatus Lec. Collected in the same 
locality as the last. Described from Enterprise, Fla., and here- 
tofore known only from there and Vero. 


(760) Chalcodermus collaris Horn. Taken from corn at 
Gainesville by H. L. Dozier Aug. 16, 1916, and on cotton at 
Branford, Fla., by Mr. J. F. L. Lindsey. Both of these are new 
hosts. This species looks like its near relative, the cowpea 
pod-weevil, but the surface of the thorax is covered with a net- 
work of ridges instead of sunken dots. 

J. R. WATSON. | 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—VIII 
J. R. WATSON 
(Continued from page 30) 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF HETEROTHRIPS 


1. Antennae with ten segments.......................--------- H. decacornis Crawford. 
II. Antennae with nine segments. | 
a. Without circles of distal sensoria on antennal segment 4. 
H. salicis Shull. 
aa. Segment 4 of antennae with distal circles of sensoria. 
b. At least part of the abdominal tergites bordered with scales 
with fringed margins. 
ec. Abdomen not pubescent. 
d. Prothorax twice as long as the head. U. S. 
H. arisaemae Hood. 
dd. Prothorax not twice as long as head. W. I. 
H. borinquen Hood. 
cc. Abdomen more or less pubescent. 
d. Abdomen sparsely pubescent. 
e. Whole antennae more or less yellow. Panama. 
H. flavicornis Hood. 
ee. Only segment 3 always yellow........... H. lyoniae Hood. 
dd. Abdomen more densely pubescent. 
e. Prothorax sculptured with anastomoxing lines. West- 
(Shed foe ee ee See ENE er Be H. pectinifer Hood. 
ee. Prothorax free of sculpture except for a few lines. 
(H. azaliae Hood) H. aesculi Watson. 
bb. Abdominal tergites fringed posteriorly with hairs which are 
not at all coalesced into scales. Abdomen closely pubescent. 


36 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ce. Third antennal segment 3.6 times as long as wide. 
H. analis Hood. 
ec. Antennal segment 3 less than 3 times as long as wide. 
d. Length 1.00 mm.; antennal segment 3 61 microns long, 


ORANG eR bINibe ee eevee eee sates eee H. vitis Hood. 
dd. Length .75 mm.; antennal segment 3 48 microns long, 
NOVOTANG Che ee ee ne H. tiliae n. sp. 


69. Euthrips grandioculus, n. sp. 

Color almost uniformly brown; tibiae and tarsi lighter brown; posterior 
segments of the abdomen darker. 

Average measurements: Total body length 1.32 mm. Head, length .122, 
width .133 mm.; prothorax, length .13, width .145 mm.; mesothorax, width 
.20 mm.; metathorax, width .17 mm.; abdomen, width .20 mm. Antennae, 
total length .20 mm. 


Segment 1 2 5 | 4 5 6 i 8 9 
Length “722 21 31 Oo) |) ot 34 33 aBl 8 | 12 microns 
Width: =" | 28 24 1s bee ef 16 uy Jia 5 4 microns 


Head wider than long, rounded in front, cheeks slightly arched, dorsal 
surface coursely reticulated posteriorly, spines short and inconspicuous. 
Eyes large, protruding, occupying half the length of the head and two thirds 
the width. Ocelli sub-approximate, large, bordered with deep orange cres- 
eents. Mouth-cone long, reaching nearly across the prosternum, rather 
blunt at the very tip which is nearly black. Antennae about 1.6 times as 
long as the head, apparently 9-segmented thru an oblique division of seg- 
ment 6; Segments 1 and 2 concolorous with the head, 3-5 brownish yellow, 
6-9 lighter brown; sense cones rather thick and long but colorless and de- 
cidedly inconspicuous. 


Prothorax quite square in outline, but little wider than the head and 
nearly as long as wide. No prominent spines. Mesothorax wider than the 
prothorax; fore angles rounded; sides quite strongly arched. Metathorax 
considerably narrower than the mesothorax; sides nearly straight and 
parallel. Legs rather short. Stout spines on the inner side of hind tibiae. 
Black spot at tip of tarsi less conspicuous than in EF. obscurus. Wings 
rather short, membranes of the fore pair brown; veins quite prominent, 
each one bearing 8 stout bristles. Hind wings nearly clear. 


Abdomen quite long, cylindrical. Conspicuous bristles on the last two 
segments only. 

Described from five females collected from grass at Moore Haven, Fla., 
June 18, 1920. 

Very close to Huthrips obscurus [Anaphothrips striatus (Osborn) ] but 
differs in its darker color, protruding eyes, longer mouth cone, prothorax 
longer and more nearly square in outline (i. e. less rounded at the angles), 
shorter legs, mesothorax with less obtusely rounded fore angles, metathorax 
not smoothly joined to the mesothorax. 


70. Eurythrips longilabris, n. sp. 


Female. Measurements: Total body length 1.14 mm.; head, length 0.13 
mm., width 0.14 mm.; prothorax, length 0.13, width across coxae 0.24; 


WINTER NUMBER 3 if/ 


~ mesothorax, width 0.24; metathorax, greatest width 0.27; abdomen, greatest 
width 0.24 mm. Antennae, total length 0.34 mm. 


Segment [at 7s |e 4 5 6 {/ 8 
ILGiaEs eV A, ee eee Bo) | 2 58 57 52 38 28 | 28 microns 
\\VAIG ICE] a See ee eee 33 28.5| 28 PAL PAL 27 21 | 14 microns 


General color light, yellowish brown; head, antennae, and tube darker, 
a dark tan color, body under reflected light shows much bright yellow 
hypodermal pigmentation. 

Head about as long as wide, narrowed in front, vertex elevated and pro- 
jecting forward between the bases of the antennae. Cheeks bulging ab- 
ruptly behind the eyes, elsewhere nearly straight, diverging slightly pos- 
teriorly, roughened by small wart-like swellings which bear short bristles. 

Eyes small, occupying a little over a third of the length and two fifths 
of the width of the head. Ocelli yellowish brown, very large but incon- 
spicuous, anterior one situated far forward between the bases of the an- 
tennae, facing forward; posterior pair widely separated, situated opposite 
the anterior part of the eyes but far removed from their margins. Post- 
ocular bristles long and sharp pointed, projecting far beyond the eyes. Two 
pairs of smaller bristles situated posterior to them and a somewhat larger 
pair mediad. Two small ones behind and one in front of each ocellus. 
Mouth cone long and slender, sharp-pointed at the tip, reaching quite 
across the prosternum. Antennae 2.5 times as long as the head. Segments 
large and heavy; 1 and 3 about concolorous with the head; 2 lighter, 
brownish yellow; the others darker brown than the head; bristles and 
sense cones long and thick but pale. 

Prothorax trapezoidal, about as long as the head; widening sharply pos- 
teriorly; posterior angles broadly rounded; a long acute spine on each 
angle, subequal in length; and one about the middle of each side. 

Mesothorax about as wide as prothorax, a slight constriction in the 
middle; closely united to the metathorax whose sides are straight and 
parallel. Legs of medium length, fore femora slightly enlarged; fore tarsi 
with a small, sharp spine. Wings short, membrane brown, fringed with 
long but comparatively few hairs. 

Abdomen rather short but longer than in some of the species of the 
genus, sides nearly parallel to the 8th segment and then abruptly rounded; 
lateral bristles rather short, pale. Tube very short; terminal bristles 
scarcely as long as the tube. 

Male unknown. 

Described from a single female taken about a light at night. August, 
1920, Gainesville. Type in the author’s collection. 

This species agrees with EH. hindsi Morgan in the roughened antennal 
segments, acute spines, and narrower body, but differs in color, long mouth 
parts, presence of wings and ocelli, and numerous minor characters. 


KEY TO THE SPECIES OF EURYTHRIPS 


a. Mouth cone short and blunt; spines of the body blunt. 


b. Width of the abdomen about 1.7 that of the prothorax; antennae 
twice asvlonge asthe head...) 02.20.2002. E. ampliventris Hinds. 


38 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


bb. Abdomen about 1.25 times as wide as prothorax; antennae about 
2.5. timesras lone. as, the neadec = sees eee E. osborni Hinds. 


aa. Mouth cone sharp-pointed at the tip; spines of the body acute. 
b. Mouth cone reaching only middle of prosternum.....L. hindsi Morgan. 
bb. Mouth cone reaching across the prosternum....... E. longilabris, n. sp. 


KEY TO N. A. SPECIES OF HAPLOTHRIPS 
I. Post-ocular spines small or wanting. Antennae almost uniformly 
brown except segment 3 and base of 4 which are light brown. 
a. Brown, with reddish, hypodermal pigment. Wing membrane brown 
for half its length. Tarsal spine large............. H. statices Haliday. 
aa. Brown with black hypodermal pigment. Wing membrane brown at 
extreme base only. Tarsal spine inconspicuous. H. cassiae Watson. 
II. Post-ocular bristles well developed. 
a. Post-ocular bristles and most of those of the thorax knobbed. 
b. Sides of the head set with minute bristles, surface roughened; 
fore tarsi with a large tooth; 10 to 12 accessory hairs on the 
POM AWINES 22) secs isk es Fe ose se aac eee ec ee ae H, flavipes Jones. 
bb. Sides of head with few inconspicuous bristles. 
ec. Eyes produced posteriorly on the ventral side. Wings nor- 


mal length. 
d. Head faintly sculptured; no interlocated hairs on fore 
wings; tibiae brown................. H. bellus Hood and William. 
dd. 3 or 4 interlocated hairs; head almost free of sculpture; 
tibiae pale yellow: 2 eee H. tibialis Hood. 


cc. Eyes not produced posteriorly. 

d. No interlocated hairs; wings only half the length of the 
ppd OMI 2 Yee lee eben eek ee H. gracilis Watson. 

dd. 4 to 7 interlocated hairs; wings normal length. 
e. Post-ocular bristles short.............. H. Dozieri Wats. 

ee. Post-ocular bristles long. 
f. Head wider posteriorly; tibiae brown. 

g. Head about as long as wide; sides of prothorax 
burl oer rs ee eet eee eee H. gowdeyi Franklin. 
gg. Head longer than wide; sides of prothorax concave. 
HA. merrilli Watson (20-b) 

ff. Head narrower posteriorly; tibiae yellow. 
H. funki Watson. 

aa. Post-ocular bristles not knobbed. 
b. Apex of femora with small anteriorly directed tooth within. 
ec. Antennae uniformly dark brown; terminal bristles shorter 
than the tube............. H. jonesi Karny (H. nigricornis Jones). 
ec. Antennal segment 3 brownish yellow; terminal bristles longer 
than -thextube. 2.2 et er ee 2 ee H. haplophilus Hood. 
bb. Apex of femora toothless. 
c. Wings clear except a brownish area at base. 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


d. Antennae twice as long as head, usual sense cones present 
on segment 3. 


e. Bristles of the anterior and posterior margins of pro- 
thorax about equal. 


f. Antennal segments 3-6 bright yellow; abdominal spines 
(except those of the tube) slender and faint; pro- 
thorax about 1.5 times as wide as long. 

H. verbasci (Osborn) 


ff. Antennal segments 3-6 light brown or yellow; abdom- 
inal spines stout and conspicuous; prothorax about 
twice as wide as long......... H. variabilis (Crawford). 


ee. Bristles of the anterior margin of the prothorax much 
shorter. 


f. No interlocated hairs on wing......... H. malifloris Hood. 


ff. About 20 interlocated hairs. 
H. orlando Watson and Osborn. 


dd. Antennae less than twice the length of the head. 
e. No sense cones on the inner surface of segment 3. 
f. Prothorax less than twice as wide as long. 


g. Only antennal segment 3 entirely yellow or brown- 
ish yellow. 


h. Antennal segment 3 shorter than 2. 
H. graminis Hood. 
hh. Antennal segment 3 longer than 2. 
H. pini (Watson) (Cryptothrips pini Wats.) 
ff. Prothorax nearly or quite twice as wide as long. 


g. Antennal segments 3-6 yellow, 3 longer than 2. 
H. faurei Hood. 


gg. Only antennal segment 3 yellow, shorter than 2. 
H. humilis Hood. 


ee. Sense cones present on segment 3...........-... H. querci Wats. 


ee. Wings clouded with gray with a nearly black area at the base 
and a paler one just before the middle, 2 interlocated hairs. 
H. nubilipennis Hood. 


CALLING US NAMES 


In a recent advertising circular the Country Gentleman lists 
among its writers a former “entymologist of Texas State Univ.” 


HAS HE CROSSED THEM WITH WATER HYACINTHS? 


A correspondent writes: “I have thirty acres of onions on 
Lake Okeechobee.” 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
IPROBESSOR: J bys WIATSON Ges eer Editor 
DR AWILMONCNEWELie in eee ee ee Associate Hditor 
TOR MEW WDE RGHR 6.2500 soe Oe Series eevee sean eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


A FOOD PLANT OF LANGURIA DISCOIDEA Lec. 


The beetles of the family Hrotylidae are known as ‘“‘The Pleas- 
ing Fungus Beetles.” They are mostly slender, in shape re- 
sembling the click beetles but usually taper conspicuously toward 
the posterior end and, instead of the sober uniform colors of 
those beetles, these are most prettily and tastefully colored in 
striking patterns of red and black, a red thorax and black elatra 
or the reverse. Striking, but trim and elegant, never with gaudy 
or harlequin color patterns, they are indeed “pleasing” to the 
eye, quite ‘“‘chic’”’ in fact. It would seem that they should be an 
ornament to any sago palm; but at least one nurseryman cannot 
see it that way. 

The family is well represented in the tropics and numbers 
1800 species but only 50 of them are found in North America. 
Most of these beetles live in fleshy fungi into which they bore 
but those of the genus Languria feed on plants and are often 
found visiting flowers. Tho one species, L. mozardi, is known 
as the Clover-Stem Borer, from its habit of boring into the stems 
of clover to which it is sometimes very destructive, their habits, 
especially those of the larvae, are not well known, generally 
speaking. This seems to be true of L. discoidea Lec., so the 
following observation by Mr. John Beach, the well-known nur- 
seryman of West Palm Beach, is a real contribution to our 
knowledge of the species: 

“It lives on the sago palms and eats the young shoots. It also 
nips the old leaves to some extent, and when the plant is touched 
drops into the bud. I have known them for twenty years on the 
sagos and have seen them ruin a fine lot of sagos at the Craigin 
place but it took them four years to do it. After covering all 
the sagos they attacked and killed the buds of Washingtonias, 

(40) 


WINTER NUMBER Al 


Arecas, Kentias, Phoenix, and Pandanus. I killed them by dust- 
ing powdered pyrethrum into the buds.” 


It would be interesting to know if the larvae also feed on the 
palms. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGI- 
CAL SOCIETY 


Sept. 27, 1920. The Society met in Language Hall at 4:30, 
President Merrill in the chair. The following members were 
present: Merrill, Chaffin, Stirling, Davis, Reese, Fattig, Wat- 
son, Berger, Stone, Montgomery. 

Letters were read from U. C. Loftin, Tucson, Ariz., and H. B. 
Loding, Mobile, Ala. Mr. Loding suggested the use of a weak 
solution of cyanide in the Loftin mosquito traps. In the dis- 
cussion which followed the consensus of opinion was that such 
a procedure would be dangerous for general use. 

The paper of the evening on “Diseases of Bees’’ was given by 
C. A. Reese. He gave a brief but comprehensive statement of 
the diseases of honey bees and their treatment. (This infor- 
mation will appear in The Florida Grower.) 

Under the heading of Brief and Timely Notes, Mr. Stirling 
called attention to the meeting of the state beekeepers which 
would be held in Gainesville on Oct. 6. Professor Watson pre- 
sented a chart showing the relation of the winter weather to the 
abundance of the Velvet Bean Caterpillar the following season. 
It appears that very severe frosts cause the extermination of 
the insects and results in smaller numbers and later arrival the 
following season. The milder frosts during the past two years 
have resulted in an increasing amount of injury. 

Mrs. S. F. Richmond of Loughman, Fla., and Miss Stella Brod- 
nax of Jacksonville were elected to membership in the Society. 


Oct. 25, 1920. The Society met in Language Hall at 4:30. 
Mr. H. P. Loding, proprietor of The Gem Floral Garden, Mobile, 
Ala., and Professor R. W. Harned, Agric. Coll., Miss., were 
elected members. 


The paper of the evening was given by Dr. Montgomery on 
the Mexican Bean Beetle which has recently obtained a foothold 
in Alabama. The speaker called attention to the severe damage 
inflicted by this insect on beans and cowpeas and the freedom 


42 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


of velvet beans from attack, and the danger of its ultimately 
reaching Florida. In the discussion that followed Professor 
Watson stressed the point that the name “bean” as applied to 
the velvet bean was more or less of a misnomer, that the plant 
was not very closely related to the true beans and that there 
are comparatively few insect pests common to the two, so that 
it is not surprising that the Mexican Bean Beetle does not attack 
velvet beans. A motion was passed that a committee of three, 
of whom the Secretary be one, be appointed to prepare resolu- 
tions pointing out the danger to Florida from this beetle and 
urging that growers refrain from securing forage from the 
infested region. 

Under Brief and Timely Notes, Professor Watson read a letter 
from a physician at Hawthorn, Fla., reporting on two cases of 
poisoning by the bite of the “Black Widow” spider. Both 
showed extreme symptoms of nervous and gastric disturbances. 
The latter were so pronounced that when one of the patients 
was rushed to a hospital in Jacksonville he was at once operated 
on for appendicitis. 

J. H. MONTGOMERY, Sec’y. 


Nov. 29, 1920. The Society met in Language Hall at 4:30 
p. m. with President Merrill in the chair. Dr. O. F. Burger, the 
new Plant Pathologist at the Experiment Station, was elected to 
membership. A letter from the President of the Am. Ass. Econ. 
Ent. addressed to President Merrill requesting that a represen- 
tative of the Society be appointed to attend the Chicago meeting 
of the Association in December was read. The President ap- 
pointed Mr. F. M. O’Byrne as our representative at the above 
meeting. . 

The subject of the evening’s program was “A Discussion of 
Dr. Pierce’s Lectures on Entomology” which was led by Dr. E. 
W. Berger. 


Under Brief and Timely Notes Prof. Watson spoke of the 
introduction of a mite from Canada which was parasitic on the 
Oyster-shell Scale and the advisability of determining if this 
mite would work on the closely related Purple Scale. On account 
of the small number of members who would be in Gainesville 
during the last week of December it was decided to have no 
meeting at that time. 

FRANK STIRLING, Secretary pro tem. 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


RECENT PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST TO FLORIDA 
ENTOMOLOGISTS 


“Fumigation of Citrus Plants with Hydrocyanic Acid: Con- 
ditions Influencing Injury” by R. S. Woglum. U.S. D. A. Bul. 
907. 

“The Black Fly of Citrus and Other Subtropical Plants” Dietz 
and Zetek. U.S. D. A. Bul. 885. 

“Cotton Boll Weevil Control by the Use of Poison,” B. R. 
Coad. U.S, D. A; Bul. 375. 

“Results of Experiments with Substances Against Chicken 
Lice and the Dog Flea,” W. S. Abbott. U.S. D. A. Bul. 888. 
The author recommends good, fresh pyrethrum powder for both 
pests and sodium fluorid and mercurial ointment for chicken lice. 

“The Beet Leaf-Beetle” (Monoxia puncticollis Say), Chitten- 
den and Marsh. U.S. D. A. Bul. 892. Florida is included in 
the range of this beetle but it does little damage here. 

“The Pear Borer” (Aegeria pyri Harris), F. E. Brooks. U.S. 
D. A. Bul. 887. Evidently the author did not consult Grossbeck’s 
List of the Lepidoptera of Florida in outlining the insect’s dis- 
tribution as he omits Florida from the list. 

Farmers’ Bulletin 1148 on ‘“‘Cowpea Culture and Varieties” 
has a section on the “Insect Enemies of the Cowpea,” “prepared 
with the advice and cooperation of E. A. Back.” This deals 
mostly with the seed weevils. The most troublesome of all the 
insect enemies of cowpeas in our section and the limiting factor 
in their cultivation for seed production, the Pod Weevil (Chalco- 
dermus aeneus) is not even mentioned. 

Farmers’ Bul. 1102, ‘“‘The Crow in its Relation to Agricul- 
ture.”’ The author’s conclusion is: “The influence of the race 
as a whole for good and harm appears to be about equal.” This 
has reference to the “common crow” of most of the U. S. The 
most common crow in at least the central part of Florida is not 
this species but the Fish Crow. This does not seem to trouble 
sprouting corn or chickens to any extent. 

Farmers’ Bul. 1122 is on “Citrus Fruit Growing in the Gulf 
States” by E. D. Vosbury. It contains the spray schedule. 

“Orthoptera of N. E. America” by W. S. Blatchley (Nature 
Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Ind.) is the last word on this group 
of insects. It is a large and complete book of 784 pages, with 
very full descriptions and notes on habits, distribution, food and 
life history of all our species. It contains about 250 illustrations. 
It is invaluable to students of this order of insects. 


44 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


PERSONALS 


Dean P. H. Rolfs, for the past 15 years Director of the Flor- 
ida Agricultural Experiment Station and a charter member of 
our Society, has been granted a four years’ leave of absence to 
found and conduct an agricultural institution in the state of 
Minas Geraes, Brazil. He sails from New York on Jan. 19. At 
a special convocation on December 22 the University conferred 
the degree of Doctor of Science on Dean Rolfs. 

Professor Herbert Osborn of Ohio State University is ex- 
pected in Gainesville about Jan. 15. He will spend several 
weeks in the state collecting jassids. 

Mr. W. S. Blatchley has arrived at his winter home in Dun- 
edin. He is planning a two weeks’ collecting trip to Paradise 
Key and extreme southern Florida some time in February. 

Mr. A. H. Beyer, who is now engaged in the Corn Borer 
Laboratory of the U. S. Bur. of Ent. at Arlington, Mass., is 
spending a ten days’ vacation with his father at Lakeland. 

According to the Jour. of Econ. Ent., John B. Gill, who has 
been in charge of the Pecan Insects investigations for the U. S. 
Bur. of Ent. at Monticello, Fla., has been transferred to Brown- 
wood, Texas. 

Plant Commissioner Newell, Dr. Montgomery, F. M. O’Byrne, 
and Frank Stirling are in attendance upon the meetings of the 
Amer. Ass. of Economic Entomologists at Chicago. 

Miss Evelyn Osborn is now Professor of Entomology in the 
Agricultural College of Syracuse University. 

Mr. H. L. Dozier, formerly Assistant in the Department of 
Entomology of the Experiment Station and now with the Miss. 
State Plant Board, stopped over in Gainesville recently. 

Announcements are out of the marriage of Mr. U. C. Loftin 
to Miss Mae M. Lebeuf of New Orleans. At home after Jan. 
15th, at Tlahualilo, Durango, Mexico. 

Dr. Wilmon Newell, Plant Commissioner, and retiring Presi- 
dent of the American Association of Economic Entomologists, 
was elected to the Committee on Policy of the Association at its 
Chicago meeting, December 29-31, 1920. The Committee subse- 
quently selected Dr. Newell as its Chairman. 

Messrs. C. H. Popenoe and J. E. Graf, in charge of the sweet 
potato weevil eradication work in the South, are expected at 
Gainesville about February first, and will make a tour of the 
State in connection with this work. 


WINTER NUMBER 45 


Dr. W. A. Orton, member of the Federal Horticultural Board, 
Washington, D. C., will make a trip to Florida in January for the 
purpose of inspecting the various lines of work conducted under 
the auspices of the Federal Horticultural Board. Dr. Orton will 
pay special attention to the port quarantine work being carried 
on by the State Plant Board in collaboration with the Federal 
Horticultural Board. 

Dr. Newell, Dr. Montgomery, Messrs. O’Byrne and Warner 
were in attendance at the hearing in Washington, D. C., before 
the Horticultural Board on December 20th, to consider the im- 
position of a quarantine or regulative measures intended to pre- 
vent the introduction of the Black-Fly into this country and 
particularly Florida. The Board will announce its decision in 
sanuary. It is confidently expected that proper safeguards will 
be provided. 

In December, Mr. L. R. Warner, Assistant Quarantine In- 
spector for the Plant Board at Key West, Fla., visited Cuba and 
the Bahamas collecting information on the Black-Fly. 

Mr. George B. Merrill, Assistant Entomologist of the State 
Plant Board, Gainesville, Fla., has been advanced from the grade 
of Associate Member to that of Active Member in the American 
Association of Economic Entomologists. The honor was con- 
ferred upon Mr. Merrill in recognition of his work. 


THE HABIT OF HORSE FLIES CHASING AUTOMOBILES 


In the Review of Applied Entomology, VIII-B-6, p. 110, occurs 
a review of “A Contribution to Knowledge of the Tabanidae of 
Palestine’, by Maj. E. E. Austin, in which occurs this statement ; 
“Attention is directed to the pursuit of a fast traveling motor 
car by two species. This habit does not seem to have been pre- 
viously recorded, though in Africa the attraction for Glossina 
of moving vehicles or animals has been noticed on more than 
one occasion.” The phenomenon of Tabanids pursuing auto- 
mobiles is often noticed here in Florida. Doubtless it is a man- 
ifestation of the primitive instinct of the chase common to those 
predaceous animals that pursue their prey. The Business Man- 
ager also states that, some years ago, he captured at one time, 
several dozen Tabanids trapt back of an open door at the rear 
of a coach, on a north-bound Florida East Coast Railway train 
that he boarded at Titusville, Fla. Had these flies mistaken 
the railway train for a big animal? 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


DR. NEWELL DEAN OF AGRICULTURE 


As we go to press the announcement is made that the Board 
of Control at their last meeting placed Dr. Wilmon Newell in 
charge of the Agricultural College, Experiment Station and Ag- 
ricultural Extension as well as the Plant Board. This places all 
of the agricultural activities on the campus under one head, thus 
ensuring perfect cooperation between the different departments. 


Mr. A. H. Beyer has resigned from the Bureau of U. S. Ento- 
mology to take up the work of assistant in the Departments of 
Plant Pathology and Entomology in the Experiment Station. 


A JAPANESE ORANGE FRUIT FLY 

In a Bulletin of Imperial Agric. Central Experiment Station 
T. Miyake describes a serious orange fruit fly, thus reminding 
us of one of Florida’s advantages. Florida, California and some 
of the West Indies are the only citrus sections on earth which 
have no fruit flies—no worms in their oranges. 


Printing for All Purposes 


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WANTED—To buy or exchange for northern species, southern 
Chrysopidae (Lace-winged-flies). All stages desired, especially 
material for biological studies. Will determine specimens. Dr. 
Roger C. Smith, U. S. Ent. Lab., Charlottesville, Va. 


I WANT to buy common native or foreign butterflies in quan- 
tities. State prices to J. G. White, Wellington Grove, Waltham, 
Mass. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


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When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
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Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
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Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


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‘ OGhe — 
Florida Entomologist 


(Formerly The Florida Buggist) 
Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. IV SPRING NUMBER NO. 4 
MARCH, 1921 


NOTES ON SOME AMERICAN TINGIDAE, WITH DESCRIP- 
TIONS OF NEW SPECIES* 
By Cari J. DRAKE 


Leptoypha meateei n. sp. 


Form oblong, the elytra distinctly constricted a little beyond the middle. 
Antennae more slender and a little longer than in L. binotata Champion; 
first segment slightly longer than the second, the latter obconical; third 
segment a little more than three and a half times the length of the fourth, 
the fourth slightly longer than the first and second conjoined. Elytra ex- 
tending a little beyond the tip of the abdomen; costal area extremely nar- 
row, with a single row of tiny areolae; subcostal area with three to four 
rows of areolae, the areolae very slightly smaller than those of discoidal 
area; sutural area broad, the areolae becoming larger towards the apex. 
Median pronotal carina quite distinct, the lateral ones traceable on the 
posterior extension. Spines on vertex of head short, decumbent, converging 
at the apex; lateral spines rather long, decumbent, extending a little beyond 
the posterior margins of the eyes. Pronotum coarsely punctured. Length, 
2.89 mm.; width 1.14 mm. 

General color light reddish brown, with fuscous markings. A transverse 
spot on each side behind the collar, one on each side near the lateral carinae, 
discoidal area and a broad transverse band about the middle of costal area, 
and part of the veinlets of sutural area dark fuscous. Antennae and legs 
reddish brown. Bucculae, rostral sulcus and spines on head yellowish 
brown. 


Two specimens, taken on wild olive, Osmanthus americanus, 
August 13, 1916, Gainesville, Fla. Numerous nymphs and adults 
were observed feeding on the underside of the leaves by Mr. 


*Contribution from the Department of Entomology, the New York State 
College of Forestry, Syracuse, N. Y. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


50 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Dozier. I am indebted to Dr. Champion for comparing the type 
of this insect with the type of L. binotata Champ. in the British 
Museum. The species is named in honor of Mr. W. L. McAtee, 
who has taken a very active interest in the genus. Types in my 
collection. 


Corythaica smithi n. sp. (Plate I; Figs. a and a’). 

Allied to C. monancha Stal., but very distinct and readily 
separated from it by the rounded lateral margins of the para- 
nota, the more evenly arched median carina, and the more de- 
flected hood in front. Length, 3.1 mm.; width 1.4 mm. 


Pronotum coarsely punctate, with distinct cells on the posterior projec- 
tion. Paranota broad, quite evenly rounded, with mostly three (some places 
four) rows of areolae. Median carina strongly raised, about equal to crest 
of hood in height, quite evenly rounded above, with two rows of areolae at 
middle. Lateral carinae uniseriate, the areolae large, slightly constricted 
at the middle. Hood a little larger and projecting a little farther in front 
of the head than in C. monancha, quite evenly narrowed in front, the median 
nervure distinctly raised, four rows of areolae at base (for three cells) and 
then with two roof-like rows extending anteriorly. Wings a little longer 
than abdomen. Elytra extending considerably beyond the apex of the abdo- 
men, slightly constricted a little beyond the middle; tumid elevation mod- 
_erately large and occupying greater part of subcostal and discoidal areas; 
costal area with two rows of large areolae (three or four additional small 
cells on each side); subcostal area wide with five rows of areolae, the areolae 
becoming distinctly smaller towards the costal area. Discoidal area bounded 
by a strongly raised nervure, four rows of areolae at widest part, the tumid 
elevation occupying the great part, all save inner row of cells, of this area. 
Sutural area broad, the areolae becoming larger posteriorly. Areolae trans- 
lucent. Antennae slender. Rostrum reaching to meso-metathoracic suture. 


General color yellowish brown, with fuscous markings. Hood with the 
nervures above pale brown, the cells whitish and opaque. A spot on median 
carina and one on each paranota fuscous. Costal area with broad cross 
band a little in front of the middle, one or two spots between the band and 
dark apical portion, part of discoidal area, sutural area and most of apical 
portion of elytra fuscous. Body dark reddish brown beneath. Antennae 
and legs light brown, the apical segment of the former dusky. 

Two specimens, male and female, from Bonda, a village on 
Manzanares river, seven miles east of Santa Marta, Colombia, 
S. A., collected by H. H. Smith, after whom the insect is named. 
Type in Carnegie Museum. This species may be separated at 
once from any of the known species with rounded margins of 
paranota, by its much wider paranota. The female is a little 
larger than the male. The male is figured. 


Corythucha meelfreshi n. sp. (Plate I; Figs. b and b’). 
Somewhat allied to C. unifasciata Champion, but very distinct 


SPRING NUMBER 51 


and readily separated from it by its much smaller size, the 
broader bulbous portion of the hood, the differently formed car- 
inae, and the elytra are without distinct fasciae. Length 3.54 
mm.; width, 2.3 mm. 

Lateral margins of elytra and paranota with numerous short spines, some 
places with double rows (extra submarginal row). Nervures with very few 
erect spines. Tumid elevation of elytra moderately large, costal area tri- 
seriate. Paranota with areolae smaller than those of hood. Hood mod- 
erately elevated, broad, abruptly constricted a little in front of the middle; 
posterior portion large, broad, sub-globose (a little longer than broad and 
broader than high) ; median carina slightly arched, shorter and about half 
as high as crest of hood. Lateral carinae not widely separated from hood, 
with four moderately large cells, raised anteriorly. Height of hood about 
three-fifths of its length. 

General color yellowish white. A few nervelets on the paranota, a spot 
on each tumid elevation, and a few cross-nervures (perhaps indicating 
transverse fasciae on elytra) brown. Areolae hyaline, the areolae of tumid 
elevation partly embrowned. Body black. 


One example from Mexico in the late Frank M. McElfresh 
collection. The species is so very distinct that I feel safe in 
describing the insect from a single specimen. Type in my col- 
lection. 

Corythucha morrilli Osborn and Drake. 

Numerous specimens, including type, paratypes, and many 
other specimens fully convince me that it is impossible to sepa- 
rate this insect from paratypes of C. mexicana Gibson. Morrilli 
O. & D. is somewhat variable in size and color; the hood also 
shows some variation in size and height. In this respect it is 
much like its congener, C. marmorata Uhler. Morrilli is a com- 
mon species in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California and 
Mexico. It feeds and breeds commonly on sunflowers, Helianthus 
spp. Other specimens at hand bear the food plant labels ebony, 
beans, and desert plant. 


Corythucha contracta Osborn and Drake. 

This is a common insect in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. I have 
numerous specimens from Jefferson (collected by Sim), Colum- 
bus, Delaware, Malta and Rockbridge, Ohio. It is also found 
throughout the eastern and northeastern part of the United 
States. C. parshleyi Gibson is identical and a synonym of con- 
tracta O. & D. It has been found feeding and breeding on bass- 
wood, walnut, butternut and pecan. 

Corythucha seguyi n. sp. (Plate I; Figs. ¢ and c’). 

Closely allied to C. unifasciata Champion, but distinguished 

from it by its larger size, the elytra broader apically, and the 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


q D 
Laer ly hy Om 

Ri ieee \ 

\ 

LN 


—— 
1 
fy 


anit 


ts 


rc c ( F a —< 
oo nce 
A rage] 
+4Y, 


eS 
Om 


WP-OSBORN: 


EXPLANATION OF PLATE 
Drawn by Mr. W. P. OSBoRN. 


-Piate I. Fig. a, Corythacia smithi n. sp. 
Fig. a’, Side view of hood and carinae of Corythacia smithi n. sp. 
Fig. b, Corythucha seguyi n. sp. 
Fig. b’, Side view of hood and median carina of C. seguyi n. sp. 
Fig. c, Corythucha mcelfreshi n. sp. 
Fig. c’, Side view of hood and median carina of C. mcelfreshi n. sp. 


SPRING NUMBER 53 


distinct cross band near the apex of the elytra. Length, 4.52 
mm.; width 3 mm. 

Hood moderately large, constricted slightly back of the middle, not so 
strongly deflected as in unifasciata Champ., slightly broader than high, 
its length about one and a half times its height. Median carina moderately 
arched, with single row of areolae (two or three extra cells at middle), 
about one-half as high as hood. Lateral carinae with five or six small cells, 
rather widely separated from hood. Costal area with three quite regular 
rows of large areolae. Bulbous elevations of elytra moderately large. 
Outer margins of elytra and paranota armed with numerous short spines. 
Nervures of elytra, hood and paranota with few spines. 


General color above yellowish brown. Areolae mostly hyaline. Two spots 
on the paranota, a rather large spot on median carina, part of crest of 
hood, most of tumid elevation, and more or less of sutural area brown. 
Elytra with a transverse band near the base and another near the tip 
brown. Spines with black tips. Body black. 

Four specimens, Cochabamba, Bolivia, S. A. Names in honor 
of Mr. E. Seguy, who kindly sent the material to me for study. 
Types in Paris Museum. Paratypes in my collection. The type 
is figured. More specimens may make this species a variety of 
C. unifasciata, but at present it seems best to consider it a dis- 
tinct species. 


Corythucha salicata Gibson. 


In a long series of specimens from Oregon, Washington and 
Manitoba it is impossible to separate C. drakei Gib. from C. 
salicata Gib.; the latter name has priority. The insect feeds on 
willow, poplar, apple and alder. 


Corythucha mollicula Osborn and Drake. 


Numerous specimens at hand from Wisconsin, Michigan and 
New York positively connect up C. salicis O. & D. with C. molli- 
cula O. & D. The species is quite variable in color and size; the 
hood is also somewhat variable in size and height. Mollicula 
and salicis represent the two most extreme forms before me, but 
as there are so many intermediate forms, it seems best not to 
consider the latter as a variety. The insects breed on various 
species of willows and poplars. It has been collected on culti- 
vated currants in Montana by Cooley. There are two genera- 
tions a year on willow and poplar in the Adirondack Mts., New 
York. Winter is spent in the mature state among the leaves and 
rubbish on the ground. The insect is a transcontinental species, 
extending throughout the northern part of the United States 
and southern part of Canada and south along the Atlantic states 
to South Carolina (fide Drake) and Florida (fide Osborn). 


54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Parshley has made C. canadensis Parsh. a synonym of this 
species. 


Corythucha arcuata var. mali Gibson. 


Paratypes and other specimens in the collection of Mr. H. G. 
Barber and numerous specimens in my collection indicate C. mali 
Gibson to be a good color variety of typical C. arcuata Say. In 
the typical form as well as the variety, the size of the insect and 
the height of the hood is somewhat variable. The species breeds 
on various species of oaks, apple and occasionally on hard and 
soft maple. 


Corythucha associata Osborn and Drake. 


Numerous specimens from Ohio, Tennessee, New York, Mary- 
land, New Jersey and Washington, D. C., make C. spinulosa Gib- 
son a synonym of this species. The hood is slightly variable in 
size and color, but there seems to be no forms indicating good 
varieties. Associata O. & D. is slightly larger and has a more 
elevated hood than C. aesculi O. & D. This species and C. pruni 
O. & D. have been confused in literature by Gibson with C. fus- 
comaculata Stal. The latter has not been taken in eastern United 
States, but specimens are at hand from Arizona, Mexico and 
Central America. C. fuscomaculata is a very variable species 
in size, but structure and color pattern remain almost constant. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF 
FLORIDA* 


The subject of a presidential address is one to which your 
retiring president has given much thought and consideration. 
Many subjects have presented themselves as being of adequate 
potential importance but have for one reason or another been 
discarded. The outcome is a very short paper on a topic which, 
it seems to me, is very important and of timely interest. 

I readily assure you that I appreciate the size of the subject, 
and have no other idea in mind than that of presenting for your 
consideration my own views and then only for what they may be 
worth. 

If, in the course of this discussion, any of you should gain the 
impression that my remarks are tainted with ambiguity or 
unjust criticism it will be deeply regretted. Ambiguity or un- 
just criticism is very remote from my thoughts. I may criticise, 


*A ddress of the Retiring President, Geo. B. Merrill. 


SPRING NUMBER 55 


but it will be only for a constructive purpose and the criticism 
is justified by the fact, which is deplorable but nevertheless true, 
that entomological teaching at the University of Florida has 
been conspicuous more by reason of its absence than by its exist- 
ence. By entomological training I do not mean hitting a few 


high places alone with bare essentials and leaving out the funda- 


mentals necessary thereto. 

In comparison with modern standards the University of Flor- 
ida has, at this time, only an elementary course in Entomology 
for the students who attend the Agricultural College. It is not 
now for us to consider the reasons for this condition. Suffice it 
to say that the greatest cause has been the lack of funds, which 
is a common trouble and one for which those in charge of the 
University cannot be held responsible. Rather it is for us to 
consider what should be done in the matter of encouraging any 
plans which might be devised for the extension of the teaching 
of entomology in the institution. 

Again it will be well to point out that Entomology holds a 
major position in the zoological and scientific world and that the 
close affiliation or relationship which this great branch of 
science holds to the whole field of agriculture and horticulture 
is of the greatest importance. 

Pray tell me, of what value is it to the farmer to know how 
to build up his soil or how to grow large crops, if he does not 
know how to guard these crops or how to identify and deal with 
the insect in question? If this is of importance to the farmer 
himself, how much more so must it be to the man from whom 
the farmer seeks advice, namely, the County Agent? Certainly 
this adviser should possess something more than a mere super- 
ficial acquaintance with insects. To be really successful he must 
be ‘put through the mill’? and made to know insects in a very 
intimate way. 

Where is the County Agent to obtain this knowledge? No- 
where but in an Agricultural College where he can have the best 
of instruction, adequate laboratory equipment and good natural 
surroundings for extensive field work and experiments. 

The necessity for a thorough working knowledge of Ento- 
mology is by no means restricted to the two above mentioned 
groups, i. e. the farmer and his local adviser. There are many 
fields of opportunity open to graduates in Entomology. Varied 
investigational and teaching problems seek men and few there 

(Continued on page 58) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR J. R. WATSON. rere haa Editor 
DR? = WL MONG INGE WL ies ee eee Pe ee Associate Editor 
RH WiC GERGHRS 2: See St eee are ee es Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


THE HONEYBEES’ OWN TROUBLES 


By FRANK STIRLING 


Honeybees, like everything else, have their troubles. Some- 
times it is a lack of care on the part of their owners, but more 
frequently there are pests and enemies such as bee diseases, 
moths or wax worms, wild animals and ants, which make raids 
upon the colonies from time to time. 

One of the most serious pests, especially in tropical and sub- 
tropical countries, are ants. The small black fire ant, the giant 
red ant and the wood ant frequently attack colonies of bees and 
sometimes destroy them entirely before the beekeeper discovers 
them. 

A very striking incident of this nature was brought to the 
writer’s attention several months ago when a large apiary on 
Biscayne Key, in Dade County, was attacked and seriously rav- 
aged by the large red ant (Camponotus abdominalis, Fab.). 

On this key or island, lying four or five miles off the mainland 
and across Biscayne Bay from Miami, Mr. C. E. Bartholomew 
was engaged in beekeeping and was operating some eight or 
nine hundred colonies of bees. The honey plants on this par- 
ticular key are varied and many; shrubs and other plants such 
as mangrove, sumac, palms of many kinds, especially the scrub 
palmetto, are found in abundance. In and around the base of 
the scrub palmettoes many colonies of these red ants had made 
their homes, evidently attracted by the nectar produced by the 
blossoms of the palmetto and by the trash and litter commonly 
found around these plants. 

These ants very soon discovered the whereabouts of the apiary 


and began to make nightly raids upon different colonies of bees. 
(56) 


SPRING NUMBER 57 


Mr. Bartholomew at once began to combat these ants by the 
use of all methods known. For instance, the hives were placed 
on stands several inches above the ground and the legs or sup- 
ports of these stands placed in cans containing water and oil. 
However, this procedure did not prove successful, for the ants 
would carry small particles of trash and sand and would bridge 
across the water in the cans and thereby gain entrance to the 
hives, where they would not only carry away the honey stored 
by the bees but would kill and feed upon the bee larvae. They 
would then back up into the empty cells of the honey comb with 
their heads at the entrances and bite off the legs and wings of 
the bees as they passed over, and otherwise worried and annoyed 
the bees until they left the hive. During one night these red 
ants completely cleaned out and destroyed as many as thirty- 
seven colonies, and during a period of a few weeks something 
over two hundred colonies of bees were destroyed. 

An attempt was made to hunt up the nests of the ants and 
to destroy them with gasoline, but there were too many so that 
this remedy was impracticable. “Tanglefoot” was placed around 
the legs of the stands, but this three inch band of ‘“‘tanglefoot’’ 
was successful only for a short time as the ants soon learned to 
cross over it. 

Corrosive sublimate, mixed with axle grease and painted on 
the legs of the stands, was tried. This method was at first suc- 
cessful, for the ants would approach, examine it and then scam- 
per off back to the scrub palmettoes; they would not linger a 
moment. But in about two weeks they became used to it and 
would wade right across it, wet or dry, paying no attention what- 
ever to it. However, this method may be quite successful where 
the ants in the surrounding neighborhood are less plentiful. 


Pans were then filled with oil (distillate) and the legs of the 
stands placed in the pans. This was satisfactory in so far as 
the pans and oil were concerned, as no ants succeeded in crossing, 
but they required constant attention to see that there was always 
oil in the pans and that no weeds or grass grew against the 
stands to serve as bridges for the ants. Seven colonies were lost 
where a single blade of grass came in contact with the stands 
so as to bridge the pans. 

So it seemed that no means could be provided to control the 
ants as every method used by beekeepers elsewhere had been 
tried out and failed. 

It became apparent that some other scheme must be tried in 


58 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


order to save the apiary. Luckily, on this island, it is possible 
to get tide-water at a depth of about three feet, so a moat about 
two feet wide and four feet deep was dug all around the apiary, 
and when this ditch was kept clean from trash it gave perfect 
protection. The ditching, however, did not prove entirely infal- 
lible, for four colonies were lost on account of a bridge across 
the moat made by a sweet-brier vine. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF 
FLORIDA 
(Continued from page 55) 


are who are competent to respond to these calls. Federal and 
state governments offer work of a more or less attractive nature, 
especially in plant quarantine departments, and those available 
for this class of work are fewer than the demand. Right here 
in Florida, for example, the State Plant Board and other agri- 
cultural agencies find much difficulty in maintaining a high 
degree of efficiency in their personnel, and if there is to be any 
great expansion we will have to go outside of the State to replen- 
ish our forces instead of being able to secure good material from 
our own state. This is not as it should be and reflects upon us. 

The University of Florida should be turning out men fit to 
successfully cope with graduates of other institutions of like 
nature in their chosen entomological profession, whether it be 
for agricultural or horticultural work, teaching, advising, po- 
licing or any of the related commercial lines. It impresses me 
that this applies more particularly to those men leaving the 
College of Agriculture than to any of the other colleges for, 
after all, Florida is essentially an agricultural and horticultural 
state. The College of Agriculture should rank favorably with 
or exceed the great institutions of similar nature in other states. 
Its entomological work should be materially strengthened. There 
are vast opportunities here for the development of a Department 
of Entomology which are almost unparalleled in these United 
States. Our State College of Agriculture should not only be a 
Mecca for young students just beginning collegiate work but for 
advanced students as well. I am only too well aware that to 
accomplish such a great project will require time, patience and 
last, but not least, money. However, this is no reason why we 
should not look to the future, make suitable plans and then try 
to accomplish them, even though the beginnings be small. 

The speaker has been informed that the budget which has 


SPRING NUMBER 59 


been prepared outlining the desired activities of the College of 
Agriculture for the coming two years supports an item providing 
for the expansion of entomological teaching. Let us all hope 
that these plans will mature. But—and this is the great point 
I wish to make—even though the sought-for appropriations are 
not made, that is no reason why the College of Agriculture 
should not undertake to give more concentrated attention and 
more courses in entomology than has been the case in the past. 
I would not wish to be understood as meaning that these appro- 
priations are not needed. The appropriations should be made 
and pressure brought to bear if the College of Agriculture wishes 
to develop and maintain its prestige among those of other states. 
Just above I spoke of small beginnings, and I wish now to cite 
such an example which started with a mere active interest on the 
part of a few individuals and developed into such magnitude that 
the whole University and others on the campus are proud of it. 
I refer to the course in beekeeping given to the vocational stu- 
dents. There is one thing lacking, however, in this course, and 
that was brought rather acutely to the foreground recently, 
when, in conjunction with the beekeeping course, a noted edu- 
cator desired that the vocational students should have a course 
in Entomology. Some of you know the circumstances of this 
and realize what it means to the growth of the College of Agri- 
culture. 

There is no desire to minimize the great necessity for the 
appropriation as provided for in this budget. Indeed, it is, at 
the least, very modest when considered in connection with the 
provisions made in other states for like purposes and where less 
need for it exists. Assuming that the appropriation is made, it 
must be apparent that the course can be greatly strengthened 
and expanded if judicious use is made of the entomological 
“talent” already on the campus. It may be surprising to know 
that there are eight or nine entomologically trained men from 
as many universities or colleges of the country working on the 
campus. These men are not primarily engaged in teaching but 
the majority, nevertheless, are competent to teach the subject 
and give the College of Agriculture the prestige it needs to com- 
pete entomologically with other states. 

It will be unfortunate if the appropriation is not made and it 
will be more so if we do not all try to do something more than 
to sit down and leave the responsibility upon the other fellow. 
Let us get together and do our little bit toward putting the 


60 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


budget over, thus securing for the University and especially for 
the College of Agriculture ample funds with which to carry for- 
ward and upward the expansion necessary for the benefit of the 
agricultural and horticultural interests of the State and Nation. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGI- 
CAL SOCIETY 


Jan. 24. Meeting called to order at 4:30 in Language Hall, 
President Merrill in the chair. New members elected were 
A. H. Beyer of the Experiment Station, S. H. Roundtree, Bu- 
reau of Entomology, U. S. D. A., Macclenny, Fla., and J. L. 
Lazonby, of the State Plant Board, Gainesville. 

Professor Herbert Osborn was elected an honorary member 
of the Society. 

This being the annual meeting for the election of officers the 
following were elected: President, Prof. J. R. Watson; Vice- 
President, P. W. Fattig; Secretary, Jeff Chaffin; Treasurer, 
E. W. Berger; Member of the Executive Committee, O. F. 
Burger. The staff of the Florida Entomologist was re-elected. 
It was moved and passed that the President appoint a commit- 
tee of three, he to act as one, to solicit new members and assist 
the Treasurer in collecting dues. Messrs. F. M. O’Byrne and 
Frank Stirling were appointed. Under ‘‘Timely Notes’ Mr. 
Stirling reported the recent destruction of over two hundred 
colonies of honey bees on Biscayne Key by ants (Camponotus 
abdominalis floridanus), thirty-seven colonies being destroyed 
in one night. 


Feb. 28. Meeting called to order in the usual place and hour 
by President Watson. Members present: Newell, Berger, 
O’Byrne, Montgomery, Burger, Stirling, Merrill, Reese, Beyer, 
Lazonby, and Chaffin. It was moved and passed that the Presi- 
dent increase the committee on membership from three to five. 
Messrs. B. F. Floyd and W. W. Yothers, of Orlando, were 
appointed. 


The paper of the evening was the address of the retiring 
president, Geo. B. Merrill, on the “Needs of Entomological 
Instruction at the University of Florida.” The address was 
heartily endorsed by the Society and it was moved and passed 
that it be published in the next issue of the FLORIDA ENTOMOLO- 


SPRING NUMBER 61 


GIST. It was moved and passed that the Society endorse the 
proposed budget for the University of Florida. 


March 28. Society called to order at 4:30 P. M., President 
Watson in the chair. The paper of the evening was “Bumble 
Bees” by Prof. P. W. Fattig. His talk was very interesting 
and highly appreciated by the Society. Professor Fattig also 
showed a lot of insects that mimic bumble bees in their appear- 
ance. How nearly certain robber-flies look like bumble bees 
was certainly a surprise. Under “Timely Notes’ Prof. Watson 
exhibited some specimens of a large black thrips, Idolothrips 
fuscipes, recently captured near Gainesville. This is the third 
record of the capture of this insect, always on dry leaves. 

J. CHAFFIN, Secretary. 


SMOKER FOR PROFESSOR OSBORN 


On the evening of January 17, the Society held a smoker in 
honor of Professor Herbert Osborn, who is spending the win- 
ter in Florida. The smoker was held in the office of the 
Nursery Inspector in Language Hall, with upwards of forty 
members and invited guests present. Dean Wilmon Newell 
acted as toastmaster and a very enjoyable evening was spent. 


PERSONALS 

Among those present at the meeting of the Farm Bureau in 
Gainesville on March 11 and 12 were Mr. DeBusk of Tavares, 
C. D. Kime of Orlando, and Frank Merrim of Dade City. 

News has just reached us of the marriage last May of Mr. 
Eli K. Bynum, now inspector of the State Plant Board of Mis- 
sissippi, located at Ocean Springs, Miss. 

County Agents DeBusk of Lake County, Alfred Warren of 
St. Lucie, and K. E. Bragdon of Brevard are cooperating with 
the Department of Entomology of the Experiment Station in 
experiments in spraying for the control of thrips on citrus. 

Arthur C. Mason of the U. S. Ent. Laboratory at Orlando, 
who recently underwent an operation for appendicitis, has re- 
turned to the laboratory. 

On the evening of March 18, Dr. Davis addressed the 
Athenaeum Club at the University on the “Resources of Florida 
Waters.” 

Mr. J. C. Hamlin, who is employed by the Prickley Pear 
Board of the Commonwealth of Australia to collect for export 


62 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


to Australia insects and fungus diseases which give promise of 
being of value in their fight against this great cactus pest of 
Australia, has been searching for such material about Gaines- 
ville and Miami. 

Mr. U. C. Loftin has resigned from the Bureau of Entomology 
to accept a very attractive offer as entomologist to a cotton 
growing company operating in the Laguna district of Mexico. 

A course in Bee Keeping is being given by Mr. Frank Stir- 
ling to the vocational students in agriculture. Sixty students 
are now enrolled. 

Mr. J. E. Graf is now in charge of the field work for the 
Bureau of Entomology on the Mexican Bean Weevil. In Special 
Report No. 3 (March 22) it is stated that at Birmingham, Ala., 
at least 20 per cent of the beetles have successfully passed thru 
hibernation, indicating a heavy infestation for the coming year 
and a widespread extension of the range which may reach well 
into Georgia and Tennessee. ji 


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JULY, L920 


HOMOPTERA OF FLORIDA 


HERBERT OSBORN 


The following list is an attempt to bring together all available 
data on the Homopteran fauna of Florida. The list published 
by Professor Barber” naturally forms the basis for any such 
effort and I have included the records there given with the au- 
thorities. I have, however, adopted the nomenclature and ar- 
rangement of Van Duzee’s Catalogue in the main, as this will 
be for many years the most convenient means of comparison. 


The numerous additions to the Barber list are largely due to 
active collecting by Professor C. J. Drake, whose summer cap- 
tures in 1918 were turned over to me for study and a number are 
due to specimens submitted to me by Professor J. R. Watson of 
the Florida Experiment Station, while a few trace back to earlier 
collections by Professor H. A. Gossard. Initials of these gentle- 
men will indicate the source for the species entered as also for 
the many Gainesville records that appear. The Gainesville lo- 
cality records have a special value since so large a part of the 
previous records have been from coastal localities and in many 
cases represent only winter collecting. The value of such a list 
is of course dependent on the accuracy of the identification and 
I have endeavored to verify all the previous records as well as 
to satisfy myself as to the identity of the species newly entered. 
In any comparison with other regions for the purpose of deter- 
mining the source of the fauna or the recent introduction of 
new arrivals it is very clear that reliable records for the regions 


In Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. Vol. 33, pp. 495-535 (1914). 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


2, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


compared are essential. While many of the native species are 

important pests some of the worst enemies to agriculture are 

probably introductions. A prompt recognition of new arrivals 
may serve a very useful purpose in preventing or reducing their 
destructive increase or distribution. 

Note. Collections made by the writer during the winter of 1921 at St. 
Petersburg, Tampa, Key West, Homestead, Miami, Delray, West Palm 
Beach, Canal Point, LaBelle, Ft. Myers, Manatee, Ruskin and Gainesville 
have extended the known range of a number of the species as well as adding 
a number not hitherto recognized in the state. The latter are marked with 
an asterisk—*. 

SUB ORDER HOMOPTERA 
CICADIDAE 

Tibicen biconica Walk. Key West, June (Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil.) ; 
Key West (Uhler) ; “Florida” (Macgillivray). 

Tibicen bicosta Walk. La Grange, Sept. (Davis); “Southern 
Florida” (Uhler); “Florida” (Macgillivray). Common in 
the state but restricted to the South. 

Tibicen linnei (S. & G.) Gainesville (?) (C. J. D.) 

Tibicen pruinosa Say (S. & G.) Gainesville (C. J. D.) 

Tibicen davisi (Sm. and Gr.) Miami, Georgiana (U. S. N. M.); 
Miami, Jan. (Davis) ; Miami, Sept. (Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil.). 

Tibicen erratica (Osb.) Pablo Beach, Sept., Big Pine Key, Sept. 
(Davis). Oviposits in cotton stems. 

Tibicen grossa (Fab.) Ormond (Mrs. Slosson). 

Tibicen lyricen (de Geer) Lake City (U. S. N. M.); “Florida” 
(Sm. and Gr.). 

Tibicen reperta (Uhl.) “Florida” (Uhler). 

Tibicen sayi (Sm. and Gr.) LaBelle, Apr. (Davis) ; ‘Florida’ 
(U38S;.-N.. M:):. 

Tibicen sayi var. australis (Davis). La Grange, Sept. (Davis). 

Tibicen similaris (Sm. and Gr.) Fernandina (U. S. N. M.); 
Jacksonville, Sept., La Grange, Sept. (Davis). 

Tibicen viridifascia (Walk.) (sordidata Uhl.); “Southern Flor- 
ida’. Oviposits in stems of Sea Oats (Uniola) and lives in 
tidal zone of shore line as observed in North Carolina. (See 
Osborn & Metcalf. Annals E. S. A., Vol. 13, p. 108.) 

Tibicen vitripennis Say. “Florida” (Uhler). 

Tibicen hieroglyphica Say. “Apparently common throughout the 
southern portion of Florida’ (Van Duzee); Ormond (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Lakeland, Mch., May, LaBelle, Apr., LaGrange, 
Sept. (Davis); St. Augustine (Johnson). Gainesville (C. 
JD) 


SUMMER NUMBER 3 


Melampsalta parvula Say. Tampa (Van Duzee) . Lakeland, May 
(Davis). North to Ohio, common. 


MEMBRACIDAE 


Ceresa stimulea Van D. Estero (Van Duzee) ; Ormond, Jackson- 
ville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Ceresa brevistylus Van D. Crescent City, Sanford (Van Duzee 
and A. M. N. H.). “Flat woods,” Gainesville, Aug. 25. (J. 
R. W:) 

Ceresa patruelis Stal. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Stictocephala diminuta Van D. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Stictocephala festina Say. Crescent City, St. Petersburg (Van 
Duzee) ; Gainesville. (J. R. W.) 

_ Sticticephala lutea Walk. Walton Co. (McAtee). 

Stictocephala substriata Walk. Belleair, Jacksonville, Ormond, 
Atlantic Beach (Mrs. Slosson) ; Sanford, Miami, Titusville, 
Lakeland, Jacksonville, Crescent City, LaBelle, Ft. Myers, 
(A. M. N. H.) ; St. John’s Bluff, E. Florida (Walker) ; Gaines- 
ville (C. J. D.). 

Acutalis inornata Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Acutalis tartarea Say. “Taken at all stations’ (Van Duzee) ; At- 
lantic Beach, Jacksonville, Ormond (Mrs. Slosson) ; Sanford, 
Crescent City (A. M. N. H.) ; Gainesville (C. J. D., J. R. W.). 

Acutalis tartarea var. semicrema Say. St. Augustine (Johnson) ; 
Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Micrutalis calva Say. “Generally distributed in the State” (Van 
Duzee) ; Newberry (A. M. N. H.; Biscayne Bay, Belleair, 
Lake Worth, Ormond (Mrs. Slosson) ; Gainesville (J. R. W.). 

Telamona collina Walk. St. John’s Bluff, E. Florida (Walker). 

Telamona conica Walk. St. John’s Bluff, E. Florida (Walker). 

Telamona monticola Fab. Seven Oaks (Van Duzee). 

Telamona praealta Fowl. Tampa (Van Duzee). 

Telamona subfalcata Van D. Belleair (Mrs. Slosson) ; Gaines- 
ville (C. J. D.). 

Archasia galeata (Fab.) Estero (Van Duzee); Jacksonville 
(Mrs. Slosson) ; St. Augustine (Johnson) ; Gainesville, April 
CREW.) 

Smilia camelus (Fab.) Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Gainesville, 
April (J. R. W.). 

Similia fasciata A. and S. Lake Worth, Jacksonville (Mrs. Slos- 
son). 


4 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Cyrtolobus ovatus Van D. Sanford, Estero (Van Duzee) ; Marco, 
Apr. (A. M. N. H.). 

Crytolobus arcuatus (Emm.) Ormond (Mrs. Slosson). 

Crytolobus fenestratus (Fh.) Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Crytolobus sculptus Fairm. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Crytolobus nitidus Van D. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Cytolobus tuberosus (Fairm.) Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Cyrtolobus tumidus (Walk.) St. John’s Bluff, E. Florida 
(Walker). 

Cyrtolobus vau (Say). Belleair, Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Cyrtolobus inermis (Emm). Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Antianthe expansa Germ. ‘Florida’ (Van Duzee). 

Ophiderma flavicephala Godg. “Florida” (Van Duzee) ; Gaines- 
ville(C.-Js.D;): 

Ophiderma salamandra Fairm. Tampa, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; 
Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Stictolobus 3-lineatus Funk. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Idioderma virescens Van D. “Taken occasionally at all places 
where I worked” (Van Duzee) ; Estero (Van Duzee) ; San- 
ford, Clearwater (A. M. N. H.) ; Gainesville (C. J. D.); St. 
Petersburg (H. O.). 

Idioderma varia Van D. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Vanduzea triguttata (Burm.) St. Petersburg, Estero, Sevenoaks 
(Van Duzee) ; Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Entylia concisa Walk. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Entylia sinuata (Fab.) Crescent City. Sanford, Ft. Myers (Van 
Duzee) ; St. Augustine (Johnson) ; Gainesville (J. R. W.). 

Umbonia crassicornis (A. & 8.) “Florida” (Amy. et Serv). No 
modern records. 

Platycotis vittata Fab. “Florida” (Goding); St. Augustine 
(Johnson) ; LaBelle on water oak (H. O.). Occurs in two 
forms—spotted and striped. 

Platycotis sagittata Germ. Crescent City. Sevenoaks (Van Du- 
zee). 

Enchenopa binotata Say. St. Augustine (Johnson). 

Campylenchia latipes (Say). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Tylopelta brevis Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Centruchoides perdita A. and S. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 


On 


SUMMER NUMBER 


CERCOPIDAE 


Tomaspis bicincta (Say). Sanford, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; 
Lake Worth, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Clearwater, Apr., 
Ft. Myers, Nov., Mch., Everglade, Apr. (A. M. N. H.); 
Gainesville (J. R. W.). 

Aphrophora quadrinotata Say. ‘‘Florida’”’ (Ball). 

Aphrophora saratogensis (Fitch). Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; 
Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Lepyronia angulifera Uhl. “Found in moderate numbers at all 
places where I collected in Florida’ (Van Duzee) ; Biscayne 
Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Sanford, Clearwater, Crescent City, Ft. 
Myers, LaBelle, Tampa, Punta Gorda, Lakeland, Newberry 
CA Maan HE): 

Lepyronia quadrangularis Say. ‘Florida’ (Ball); Gainesville 
(Cre). 2 

Clastoptera obtusa (Say). This very common northern species 
has been taken at Gainesville. (C. J. D.) 

Clastoptera proteus var. saint-cyri Prov. Crescent City (Van Du- 
zee). 

Clastoptera proteus var. vittata Ball. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee). 

Clastoptera xanthocephala Germ. “Abundant everywhere in Flor- 
ida” (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay, Belleair (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Clearwater, Sanford, Crescent City, Jacksonville (A. M. 
N. H.) ; Gainesville (C. J. D., J. R. W.); St. Petersburg and 
numerous other points (H. O.). 

Clastoptera xanthocephala var. glauca Van D. Ormond, Biscayne 
Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; St. Petersburg, Miami (A. M. N. H.); 
Gainesville (J. R. W.). 


FAM. CICADELLIDAE 
Sub. Fam. Bythoscopinae 


Agallia novella (Say). Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; Gainesville 
(CJD J. Raw.)s Lake City. (Col, Ac. Exp. Sta:). 

Agallia constricta Van D. Crescent City. Sanford, (Van Duzee 
and A. M. N. H.); Ormond, Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach 
(Mrs. Slosson) ; Gainesville (C. J. D.) ; Lake City (Coll. Ag. 
Exp. Sta.) ; St. Petersburg (H. O.) abundant and of economic 
importance. 

Agallia 4-punctata Prov. (H. L. Dozier). 

Agallia deleta Van D. Crescent City, Sanford, Ft. Myers, (Van 
Duzee) ; Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 


6 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Agallia sanguinolenta Prov. Crescent City, Sanford (Van Du- 
zee); Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson); Gainesville (C. J. D.); 
St. Petersburg (H. O.). Widely distributed and injurious. 

Agallia immaculata Lath. Gainesville (C. J. D.) 

Agallia lyrata Baker. Crescent City (Van -Duzee). 

Agallia variata Uhl. Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson). 

Agallia oculata Van D. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Idiocerus nervatus Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 


Sub. Fam. Cicadellinae 


Oncometopia lateralis (Fab.) Crescent City, Sanford, Tampa 
(Van Duzee); Sanford, Clearwater. Jacksonville (A. M. 
N. H.); St. Augustine (Johnson). Gainesville (C. J. D.); 
especially common on sunflowers (J. R. W.). St. Peters- 
bure (CH =.0,)- 


Oncometopia undata (Fab.) “Found commonly throughout Flor- 
ida” (Van Duzee); Jacksonville, Ormond (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Clearwater, Sanford, Lakeland, Miami, Key Largo (A. M. 
N. H.); St. Augustine (Johnson) ; Lake Wales, Gainesville 
(J Re Wi) 

Homalodisca triquetra (Fab.) Sanford, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; 
Sanford, Clearwater (A. M. N. H.); Gainesville (J. R. W.). 

Aulacizes guttata Uhl. Ft. Myers (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay 
(Mrs. Slosson) ; Ft. Myers, Deep Lake, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). 

Aulacizes irrorata (Fab.) Lake Worth, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slos- 
son) ; Crescent City, Sanford, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). Gaines- 
ville (J. R. W.) ; Lake City (A. L. Quaintance). 

Aulacizes pollinosa Fowl. 

Cicadella occatoria (Say). Crescent City, Sanford (Van Duzee) ; 
Crescent City (A. M. N. H.); Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville 
(Mrs. Slosson) ; ‘‘Florida’”’ (Ball) ; Gainesville (J. R. W., C. 
JD): St. PetersburesGHO>):. 

Kolla bifida (Say). Gainesville (C. J. D., J. R. W.). 

Kolla bifida fasciata (Walk.) “Common everywhere in Florida” 
(Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay. Jacksonville, Belleair (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Crescent City, LaBelle, Ft. Myers, Lakeland (A. 
M. N. H.); “Florida” (Ball) ; St. Petersburg (H. O.). 

Kolla geometrica (Sign.) ‘Common in Florida’ (Van Duzee) ; 
Crescent City, Sanford (A. M. N. H.); Belleair (Mrs. Slos- 
son), Gainesville, (H. L. D. C. J. D.); Bradentown (J. R. 
W.); St. Petersburg (H. O.). 


SUMMER NUMBER i 


Kolla hartii (Ball) Ft. Myers, Estero (Van Duzee) ; Ormond, 
Biscayne Bay, Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson); Ft. Myers, La- 
Belle (A. M. N. H.). Destructive in grass; St. Petersburg 
(H=0,) ; 

Kolla similis (Walk.) Biscayne Bay. (Mrs. Slosson; Miami (A. 
M. N. H.) Common in West Indies and Central America. 
Possibly a recent introduction. 

Graphocephala coccinea (Forst.) Crescent City, Sanford, (Van 
Duzee and A. M. N. H.); Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; Jackson- 
ville, Atlantic Beach (Mrs. Slosson); St. Augustine (John- 
son) ; Gainesville (C. J. D.) ; St. Petersburg (H. O.) Abun- 
dant and affecting many kinds of plants. 

Graphocephala versuta Say. “Taken everywhere in Florida” (Van 
‘Duzee) ; Biscayne Bay, Ormond, (Mrs. Slosson) ; Sanford, 
South Bay of L. Okeechobee (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. 
PDS oeuka Wey tia. BD.) Lake Wales (d..R: 4W.)s Sta be- 
tersburg (H. O.). Very common and certainly injurious. 

Draeculacephala floridana Ball. Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slos- 
son) ; Everglade (A, M. N. H.); St. Petersburg, Salt Marsh 
Meadow (H. O.) 

Draeculacephala balli Van D. Gainesville (C. J. D.) 

Draeculacephala acuta Walk. South Bay of L. Okeechobee (A. 
M. N. H.); St. John’s Bluff, E. Florida (Walker). 

Draeculocephala mollipes Say. Crescent City, Clearwater, (Van 
Duzee) ; Belleair, Ormond, Lake Worth, (Mrs. Slosson) 
South Bay of L. Okeechobee (A. M. N. H.). Very widely dis- 
tributed and injurious. 

_Draeculacephala mollipes minor Walk. “Taken in damp places 
and near water in most localities where I collected in Flor- 
ida” (Van Duzee) ; Ormond (Mrs. Slosson) ; Ft. Myers, Lake- 
land, Crescent City, Sanford (A. M. N. H.) 

Draeculacephala inscripta Van D. Gainesville (C22 De) 

Draeculacephala reticulata Sign. St. Petersburg, Estero (Van 
Duzee; Belleair, Biscayne Bay, Ormond, Jacksonville, (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Everglade, Marco, LaBelle, Ft. Myers (A. M. 
N. H.); Lake City (H. A. G.); Moore Haven, Gainesville, 
(J. R. W.) ; St. Petersburg, Key West, Miami, and at almost 
every locality visited (H. O.) Very injurious to grasses 
and cereals. 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR’ J. Ra WATSON S22 2a Bee ee ee ee Editor 
DDR SVVEREMEOINY NIE WWI T so ee scene ec eee Associate Editor . 
DR ey We BERGER: |. & 2 Sates 2 Sapa tet Come eeeunrres Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


Draeculacephala 7-guttata Walk. ‘Generally distributed but not 
common in Florida” (Van Duzee); Jacksonville, Ormond, 
Biscayne Bay. Belleair, Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson) ; Titus- 
ville, Punta Gorda, Sanford (A. M. N. H.) Gainesville (C. 
JiveD)  StaPetersbung) CHO): 

Penthima americana Fitch. ‘Taken everywhere in Florida” (Van 
Duzee) ; Charlotte Harbor, Biscayne Bay, Jacksonville, (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Clearwater, Sanford, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville (A. 
M. N. H.); St. Augustine (Johnson). Gainesville (C. J. D.); 
St. Petersburg (H. O.) 


Gypona rugosa Spangb. Belleair (Mrs. Slosson) ; Lakeland, Jack- 
sonville (A. M. N. H.) 


Gyona 8-lineata (Say). “Common everywhere in Florida” (Van 
Duzee); Biscayne Bay, Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Lake- 
land, Ft. Myers, Crescent City, Sanford, Jacksonville (A. M. 
NH:)s -Gainesville. (C.J, D2 Hae) 

Gypona albosignata Uhl. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Gypona scarlatina var. citrina Spangb. Crescent City, Sanford, 
(Van Duzee); Atlanta Beach (Mrs. Slosson); Gainesville, 
Common. Canal Point (H. O.) 

Gypona irrorella Spangb. Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; La Belle, EG 
Myers (A. M. N. H.) 

Gypona striata Burm. “Florida” (Van Duzee); Ormond, Bis- 
cayne Bay, Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Gypona tenella Spangb. Sanford, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; Lake- 
land May (A. M. N. H.); Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 
Gypona sanguinolenta Spangb. Sanford, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; 
Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

(8) 


—— 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


Gypona scarlatina Fitch. Miamis(A. M. N. H.). 

Gypona miliaris Stal. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Gypona resima Fowl. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Xerophloea viridis Fab. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; St. Au- 
gustine (Johnson). 


Sub. Fam. Jassinae 


Xestocephalus pulicarius Van D. Crescent City, Ft. Myers (Van 
Duzee) ; Everglade (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.); 
St. Petersburg (H. O.) 

Xestocephalus tessellatus Van D. Jacksonville, Belleair, Biscayne 
Bay, Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson); LaBelle, Apr. (A. 
M2 NG tH.) 

Dorycephalus vanduzet Osb. and Ball. Clearwater (Van Duzee) ; 
St. Petersburg, Ruskin (H. O.). 

Dorydiella floridana Baker. “‘Florida”’ (Baker). 

Hecalus apicalis Van D. Crescent City, St. Petersburg, Estero 
(Van Duzee) ; Punta Gorda (A. M. N. H.). 

Neoslossonia putnami (Osb.) Sanford (Van Duzee) ; Jackson- 
ville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Spangbergiella mexicana Baker. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Gainesville (C. J. D.); St. Petersburg (H. O.) 

Spangbergiella vulnerata Uhl. Crescent City, Sanford, St. Pe- 
tersburg, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee); Belleair, Ormond (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Lakeland Nov. (A. M. N. H.); Gainesville (C. 
J. D.); St. Petersburg (H. O.) 

Parabolocratus flavidus Sign. ‘‘Taken at most of the places where 
I collected but not at all common” (Van Duzee) ; Punta Gor- 
da. Nov. (A. M. N. H.); Gainesville (C. J. D.); St. Peters- 
burg, common. (H. O.) 


’ *Platymetopius elegans Van D. (?) Tampa, on live oak (H. O.). 


Platymetopius frontalis Van D. Jacksonville, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Ft. Myers, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. 
Jd: D: J. R. W:). St. Petersburg (H. O.) 

Platymetopius parvus Lath. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Platymetopius loricatus Van D. Sevenoaks, St. Petersburg, Ft. 
Myers (Van Duzee) ; Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Platymetopius magdalensis Prov. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Platymetopius nasutus Van D. Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Platymetopius slossom Van D. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Jacksonville, Newberry (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D., 
EP ee. bss) 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Platymetopius verecundus Van “‘Duzee. Crescent City, Sanford, 
Sevenoaks, Clearwater, Estero (Van Duzee); Sanford (A. 
M. N. H.). Gainesville: (C. J. D.). 

Scaphoideus scalaris Van D. Jacksonville, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). 

Scaphoideus unicolor Osb. Sanford (Van Duzee) Gainesville (C. 
Ae Be 

Scaphoideus consors Uhl. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Scaphoideus fasciatus Osb. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Scaphoideus cruciatus Osb. Marco, Everglade, Apr. (A. M. N. 
H.); Clearwater, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay 
(Mrs. Slosson). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Scaphoideus obtusus Osb. Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, Ft. 
Myers (Van Duzee). 

Scaphoideus albonotatus Van D. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Scaphoideus auronitens Prov. Biscayne Bay. (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Crescent City; Apr: (A> Me N.-H.). 

Scaphoideus immistus Say. Crescent City, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). 

Scaphoideus jucundus Uhl. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Scaphoideus neglectus Osb. Crescent City, St. Petersburg (Van 
Duzee) ; Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). Gainesville, (C. J. D.). 

Scaphoideus opalinus Osb. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee). 

Deltocephalus slossoni Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Deltocephalus inflatus Osb. and Ball. Crescent City, Estero, Sev- 
enoaks (Van Duzee). 

Deltocephalus visendus Crumb. Gainesville. 

Deltocephalus reflexus Osb. and Ball. Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Deltocephalus fraternus Ball. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Lake- 
land, Newberry, Clearwater, Jacksonville (A. M. N. H.). 
Gainesville, (C. J. D.). St. Petersburg, Ruskin and many 
other places on grass in “flatwoods”. (H. O.) 

Deltocephalus misellus Ball. Jacksonville, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). 

Deltocephalus weedi Van D. Crescent City, Clearwater, Seven- 
oaks, Estero (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Jacksonville, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (J. R. W.) 

Deltocephalus micarius Ball. Sevenoaks, Sanford (Van Duzee). 

Deltocephalus obtectus Osb. and Ball. “Taken occasionally at 
nearly all places where I worked in Florida” (Van Duzee) ; 
Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Newberry, Jackson- 
ville, Lakeland, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 
Lake City (H. A. G.) Common on Bermuda grass and doubt- 
less destructive. 

Deltocephalus compactus Osb. and Ball. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 


SUMMER NUMBER 11 


Deltocephalus flavicosta Stal. Biscayne Bay, Atlantic Beach 
(Mrs. Slosson); Lakeland, LaBelle, Titusville, Key Largo, 
Everglade, Sanford (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D. 
J. R. W.). St. Petersburg, Largo, etc. (H. O.) 

*Deltocephalus marinus Osb. and Metcalf. Long Key, Pinellas 
Co, (H:-0:). 

Deltocephalus littoralis Ball. St. Petersburg (Van Duzee) ; Ever- 
glade, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). At shoreline on grasses subject 
to submergence at high tide as observed in N. C. 

Deltocephalus caperatus Ball. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee). 

Deltocephalus balli Van D. Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson). St. Pe- 
tersburg (H. O.) 

Deltocephalus mendosus Ball. Estero (Van Duzee); Lake City 
(Gossard). 

*Deltocephalus satur Ball. St. Petersburg (H. O.). 

Deltocephalus sonorus Ball. Estero, St. Petersburg (Van Duzee) ; 
Ormond, Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; St. Peters- 
burg (H. O.). 

Lonatura bicolor Van D. St. Petersburg, Largo, Ruskin. Fairly 
common at some points in “flatwoods” on grasses (H. O.) 
Euscelis bicolor (Van D.) Crescent City, Tampa, St. Petersburg 
(Van Duzee). Gainesville (C. J. D. J. R. W.). Lake City 

(A. L. Quaintance). Bradentown J. R. W. 

Euscelis exitiosus (Uhl.) ‘Common everywhere in Florida” (Van 
Duzee) : Biscayne Bay, Belleair, Ormond, Lake Worth, Jack- 
sonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Punta Gorda, Marco (A. M. N. H.). 
Gainesville (C. J. D. J. R. W.). Lake City (H. A. G.). Moore 
Haven (J. R. W.) 

Euscelis obtutus (Van D.) Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; St. Pe- 
tersburg (H. O.) 

Eutettix bartschi Van D. Sevenoaks, Estero (Van Duzee) ; Or- 
mond, Biscayne Bay, Atlantic Beach (Mrs. Slosson); St. 
Petersburg, Miami (A. M. N. H.). 

Eutettix lurida Van D. Titusville, Nov. (A. M. N. H.); St. Au- 
gustine (Johnson). 

-Eutettix marmoratus Van D. “Florida” (Ball). 

Eutettix slossonit Van D. Sanford, St. Petersburg, Sevenoaks, Ft. 
Myers (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Clear- 
water (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.) 

Kutettix nitens Van D. Sevenoaks, Estero (Van Duzee). 

Eutettix picta Van D. “Florida” (Ball). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 


2 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Eutettia seminuda (Say). Gainesville (C. J. D., J. R. W.) ; Lake 
City (Gossard). 

Eutettix cincta Osb. and Ball. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Eutettix tristis Ball. “Florida” (Ball). 

*Phlepsius distinctus Lathrop. St. Petersburg (H. O.). 

Phlepsius attractus Ball. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius cinereus Van D. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius collitus Ball. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius costomaculatus Van D. Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, St. Petersburg. 
Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; LaBelle (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville 
(J. R. W.). Clearwater (Gossard). 

Phlepsius decorus Osb. and Ball. Tampa (Van Duzee). 

Phlepsius excultus Uhl. Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, Ft. 
Myers (Van Duzee) ; Jacksonville, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slos- 
son); Crescent City, Sanford, Marco (A. M. N. H.); St. 
Augustine (Johnson). Gainesville (J. R. W.). Clearwater 
(Gossard). 

Phlepsius floridanus Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius fulvidorsum Fitch. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Phlepsius fuscipennis Van D. “Common everywhere in suitable 
locations” (Van Duzee); Lake Worth, Belleair, Biscayne 
Bay. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Newberry, Punta Gorda, 
Nov. (A. M. N. H.). Bradentown (J. R. W.) 

Phlepsius trroratus Say. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius lippulus Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius mimus Baker. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Phlepsius nebulosus Van D. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Phlepsius nudus Ball. Sevenoaks, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee). 

Phlepsius punctiscriptus Van D. Belleair, Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. 
Slosson). 

Phlepsius slossoni Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Phlepsius truncatus Van D. Crescent City, Sevenoaks (Van Du- 
zee). 

Acinopterus acuminatus Van D. Tampa, Sanford (Van Duzee) ; 
Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Jacksonville, Newberry, Mi- 
ami, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.) ; St. Peters- 
burs: (H.-O.): 

*Thamnotettix aureovittatus Sand. & DeL. Described from Big 
Bayou and St. Petersburg. 


SUMMER NUMBER 138 


Thamnotettix comata Ball. Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, 
St. Petersburg (Van Duzee); Belleair (Mrs. Slosson) ; La- 
Belle, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). 

Thamnotettix orbonata Ball. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Thamnotettia nigrifrons (Forbes). Crescent City, Sanford, St. 
Petersburg (Van Duzee); Jacksonville, Ormond, Belleair, 
Atlantic Beach (Mrs. Slosson) ; Crescent City, LaBelle, Ti- 
tusville (A. M. N. H.). Abundant—destructive to grasses 
and cereal crops. 

Thamnotettia colonus (Uhl.) Gainesville, St. Petersburg (H. O.) 
An abundant species in grass lands. 

Thamnotettix subeuprea (Prov.) Sanford, Sevenoaks, Ft. Myers 
(Van Duzee); Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Thamnotettix brittont Osb. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Chlorotettix galbanata Van D. Ft. Myers (Van Duzee). 

Chlorotettia minima Baker. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Chlorotettix necopina Van D. Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, 
Clearwater (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay, Ormond (Mrs. 
Slosson) ; LaBelle, Titusville, Jacksonville, Sanford (A. M. 
N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.) ; St. Petersburg (H. O.) Com- 
mon in coarse grasses. 

Chlorotettiz rugicollis Ball. “Taken at most places where I 
worked” (Van Duzee); Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Jack- 
sonville, Lakeland, Newberry, Ft. Myers (A. M. N. H.). 
Gainesville (C. J. D.) ; St. Petersburg, Ruskin, Delray. Com- 
mon. (iH. O:). 

Chlorotettizx spatulata Osb. and B. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Chlorotettix tergatus (Fitch). “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Chlorotettia tunicata Ball. Sanford, Clearwater, Estero, St. Pe- 
tersburg (Van Duzee); Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slos- 
son) ; Marco, Sanford, Miami (A. M. N. H.). 

Chlorotettix viridius Van D. “Taken at all places where I 
worked,” St. Petersburg, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; Belleair 
(Mrs. Slosson); Sanford, Clearwater (A. M. N. H.). An 
abundant species in grass lands. 

Jassus olitorius Say. “Common everywhere in Florida’ (Van 
Duzee) ; Ormond, Belleair, Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Sanford, Estero, Clearwater, Crescent City, LaBelle, Marco, 
Lakeland, Titusville, Jacksonville (A. M. N. H.); St. Au- 
gustine (Johnson). Gainesville (C. J. D.). Common in wood- 
land. Lake City (Exp. Sta. Coll.) 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Jassus melanotus Spang. Gainesville (J. R. W.). 

Jassus borealis Spang. Bradentown (J. R. W.). 

Neocoelidia tumidifrons Gill. and Bak. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slos- 
son) ; St. Petersburg (H. O.) 

Paracoelidea tuberculata Baker. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; Jack- 
sonville (A. M. N. H.). Common on pines. 

Tinobregmus vittatus Van D. Biscayne Bay. (Mrs. Slosson). 

Cicadula 6-notata Fall. Sanford, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee). Gaines- 
ville. 

Balclutha impicta Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee). var. me- 
dius Bak. 

Eugnathodus abdominalis Van D. Sanford, Clearwater, Ft. My- 
ers (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay, Ormond (Mrs. Slosson). 
Abundant in grasses. 

Protolebra braziliensis Bak. Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slos- 
son). 

Empoasca flavescens Fab. Crescent City, Estero (Van Duzee). 

Empoasca mali LeB. Crescent City, Sanford, Ft. Myers, Estero 
(Van Duzee) ; Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Empoasca viridiscens Walsh. (Van Duzee Cat.) 

Empoasca unicolor Gill. Ormond (Mrs. Slosson). 

*Hmpoasca minuenda Ball. On avocado W. Palm Beach (G. F. 
Moznette). 

Typhlocyba flavoscuta Gill. Sanford, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee). 

Typhlocyba rubricata Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Erythroneura comes Say. Crescent City, Sevenoaks, Estero (Van 
Duzee) ; Jacksonville (A. M. N. H.). 

FULGORIDAE 

Cyrpoptus belfragei Stal. Tampa (Van Duzee); St. Augustine, 
Nov. (Engelhardt. and Johnson). Enterprise? 

Cyrpoptus reineckii Van Duzee. Widely distributed in the state. 
Estero (Mrs. Slosson); Jacksonville (Sleight); Sanford, 
Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Apr., Jacksonville, May (A. M. 
N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D. J. R. W.) 

Dictyophara lingula Van D. Estero (Van Duzee) ; Punta Gorda, 
Lakeland, Nov. (Davis); Ormond (Mrs. Slosson); Punta 
Gorda, Nov. (A. M. N. H.) Gainesville (C. J. D. J. R. W.) 

Dictyophara microrhina Walk. Jacksonville, Lakeland (Davis) ; 
Ft. Myers, Lakeland, Nov. (A. M. N. H.); St. Augustine 
(Johnson). Gainesville (J. R. W.) 

Scolops spurcus Uhl. Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Scolops angustatus Uhl. St. Augustine (Johnson). 


-SUMMER NUMBER . 15 


Scolops desiccatus Uhl. Crescent City, Sanford (Van Duzee). 

Scolops sulcipes Say. “Florida” (Uhler). Gainesville (J. R. W.) ; 
Common over large part of Eastern United States. 

Phylloscelis atra Germ. St. Petersburg, Sevenoaks, Ft. Myers and 
Estero (Van Duzee); Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Nov. 
(A. M. N. H.). Gainesville. Widely distributed. 

Phylloscelis atra var. albovenosa Mel. 

Phylloscelis pallescens Germ. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Tangia sponsa Uhl. “Southern Florida’ (Uhler). 

Monopsis tabida Spin. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Catonia picta Van D. Estero (Van Duzee) ; Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Catonia bicinctura, Punta Gorda, Newberry (Van Duzee). 

Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Ellidiptera floridae Walk. Newberry (Davis). 

Ellidiptera pallida Say. “Florida” (Say). 

Bothriocera tinealis Burm. Charlotte Harbor, Biscayne Bay 
(Mrs. Slosson). Gainesville (J. R. W. C. J. D.) 

Bothriocera signorite ? 

Bothriocera undata Fab. ““Was taken everywhere I collected in 
Florida” (Van Duzee) ; Lake Worth, Biscayne Bay, Ormond 
(Mrs. Slosson). 

Oliarus quinquelineatus Say. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson). Com- 
mon over Eastern United States. 

Oliarus placitus Van D. Ft. Myers, May (Van Duzee) ; Gaines- 

eville (C.J. D; J. Re W.). . 

Oliarus vicarius Walk. Estero, Ft. Myers, St. Petersburg, Clear- 
water, Sevenoaks. (Van Duzee); Jacksonville, Ormond, 
Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson); Marco, Apr. (A. M. 
N. H.); St. Augustine (Johnson). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Oliarus complectus Ball. St. Petersburg, Sevenoaks, Estero (Van 
Duzee); Key Largo, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). abundant and 
widely distributed. 

Oliarus slossoni Van D. Belleair, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Oliarus difficilis Van D. Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Monorhachis sordulentus Uhl. Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Gainesville. 

Civius dorsivittatus Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; Bis- 
cayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Everglade, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). 

Oecleus borealis Van D. “Abundant at all places, especially to- 
wards the southern end of the state” (Van Duzee); Jack- 
sonville, Ormond, Atlantic Beach (Mrs. Slosson) Clearwater, 
Apr., Sanford, May (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 


16 : THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Myndus delicatus Van D. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Myndus slossoni Ball. Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; Biscayne Bay, 
Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson) ; Crescent City, Sanford, 
Apr. (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (J. R. W.). St. Petersburg 
CH*O3) 

Myndus enotatus Van D. Crescent City, Apr. (Van Duzee, Mrs. 
Slosson and A. M. N. H.); Ormond, Charlotte Harbor, Bis- 
cayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson) ; Sanford, Apr. (A. M. N. H.); St. 
Petersburg (H. O.) 

Myndus lunatus Van D. Sanford, Sevenoaks, Ft. Myers, Estero, 
(Van Duzee). 

Myndus pusillus Van D. Crescent City, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; 
Ormond, Atlantic Beach, Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson). 

Pelitropis rotulata Van Duz. Ft. Myers, Estero (Van Duzee) ; 
Lake Worth, Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). Gainesville (C. 


J :) 

Fitchiella robertsoni (Fitch). Estero (Van Duzee) ; St. Peters- 
burg “(H.0,) 

Bruchomorpha pallidipes Stal. Crescent City, Estero (Van Du- 
zee). , 


Bruchomorpha suturalis Melich. ‘Common throughout Florida” 
(Van Duzee); Ft. Myers, Lakeland, Newberry, Nov. (A. M. 
INCH): P 

Bruchomorpha tristis Stal. Crescent City, Estero, Sevenoaks 
(Van Duzee). 

Bruchomorpha jocosa Stal. Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, 

St. Petersburg, Tampa, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee); Lakeland, 
Nov. (A. M. N.-H.). 

Aphelonema decorata Van D. Crescent City, St. Petersburg (Van 
Duzee) ; Charlotte Harbor (Mrs. Slosson). 

Hysteropterum punctiferum Walk. Widely distributed and very 
abundant. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson); Clearwater, San- 
ford; Tampa (A. M: N. H.).. Gainesville (C. J. D- J. BR: We 
Plentiful. 

Thionia simplex Germ. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee); Gainesville 
(Cee Dad. RaW): 

Thionia bullata Say. Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson); Gainesville 
(Cre SJR We): 

Acanalonia bivittata (Say). Estero (Van Duzee); Gainesville 
(CaF. D:). 


SUMMER NUMBER 1% 


Acanalonia latifrons (Walk.) Tampa, Ft. Myers, Estero (Van 
Duzee) ; St. Augustine (Johnson) ; Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slos- 
son) ; Lakeland (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D. J. R. W.). 

Acanalonia pumila (Van D.) Estero Island (Van Duzee) ; Bis- 
cayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). Cedar Keys, Gainesville (J. R. W.) 

Acanalonia conica (Say). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Acanalonia servillei Spin. ‘“‘Florida’” (Uhler); Gainesville (C. 
“eel BE 

Ormenis proxima (Walk.) “East Florida” (Walker). 

Ormenis pruinosa (Say). Sevenoaks, Estero (Van Duzee) ; 
Clearwater, Apr. (A. M. N. H.); St. Augustine (Johnson). 
Gainesville (J. R. W.) 

Ormenis rufifascia (Walk.) Ft. Myers, Estero, Clearwater (Van 
Duzee) ; LaGrange, Sept. (Sleight); Sanford, Apr. (A. M. 
ING EY.) 

Ormenis septentrionalis (Spin.) St. Augustine (Johnson) ; 
Gainesville. 

Cyarda melichart Van D. “Common everywhere in Florida” (Van 
Duzee) ; Sanford, Crescent City, St. Petersburg, Everglade, 
Tampa, Jacksonville, Newberry, Lakeland, Punta Gorda, Ft. 
Myerseca. vl. N-H:): Gainesville (C: J; Deand J. RieW-): 
Blandon, New Smyrna, Bradentown (J. R. W.). 

Flatoides punctatus (Walk.) “Taken occasionally at all places 
where I collected in Florida’ (Van Duzee); Biscayne Bay, 
Jacksonville (Mrs. Slosson) ; Marco, Ft. Myers, Clearwater, 
Lakeland, Punta Gorda (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Amalopota fitcha Van D. Gainesville (C. J. D.). Heretofore 
known as a northern species and recorded only as far south 
as North Carolina. 

Otiocerus abbotti Kirby. Jacksonville (A. M. N. H.). Gainesville 
(Cyd. D:) 

Otiocerus degeert Kirby. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; Jacksonville 
(A. M. N. H. and Davis); “Florida” (Uhler). Gainesville 
(CsI Ds). 

Cenchrea fulva Van D. Estero (Van Duzee) ; Gainesville (J. R. 
W.). Also from Cuba. 

Lamenia obscura Ball. Crescent City, Haw Creek (Van Duzee 
and A. M. N. H.). Gainesville (C. J. D.). 

Copicerus irroratus Schwartz. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 
Gainesville (C. J. D.). 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Stenocranus dorsalis Fitch. Crescent City, Sanford (Van Du- 
zee); Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson); Crescent City (A. M. 
INS) 

Stenocranus dorsalis Fitch. var. lautus Van Duzee. 

Stenocranus palaetus Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee and A. 
M. N. H.); Everglade, Apr. (A. M. N. H.). 

Stenocranus saccharivorus Westw. Tampa (Van Duzee). 

Kelisia parvula Ball. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Megamelanus elongatus Ball. Crescent City, St. Petersburg, Es- 
tero Island (Van Duzee); Belleair, Biscayne Bay, Ormond 
(Mrs. Slosson). 

?2Megamelanus spartini Osb. St. Petersburg (Van Duzee) ; Belle- 
air (Mrs. Slosson). 

Prokelesia marginata Van D. Estero (Van Duzee); Ormond 
(Mrs. Slosson). 

Megamelus seminigra Stal. “Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Macrotomella carinata Van D. Crescent City, Ft. Myers (Van 
Duzee). 

Pissonotus marginatus Van D. Sevenoaks (Van Duzee). 

Pissonotus basalis Van D. Ft. Myers, Estero (Van Duzee). 

Pissonotus ater Van D. Crescent City, Tampa, Sevenoaks, Ft. 
Myers (Van Duzee) ; Titusville, Nov. (A. M. N. H.). 

Pissonotus pallipes Van D. “‘Florida” (Van Duzee). 

Pissonotus brunneus Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Pissonotus delicatus Van D. Sevenoaks, Crescent City, Estero 
(Van Duzee). 

Peregrinus maidis Ashm. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Phyllodinus nitens Van D. St. Petersburg, Estero (Van Duzee). 

Bostaera nasuta Ball. Tampa, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; St. Pe- 
tersburg (H. O.) 

Stobaera affinis Van D. Crescent City, Ft. Myers (Van Duzee) ; 
Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Stobaera pallida Osb. Ft. Myers, Estero (Van Duzee) ; Newberry 
(A. M. N. H.); Nassau (Crawford) ; Key West (H. O.) 

Stobaera quadripustulata Van D. Estero (Van Duzee). 

Stobaera concinna Stal. Biscayne Bay, Belleair (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Gainesville (C. J. D.) 

Liburniella ornata Stal. Crescent City (Van Duzee). 

Liburnia slossoni Ball. Crescent City, Estero (Van Duzee) ; Bis- 
cayne Bay, Belleair, Lake Worth, Ormond (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia weedi Van D. Sanford, Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; 
Punta Gorda (A. M. N. H.) 


SUMMER NUMBER 19 


Liburnia humilis Van D. Sanford, St. Petersburg (Van Duzee). 

Liburnia laminalis Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee) ; Belleair 
(Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia culta Van D. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia puella Van D. Crescent City, Sevenoaks (Van Duzee) ; 
Biscayne Bay, Belleair (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia basivitta Van D. Crescent City (Van Duzee); Jack- 
sonville (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia osborni Van D. Estero (Van Duzee) ; Lakeland (Brad- 
ley). 

Liburnia detecta Van D. Crescent City, St. Petersburg (Van Du- 
zee) ; Ormond, Biscayne Bay, Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson) ; 
Titusville (A. M. N. H.): 

Liburnia tuckeri Van D. St. Petersburg (Van Duzee). 

Liburnia foveata Van D. Lake Worth (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia albolinosa Fowler. Sevenoaks, Estero (Van Duzee) ; 
Titusville, LaBelle (A. M. N. H.). 

Liburnia teapae Fowl. Biscayne Bay (Mrs. Slosson). 

Liburnia seminigra Stal. Crescent City, Estero (Van Duzee) ; 
Miami (A. M. N. H.); Belleair, Ormond, (Mrs. Slosson). 
Liburnia andromeda Van D. Sevenoaks, Tampa (Van Duzee) ; 
Lakeland (A. M. N. H.); Biscayne Bay, Belleair (Mrs. 

Slosson). 


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Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. V FALL NUMBER No. 2 
OCTOBER, 1921 


A HOST PLANT LIST OF APHIDS IN THE VICINITY OF 
THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA * 
By ARTHUR C. MASON 

Our present literature on the insect life of Florida contains 
very few references to aphids. In fact, only a few species which 
are of economic importance are even mentioned, and nothing 
like a list of those occurring in the State has been attempted. 
While this paper does not contain a complete list of the plant 
lice of Florida or even this section of the State, still it may serve 
as a start toward such a list, and may be added to from time 
to time. 

Previous references include Aphis brassica on cabbage (31) 
(32), Myzus persicae on peach and tomatoes (26) (36), Me- 
goura solani on tomatoes (35) (386), Aphis gossypw on cotton, 
cucurbits, and orange (2) (22) (81) (382), Siphonophora cucur- 
bitae on egg-plant (32), Aphis maidis on corn (1), and Tov- 
optera graminum on oats (37). These are dealt with purely 
from an economic standpoint. 

Lists of aphids have been written by several entomologists 
for various sections of the country, but none of them cover 
Florida. While it is true that a large number of plant lice are 
widely distributed and found in practically all the states, some 
others may be restricted to this part of the country alone. There- 
fore, a complete list for this State should be prepared. 

The insects listed were collected over a period of two years 


1 Taken from thesis entitled “Systematic and Biological Studies of Some Florida 
Aphididae,’’ presented by the writer to the University of Florida in 1915 for the 
degree of Master of Science. 

This paper constitutes Part I exclusive of sections on methods of collecting, 
mounting, etc. Parts II and III together with references cited will appear in later 
issues. 


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22 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


(1913-1915) and during all seasons. They represent those found 
on both cultivated crops and wild plants. The former, of course, 
are brought to the attention of economic workers much more 
often because of their importance to agriculture and also their 
greater abundance. The list represents about 30 species of 
aphids. Many others collected could not be determined because 
of lack of mature specimens or winged forms. Undoubtedly 
there are in the state many undescribed species of plant lice 
and at least two of these were found. 

Permanent mounts were made of all specimens and are in the 
author’s collection. Natural colors cannot be retained in mount- 
ed slides and color notes must be made from the live specimens. 


HOST PLANT LIST OF APHIDS * 
Ampelopsis quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) 
Aphis folsomu Davis 
Andropogon sorghum var. (sorghum) 
Sipha flava Forbes. 
Apple—see Pyrus malus 
Avena sativa (oats) Aphis avena Fitch 
Macrosiphum granaria Buckt. 
Myzus persicae Sulz, 
Toxoptera graminum Rond. 
Bean—see Phaesolus vulgaris 
Beet—see Beta vulgaris 
Beta vulgaris (beet) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Brassica oleraceae (cabbage) Aphis brassicae L. 
Aphis pseudobrassicae Paddock 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Brassica oleraceae var. acephala (collards) 
Aphis pseudobrassicae 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Brassica oleraceae var. acephala (kale) 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis (cauliflower) 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
B. oleraceae var. caulo-rapa (kohl rabi) 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Brassica rapa (turnip) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Cabbage—see Brassica oleraceae 
Calabash gourd—see Lagenaria vulgaris 
Capsicum annum (pepper) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Carrot—see Daucus carota 
Cauliflower—see Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis 
Chenopodium viride (Lamb’s quarters) 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 


1 Credit for the determinations of many of the aphids listed herein is given to 
J.J. Davis, Edith M. Patch, and F. B. Paddock. 


FALL NUMBER ae 


Chloris gavana (Rhodes grass) Macrosiphum sp. 
Sipha flava Forbes 
Chrysanthemum sp. (Chrysanthemum) 
Macrosiphum sanborni Gill. 
Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) Aphis gossypu Glov. 
Citrus aurantium (orange) Aphis gossypii Glov. 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Toxoptera aurantii Koch. 
Collards—see Brassica oleraceae var. acephala 
Corn—see Zea Mays 
Cotton—see Gossypium herbaceum 


Cucumis sativus (cucumber) Aphis gossypu Glov. 
Cucumis sp. (musk-melon) Aphis gossypu Glov. 
Cucurbita sp. (squash) Aphis gossypii Glov. 
Cyperus esculenta (nut grass) Carolinaia sp. 

Sipha flava Forbes. 
Daucus carota (carrot) Myzus persicae Sulz. 


Easter lily—see Lillium longiflorwm 
Egg-plant—see Solanum melongena 
English ivy—see Hedera helix 
Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Gnaphalium spathulatum Aphis gossypu Glov. 
Macrosiphum rudbeckiae Fitch. 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) Aphis gossypu 
(Reported in Bul. 34, Fla.) 

Grape—see Vitis sp. 
Grasses 

Andropogon annulatus 

Andropogon barbindoes 

Andropogon halepensis (Johnson grass) 

Andropogon monticela 

Andropogon sericens 

Andropogon sp. (Soudan grass) 

Anthephora hermaphrodita 

Cenchus biflorus 

Chaetochloa flava 

Chaetochloa aurea 

Eleusine coracana 

Eragrostis eurouloa 

Eulalia japonica zebrina 

Melinis multiflora 

Panicum antidoldes 

Panicum maximum 

Panicum hirsutissimum 

Paspalum nodosum 

Paspalum stoleniferum 

Pennisetum glaucum 

Pennisetum spicatum 

Pennisetum typhoideum 


24 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Sorghastrum stipoides 
Syntherisma consanguinea 
Tricholaena rosea (Natal grass) 
Tricholaena wrightii 
Sipha flava Forbes 
Green briar—see Smilax sp. 


Hedera helix (English ivy) Aphis hederae Kaltenbach. 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Hickoria alba Phylloxera caryae-scissa 
(Reported by Pergande (30) 
Hickoria pecan (pecan) Phylloxera sp. 
Hickoria sp. (hickory) Monellia caryella Fitch. 


Phylloxera sp. 

Phylloxera sp. 

Phylloxera sp. 
Holly—see Ilex opaca 


Hybiscus esculentus (okra) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Hybiscus sp. (hybiscus) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Ilex opaca (holly) Toxoptera aurantiae Koch. 


Ipomoea pandurata (moonflower) Aphis gossypu Glov. 

Ironweed—see Vernonia angustifolia 

Kale—see Brassica oleraceae var. acephala 

Kohl rabi—see Brassica oleraceae var. caulo-rapa 

Lactuca sativa (lettuce) ; Macrosiphum rudbeckia” Fitch 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 

Lagenaria vulgaris (calabash gourd) Aphis gossypu Glov. 

Lamb’s quarters—see Chenopodium viride 

Lettuce—see Lactuca sativa 

Lillium longiflorum (Easter lily) Aphis gossypu Glov. 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 

Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato) Megoura solani Thomas 

(Reported Fla. Bul. 125) 

Myzus persicae Sulz. 

Moonflower—see Ipomoea pandurata 

Musk-melon—see Cucumis sp. 

Mustard, black—see Sinapis nigra 

Nut grass—see Cyperus esculenta 

Oats—see Avena sativa 

Okra—see Hybiscus esculentus 

Orange—see Citrus aurantium 

Pansy—see Viola tricolor 

Parsnip—see Pastinaca sativa 

Pastinaca sativa (parsnip) Myzus persicae Sulz. 

Pea—see Pisum sativum 

Peach—see Prunus persica 

Pecan—see Hickoria pecan 

Pepper—see Capsicum annum 

Phaesolus vulgaris (garden bean) Myzus persicae Sulz. 

Pine—see Pinus taeda 


FALL. NUMBER 25 


Pinus taeda (pine) Lachnus pini L. 
Pisum sativum (garden pea) Macrosiphum pisi L. 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 


Poinsettia—see Huphorbia pulcherrima 
Potato—see Solanum tuberosum 


Prunus persica (peach) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Pyrus malus (apple) Aphis pomi DeG. 
Radish—see Raphanus sativus 

Raphanus sativus (radish) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Rhodes grass—see Chloris gavana 

Rosa sp. (rose) Macrosiphum davisi Del G. 


Rose—see Rosa sp. 
Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) Sipha flava Forbes 


Sinapis nigra (black mustard) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Smilax sp. (green briar) Pemphigus attenuatus Osb. 
Solanum melongena (egg-plant) Myzus persicae Sulz. 


Siphonophora curcurbitae Middleton. 
(Reported from Bul. 34, Fla.) 
Solanum tuberosum (potato) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Sonchus asper (spiny-leaved sonchus) 
Rhopalosiphum sonchi Oestlund. 
Sonchus oleraceus (sow thistle) Rhopalosiphum sonchi Oestlund. 
Sophia pinnata (Tansy mustard) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Sorghum—see Andropogon sorghum 
Sow thistle—see Sonchus oleraceus 
Squash—see Cucurbita sp. 
Stizolobium deeringianum (velvet bean) 
Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Sugar cane—see Saccharum officinarum 
Sunflower—see Helianthus annuus 
Tansy mustard—see Sophia pinnata 
Tomato—see Lycopersicum esculentum 
Turnip—see Brassica rapa 
Velvet bean—see Stizolobium deeringianum 


Vernonia angustifolia (Ironweed) Aphis vernoniae Thos. 
Viola tricolor (pansy) Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Viola sp. (violet) Myzus persicae Sulz. 


Violet—see Viola sp. 
Virginia creeper—see Ampelopsis quinquefolia 


Vitis sp. (wild grape) Macrosiphum viticola Thos. 
Watermelon—see Citrullus vulgaris 
Zea Mays (corn) Aphis maidis Fitch 


(Reported in Fla. Bul. 2) 
Aphis setariae Thos. 
Macrosiphum sp. 

Myzus persicae Sulz. 
Sipha flava Forbes. 
Toxoptera graminum Rond. 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


MINUTES OF MEETINGS | 


LANGUAGE HALL, April 25, 1921. 

Society called to order 4:30 p. m. President Watson in the 
chair. The paper of the evening was ““Fungus Enemies of the 
Walnut Aphis,” by Dr. O. F. Burger. The paper was very in- 
teresting and highly appreciated by all present. 

Under Timely Notes, Dr. Montgomery stated that the Pink 
Boll Worm had been found on four islands of the West Indies. 

Mr. Stirling spoke of a new insect that had been reported as 
doing considerable damage to cotton in Mexico. 

J. Chaffin reported considerable damage being caused by 
orange leaf notcher (Artipus floridanus) and Blue Green Citrus 
Beetle (Pachnaeus opalus) to citrus and avocado in vicinity of 
Little River. 

There being no further business, the society adjourned. 

J. CHAFFIN, Secretary. 


DEFERRED MEETING OF JULY 11, 1921 


Meeting was called to order at 4:45 by Prof. J. R. Watson, 
the president, in the chair. Mr. Chamberlain, in charge tobacco 
insect investigations for the Bur. Ent., U. S. D. A., at Quincy, 
Fla., was elected to membership. 

Prof. Fattig, the vice president of the Society, having left the 
State permanently, this office was declared vacant by a vote of 
the Society, and Mr. A. C. Brown elected by acclamation to fill 
this vacancy. 

It was voted to omit the regular July and August meetings 
and have the next meeting in September. 

There were present: J. R. Watson, Geo. B. Merrill, A. H. 
Beyer, A. C. Brown, J. C. Goodwin, J. H. Montgomery, F. M. 
O’Byrne, and E. W. Berger. 

The paper of the evening was by Mr. A. H. Beyer, Asst. Ento- 
mologist at Experiment Station. Subject: Coccobacillus acri- 
diorum as a Factor in Locust Control. Mr. Beyer’s paper con- 
sisted of a discussion of his work on this bacterium while he 
was in the employ of the U. S. D. A. in 1919. The paper was 
of great interest and a brief resume by the author is attached 
to these minutes. 

Under Brief and Timely Notes Prof. Watson showed a bag- 
worm and also a large thrips. 

The Society adjourned at 6 p. m. 

E. W. BERGER, Secretary pro-tem. 


FALL. NUMBER 27 


October 5, 1921. 

A special meeting and smoker of the Florida Entomological 
Society was called to order at 8:30 p. m., President Watson in 
the chair. Members present: Berger, Briggs, Brown, Burger, 
Chaffin, DeBusk, Goodwin, Hunt, Merrill, Mason, Newell, Mont- 
gomery, Reese and Yothers. Several visitors and speakers of 
the Citrus Seminar were also present. 

The president welcomed the visitors and made a few intro- 
ductory remarks, after which business was taken up in the reg- 
ular order. On motion and second E. L. Lord, Assistant Pro- 
fessor of Horticulture in the Agricultural College, was duly 
elected a member of the society. 

Mr. W. W. Yothers of the Bureau of Entomology was called 
on for a few remarks and he gave a very interesting account of 
some of the work and experiments he is carrying on at Orlando 
in the control of citrus insect pests. He spoke of the difficulty 
of rearing rust mites in confinement and of controlling the Fla. 
Red Scale (Chrysomphalus aonidum). He stated that he had 
found a 2% emulsion of a heavy viscid oil satisfactory. 

Dr. H. A. Morgan, president of the University of Tennessee, 
was then called upon. He gave a very humorous and interesting 
talk on his experiences as an Entomologist in Louisiana twenty 
or thirty years ago. He also gave a brief account of his work 
in distributing a parasite of the Harlequin Cabbage bug and his 
efforts in helping secure the first Government appropriation 
for the eradication of the cattle tick. 

Mr. Neal F. Howard of the Bureau of Entomology next gave 
some interesting facts in regard to the Mexican bean beetle sit- 
uation in Alabama and Georgia. 

On motion of Dr. J. H. Montgomery, the Society passed the 
following resolution: 

“Whereas, the attention of the Society has been directed to 
work done by Dr. A. T. Speare of the Bureau of Entomology in 
connection with fungi preying upon mealybugs and rust mites, 
and 

“Whereas, the results so far obtained are extremely promis- 
ing and indicate that a natural control of these pests may be 
found to be of practical value, and 

‘Whereas, in the opinion of the Society, this work should be 
prosecuted vigorously and without interruption, 

“Therefore, Be it resolved by the Florida Entomological So- 


(Continued on page 30) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR). WATSON 20 oe eee oe eee Editor 
DR? WELUMON NEW Bic) se Seen ee ee Associate Editor 
DR Wi. BERGER &: <0 o ene. See en eee eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL PAPERS AT THE CITRUS SEMINAR 


On Oct. 5 Mr. W. W. Yothers read a paper on ‘Some Funda- 
mentals of Grove Pest Control.” He stated that there are three 
possible viewpoints: (1) To do nothing, leaving the control of 
the pests to their natural enemies. (2) To take such measures 
as will reduce their numbers to the point of commercial control. 
This will necessitate frequent repetitions of the control mea- 
sures. (3) To eradicate the pest—expensive in the first costs 
but perhaps often cheapest in the end. Which method should 
be pursued will depend upon the insect. Or a combination of 
the methods will often be most practical. 


Mr. Yothers also read a very valuable paper by Dr. A. T. 
Speare of the U. S. Bur. of Ent., founded on work done in Mr. 
Yothers’ laboratory at Orlando. It has long been a matter of 
common observation that the citrus rust mites and mealy bugs 
tend to disappear with the advent of the rainy season. It has 
been generally supposed that this was due to their being washed 
off by the heavy rains. But according to Dr. Speare the true 
cause is the rapid development of two fungi under the influence 
of the high humidity of the rainy season. The fungus which 
infects the rust mites is a species of Cordiceps. Infected rust 
mites may be recognized by their shrunken appearance and of 
course absence of movement. The fungus which attacks the 
mealy bugs is an undescribed species of Extomophora. Infested 
mealy bugs may be recognized by their soft spongy texture. 
Under a sharp knife they can be cut like cheese. 

These discoveries are not only of great scientific interest but 
of equal practical importance. If a grower finds that one of 
these fungi is rapidly developing in his grove, under suitable 

28 


FALL NUMBER 29 


weather conditions he may often safely leave the control of the 
pest to the fungus, and save the cost of spraying. 

Another paper on entomogenous fungi was read by Dr. E. W. 
Berger, who gave a brief account of his growing, in pure cul- 
tures, of two fungi hitherto not so grown and of his discovery 
of a new strain of the Red Whitefly-Fungus. 

The new fungi are Aschersonia goldiana on Cloudy-winged 
Whitefly from Cuba (specimens received at the Experiment Sta- 
tion) and on an unknown aleyrodid from Winter Park, Florida; 
and the Cuban Aschersonia found infecting the Pyriform Scale, 
and Liriodendron Scale in Florida, and the Tessellated Scale in 
Porto Rico. 

The new strain of the Red Whitefly-Fungus was discovered 
on some holly and bay leaves sent in from a hammock at Winter 
Park, Fla. It fruits freely in the culture bottles during summer, 
a fact which has not been true for the other strains heretofore 
grown. This fact will make it possible to grow it in smaller 
quantities during summer as needed, thus always assuring a 
fresher product than heretofore when the whole crop had to 
be grown in late winter and early spring and kept in cold stor- 
age. Indications are that it is also an unusually virile strain. 

Prof. J. R. Watson presented the results of some recent ex- 
periments on spraying for thrips. He exhibited a table giving 
the results of spraying to lessen thrip marks on fruit. This 
covered the results in seven groves from Lake to St. Lucie 
counties. In groves where the thrips averaged from 25 to 64 
per bloom, about half of the unsprayed fruit was marked to 
such an extent as to lower its grade from brights to goldens if 
otherwise perfect. 388% of this scarring was prevented by a 
single spraying. This repaid the cost of spraying many times 
ever. Groves in which the thrips averaged 10 per bloom did 
not repay the cost of spraying for thrips alone. But where they 
were being sprayed at blossoming time for rust mite or scab the 
additional cost of adding 34, pt. of Black Leaf 40 per 100 gallons 
was repaid twice over. 

The proper time to spray is when the trees are in full bloom, 
and the proper solution at least 1 pt. of Black Leaf 40 to 100 
gallons of the rust mite spray solution. 

Mr. Neal F. Howard gave an interesting account of the Mexi- 
can Bean Beetle investigations of the Bur. of Entomology, U. S. 
D. A., in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. There appears to be 
no hope of stopping the beetles and growers of legumes will have 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


to plan substituting other crops and immune species. Fortu- 
nately, the velvet bean, both bush varieties and climber, are 
immune, except that the adult beetles do feed some upon them, 
so that this bean may have to be substituted as a cover crop and 
forage in place of cow peas and beggar weed. Snap beans appear 
doomed. The use of poisons in its control have proved unsatis- 
factory. Investigations in Mexico, in search of natural enemies, 
have so far been fruitless. 

Mr. Chaffin read a paper on mealy bugs. This is printed 
elsewhere in this journal. 


MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
(Continued from page 27) 
ciety, in special session at Gainesville October 5, 1921, that Dr. 
Speare be congratulated upon the success which has so far at- 
tended his efforts, and 
“Further, That the Secretary of the Society communicate with 
the Chief of Bureau of Entomology expressing the hope of the 
Society that Dr. Speare will be assigned to further investiga- 
tional work in Florida to the end that this work be completed.” 
There being no further business, the Society adjourned. 
J. CHAFFIN, Secretary. 


PERSONALS 


Among our out of town members present at the Citrus Sem- 
inar were W. W. Yothers and A. C. Mason of the U. S. Ent. Lab. 
at Orlando; E. F. DeBusk, County Agent of Lake; W. R. Briggs, 
Agent for Manatee County; Mr. Seth Walker of the Citrus Ex- 
change; Mr. K. E. Bragdon, formerly County Agent of Brevard 
but now Field Agent with the Citrus Exchange Supply Co.; 
and Mr. C. M. Hunt, Assistant Nursery Inspector. 

Miss Evelyn Osborn, formerly Assistant in Entomology in 
the Experiment Station, was on Aug. 27 married to Mr. Chas. 
M. Knapp of Syracuse, N. Y. 

Prof. Carl J. Drake received the degree of Ph. D. from Ohio 
State University in June. He has been spending the summer 
in Mississippi, Arizona, and California. 

W.S. Blatchley received the degree of LL. D. from the Uni- 
versity of Indiana in June. Dr. Blatchley is one of less than 
a dozen to receive this degree from Indiana University. He 
expects to return to his winter home in Dunedin shortly. 


FALL NUMBER Si 


The stork has recently visited the homes of two of our mem- 
bers, Mr. Geo. Merrill and Mr. W. W. Yothers. Both girls. 

Mr. P. W. Fattig is now teaching biology in the State Normal 
School at Farmville, Va. 


MEALYBUGS 
By JEFF CHAFIN 

Mealybugs are one of the most widely distributed group of 
insects known; they occur in practically every country in the 
world and attack nearly every cultivated and wild plant. If it 
were not for the fact that they have a large number of natural 
enemies they would no doubt do serious damage to many of our 
most valuable crops. They seem to thrive best and do the most 
damage in tropical and subtropical climates. We probably have 
forty or fifty different species in this State, but of that number 
there are only three or four that do very much damage. How- 
ever, many of the most injurious species have not been intro- 
duced into Florida. 

One species that we do not have does serious damage to 
sugar cane in Cuba. California has two species that do consider- 
able damage: Baker’s mealybug which attacks the grape, and the 
citrophilus mealybug which prefers citrus. They have made 
several unsuccessful efforts to control and eradicate these pests. 
These two species are probably the most injurious mealybugs 
in the United States and neither of them is present in Florida 
at the present time. There are no doubt many other species 
in the United States, as well as in the tropical countries, that 
would do serious damage if brought to this State. 

The mealybug that does the most damage in Florida at the 
present time is the Common Citrus Mealybug (Pseudococcus 
citri) which is a serious pest in our ornamental nurseries and 
greenhouses and sometimes becomes very numerous in citrus 
groves during dry seasons. During the dry spell last summer 
they did more damage than usual all over the citrus belt. This 
particular species is present all over the United States but it 
seems to do the most damage here. We do not hear of it causing 
any damage in California, so either their climatic conditions are 
unfavorable for it or they have some natural enemy that we do 
not have. 

The next of importance is the Cocoanut Mealybug (P. nipae) 
which is always present on trees and ornamentals in the south- 
ern part of this State. During the dry spell last summer the 


32 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 

avocados, mangoes, sapodillas, palms, many other ornamental 
‘plants in Fort Myers were covered with this insect. The sooty 
mold, growing on the honey dew excreted by the pest, made a 
very unsightly appearance and, of course, the fruit and plants 
were damaged. This species apparently does not have as many 
natural enemies as the common citrus mealybug and is just as 
hard if not harder to control. 

Another species that is beginning to play an important part 
is the Pineapple Mealybug (P. bromeliae) which did quite a bit 
of damage to several pineapple plantings down the east coast 
this year. This pest prefers the pineapple and was probably 
brought to this State several years ago on imported pineapple 
slips. 

The life cycle of a mealybug is short and a female will lay 
from three to five hundred eggs; so if conditions are favorable 
it takes only a short time for them to become very numerous 
regardless of the fact that they have a large number of natural 
enemies. They have insect friends that protect them and aid in 
their multiplication. Several species of ants will carry the 
young mealybugs around and protect them in order that they 
may secure the honeydew secreted by the pest. The most active 
ant along this line is the Argentine ant, which we do not have 
in this State at the present time. 

Owing to the large number of host plants, rotation of crops 
would do very little good in the control of mealybugs. Some of 
the most important natural enemies are some hymenopterous 
parasites, lady beetles and the larvae of syrphid and lace-wing 
flies. 

Mealybugs are covered with a wax-like secretion and the eggs 
are deposited in a mass of this material, so spraying with a 
strong insecticide has very little effect. When the rainy season 
begins, the severe infestations disappear, so spraying with clear 
water under high pressure to wash the insects from the tree has 


been recommended by the best Entomologists for years, but any- 


one who has had much experience spraying for mealybugs knows 
that any kind of solution or pressure gives very poor results. 
Quite recently one of the field men of the Bureau of Ento- 
mology discovered an unnoticeable fungus attacking the mealy- 
bug and when the rainy season began this year this fungus com- 
pletely destroyed the severe infestations in several groves that 
he had under: observation. Personally, I believe their disappear- 
ance during rainy weather is due to this fungus rather than the 


FALL NUMBER oo 


rain. If this is the case, our problem is to induce this fungus 
to thrive during dry weather or find some parasite that will 
hold the mealybug in check until the rainy season begins. 


IT PAYS TO CONTROL RUST MITE 
J. G. GROSSENBACHER 

Strange to say, the rust mite is not an insect but is more 
closely related to spiders. It is a near kin of the itch mite, 
“red bugs,’ red spiders, and cattle ticks. It feeds on all new 
green growth of trees: leaves, fruit and twigs. It seems to live 
on juices taken from trees, particularly the oil. However, if 
these mites consumed all the oil from the glands they open we 
would have no real rusty fruit. In fact, the rusty appearance 
of fruit, leaves and twigs is due to the oil oozing from glands 
that had been tapped by the mites. The oil flowing from the 
punctured glands spreads out more or less over the rind of the 
fruit and during nights of heavy dew or light showers may run 
down the sides of the fruit in narrow bands; the exposure of 
these thin layers of oil to the air causes the oil to break down 
or oxidize and change to a dark color, thus resulting in rust and 
where it had run down the fruit in streaks to “‘tearstaining.” 

There is another effect that the exuding oil has on young fruit 
and other newly developed parts of trees that should be men- 
tioned in this connection. In 1914 and 1915, I punctured a large 
number of oil glands on newly hardened young twigs and half- 
grown oranges with a very fine pointed needle under a lens. 
The punctured areas were marked and kept under observation 
during some weeks. Small amounts of oil escaped from each 
pricked oil sack and spread over tiny spots and areas, the shape 
of which depended upon the action of gravity on the escaping 
oil. After a few days the distribution of the oil was definitely 
and clearly shown by brown spots of the exact size and shape of 
the oil-covered area. In order to make a further test of the 
effects of orange oil on the epidermal tissues of fruit, leaves 
and twigs of orange and grapefruit, a small quantity of this oil 
was obtained and applied with an atomizer so as to cover the 
surface with tiny spots of oil; in other cases the application was 
continued until the oil spots became so numerous and close to- 
gether that they eventually touched and thus covered consider- 
able areas completely with a continuous film of orange oil. The 
result was interesting in that in case of the light applications 
every point, formerly occupied by oil-dust particles delivered by 


34 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


the atomizer, was shown by a tiny brown spot. Where the ap- 
plications had been so heavy that considerable areas were cov- 
ered with a continuous film, these areas showed up of the same 
size and shape as brown blotches. On closer examination the 
outer skin of these oil covered spots was found to have been 
killed, leaving a rough outer surface consisting of broken, dead 
skin tissue adhering to an imperfect substitution skin under- 
neath. In a few cases of extra heavy application of orange oil 
the entire bark was killed to the wood on twigs as large as a 
lead pencil, thus resulting in the death of the twigs. 

In making these tests with needle pricks and atomizer, I was 
trying out a suspicion that melanose and ammoniation spots 
may be due to the bursting of oil glands and the consequent 
exudation of their contents to the outer surface where the effect 
of the oil would damage the epidermal layer or outer skin of 
newly grown leaves, fruit, and twigs. It is evident that the oil 
is a factor in the development of melanose and ammoniation or 
dieback spots but the reasons for the escape of the oil from the 
sacks to the outside must be found before a full explanation can 
be given. In case of the disease known as melanose it appears 
that probably abortive infections from spores of the stem-end- 
rot fungus permit the leakage of the oil and thus result in 
melanose spots. 

Coming back now to the appearance we call rust, one need 
only examine a very rusty orange that had an early infection, 
with a hand lens, to see that the outer skin has been killed and 
that its broken fragments are adhering to an imperfect inner 
one. This is true only of russeting that is due to an early attack 
of rust mites on fruit. In case rust mite does not become very 
numerous until after the fruit has attained considerable size, 
however, the oil injury following is not so serious and usually 
gives rise to smooth russets. The rough russets due to the early 
attacks of rust mites are commonly called buck-skin or shark- 
skin fruits. 

The effects, then, of rust mite on fruit are considerable and 
various, depending upon the relative earliness and intensity of 
the infestation and on the weather conditions prevailing during 
the period of greatest activity. For example, tear-staining can 
probably result only during periods of comparatively dry weather 
so that the exuded oil accumulating in spots of intense mite 
activity may be carried down the sides of fruit in streaks by 
dew deposits thus allowing concentrated action of the oil, while 


FALL NUMBER Be 


rains probably dilute the oil to such a degree and wash it off 
so quickly that no discoloration can result in streaks. Again, a 
comparatively late attack of the mite will result only in smooth 
russets and practically no buck-skin effects. In any case, how- 
ever, it is evident to everyone who observes the presence and 
activities of the enormous numbers of mites on heavily infested 
trees that the devitalizing effects of this pest on trees must be 
more in proportion to their numbers than to their size. 

The immediate and most striking loss to growers due to the 
unhindered development of rust mites in bearing groves is of 
two kinds: the discoloration of the rind of fruit, and stunting 
effect on the fruit growth occasioned by the injuries on the 
rind. The devitalizing effects on trees necessarily also affects 
fruit size but probably tells heavier on the performance of trees 


the following season. 


(Excerpt from Citrus Leaf No. 7, published May 1, 1921, by the Florida 
Insecticide Company, Apopka, Florida.) 


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By EpDITH M. PaAtcH, Entomologist, University of Maine 
A series replete with accurate information which is neither too 
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FIRST BOOK—HEXAPOD STORIES School Edition 90c 
For second and third grades. This book, which on its scientific 
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THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY PRESS, Ine. 


a 


Ghe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. V WINTER NUMBER No. 3 
JANUARY, 1922 


ON SOME NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICAN TINGIDAE 
(HEMIP.)* 


By CARL J. DRAKE 
Corythucha baccharidis n. sp. 


Antennae clothed with a few long hairs. Rostrum reaching almost to the 
end of the rostral sulcus. Pronotum with the lateral carinae short, curved, 
strongly raised, each composed of two cells and terminating about equi- 
distant from the hood and median carina; median carina strongly elevated 
anteriorly, rather short, not quite half as long as the hood, its height a 
little more than half its length, composed of five or six cells (two rows 
anteriorly). Paranota with the reticulations smaller than those of the 
hood, the outer margins armed with a double row of spines (extra sub- 
marginal row as in C. mcelfreshi). Hood prominent, broad, moderately 
elevated, slightly constricted at the middle, not strongly narrowed ante- 
riorly, slightly broader than high, the width about seven-tenths of the 
length. Costal margins of the elytra slightly incurved or nearly straight, 
the spines moderately long and extending to the basal third. Tumid eleva- 
tions of elytra large and rounded; costal area largely triseriate (two to 
three rows of areolae). Length (male), 4.1 mm.; width, 2.8 mm. The 
female is a little larger and broader than the male. 

General color yellowish white, the fuscous markings more prominent than 
in C. mcelfreshi. Most of the nervelets of the hood, save sides of anterior 
portion, a large spot on median carina, a spot on the tumid elevation, part 
of sutural area, and the basal and apical cross-bands of elytra fuscous. The 
apical band has a rather broad hyaline streak and forms almost a double 
cross-band. Areolae hyaline, partly clouded in the fuscous areas. Body 
beneath dark reddish brown or black. 

Several specimens, collected on Baccharis sp. at Paradise Keys, 
Fla., Feb., by Dr. E. A. Schwarz; one specimen, Miami, Fla., 
Aug. 2, 1902, by Mr. Russell. Type (male, Nat. Mus., No. 


25,183), Paradise Keys, Feb. 19, E. A. Schwarz. The paratypes 


*Contributions from the Department of Entomology, New York State 
College of Forestry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N. Y., No. 37. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


38 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


show considerable variation in color. In general appearance 
and color, the species closely resembles C. meelfreshi Drake 
(type and 3 other specimens before me), but readily separated 
from it by the much shorter lateral carinae, less constricted hood, 
larger tumid elevation of the elytra, shorter median carina and 
triangular process of pronotum, and the more prominent color 


markings. 
Leptostyla malpigheae n. sp. 

Akin to L. tumida Champion, but easily distinguished by its 
much smaller and less elevated hood and the median carina. 
Length, 3.91 mm.; width, 1.85 mm. 

Antennae long and slender; first segment a little longer than the fourth 
and almost three and a half times the length of the second; third segment 
long, three and two-thirds times the length of the fourth. Head with five 
rather long slender spines, the anterior spines (especially median) usually 
longer than the latero-posterior ones. Rostrum reaching almost to the end 
of rostral sulcus, the rostral laminae strongly elevated. Hood moderately 
large, very much smaller than in twmida; the anterior margin of head, the 
tips of the spines and the entire triangular portion of pronotum not con- 
cealed by the hood; the length almost three times its height. Median carina 
slightly shorter than hood and almost as highly elevated, the length a little 
greater than its height, strongly and angularly raised slightly in front of 
the middle (two to three rows of cells). Lateral carinae very short, each 
composed of a long triangular cell. Paranota greatly dilated, recurved and 
rounded, with four rows of areolae at widest part; the areolae large. Elytra 
moderately elongate, narrow at the base, widening distally, very similar to 
tumida; costal area with one row of areolae at the base, increasing to three 
or four at the middle, the areolae large; subcostal area mostly biseriate, 
usually one row at the base, discoidal area short, rather broad, with three 
rows of areolae, the anterior side more strongly raised. 

General color testaceous, the areolae iridescent and hyaline. Median 
spine on the head, a spot on median carina, and an oblique fascia, slightly 
rounded and occupying two depressed rows of areolae on elytra, fuscous. 
Marginal nervures of paranota and some of the nervelets along the margin 
of costal area fuscous. Legs and antennae testaceous, the tips of tarsi and 
(usually) inner side of first antennal segment infuscated. 

Many nymphs and several adults, taken on Malpigea urens 
Linn. at San Diego de los Bano, Pinar del Rio, Cuba, by John- 
ston Ballon, March 27, 1921. Type (male) No. 25,184 U. 8. 
N. M. This insect is also somewhat allied to L. mcelfreshi Drake 
from Hayti, but the latter is much larger, and differs greatly in 
the structure of the hood, paranota, carinae and elytra. 


Megalocysta championi n. sp. 


Readily separated from M. pellucida Champion by its much 
smaller, less elevated hood (not covering any part of triangular 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


. process), broader paranota and well developed carinae. Length, 


6.57 mm.; width, 3.7 mm. 

Antennae rather long, the third segment three and a half times the 
length of the fourth. Pronotum tricarinate, the lateral and median carinae 
well developed, the former diverging posteriorly. Paranota moderately wide, 
rounded, biseriate, the areolae rather large. Bucculae not contiguous in 
front. Hood moderately large, not covering the anterior portion of the 
head nor any part of the triangular process of pronotum, the length about 
twice its height, the areolae very large and irregular. Elytra faintly con- 
stricted a little beyond the middle, broadly rounded at the tips; costal area 
from three to four seriate at the widest part, the areolae large and irregu- 
larly arranged; subcostal area mostly triseriate, the discoidal area raised, 
with four rows of areolae at widest part, the areolae about equal in size to 
those of subcostal area. The nervures of hood, paranota and elytra are 
large and much coarser than in pellucida. 

General color yellowish brown, with a few fuscous markings. Areolae 
of hood fuscous, non-transparent. Legs and antennae yellowish brown, the 
tips of tarsi and apical segments of the latter dark fuscous. Paranota and 
elytra with the areolae mostly hyaline (a few cells near the apex of the 
elytra partly clouded), some of the nervelets partly fuscous. Body beneath 
dark yellowish brown. 

One specimen, a female, from Brazil. Type in my collection. 
This species somewhat modifies the generic description of Mega- 
locysta Champion, the bucculae being either closed (pellucida) 
or open (championi). The lateral carina, omitted in the original 
description, are only slightly developed and are entirely covered 
by the hood. Specimens of pellucida from Panama (collected 
by Dr. E. A. Schwarz) differ from the original description, and 
a cotype before me, in having the paranota partly biseriate and 
lateral carinae slightly more developed. Named in honor of Dr. 


G. C. Champion, who founded the genus. 


Galeatus schwarzi n. sp. (Fig. 1) 


_ Very distinct and readily separated from G. peckhami Ashm. 
by its much smaller size, the much larger hood and more strongly 
inflated posterior triangular portion of pronotum and differently 
formed paranota. Length, 2.95 mm.; width, 1.22 mm. 

Head armed with long, rather stout, blunt spines; two anterior spines, 
one on each side of median line porrect or with the tips more or less con- 
verging; median and latero-posterior spines appressed closely to the head. 
Antennae slender, rather long, the first segment about twice the length of 
the second; third segment slightly curved, one and a half times the length 
of fourth, the latter clothed with numerous fine hairs. Rostrum reaching 
to the end of rostral sulcus. Pronotum smooth, slightly shining, not very 
closely punctured, tricarinate; lateral carinae very short, each composed 
of a single, flap-like cell; median carina very strongly foliaceous, short, 
about half as long as the head, connected with the median nervure of the 


40 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


latter near the middle and extending upward to join the median nervure 
of the inflated posterior portion of pronotum near the crest, composed of 
two long cells, the anterior cell very narrow. Hood large, the greatest 
height, length and width about equal, extending a little in front of the 
head, with a distinctly impressed area in front, the areolae large and mi- 
nutely sculptured. Inflated posterior portion of pronotum large, about as 
high as the hood, the areolae large and minutely sculptured. Paranota 
strongly reflexed, short, its height noticeably less than that of the hood, 
composed of four very wide and short areolae and one long narrow areola 
in front of the others. Elytra much longer than the pronotum, slightly 
constricted beyond the middle, the areolae very large; costal area uniseri- 
ate, with an extra triangular cell at the constriction, subcostal area uni- 
seriate. Wing considerably longer than the abdomen. 


Fig. 1—Galeatus Schwarzi Drake. 


General color fuscous-brown. Nervures of lacy portions brown and 
somewhat infuscated, some of the areolae slightly smoky and cloudy. Legs 
and antennae lighter, the tip of the latter fuscous. 

Two females and a male, collected at Paraiso, Canal Zone, 
Panama, Jan. 21, 22 and.23, 1911, by Dr: BE. A. Schwarz ine 
specimens are all macropterous; type (female, Jan. 23) No. 
25,151 U. S. N. M. This species has the general appearance of 
Dicysta Champ. but the very large cell readily distinguishes it 
from the members of that genus. 


Gargaphia mexicana n. sp. 

Differing from G. amorphae Walsh and G. tiliae Walsh in the 
angularly expanded paranota, the somewhat cone-shaped hood 
and the more strongly raised point (occupying two cells a little 


WINTER NUMBER Al 


in front of the middle) of the median carina. Length, 4.15 mm.; 
width, 2 mm. 

Antennae long, clothed with numerous long hairs; first segment two and 
a half times as long as the second; third segment very slender, two and 
a third times as long as the fourth, the latter a little longer than the first 
and second conjoined. Rostrum reaching almost to the end of rostral sulcus, 
the rostral laminae strongly elevated. Paranota angularly expanded, with 
four rows of areolae at its widest part. Hood somewhat conical, moderately 
elevated. Carinae rather strongly elevated, each composed of a single row 
of rather large areolae; median carina with a strongly raised arched place 
a little in front of the middle (much more so than in tiliae or amorphae). 
Costal area of the elytra with four rows of areolae at the widest place; 
subcostal area biseriate; discoidal area with four rows of areolae at widest 
part, not quite so broadly expanded at the apex as in amorphae. Paranota, 
carinae, pronotum moderately hairy. Basal portion of elytra sparsely hairy. 

Antennae and legs brownish, the tarsi and fourth antennal segments 
black. Head and eyes black, the spines brown or testaceous. Thorax be- 
neath black, the rostral laminae and bucculae yellowish brown. Abdomen 
beneath reddish brown to nearly black. Hood, carinae and elytra testa- 
ceous, four or five oblique nervures of the latter and a small spical spot 
in discoidal area brown or fuscous. Pronotum blackish. 


One female and three male specimens, taken at Tampico 
(xii-5) and Tamos (xii-7-09) Mexico, by F. C. Bishop. Type 
No. 25,187 U. S. N. M. (female) from Tampico, Mexico. 


Gargaphia tiliae Walsh 

This species is identical with G. fasciata Stal from Illinois. 
Gibson, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XLV, 1919, p. 191,196, has 
erroneously treated fasciata Stal (specimens from Alabama det. 
fasciata by Champion) and the latter cannot be given specific 
rank. Tiliae is a rather variable species in size, length of spines 
on the head and color of elytra. In many specimens there is no 
darkening of the nervures (forming a transverse fascia) of the 
elytra. The costal and subcostal areas are variable in size and 
number of rows of areolae. 


Gargaphia munda Stal 

This is a common and widely distributed species in South 
America. Leptostyla lineifera Walker (fide Blair of British 
Museum) is a synonym of munda. G. magna Gibson is a very 
closely related species. 


Gargaphia condensa Gibson 

G. condensa Gibson and G. carinata Gibson are identical and 
were described from the same series of specimens from Santa 
Rita Mountains, Arizona. Condensa is very closely related to 
G. iridenscens Champion. 


42 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Acanthocheila kahavalu Kirkaldy 


In the Kirkaldy Collection, National Museum, Washington, 
D. C., there is one example of this insect from Challanga, Peru, 
labeled ‘type’ and I designate this specimen as the type (Nat. 
Mus. No. 25,152) of the species. I have also examined the fol- 
lowing specimens from Bolivia; two from Cochabamba, one from 
Marcapata and three from Pachitea. 

Leptodictya leinahoni Kirkaldy 

The genus Hanuala of Kirkaldy, Bull. Soc. Ent., France, 1905, 
p. 216, is identical with the genus Leptodictya of Stal and, as 
the latter has priority, leinahoni should be transferred to this 
genus. In the Kirkaldy Collection (Nat. Mus.) there is a single 
specimen from Mapiri, Bolivia, labeled “type”, which I designate 
as the type (No. 25,062 U. S. N. M.) of the species. I have also 
examined specimens from Peru (Cozoo, Coll. Gay) and Bolivia 
(two from Mapiri, one from Lopax (Yungas), and ten from 
Cochabamba). 

Acvsta brasiliensis n. sp. 

Very distinct and distinguished at once from the known spe- 
cies of the genus by the biseriate costal area and the very narrow 
carina-like paranota. The head is armed with five spines, the 
antero-lateral ones short and projecting forward. Length, 4.3 
mm.; width, 2.1 mm. 

Antennae slender, rather long, the third segment two and a half times 
the length of the fourth. Rostrum reaching to the meso-metasternal su- 
ture. Head short, very sparsely pubescent. Pronotum coarsely punctured, 
narrowed anteriorly, moderately clothed with rather long, fine pubescence, 
tricarinate, the lateral carinae present only on the posterior portion of the 
pronotum, the median carina very distinct and prominent. Paranota very 
narrow, extending along the entire margin of pronotum, composed of a 
single row of very tiny areolae, the posterior two or three cells a little 
larger than the others. Elytra very sparsely and finely pubescent, consid- 
erably longer than the abdomen, each elytron with two raised prominent 
laterally compressed, point-like structures; costal area uniformly biseriate, 
the areolae rather large and mostly pentagonal; subcostal area with four 
rows of areolae; discoidal area very distinct, with four to five rows of 
areolae at its widest part, and areolae of discoidal and subcostal areas small 
and subequal in size; sutural area broad, the areolae becoming larger 
distally. Wings a little longer than the abdomen. Male claspers large and 
strongly curved. 

Color: Head black, the spines testaceous. Eyes reddish or black. An- 
tennae testaceous, the spical segment fuscous. Pronotum dark brown, the 
paranota, collum and posterior portion of triangular process, and the 
median carina, except central portion, testaceous. Elytra testaceous, the 
four prominent raised point-like structures brown with fuscous tips, a large 


eee eel OOOO MA"-.C COO 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


spot in discoidal area, and a slightly smaller one (just opposite) in subcostal 
area, brown. These two spots, formed by embrowned nervures, form an 
irregular transverse fascia, extending from the costal area to the inner 
margin of discoidal area thru the raised point-like protuberance. Body 
beneath dark brown or blackish, the abdomen more or less tinged with red. 


Type (female) No. 25,185 U.S. N. M. from Para, Brazil, col- 
lected by C. F. Baker. Some of the paratypes have the paranota, 
lateral carinae and most of the median carinae dark brown like 
the pronotum. One specimen has the subcostal area composed 
largely of four rows of areolae instead of three. 


Leptoypha morrisoni n. sp. 

Somewhat akin to L. binotata Champ., but readily separated 
from it and from allied forms occurring in the United States 
by the narrow, uniseriate subcostal area; the costal area is ex- 
tremely narrow and strongly reflexed, carina-like, the areolae 
very tiny and mostly indistinct. 

Elongate and narrow. Head smooth, somewhat shining, the latero-pos- 
terior spines short and the three anterior spines wanting. Rostrum reach- 
ing a little beyond the meso-metasternal suture. Antennae rather long, 
moderately stout; first segment a little shorter and slightly thicker than the 
second, the latter slightly enlarged towards the tip; third segment slightly 
curved, almost two and one-third times as long as the fourth, the latter 
slightly more than twice as long as the first and second conjoined. Pro- 
notum rather coarsely punctured, the lateral carinae wanting, the median 
carina distinct but only faintly raised. Elytra elongate, widest at a little 
beyond the base, faintly constricted beyond the middle; discoidal area broad, 
with about eight or nine rows of areolae at its widest part, the areolae of 
subcostal and discoidal areas about equal in size; sutural area broad, the 
areolae becoming larger distally. The pronotum (except disc), especially 
the posterior triangular portion, moderately and finely pubescent, the pu- 
bescence on the elytra rather sparse. 

General color brownish. Antennae brown, the first, second and distal 
two-thirds of fourth segments infuscated. Pronotum reddish brown, the 
collum and apex of triangular process lighter, the deeply impressed calli 
black. Elytra brown or yellowish brown, with numerous veins in sutural 
area, and usually a large spot near the middle and another smaller one near 
the apex of discoidal area fuscous. Eyes reddish or black. Body beneath 
dark brown or blackish, sometimes slightly tinged with red. 

Length (male) 3.11 mm.; width 1.05 mm. The female is more 
robust, larger, and the fuscous markings are not as prominent. 
Described from 3 males and one female, the latter with the head 
wanting. 

San Pedro de Macoris, Rep. Dom., W. I., collected July 15, 1917, 
by Mr. Harold Morrison. Type (male) No. 25,150 U. S. N. M. 
This species is named in honor of Mr. Harold Morrison, who has 

(Continued on page 48) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR JR: WATSON: 2220352) ee Editor 
DR: WILMONINEWHDL: = V0 eS ee Associate Hditor 
DR oH Ws BERGER. 540242. 2 Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 25 cents per copy. 


“LITTLE GATEWAYS TO SCIENCE.”’—We trust that all who 
have received the previous issue of the Entomologist have or- 
dered copies of “Hexapod Stories” and “‘Bird Stories,” published 
by the Atlantic Monthly Press, Boston, Mass. The author of 
these two books, Miss Edith M. Patch, is one of only a few lady 
entomologists in America and we are glad to advertise her books. 
We hope that the membership of the Florida Entomological 
Society and subscribers to the Entomologist will respond hear- 
tily. Prices, postpaid, are 90 cents and $1.00, respectively. 


THE TORONTO MEETING.—The editor has just returned from 
the meeting of the Am. Ass. for the Advancement of Science at 
Toronto. Meeting with the Association, as usual, were the 
American Entomological Society and the Am. Association of 
Economic Entomologists. Some papers on entomological sub- 
jects were read at the meetings of the Ecological Society of 
America which also held one joint meeting with the entomolo- 
gists as did also the phytopathologists. The meeting was quite 
successful, over 1800 being in attendance, and favored with very 
mild weather. Other members of our Society in attendance were 
Prof. Herbert Osborn, H. L. Dozier of Ohio State and Dr. Carl J. 
Drake of Syracuse, N. Y., and Mr. C. S. Weigel of U. S. Bureau 
of Ent. Another former Floridian met was Dr. Sherbakoff of 
the Tennessee station. 

The Entomologists’ dinner on Friday evening was a particu- 
larly enjoyable affair. As Toronto was the birthplace and 1921 
the 32d anniversary of the formation of the Association of Eco- 
nomic Entomologists the addresses were largely of a reminiscent 
nature. The circumstances of the founding of the Association 
were recounted by some of the ‘‘old imagoes” for the benefit of 

the “second instar nymphs.” <A “nymph,” a lepidopterist, was 
44 


WINTER NUMBER 45 


heard to observe that some of the ‘“‘imagoes” seemed to be badly 
rubbed. 

As retiring president of the A. A. A. S. Dr. Howard on 
Tuesday evening gave a stimulating address on the ‘War 
Against Insects.” His theme was that insects were struggling 
with man for the mastery of the earth and that it behooved man 
to be on the alert lest the issue of the war be against him. His 
address has been printed in Science. Prof. Wm. Bateson of 
England lectured to the Association on Wednesday evening. He 
took the position that while the principle of evolution was thoroly 
established there was still much doubt as to the factors respon- 
sible for the origin of species and that Darwin’s theory of the 
origin of species thru natural selection of small fluctuating vari- 
ations had not been proven. Along this same line the zoologists 
had much to say about orthogenesis. 

The address of the retiring president of the Economic ento- 
mologist, Prof. Geo. A. Dean, was on the subject of cooperation. 
Prof. Sanders of Pa. was elected president for the Boston meet- 
ing next year. It was voted to hold the 1923 meeting in Cincin- 
nati and the 1924 meeting in Washington. For the 1925 meeting 
a western city, “perhaps Kansas City,’ was suggested. Space 
forbids our noting the many interesting and valuable papers pre- 
sented. One was a highly amusing moving picture of the life 
history of the ox warbles. This film is owned by the U.S. D. A. 
and perhaps could be secured by our county agents. 


DUSTING GROVES AT THE RATE OF SIX ACRES PER 
MINUTE 
Houser Outflies County Agent Briggs 

A very interesting and suggestive illustrated paper was given 
at the Toronto meeting by Prof. Houser of the Ohio station on 
the successful dusting with lead arsenate from an aeroplane of 
a grove of catalpa trees infested with the catalpa sphynx. It 
was Prof. Houser’s contention that, considering the rapidity of 
the work, dusting tall trees from an aeroplane might under some 
circumstances prove to be the cheapest method in spite of the 
high cost of aeroplanes. 

How about dusting groves of seedling orange trees for rust 
mites? One plane might take care of most of the groves of the 
Citrus Exchange for instance. One member remarked that ento- 
mologists must now substitute for their time-honored slogan 
adopted from the ministry ‘‘Let us spray,” one adopted from the 
housewife, “Get up and dust.” 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


MYCODIPLOSIS MOZNETTEI n. sp. 
By E. P. Felt, Albany, N. Y. 


The small midges described below were received from Mr. 
G. F. Moznette of the Federal Bureau of Entomology accom- 
panied by the statement that they were reared from the pyriform 
scale, Pulvinaria pyriformis Ckll., as many as three individuals 
being reared from one scale insect. The larvae devour the eggs 
of the female scale and when full grown construct small cocoons 
underneath the scale of the host. One slide containing a number 
of females was labelled Miami, Fla., November 26, 1921, G. F. 
Moznette, Avocado. The other slide bears the date of Decem- 
ber 2, 1921, and similar information. 

The species appears to be closely related to three other pre- 
daceous forms in this genus, namely, M. acarivora Felt, M. cocci- 
divora Felt and M. pulvinariae Felt, from all of which it is eas- 
ily separated by the distinctly shorter stems of the male flagellate 
antennal segments. . 

Male: Length 1.25 mm. Antennae a little longer than the 
body, thickly haired, probably yellowish brown, 14 segments, 
the fifth with the stems each with a length one half greater than 
the diameter, terminal segment, basal enlargement roundly disk 
shape, the basal portion of the stem short, the distal enlarge- 
ment broad, broadly rounded, obtuse apically: Palpi, first seg- 
ment subquadrate, the second with a length about twice its di- 
ameter, the third more slender; body and halteres probably pale 
yellowish; legs probably pale straw; Genitalia, basal clasp seg- 
ment moderately stout; terminal clasp segment about one half 
the length of the basal clasp segment, moderately stout, dorsal 
plate longer, deeply and narrowly emarginate, the lobes broadly 
rounded; the ventral plate long, broadly rounded apically. 

Female: Length 2 mm. Antennae about three fourths the 
length of the body; sparsely haired, probably pale straw, four- 
teen sub-sessile segments, the fifth with a stem one fourth the 
length of the cylindric basal enlargement which latter has a 
length two and a half times its diameter ; terminal segment with 
a length three times its diameter and apically a short, obtuse 
process; palpi nearly as in the male; body “pinkish”; halteres 
presumably pale yellowish; the legs probably pale straw; ovi- 
postor about one fourth the length of the abdomen, stout, the 
lobes broadly rounded apically. 


Type Cecid. A. 3217, N. Y. State Museum. 


WINTER NUMBER 47 


FLORIDA LOSES DR. DAVIS 

Dr. H. S. Davis, Professor of Zoology, including entomology, 
at the University and a charter member of our society, has 
resigned to accept a position with the Bureau of Fisheries. Dr. 
Davis is an authority on the protozoan diseases of fishes and has 
been spending his summer vacations with the Bureau for many 
years. 

Dr. Davis is a fine teacher and the University and our Society 
will miss him greatly. He will reside in Washington. His place 
will be taken by Dr. J. S. Rogers, a graduate of the University 
of Michigan, now teaching in Grinnell, Ia. 


Science Hall, Nov. 28, 1921. 

The regular monthly meeting of the Florida Entomological 
Society was called to order at 4:30 P. M., President Watson in 
the chair. Members present: Lord, Cody, Newell, O’Byrne, 
Montgomery, Burger, Merrill, Goodwin, Lazonby, Stirling, 
Beyer, Davis and Chaffin. 

Application of Miss Miller of Eustis for membership was 
received and she was duly elected. 

It was moved and passed that a Committee of three be ap- 
pointed to confer with a similar committee of the Horticultural 
Seminar, as to the advisability of a fusion of the two societies 
or an arrangement for joint meetings. Dr. J. H. Montgomery, 
Dr. O. F. Burger and Dr. E. W. Berger were appointed on the 
committee. The committee was instructed to report at next reg- 
ular meeting. 

It was moved and passed that the society give Dr. H. 8S. 
Reed of California a smoker when he visits Gainesville next 
month, and that this smoker take the place of the regular De- 
cember meeting of the society. 

The paper of the evening was: “Bean Jassids and Their Con- 
trol” by A. H. Beyer. Mr. Beyer illustrated his talk with stere- 
opticon views and it was both valuable and interesting, showing 
the results of a great deal of careful work, and illustrating the 
value of spraying for this insect. He also showed the spraying 
attachment that he invented which will thoroughly wet both 
sides of the leaves. 

There being no further business the society adjourned. 

J. CHAFFIN, Secretary. 


48 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


SMOKER FOR DR. REED 


Dr. H. S. Reed, physiologist of the Citrus Experiment Sta- 
tion of California, located at Riverside, California, passed 


through Gainesville and was entertained at a joint meeting of © 


the Entomological Society and the Horticultural Seminar on 
Dec. 13. Dr. Reed is spending a part of his sabbatical leave 
studying citrus conditions in both North and Central America 


and perhaps part of South America. Dr. Reed came to Florida © 


from Mexico, where he spent four weeks in going over the most 
highly developed citrus regions in that country. 

Dr. Reed spoke to the two societies on the results of his 
experimental work at Riverside, going deeply into the causes of 
the development or inertia of buds, a problem which strikes at 
the very fundamentals of pruning practice. 

While Dr. Reed was in Florida it was made possible for him 
through the courtesy of the State Plant Board to visit the dif- 
ferent citrus sections of our State, going down the ridge to the 


East Coast. He spent a part of his time through the northern | 


part of the district and a few days in the Pinellas Peninsula. 
Before he left the State a letter was received in which he ex- 
pressed his appreciation of the kindness shown him while in 
the State and also giving his impressions of our citrus section. 
There were two things that impressed him very much; first, the 


j 


great amount of new groves planted in the last five years, and © 


secondly, the amount of disease present in all old groves. In 
fact, it was his impression that the life of an orange tree in 
Florida was limited by disease. Two diseases which he spoke 
of as being of the greatest importance in the State were Melan- 


ose—Stem-end Rot and Dieback. 
Dr. Reed’s work in California is studying the effects of prun- 


ing on both citrus and deciduous fruit trees. He is making a 
quantitative study in groves, and the effects that pruning may 


have on the tree if practiced at various seasons throughout the | 


year. O. F. BURGER. 


ON SOME NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICAN TINGIDAE 
(HEMIP.) 
(Continued from page 43) 
collected many Tingidae and other Hemptera in the West Indies. 
Hesperotingis (Melanorophala) duryi confusa new variety. 


Differs from M. duryi O. & D. in having the third antennal segment © 


strongly swollen towards the apex and the pronotal carinae slightly more 


WINTER NUMBER 49 


elevated. General color and other characters as in duryi. Only brachyp- 
terous specimens of duryi and var. confusa known. The principal nervures 
of the elytra strongly costate and the reticulations extremely irregular in 
the variety as well as in the typical form. The third antennal segment in 
duryi only very slightly swollen towards the apex. Described from six 
specimens (short-winged females), collected at Marfa and Chisos Mts., 
Texas, by Mitchell and Cushman. Type, No. 25,186 U. S. N. M., taken at 
Marfa, Texas, June 5, 1908. 

This new variety somewhat confuses our conception of the 
genera Melanorophala of Stal and Hesperotingis of Parshley. 
The tips of the elytra in the brachypterous forms of Stal’s species 
of Melanorophala—clavata, lurida (obscura Parshley), and uni- 
formis—are distinctly divaricate at the apex. If the above spe- 
cies were named correctly by Osborn and Drake, it seems quite 
probable that lurida may not be more than a variety of clavata, 
and wniformis perhaps a synonym of lwrida. However, it is 
probably best to consider Stal’s species distinct until the types 
are examined. The short-winged form of M. infuscata Parsh- 
ley and the long-winged form of duryi are unknown to the writer. 
In short-winged specimens of all the species belonging to the 
genus Hesperotingis (specimens of every described species be- 
fore me), as in M. duryi, the elytra are non-divaricate at the 
tips. The elytra in the macropterous form of H. illinoiensis 
Drake are more broadly rounded at the tips than in similar 
specimens of Melanorophala. Thus, the shape of the third seg- 
ment of the antennae makes duryi fall in the genus Melano- 
rophala and the var. confusa is the genus Hesperotingis. On 
account of the non-divaricate wings of M. duryi it is perhaps 
-advisable to transfer this species to the genus Hesperotingis and 
to treat the two genera as distinct until more specimens of duryi 
and var. confusa, including the males and long-winged forms, are 
secured. The long-winged form of H. antennata Parsh. has been 
described by Parshley. 

Hesperotingis occidentalis n. sp. 

This species is very similar and closely allied to H. illinotensis 
Drake, but easily distinguished from it by the slightly shorter 
antennae, the smaller spines on the head, and costal area contains 
only one complete and partial series of areolae. Length, 5.1 mm. ; 
width, 2.23 mm. 


Brachypterous form: Third segment of the antennae slightly curved 
and a little thicker and more abruptly swollen towards the apex than in 
illinoiensis. Paranota parallel, each composed of a single row of small 
areolae. Rostrum reaching to the meso-metasternal suture. Costal area 
composed of one complete and a partial row of areolae (two rows near the 


50 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


base and towards the apex and one row along the middle (greater portion). 
Other characters very much like those in illinoiensis. 

General color above yellowish brown. Body beneath and legs dark red- 
dish .brown. Antennae reddish brown, the fourth and almost distal half 
of the third segment blackish. 


Two specimens. Type (female) from Colorado in my collec- 
tion. Paratype (female) labeled “‘N. W., Uhler Coll.” in the 
National Museum. The latter specimen has the right antenna 
broken. The number of rows of areolae in the costal area will 
at once distinguish H. occidentalis from H. infuscata Parshley 
from Colorado, also from H. antennata Parshley or H. illinoiensis 
Drake. More specimens may make occidentalis a variety of illi- 
noiensis, but on account of the slightly more elevated carinae 
and the marked difference in costal area it seems best to consider 
them as distinct species. 

Teleonemia (Cantacader) chiliensis Reed 

I have examined specimens of this insect determined by the 
late Dr. Carlos E. Reed of Chile and the species belongs to the 
group of Teleonemia having the broad costal area. I also have a 
specimen from Ocampa, near Santa Fe, Argentine. 
Coleopterodes liliputianum Signoret. 

The genus Solenostoma of Signoret, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. Ser. 
“4, 111, 1868, p. 575, erected for S. liputianiwm Sign.” (1. ¢. pa 
575, pl. XIII, fig. 27), is preoccupied by a genus of fishes—Ra- 
finesque, Analyse de la Nature ou Tableau de l’Universe et des 
Corps Organises, 1815, p. 90. Hence, the genus Coleopterodes 
of Philippi, Stetten. Ent. Zeit., XXV, 1864, p. 306, founded for 
C. fuscenscens Phil. (S. liliputianum Sign.) becomes the valid 
name for the genus. It is also interesting to note that Latreille, 
1802, used Solenostoma for an order of Acarina and then many 
years later Brady and Robertson, 1873, for a genus of Copepoda. 
Brady, 1880, substituted Acontiophorus for Solenostoma in the 
copepods. As the genus Fistularia of Linnaeus, 1758, has pri- 
ority over Solenostoma in the Fishes, the latter has lost out en- 
tirely and cannot be made a valid generic name. 


Fig. 1. Galeatus schwarzi n. sp.; a, dorsal aspect; b, lateral aspect of 
hood and pronotum. Drawn by Mr. W. P. Osborn. 


AN APPRECIATIVE NURSERYMAN 
On July 20th the Nursery Inspector sent a circular letter to 
all the nurserymen in the state, from which we quote the fol- 
lowing: 
“Nurserymen in one or two sections of the State have been 


WINTER NUMBER 51 


anxious for a modification of Rule 40. They have felt that local 
movements of uncovered nursery stock should be permitted. We 
recently visited one of these sections and made a tour of the 
streets in the principal town. We stopped and examined the 
trees that were overhanging the streets in the principal thor- 
oughfares and in about one half hour’s time we found 15 differ- 
ent scale insects and three different species of mealy bugs on 
these trees. In two cases the infestation was so severe that it 
was killing leaves and the insects themselves wer falling off the 
trees onto the ground. In a number of cases leaves affected with 
the scale insects in all stages were being shed because of the 
severe infestation. A man driving along with an uncovered load 
of nursery stock would park his car under the shade of such 
an overhanging tree, if there was a choice, so as to protect nur- 
sery stock from the heat of the sun while he attended to other 
business before going on to the place where he was to plant the 
trees. In some cases quite possibly the only place he could find 
to park his car would be under such an overhanging tree. In 
the case of trees that hang low the nursery stock could actually 
interlock with the low overhanging trees. In other cases the 
breeze would blow off infested leaves which were just about 
ready to drop and they would light in the uncovered nursery 
stock and the young insects would promptly transfer to the new 
host. It is altogether out of the question therefore to sanction 
the general movement of nursery stock in an uncovered con- 
dition.” 

On August 10th he received the following letter: 

“Dear Plant Board: 

“Last spring we set 500 strawberry plants to raise plants for 
our own use. It appears now that we shall succeed so well we 
shall have a few to sell. 

“Today Judge Therien contracted for 10,000 of those same 
plants. When planting time comes the Judge will bring a col- 

lection of various sized boxes, pans and cans and we will fill 
them. He can only use a few each day. But on every box, pan 
or can we will fasten one of those emblems of Liberty. 

“When the Judge starts for home we will carefully cover each 
box, pan or can with a bed quilt, for we fully realize the great 
importance of Rule 40 regarding strawberry plants. 

“Suppose the Judge should stop his horse to rest ’neath the 
shade of an overhanging strawberry plant (the Judge doesn’t 
own a car), and a lot of red ants should drop from that over- 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


hanging plant right among the plants in his wagon. Wouldn’t 
he swear when he handled those plants? 

“T think we had better cover the Judge too. A wild cat 
might spring from the foliage of that overhanging strawberry 
plant and get him. Wouldn’t that be awful? 

“But no matter what happens I will cheerfully and gladly 
write you; for you know we have lots and lots of time during 
the planting season. “Your obedient servant, 
.1c16Q) ———— rs 


Printing for All Purposes 


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Delivered on Time 


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Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
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Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
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Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


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When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


: Ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. V SPRING NUMBER No. 2 4 
Ale, (1922 


LIFE HISTORY STUDIES OF SOME FLORIDA APHIDS: 
By ARTHUR C. MASON 
GENERAL 

It is a well-known fact that in the colder sections of the country 
the plant lice pass the winter in the egg stage. These eggs hatch 
in the spring into wingless agamic females. The process of pro- 
ducing apterous viviparous females usually continues throughout 
the season. Winged females sometimes appear, also, but in most 
cases only apterous forms are found. At the approach of cold 
weather the true sexual generations of both males and females 
appear. Fertilization takes place and the females lay eggs which 
live over winter to start the generation in the following spring. 
This, in general, is the mode of life of plant lice in the North. 

Experimental work has been done which tends to show that the 
true sexual forms are produced only when conditions are not 
favorable to the continued life of a species in the adult form. 
Slingerland (23)° of Cornell, raised 99 generations without pro- 
ducing a single sexual form in his insectary where conditions of 
heat, plant food, etc., were favorable to the aphids. Therefore, 
this might happen naturally under favorable conditions. From 
this experiment it is reasonable to believe that plant lice can live 
and breed viviparously over winter in Florida, and this phenome- 
non has actually been observed by the writer in the case of sev- 
eral species of aphids. No true males have been produced, nor 
have any sexual eggs been laid. Other workers also have offered 
this as an explanation of the life of southern aphids. Quaintance 
(82), in describing the life history of Aphis brassica says that 


1A synopsis of Part II of thesis entitled ‘‘Systematic and Biological Studies 
of Some of Florida Aphididae’ presented by the writer to the University of Florida 
in 1915 for the degree of Master of Science. This is the second paper of the series; 
the third and concluding paper will appear in a following issue. 

2 Numbers refer to references cited. Complete list of references for the three 


papers will appear at the end of the third paper. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


they pass the winter without the production of males and females 
and winter eggs. Watson (36) says that in the warm climate of 
Florida, especially the southern part, viviparous and partheno- 
genetic reproduction will undoubtedly continue all winter in the 
case of the tomato louse, Megowra solani, and also of the green 
peach aphid, Myzus persicae. Considerable work has been done 
by the United States Bureau of Entomology on the southern grain 
louse, Toxoptera graminum, and they have found that it will 
breed viviparously all winter in all southern states. In their 
bulletin on the subject, Webster and Phillips (87) make the state- 
ment that there is no resting or egg stage and whenever there is 
a sufficient food supply and warm weather the aphids become 
very abundant. Hubbard (22) is also of the opinion that the 
southern aphids will live and breed viviparously over winter, 
and says that the males of the orange aphids rarely if ever appear. 

In spite of the fact that several species have actually been ob- 
served living on the plants throughout the winter and that most 
of the workers of this and other Southern States admit the prob- 
ability of viviparous breeding through the winter, it is a ques- 
tion as to where the vast majority of aphids pass the winter. It 
is probable that many, if not all, of those species which live on 
perennial plants or on plants which are fresh during the winter 
will live through the season without producing eggs. Those 
whose host plants die in the fall must find a different host or 
else live over winter in a different form, and it is probable that 
some at least live in the egg stage. A warm spell of weather 
and fresh tender shoots of their host plants will bring out large 
numbers of plant lice which may again disappear under adverse 
conditions. In all probability they produce sexual forms and lay 
sexual eggs when the weather conditions are bad and when their 
food plants die out. 

MYZUS PERSICAE SULZ. 

This insect, commonly called the green peach louse, is probably 
the most common aphid which occurs in this part of Florida, and 
with one or two exceptions the most destructive. The writer has 
found it in more or less abundance at all seasons of the year ex- 
cept during the summer months, and on a great variety of plants. 
It selects the tender shoots of fruit trees, many garden crops, and 
ornamental plants, and when conditions are favorable reproduces 
in large numbers, often becoming very troublesome. They have 
been observed several times abundant enough to cause cabbage 
leaves, and also turnips, collards, and other cruciferous plants to 


SPRING NUMBER 55 


curl up and die. Other instances where this louse has been seen 
in disastrous numbers were on Easter lilies, oranges, etc. Neal 
(26) speaks of Myzus persicae as very injurious to peach growing 
in Florida by causing the tender sprouts to curl up and die. In 
the green house, particularly, they reproduce very rapidly and are 
a serious pest. 

The list of aphids as reported in the preceding paper in the 
Entomologist shows this louse to have been collected from thirty- 
five different plants in Florida. Additional plants as recorded 
elsewhere by Taylor (34), O’Kane (28), Chittenden (4), Gillette 
and Taylor (18) bring the list of hosts up to more than one hun- 
dred species. These hosts include practically all garden crops, 
many flowers, ornamentals, fruit trees, weeds, etc., and in widely 
separated families. The aphid apparently has no preference for 
the juices of any one plant or even single family of plants, but 
selects almost any which are fresh and tender. Neither is it con- 
fined to this part of the country. Other states from which Myzus 
persicae is reported are California (15), Virginia (4), Colorado 
(18), Minnesota (27). From these widely separated States we 
can conclude that the species is well scattered over this country. 
It is also reported by Buckton (3) from England. 

Seasonal Occurrence. Beginning in the fall Myzus persicae 
was first found in October on cabbages and turnips. It continued 
to breed there during November and December and increased 
quite rapidly. In January and February it was less numerous, 
but a few could always be found in any field of cabbages, turnips, 
rape, and other related plants. It began to appear then on other 
plants, being found in March on lettuce, pansies, violets, and 
Easter Lilies. In April it appeared on some rose bushes, and on 
hybiscus and poinsettias, and also on beets and radishes in the 
garden. A month later, however, they had apparently all left 
those plants where they were so numerous and it was also diffi- 
cult to find them on cabbages, but instead they were now numer- 
ous on Irish potatoes, corn and beans which were coming up. Here 
they lived while these plants were fresh, then abandoned them 
as they previously had the others. In June they were found on 
kale, egg-plant, and peppers, which were then growing, and on 
which they lived during the early part of the summer. Later, 
they seemed to entirely disappear, and although many plants were 
examined during the late summer no trace of them was found. 
Probably the adults live in small numbers on some wild plants 
where they were unnoticed. They were not on the garden and 


56 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ornamental plants where they lived during the early part of the 
year. In the fall they again appeared on the cabbages, turnips, 
radishes, rape, etc., as they had done the previous year. They 
continued to live on these plants in more or less abundance all 
through the winter. They also appeared in November on peach 
tree leaves, and in December on some fresh garden plants, as 
beets, carrots, kale, etc. All through the winter they could be 
found in more or less abundance on most young fresh garden 
plants, also on sunflowers and various weeds. In the greehouse, 
also, they lived on several plants but were very abundant and 
destructive on the young shoots of the orange trees. Hence it 
appears that Myzus persicae selects always the plants that are 
coming up fresh, instead of remaining on one plant all the year. 

Life History. An effort was made to breed this species in 
jars throughout the winter and thus determine if reproduction 
was entirely parthenogenetic or if sexual forms occurred; also its 
rate of reproduction and other factors of biological importance. 
The work was carried on one winter in the greenhouse and the 
following winter in the open air insectary which was then avail- 
able. Although the aphids probably reproduced faster in the 
greenhouse than under natural conditions, a line on the maximum 
number of generations could be obtained in the open air insectary, 
as well as its method of living and other data of importance. 

For the purpose of the experiment, small cabbage plants were 
used, these being placed in pots and protected with lantern globes 
which were set over the plants and the top covered with a piece 
of cheese cloth. These pots were placed on the greenhouse bench 
and the plants kept in the best possible growing condition. Start- 
ing with six adults an effort was made to carry six lines of the 
aphids through the winter. The first-born young was removed 
by means of a camel’s-hair brush and placed on a new plant. 
Then, to be more sure of preserving the line, the next two or three 
were placed on a substitute plant to be used in case the first 
one should die or be lost. Only the first young was raised to 
maturity and its offspring kept in the same way. However, after 
carrying on the work for three or four months it was found that 
the greenhouse was not a desirable place for it. In fact, it was 
impossible to carry through a line there. A fungus disease be- 
came so prevalent as to kill off the aphids before reaching ma- 
turity and thus whole lines were lost. Also the extreme heat on 
bright days caused the plants to wilt from drying out and the 
aphids, as a result, would die; therefore the work was abandoned 
in the latter part of April until the following fall. 


SPRING NUMBER 57 


The following data was secured from the breeding work in the 
greenhouse. First, no tendency to oviparous reproduction was 
seen. Both winged and apterous females were produced which 
continued to breed parthenogenetically throughout the winter. 
Second, the rate of parthenogenetic reproduction as tabulated’ 
for all the lines shows that the average age of the mother at birth 
of first young was 11.1 days, average number of offspring 27.7 
and the average length of life 17.7 days. This would allow 
for nearly three generations per month as the maximum rate 
of reproduction. 

The following fall the work of breeding the aphids was started 
again, this time in the open-air insectary. Here the previous 
obstacles were not encountered, and the lines were carried 
through successfully. Three lines were started in November and 
run through the winter under natural conditions. From the tab- 
ulated data we find that the average age of the mother at the birth 
of the first young was 15.4 days, as compared with 11.1 days in the 
greenhouse. We would naturally expect this period to be shorter 
in the greenhouse than outside. 15.4 days would be a fair esti- 
mate of the average length of time for one generation of Myzus 
persicae during the winter months. This would allow for two 
generations of the aphids per month as the average maximum 
number. The average length of the productive period was 18.2 
days, and the total average number of young was 42.8, which 
would make an average of 2.3 per day. The largest number for 
any one day was 8. The average length of the whole life was 36.2 
days. There usually was a period of one to ten days between the 
birth of the last young and death. The nymph molts at the ap- 
proximate ages of one or two days, five days, ten days, and four- 
teen days. A complete tabulation of the data on the life of one 
line shows that three generations usually overlap, also a day of 
high productiveness is usually followed by one of low productive- 
ness, and vice versa. 

The same method of reproduction occurred here as during the 
preceding winter in the greenhouse. No males or sexual eggs ever 
- appeared in the breeding jars. Hence we can conclude that this 
species of aphid lives throughout the year on fresh plants and 
breeds viviparously continuously. 

Parasites and Enemies. In the greenhouse, Myzus persicae 
was very heavily parasitized by the fungus, Entomophthora 

1 The tables are necessarily omitted because of lack of space and only sum- 


maries of the results given. A number of photographs illustrating the thesis are 
also excluded. 


58 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


aphidis (identified by Dr. Roland Thaxter of Harvard). This 
disease was so serious, in fact, that it interfered with the breed- 
ing experiments which were being carried on there by killing off 
the aphids. It was also found on the aphids outside both in the 
spring and summer months. On one occasion it was so common 
that the under sides of the pansy leaves were covered with the 
dead bodies of the aphids. Suitable weather conditions are nec- 
essary for it to grow well and this is the reason it killed off all the 
aphids in the greenhouse where it is warm and humid. Undoubt- 
edly this disease accounts largely for the disappearance of these 
insects during the summer for the warm humid climate of the 
rainy season is conducive to its growth. An interesting feature 
of this fungus is that it does not grow on other species of aphids. 
Several attempts were made to grow it on Aphis gossypii on 
orange trees in the greenhouse and under the same conditions as 
when it was growing on Myzus persicae on cabbages, but without 
suecess. The dead bodies covered with spores were rubbed over 
the bodies of Aphis gossypvi and leaves with them were pinned to 
orange leaves containing Aphis gossypvi, but in no cases could it 
be made to grow on other aphids, and never have any instances 
been observed under natural conditions where other species of 
aphids were attacked by it. 

An internal hymenopterous parasite, Diaeretus rapae Curt. 
often parasitized this aphid very severely. The insects fly about 
and deposit their eggs in the bodies of the aphids by piercing them 
with their ovipositor. Two species of Syrphus flies were found 
feeding on the aphids, and also the lace-winged fly, Chrysopa 
oculata and a lady beetle, Chilocorus bivulnerus. 


ALPHIS GOSSYPII Glover 


Aphis gossypii commonly known as the melon louse, is perhaps 
the most important aphid in the State from an economic stand- 
point, and also one of the most numerous. It occurs in all seasons 
of the year and some observations were made as to its hosts and 
method of living through the year. An interesting fact about 
this aphid is the many forms in which it occurs. The citrus form 
is a dark slate color or velvety green, while it usually occurs on 
melons in a yellowish form. However, the yellow, melon form 
is also occasionally seen on orange trees. These forms are so 
radically different as to be hardly recognizable as the same 
species, in fact they were called different species for many years 
and known as the citrus aphid, the melon aphid, and the cotton 


SPRING NUMBER 59 


aphid, until Pergande (30) discovered that these were simply 
varieties of the one species, Aphis gossypii. 

It has a number of other hosts also including many garden 
crops, flowers, weeds etc. The preferred food plants however are 
those belonging to the melon family. Many of these are listed as 
hosts for Florida in the preceding list. Others are reported by 
Chittenden (5) and Quaintance (32). ‘About thirty different 
plants are mentioned as hosts. The insect also has a wide range 
of distribution both in the United States and other countries. 
Sanderson (33) says the melon aphid is found throughout this 
country, southward through Central America, and is usually 
more destruetive in the South than in the North. Chittenden (5) 
gives its distribution as the West Indies, Mexico, Brazil, and 
doubtless elsewhere in South America, and generally distributed 
throughout the United States, but more injurious in the South- 
west than elsewhere. 

Seasonal Occurrence. This louse was found early in the fall 
feeding on orange trees and continued to live there throughout 
the fall or until December. They then disappeared and were not 
seen on the oranges again until the following April. During the 
winter however they appeared in large numbers in the greenhouse 
on young orange trees and for several weeks continued to breed 
so rapidly as to nearly kill the tender shoots of the trees. They 
collected on the new growth, causing the leaves there to curl up 
and become deformed. This continued until the latter part of 
March when there was a notable decrease in numbers in the 
greenhouse and by the middle of April none of them were pres- 
ent. They gradually disappeared, seeming to migrate as fast as 
they became adult. About this time the form of the species 
known as the melon aphid appeared on some calabash plants 
growing in another section of the greenhouse, and lived there 
for a short time. 

In February they were collected outside on moonflowers, and 
in April appeared on the orange trees outside, where they lived 
for a short time and then evidently migrated to the melons. Dur- 
ing the first part of April the species was present on Easter lilies 
in large numbers, but here, also, lived for only a short period. 
From the time the cucumbers began to grow in April Aphis 
gossypui lived on cucurbitaceous plants. It was never difficult to 
find them in fields of cucumbers, melons, squash, or cantaloupes, 
and often their presence was very noticeable. They continued to 

(Continued on Page 62) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
PROFESSOR JOR. WATSON: 0 2 ee eee Editor 
DR. AWILMON NEWELL. 2: he eee Associate Editor 
WR Be Wes BERGER 2e) ze. 2 coer eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


Jane2o, O22" 

A business meeting of the Florida Entomological Society was 
called to order at 7:45 P. M., in Language Hall, President Wat- 
son in the chair. Members present: Stirling, Davis, Cody, Mont- 
gomery, Berger, Merrill, Burger, Lord and Beyer. 

The report of the joint committees composed as follows: Dr. 
J. H. Montgomery, O. F. Burger and E. W. Berger, representing 
the Florida Entomological Society, and Mr. F. M. O’Byrne, Mr. 
E. L. Lord and A. H. Beyer, representing the Horticultural Semi- 
nar of the University of Florida, was delivered by the commit- 
tee chairman, Dr. Montgomery. The report providing for joint 
meetings as recommended by the joint committees, was adopted 
by the Society. 

The immediately succeeding procedure was the election of of- 
ficers for the ensuing year, which were elected by acclamation 
as follows: Mr. Frank Stirling, president; Dr. O. F. Burger, 
vice president; Mr. A. H. Beyer, secretary; Mr. F. M. O’Byrne, 
business manager of ENTOMOLOGIST and treasurer; Dr. J. H. 
Montgomery, member Executive committee; Prof. J. R. Watson, 
Editor of ENTOMOLOGIST; Dr. Wilmon Newell, Associate Editor 
of ENTOMOLOGIST. 


Smoker for Dr. Davis 


After the business meeting the evening was given over to a 
smoker in honor of Dr. H. 8S. Davis, who has tendered his resig- - 
nation as head of the Department of Zoology to accept the posi- 
tion of Fish Pathologist, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washing- 
ton. DG. 

At the smoker which convened at 8:15 there were present as 
guests: Dr. A. A. Murphree, Major Floyd, Dr. Trusler, Dr. 

60 


SPRING NUMBER 61 


Anderson, Dr. Benton, Dr. Crow, Dr. Leigh, Dr. Shealy, Prof. 
- Perry, Prof. Black, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Steik, and Prof. Wil- 
loughby. Mr. Stirling officiating. At the conclusion of the 
smoker Dr. Murphree suggested that a committee be delegated 
to prepare a smoker on the evening of January 30th in honor 
of visitors interested in the purposed Institute of Tropical Agri- 
culture who are to be on the campus at that time. The motion 
was made and committee was appointed by Chairman Stirling. 
A. H. BEYER, Secretary. 


Keb) 20; 1922. 

The Society met in regular monthly joint meeting with the 
Horticultural Seminar of the University and was called to order 
by President Floyd of the Horticultural Seminar. Members 
present: Stirling, Lord, Beyer, Berger, Watson, Montgomery, 
Merrill, Burger and Stone. 

Mr. Stirling exhibited samples of an “orangelo,” a hybrid be- 
tween an orange and a grapefruit. This tree was grown from 
budwood from the Bureau of Plant Industry, U. 8. D. A., by Mr. 
Henderson on the lot now owned by Mr. Stirling. 

The first paper of the evening was by Dr. W. B. Tisdale on 
The Development of Cabbage Resistant to the Fusarium Disease 
Commonly Known as “Yellows.” Prof. Watson gave a report 
on the entomological meetings of the A. A. A. S. at Toronto. Dr. 
Montgomery gave a report on the meeting of the Cotton States 
Entomologists at Atlanta during the previous week. Prof. Lord 
gave some notes on horticulture. 


PERSONALS 

A new member of our Society is Mr. Reginald Hart, formerly 
with the Bureau of Plant Sanitation of Cuba, an entomologist 
of wide experience with tropical insects, who has been added to 
the State Plant Board with headquarters at Gainesville. 

Another new member is Mr. Chas. Ballou of Havana, a mem- 
ber of the Bureau of Plant Sanitation of Cuba. 

Dr. W. B. Tisdale has entered upon his duties as Pathologist 

of the Tobacco Substation at Quincy. Dr. Tisdale is a native 
Floridian who received his doctor’s degree from the University 
of Wisconsin where he has also been teaching. 
- Dr. J. S. Rogers has entered upon his duties as head of the 
Department of Biology in the University, taking the place of 
Dr. Davis. Dr. Rogers comes to Florida from the University 
of Michigan. 


62 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mr. Geo. D. Smith, a specialist in boll weevil control, has re- 
signed from the Bureau of Entomology to accept the position 
of Associate Entomologist of the Plant Board. He will have 
has headquarters at Madison. 

Our president, Mr. Frank Stirling, left for Raiford on March 
1st. The length of his stay is “indeterminate.” 

Prof. L. C. Corbett of the Bureau of Plant Industry, with 
headquarters at Washington, recently accompanied Director 
Newell on a visit to the Citrus Sub-station at Lake Alfred. 

“Red Spider on the Avocado” is the title of Bulletin 1035 of 
the U. S. D. A. (Professional Paper) by Mr. G. F. Mosnette. 
This well illustrated and valuable bulletin should be in the hands 
of every member interested in the avocado industry. 


LIFE HISTORY STUDIES OF SOME FLORIDA APHIDS 
(Continued from Page 59) 

live here throughout most of the summer, or until the vines dried 
up, being collected on watermelons as late as July 23. After that, 
nothing was seen of them until October when they again ap- 
peared on orange trees. The latter part of November there oc- 
curred a freeze which killed the orange leaves while many of the 
aphids were present on some trees. The lice were not hurt by the 
freeze but continued to live for two days afterward or until the 
leaves wilted and dried up, when they died for lack of food. In 
January they again appeared in the greenhouse and continued to 
live there in increasing numbers throughout the rest of the win- 
ter, or until the first part of April. An interesting feature about 
them is that they will not live in the greenhouse in the fall. When 
first found in October, several attempts were made to colonize 
them on the orange trees in the greenhouse, but without success. 

This, in general, seems to be the life history of this louse in 
Florida. They will live on melons and other fresh plants during 
the spring and summer and then migrate to the orange trees in 
the fall. The season of late summer and early fall, after the 
melon vines have disappeared, is probably spent on some of the 
numerous wild plants on which they have been reported. It is 
possible that they lay winter eggs on the orange trees to pass a 
part of the winter, at least in the northern part of the state or 
when the winter is especially cold. This may account for the 
fact that they were not found outside on the oranges except 
during part of the winter. However, no sexual forms or eggs 
were ever seen and it is the writer’s belief that they did not 


SPRING NUMBER 63 


occur. Hubbard (22) is also of the opinion that the orange aphid 
lives over winter as an adult on the orange trees. The males and 
winter eggs were not discovered and probably do not occur, at 
least in ordinary seasons. 

Parasites. Aphis gossypii has several parasites and preda- 
ceous enemies. It is severely infested by the internal parasite, 
Diaeretus rapae, which often prevents it from getting started in 
a locality. The lace-winged flies, Chrysopa oculata, and Hemero- 
bius sp., and several species of lady beetles and syrphus flies also 
prey upon this aphid. They are often seen on orange trees 
which are harboring the lice. The aphid is not susceptible to 
fungus diseases however. Attempts made to get two species of 
fungi to live on them in the greenhouse failed. Hntomophorus 
aphidis, which kills off Myzus persicae in large numbers, would 
not attack Aphis gossypii, nor would Acrostalagmus albus, a 
culture of which was received from Porto Rico growing on the 
cane aphid (Sipha flava). 


LACHNUS PINI L. 

Although not of any economic importance some studies were 
made of this large pine aphid since it was used in some of the 
experimental work. Like the two preceding species, these aphids 
lived on the pine trees throughout the winter and continued to 
produce their young viviparously. The pines not being deciduous 
a fresh supply of food was always available. The cold was never 
sufficiently acute to kill the adults as in the case of its northern 
congenors, and hence winter eggs were not a necessity. 

This aphid never occurs in large numbers probably due to the 
high percentage of parasitism. Its large size makes it an easy 
prey for hymenopterous parasites. However a few of them 
could usually be found on the small pines of the species Pinus 
taeda. They continued to live there all through the winter and 
produce their young alive. In the summer, however, they became 
very scarce and were difficult to find. 


Life History. No very complete experiments were conducted 
to work out the life history of the species, but a good line on the 
number of generations and rapidity of breeding was obtained 
from the experimental work which will be recorded in the next 
paper. The average time required for the young to become adult 
was nineteen days, or in other words, the number of generations 
will be determined at this rate. Several days often elapse be- 
tween the time of becoming adult and that of starting to repro- 


64 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


duce, particularly in the case of winged females, hence a fair 
estimate of the average length of a generation probably will be 
nearly thirty days. In the laboratory, however, the average age 
of maturity was 12.6 days which is less than under natural 
conditions. Hence it is seen that the rate of reproduction for 
this aphid is much lower than for those previously described. 
This also accounts to some extent for their lack of abundance. 


Parasites. The most destructive parasite of this louse is the 
internal hymenopterous insect, Aphidius bifasciatus Ashm. This 
is a small wasp-like parasite but quite abundant, and the cause 
of killing many of the colonies. On several occasions one of these 
was observed ovipositing in the aphids. It would fly to the 
branch on which the aphids were feeding and approach cautiously 
until near the colony, then make a quick dart toward them and 
thrusting the abdomen between and under the legs, would quickly 
pierce the aphid with its ovipositor and run back. If undisturbed, 
it would repeat this practice several times. However, the ants 
which usually attend these aphids would often watch for this 
invader and drive him off before he reached the aphids. The 
parasite also appeared to be afraid of the ants. Another internal 
parasite of this louse is Aphidius pinaphidis Ashm. A few of 
these were bred from parasitized aphids, but they evidently are 
not as numerous as the other species. Pachyneuron micans How. 
was also bred from some parasitized bodies, but this may be a 
secondary parasite. 


Other enemies are the lady beetles, syrphus flies and aphis 
lions. Adults and larvae of Coccinella sanguinea were collected 
while feeding on the aphids. Syrphus fly larvae were often found 
feeding on the aphids and also Chrysopa oculata and Hemerobius 
sp. 

Ants. An interesting feature of Lachnus pini is the protection 
which the ants give them. Like all other plant lice the colonies 
are constantly attended by ants, and in this case several species 
of ants have been noted. They assist in spreading the species 
by carrying their young ones about and also protect them by 
driving away their parasites and predatory enemies. The most 
noticeable method of protection was a sort of cover built over 
them by the ants. The primary object of this probably was to 
keep parasites away but it would also serve as a protection 
against cold and storms. The ants were often observed during 
the fall and early winter carrying particles of loose bark aid the 


SPRING NUMBER 65 


woolly covering of the pine bark and building a covering over 
the colonies of aphids. Another advantage of the ants, which, 
by the way, is mutual, is by eating the honey-dew secreted by 
the aphids. 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA. IX. 


J. R. WATSON 
71. Idolothrips flavipes Hood. 

From dry leaves on the ground in the forest. Hog-town Creek, Feb. 27, 
1921. Gainesville, March, 1921. These represent but the third capture 
for this species—all from dried leaves. It was described from Illinois and 
Morgan has recorded it from Tennessee. 

72. Hoplandrothrips pergandei (Hinds). (Phloeothrips pergandei Hinds.). 

Sweeping grass in pasture. Gainesville, Fla., Feb. 25, 1922. Previously 
reported from Amherst, Mass. (type locality) and Tennessee (Morgan). 
73. Hindsiana pini n. sp. 

Head, thorax, and tube brown; most of abdomen, legs and antennae light 
yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.1 mm. Head; length 0.16, width 
0.15 mm.; prothorax, length 0.16, width 0.25 mm.; mesothorax, width at 
the base 0.23 mm.; metathorax, greatest width 0.18 mm.; abdomen, greatest 
width 0.28 mm.; tube, length 0.11, width at base 0.05, at apex 0.03 mm. 
Antennae: total length 0.28 mm.; segment 1,18; 2,40; 3,438; 4,48; 5,48; 
6,40; 7,88; 8,382 microns. 

Head a little longer than broad, cheeks slightly arched. Postocular 
bristles long, colorless and bearing a small knob at the apex; a pair of 
minute bristles opposite them near the median line, one behind each ocellus, 
and one directly behind each of these and opposite the posterior margins 
of the eyes. Eyes small, not protruding, black, non-pilose, facets large. 
Ocelli large; posterior pair situated opposite the anterior third of the eyes 
but not touching their margins; yellow, bordered with dark crescents. 
Mouth cone reaching 2-3 across the prosternum, rounded at the end. An- 
tennae clear yellow except segment 1 which is shaded with brown and 7 
and 8 which are brown. Segment 1 cylindrical; 2 urn-shaped; 3-5 short 
clavate; 6, ovate, brownish yellow; 7, obovate; 8, conical. Bristles and sense 
cones short, colorless and inconspicuous, one each on the outside near the 
apex of segments 5 and 6 fairly long. 

Prothorax about as long as the head and half again as wide; one strong 
knobbed bristle on each posterior angle and a similar one on each coxa; a 
short one on each anterior angle and one midway on each side. Mesothorax 
much narrower than the prothorax and the sides abruptly converging pos- 
teriorly. Metathorax but little wider than the posterior border of the 
mesothorax. This very narrow pterothorax gives the insect the appearance 
of having a slender waist. Legs clear yellow except the bases of the fore 
femora which are clouded with brown. Fore femora slightly enlarged. 
Fore tarsus with a short curved spine. Wings well developed but their 
membranes not attaining the end of the abdomen; that of the hind wings 
clear, of the forewings gray, narrowed in the middle, fringed with long 
hairs, three interlocated ones. 


66 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Abdomen elongated oval in outline, clear yellow, clouded with brown to- 
wards the base; bristles few, colorless, short except on the last three seg- 
ments each of which bears a single long bristle near each posterior angle; 
those on the ninth segment much longer than the tube and pointed, all 
others knobbed. Tube rather small brown; terminal bristles short, pointed. 

Described from a single female taken from a young long-leaved pine tree 
at Blanton, Fla. February, 1922. 

The genus Hindsiana Karny is distinguished from Haplothrips by the 
light color of the abdomen and the long bristles on the ninth abdominal seg- 
ment. Karny in “Zur Systematik der Orthopteroiden Insecten” (Treubia, 
vol. I, Livr. IV. pp. 211-269 gives a very useful key to the families and 
genera of Thysanoptera.) 


ANOTHER NEW THRIPS FROM COCOANUTS FROM CUBA 
J.R. WATSON 
Hindsiana cocois, n. sp. 

General color light brown, tibiae, tarsi, and intermediate antennal seg- 
ments yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.2 mm. Head, length 0.18, breadth 
0.13 mm.; prothorax, length 0.11, breadth 0.22 mm.; mesothora, breadth 0.21 
mm.; metathorax, breadth 0.22 mm.; tube, length 0.10, width at base 0.05, at 
the apex 0.03 mm. Antennae: total length 0.29 mm. 


~ Antennal | io | 

Segment i! 2 3 4 5 6 || 8 
Peneth ae wet m2 | 67. 437] eon 0N 372 ee aeticrons 
Breadth «= eee = A Lael 24s | 26h | aa es | os Pal arerons 


Head considerably darker than the body; nearly 1.5 times as long as 
broad, vertex smooth; cheeks slightly bulging, roughened by a few low 
papillae. Post ocular bristles large, almost colorless, expanded at the apex 
into a knob. Eyes rather small, occupying less than a third the length and 
less than a quarter the width of the head, not pilose. Ocelli widely sep- 
arated, posterior pair situated anterior to the middle of the eyes, bordered 
with dark crescents. Mouth cone short, not reaching the middle of the 
prosternum, slightly swollen at the base, very bluntly rounded at the tip. 
Antennae: segment 1 dark brown, 2,3 and the base of 4 yellow, others 
progressively darker towards the tip; 1 trapezoidal, rather large, 32 microns 
wide at the base, 22 at the apex; 2 urn-shaped; 3 wedge-shaped; bristles, 
and sense cones short, pale, and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax about two-thirds the length of the head, breadth twice the 
length, a heavy, knobbed bristle on each posterior angle and a somewhat 
weaker one on each coxa. 

Pterothorax slightly narrower than the prothorax, sides straight, con- 
verging strongly posteriorly. Legs rather long and slender. Wings well 
developed, margined with long but comparatively few hairs, 3 or 4 in- 
ter-located ones on the fore wings. Membranes of the anterior pair quite 
dark, strongly constricted in the middle. 

Abdomen cylindrical, rather long, yellow except the tube. Posterior seg- 
ments provided with long, pointed yellow bristles. Tube dark brown, 
abruptly swollen at the base, terminal bristles twice as long as the tube, 
pointed, brown. Male not seen. 


SPRING NUMBER 67 


Larvae bright yellow with considerable bright red hypodermal pigmenta- 
tion. Tube and antennae brown. Eyes red. 

Described from five females and two larvae found by Mr. Geo. B. Merrill 
under scale caps of cocoanuts from Cuba, intercepted at Key West quaran- 
tine station by inspectors of the State Plant Board. Occurred in company 
with a single specimen of Franklinothrips vesperformis (Crawford). 

Type in the author’s collection. 


SOME BEETLES NEW TO FLORIDA 
J. R. WATSON 


Among a collection of beetles recently determined for the Ex- 
periment Station by Dr. W. S. Blatchley are the following which 
are not recorded for Florida in Leng’s “‘Catalogue of the Coleop- 
tera of America, North of Mexico.” Unless otherwise indicated 


they were collected by the writer in the vicinity of Gainesville. 

Cicindela rectilatera Chd. Along Prairie Creek. Abundant on mud banks 
in the stream. June 23, 1918. Campus of the University, July 7, 1918. 

Baeocera deflexa Csy. Beaten from Aesculus pavia. March 4, 1917. 

Tritoma affinis. On Coprinus, Aug. 19, 1919. 

Pachybrachys viduatus (Fab.). Shrubs in “flatwoods” July 4, 1918. With 
P. litigiosus. 

Microtomus sericans Lec. 

Eros aurora Hbst. At blooms of Bee Balm (Monarda), Oct. 10, 1920. 

Litargus balteatus Lec. Sweeping grass and herbs at Lake Wales, June 
LOS 1920. 

Scymnus americana. On cottony cushion scale (Jcerya purchasi) at Key 
West, March 5. 

Cryptorhopalum picricorne Lec. Gainesville, abundant in Crataegus 
bloom. March 10, 1917; Sanford, 4n bloom of Cassia sp. Aug. 3, 1918. 

Anthrenus scrophularia Lis. On blossoms of wild plum. Feb. 28, 1919. 

Pocadius helvolus Er. In puffball, June 30, 1918. 

Scirtes orbiculatus (Fab.). On French mulberry, June 16, 1918; from 
rotting sweet potatoes May 22, 1920. 

Cyphon obscurus. Sumatra, Fla. On Citrus. 

Attalus humerales. At bloom of cherry laurel, Feb. 12, 1919. 

Enoclerus nigripes Say. On Basswood May 18, 1920. 

Haltica amoena Horn. Leng records this from Georgia but it is given 
in Blatchley’s list from Sanford, 1915. Among the pine needles on the 
floor of a pure stand of long leaf pine Jan. 27, 1918; Viking, Fla., June 
i, LOS: 

Anoplitis inaequalis (Web.). On Polymnia and Rhus July 21, 1918. 

Ganascus ventricosus Lec. Recorded by Leng as “N. C. (Fla.?)” Gaines- 
ville on Hickoria, Oct:; Tavares on closely grazed carpet grass. 

Gnathium francilloni Kirby. On various flowers, Sep. 

Hydnocera, suturalis Klug. Recorded by Leng as occurring in South 
Florida; Gainesville, May 22, 1920, on Erigeron ramosus. 

Ceratona caminea (Fab.) Bean Leaf Beetle: Common about Quincy but 


68 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


rare about Gainesville. A single capture by sweeping grass along a stream. 
June 9, 1918. 

Adistemia watsoni (Woll). At flowers of Astragulus March 15, 1917. 

Baris australis Blatch. Recorded in Jour. N. Y. Ent. Soc. June, 1920. 
Palatka. On New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus) Sept. 12, 1919. 

Sphenophorus venatus Say Gainesville Jan. 1. 

Tanymecus lacaena Hbst. There seems to be no record of the food plants 
of this beetle. It feeds in numbers on Baccharis and to a less extent on 
dog fennell (Eupatorium capillifolium). 


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Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. VI SUMMER NUMBER No. 1 
JUNE, 1922 


THE CORN LEAF-TIER, LEREMA ACCIUS S. & A.* 
GEO. G. AINSLIE, 


Entomological Assistant, Cereal and Forage Insect Investigations, Bureau 
of Entomology. 


The corn leaf-tier, Lerema accius S. & A., is one of a large 
number of corn feeding species of insects which have never been 
known to cause appreciable damage, but are still a potential pest 
of this plant and of other economic grasses. It belongs to the 
Hesperidae or skipper butterflies, several of which, in the South 
are recognized as pests, among them the Bean Leaf Folder 
(Eudamus proteus L.), and the Larger Canna Leaf Roller (Cal- 
podes ethlius Cramer). 

The original description of the adult was published in a paper 
on the “‘Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia” by Smith and Abbott 
in 1797 under the name of Papilio accius. In 1872 Mr. S. H. 
Scudder erected the genus Lerema with this species as the geno- 
type. The most complete account so far published is one by this 
same author in his “Butterflies of New England” in 1889. The 
records of the Bureau of Entomology regarding this species are 
very meager. Mr. R. A. Vickery reported finding a single small 
larva on corn at Brownsville, Texas, Mr. W. R. McConnell noted 
it at several points in Mississippi, and Mr. W. H. Larrimer 
found larvae on two species of grasses at Chickasha, Oklahoma. 
The above records, a few other scattered observations and a 
series of rearings at Lakeland, Florida, during the winter and 
spring of 1913 furnish the material for the following paper. 

It is impossible to fix definite limits for the range of this 
species. It was first described from Georgia, the exact local- 
ity not being indicated. An attached note adds that “It is also 
found in Virginia.” Scudder’s map of its distribution shows it 


*Published by Permission of the Secretary of Agriculture. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


2 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


to occur throughout a narrow strip of territory along the Gulf 
and Atlantic coasts as far north as Massachusetts, and another 
along the Mississippi River as far north as southern Illinois. 
It has been found by Mr. Larrimer at Chickasha, Okla., by the 
writer at Chattanooga and Leadvale, Tenn., and Clemson Col- 
lege, S. C., all outside of the above limits and indicating that 
its distribution is more general throughout the Southeastern 
states than Scudder’s map leads one to believe. Like several 
of its close relatives it is probably of tropical origin and habit 
and if so its northern limit fluctuates from year to year with 
the severity of the winter and the conditions favoring northward 
flight during the summer. 


The adult butterfly has a wing expanse of about 33 mm. and 
in color is a dark, warm brown with six more or less rectangular 
white spots on the fore wing of the female (in the male but 
four and these much smaller). Three of the six in the female 
are small and in a close, nearly straight row near the anterior 
margin about two-thirds out from the base of the wing; two 
others, of which the posterior is the larger, lie between this 
group and the hind margin of the wing, and the last at the 
upper edge of the cell. In different individuals the prominence 
of these markings varies considerably but their relative size and 
position are constant. The hind wing is uniform brown above, 
and beneath both fore and hind wings shade to purple along 
the distal margins. The butterfly is a strong flier and has the 
erratic, zig-zag flight characteristics of its family. 

The eggs are laid singly and widely scattered, usually on the 
lower but sometimes on the upper surface of the leaf. Seldom 
is more than one found on a plant and we have never seen two 
on the same leaf. They are white with a pearly luster, sub- 
hemispherical in shape and about two-thirds as high as wide, 
with the basal angle rounded, diameter 1.2 mm., height .8 mm. 
The chorion is finely reticulated. The rounded basal angle serves 
to distinguish this from the otherwise very similar egg of Cal- 
podes ethlius in which the wall joins the base with a sharp right 
angle. 

Since oviposition has never been observed, the exact length 
of the incubation period is not known. Of eleven eggs taken 
in the field at various times, seven hatched in nine days, two 
in six days, and two in five days, indicating that nine days is 
probably the normal period. A day or two after being laid the 


| 
| 
| 
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+ oo + 


SUMMER NUMBER 3 


egg takes on a creamy tinge, on the sixth day a faint mottling 
appears near the apex and on the eighth day the dark head of 
the young larva can plainly be seen through the shell. The 
embryo lies coiled around the circumference of the egg with 
the head a little to one side of the center. The first break in 
the shell is made by pressure of the mandibles and the larva 
then proceeds to cut an irregular hole in the apex, rotating with- 
in the egg during the process. When the opening is as large 
as its head the larva emerges. The entire operation occupies 
some time, one larva which broke the shell at 8:00 A. M. having 
just released itself at 3:00 P. M. In the meantime the head of 
this larva changed from chocolate-brown to glistening black. 
The empty egg-shell is translucent white, waxy and parchment- 
like in texture except the flat base which is transparent. 

After a brief survey of the immediate vicinity the newly 
hatched larva returns to the egg shell and consumes it, leaving 
only the disk-like base which it cannot be induced to touch even 
when it has been loosened from the leaf. This little glistening 
disk can almost invariably be found somewhere on each infested 
plant. After breakfasting on the egg-shell the small larva se- 
lects a location on the upper surface of the leaf, near the edge 
and begins to construct its retreat by placing a layer of silk 
fibers on the surface. The effect of this is quickly seen in the 
gradual curling of the blade. When a groove has been thus 
formed the opposite edges are connected by a silk fiber which 
bridges the concavity. This fiber is added to until it forms a 
strong strand and its contraction draws the edge over until it 
touches the surface of the blade, after which other similar at- 
tachments are formed at short intervals until a complete tube, 
open at both ends is formed. In the finished retreat of a full 
grown larva there are from five to twelve such fastenings. In 
the instances observed by the writer the fold was always over 
onto the upper surface of the leaf, but Mr. McConnell has noted 
that at Greenwood, Miss., larvae feeding on sorghum folded the 
leaf upward and downward in about equal numbers. The earlier 
retreats are generally near the tip. Later the edges of a nar- 
row leaf may be drawn together or the margin drawn over to 
the midrib at any point along the blade. When the roll is com- 
plete the larva cuts a deep narrow notch into the leaf at each 
end and seals the ends. The skill with which the weak and 
apparently helpless larva manipulates the thick, stiff corn leaf 
is remarkable. 


4 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


During the day the larva never leaves its refuge but feeds 
on the leaf close to the ends of the tube or on the tube itself. 
At night other parts of the leaf or even other leaves are eaten. 
When one retreat is outgrown or consumed another is con- 
structed near by. The feeding is spasmodic, sometimes nothing 
being eaten for two or three days and then in a night almost 
all of a small plant consumed. When ravenously hungry a larva 
will cut holes and notches in a leaf without waiting to construct 
a retreat. The larva at any age seems unable to cling to the 
naked leaf surface but when moving about always swings its 
head from side to side laying down silk fibers to which it clings. 
In this manner it readily climbs a perpendicular glass surface. 
Excrement is ejected with a snap which sends it to a distance 
of two or three feet from the plant. 

The newly hatched larva is pale yellow with glistening black 
head and with a single narrow black cervical band separated a 
short distance from the head and running’ down on each side 
to the latero-ventral margin where it ends in a small black dot. 
The neck-like appearance, caused by a decided constriction of 
the body just behind the head, is more conspicuous in the later 
stages as is also the vertical position of the head. The body is 
provided with scattering minute shining hairs, a pair of which 
projecting caudad are somewhat larger than the rest. As the 
larva feeds it assumes a greenish color which, in the second and 
later instars, is covered with a glaucous, frost-like overcolor. A 
darker green meso-dorsal line appears and the caudal end of the 
body becomes flattened and boat-shaped, covering and conceal- 
ing the caudal pair of legs. A pair of black dots on the third 
segment from the caudal end becomes more conspicuous with 
each succeeding molt. The surface of the head becomes granular 
and sparingly hirsute and under a lens the skin of the body is 
seen to be covered with minute black bristles. 

There are five instars which may be distinguished by the 
’ head widths as given below in millimeters: 


Instar Average Maximum Minimum 
LIN AGS Reet ie oe eRe RAE 0.6249 0.6530 0.6063 
SGGOM Geer rere te ee ee 0.9001 0.9328 0.7929 
PUT eee eee ein aT Re 12599 1.3059 1.2126 
HOUT teeters eet ered) Vee AE ee Ps 1.7492 1.8656 1.5858 
URE: G eee er eenreee en rene Sa oe eae 2.38599 2.5186 2.2387 


These measurements were taken from a large number of head 
casts and while there is considerable variation within each in- 
(Continued on Page 10) 


SUMMER NUMBER 5 


A NEW AND REMARKABLE FIG MIDGE 
By E. P. FELT, State Entomologist, Albany, N. Y. 

The remarkable form described below differs from all other 
gall midges known to us by the forty-one antennal segments in 
at least one sex, presumably in both, and in addition possesses 
structural peculiarities which necessitate the erection of a new 


enus. Be ; 
g Ficiomyia n. g. 


The genus runs in our Key to the Chilian Scheueria Kieff, 
from which it is easily separated by the much greater number 
of antennal segments, the occurrence of distinct stems on the 
flagellate antennal segments of both sexes, the absence of marked 
reticulations in the circumfila and the claws being distinctly 
longer than the pulvilli. The male genitalia present striking 
peculiarities, evidenced in part by the subapical insertion of 
the terminal clasp segment. 

Type F. perarticulata n. sp. 


Ficiomyia perarticulata n. sp. 

The insects were reared from the fruits of Ficus aurea by 
G. F. Moznette of the Federal Bureau of Entomology, stationed 
at Miami, Fla., and forwarded under date of February 9, 1922. 
Unfortunately, these specimens were somewhat broken in transit 
and as a consequence, the descriptions given below are not com- 
plete in certain details. The larger reddish females were much 
more abundant in the sending than the few smaller, yellowish 
males. 

Male:—Length 2 mm. Antennae probably one-fourth longer 
than the body, sparsely haired, light fuscous yellowish, probably 
forty-one segments, the fifth with a stem about three-fourths 
the length of the sub-cylindric basal enlargement, which latter 
has a length almost twice its diameter, basally a sparse whorl 
of moderately stout setae, sub-apically a somewhat thicker whorl 
of long, bent setae; low circumfila occur at the basal third and 
apically; terminal segments missing; palpi probably uniartic- 
ulate; mesonotum fuscous yellowish; scutellum and postscutel- 
lum yellowish; abdomen fuscous yellowish; wings hyaline, rather 
thickly clothed with fuscous scales; sub-costa uniting with the 
margin at the basal third, the nearly straight third vein at the 
apex of the wing, the fifth at the basal fourth, its branch at 
the basal third; halteres pale yellowish; coxae fuscous yellowish; 
legs mostly dark straw; the distal tarsal segments pale straw; 
claws long, rather stout, unidentate; the pulvilli about one-half 
the length of the claws (Unguial characters probably true of all 


6 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


legs and for both sexes); genitalia, basal clasp segment mod- 
erately long, stout, with a spud shaped apical process having 
a length nearly equal the diameter of the segment; terminal 
segment sub-apical, moderately stout, slightly curved and with 
a stout, chitinous spur apically; dorsal plate long, broad, very 
deeply and triangularly divided, the lobes broadly triangular 
and thickly clothed apically with long, stout setae; ventral plate 
long, very deeply and roundly emarginate, the slender, sub- 
acute lobes with a length fully six times their width; harpes 
moderately long, broad, deeply and triangularly emarginate; 
the lobes broad, and broadly rounded apically; style long, broad, 
broadly rounded apically. 

Female :—Length 2.5 mm. Antennae probably shorter than 
the body, sparsely haired, fuscous yellowish, forty-one segments, 
the fifth with a stem one-third the length of the sub-cylindric 
basal enlargement, which latter has a length one-fourth greater 
than its diameter, basally a thick whorl of long, stout setae ex- 
tending to the tip of the segment; low circumfila at the basal 
third and apically; terminal segment slightly produced, roundly 
cuboidal and with a length nearly one-half greater than its dia- 
meter. Palpi: uniarticulate, the one segment having a length 
nearly twice its diameter and bearing apically a sparse group 
of rather long, stout setae; mesonotum dark brown; sub-median 
lines yellowish; scutellum dark brown; postscutellum yellowish 
brown; abdomen dark reddish brown; halteres pale yellowish; 
coxae reddish brown; femora a variable fuscous; tibiae and tarsi 
dark straw; the ovipositor about one-fourth the length of the 
abdomen, fuscous yellowish; terminal lobes with a length alout 
three times the width, broadly rounded apically and with a few 
sparse setae. Other characters probably as in the male. 

Type Cecid. A 3228, N. Y. State Museum. 


ANOTHER CAMPHOR THRIPS 


NW J. R. WATSON 
Karyfiia gen. Nov. (Phloeothripidae, Cryptothripinae). 

Head longer than broad and longer than the prothorax. Wings com- 
paratively weak and short; membrane slightly narrowed in the middle. 
Tibiae without teeth; tarsi of ° armed with a large curved tooth; fore 
femora thickened in both sexes, without teeth near the apex. Antennae 
8-segmented, segments 6 and 7 not united. Ocelli present, widely sep- 
arated. Labrum sharp-pointed and extending beyond the remainder of the 
broadly-rounded mouth cone. Bristles of the last abdominal segment long 
and slender, extending beyond the tube, at least in the ?. Intermediate 
antennal, segments little longer than the others. Cheek roughned but with- 
out bristles. The new genus differs from Megalomerothrips (Watson) ‘in 
that the intermediate antennal segments are not elongated and the male 
lacks the long tarsal tooth. 


SUMMER NUMBER 4 


Type K. weigeli. 


K. weigeli, n. sp. 


?. Color uniformly dark brown except the fore tibiae and tarsi and 
antennal segment 3, which are brownish yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.4 mm. (1.2 to 1.6). Head, length 
0.17, width 0.14 mm.; prothorax, length 0.12, width (including coxae) 
0.25 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.23 mm.; abdomen, greatest width 0.28 mm.; 
tube, length 0.11, width at base 0.056, at apex 0.029 mm. 


Antennae: total length 0.29 mm. 


Seemcumnmmerpe 2. 2) 58 aes ea age ae Se 
UPS cree S28 Ars AT |S 48 437 86n eae) e288 
Preadtite. oes [27.5 | 27 | 26 | 28 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 12 microns 


Head about 1.2 longer than wide and considerably longer than the pro- 
thorax, smooth except for a few longtitudinal lines; cheeks slightly arched, 
slightly converging posteriorly, roughened; post-ocular bristles about as 
long as the eyes, knobbed, pale, no other prominent bristles on the head. 
Eyes rather small, scarcely a third the length of the head, roughly triangular 
in outline, dark. Ocelli large, yellowish brown, well separated; posterior pair 
situated opposite the middle of the eyes, close to, but not touching, their 
margins; bordered by narrow orange crescents. Mouth cone reaching .6 
the distance across the prosternum. Antennae about 1% as long as the 
head, segment 1 concolorous with the head; 2 lighter brown, urn-shaped 
with a broad pedicel; 3 yellowish-brown, almost triangular; 4 brown but 
lighter than 5-8 which are uniformly dark brown, conspicuously the largest 
segment; 6 conspicuously short and narrow, ovoid; 7 barrel-shaped; 8 
conical. Bristles and sense cones pale and inconspicuous. 

Prothorax (including coxae) fully twice as wide as long, trapezoidal in 
outline; posterior angles well rounded, bearing a single pale, knobbed 
bristle of medium length, a somewhat longer one on each coxa, also knobbed; 
a minute bristle on each anterior angle. 

Mesothorax somewhat narrower than the prothorax, sides converging 
sharply posteriorly. Metathorax, sides nearly straight and parallel. Wings 
short, membrane reaching to about the middle of the abdomen, colorless 
except for a brown area at the base; fringing hairs long but sparse, 2 or 
3 interlocated ones. Legs short; fore femora much thickened, with a long 
bristle and two shorter ones on the inner side; fore tarsus with a curved 
tooth, which is variable in size. 

Abdomen cylindical, segments 2-9 bearing on each posterior angle a 
knobbed, almost colorless bristle, which become progressively larger pos- 
teriorly; segments 7-9 bear in addition from one to three pairs of pointed 
bristles, two pairs of these on the ninth segment are much longer than 
the tube, a pair of knobbed bristles nearly or quite as long as the tube 
arises from the ninth segment adjacent to the base of the tube. 

Male. Somewhat larger than the female; prothorax much smaller. Gen- 
eral color brownish yellow, head, prothorax, and fore legs yellowish brown, 
pterothorax and middle and hind legs light brownish yellow with darker 
spots; abdominal segments 1 and 2 light yellow, 3, 4, 8, and 9 deep yellow, 
3 and 4 with brownish anterior margins; 5 light brown, 6 dark brown, 7 
yellowish brown, 5 and 6 forming a conspicuous dark band; tube brownish 
yellow. Fore wings banded with brown in the middle and at the tips; no 
interlocated hairs. Hind wings shaded with brown but not banded. Fore 
femora enlarged but much smaller than those of the female. Terminal 
bristles of the abdomen and of the tube much shorter than in the female. 
Labrum shorter, barely exceeding the remainder of the mouth cone. No 
tarsal teeth. 

Described from two females and a male collected by Mr. C. A. Weigel 
at New Orleans, La., February, ’22, from camphor infested with camphor 
scale (Pseudaonidia duplex), and a single female and larva collected from 
camphor at New Orleans by Mr. W. W. Yothers, June 24, 1921. Type in 
the author’s collection. 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
Aas RR Se VVGAT CONG. .2 esate 02 7A Rak Or ae ee ee Editor 
WWiTEMON ONE WEG 2). oo ee eee Associate Editor 
PARI oS EM Rese th 2 So aS a ee nam one Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


A CORRECTION. Thru an oversight the last number of the 
ENTOMOLOGIST was marked No. 3 of Vol. V instead of No. 4. 


MOSQUITO CONTROL IN FLORIDA 

A very valuable bulletin has just been published by the Flor- 
ida State Board of Health. -It is entitled ‘“Mosquitoes and Mos- 
quito Control,” by Geo. W. Simons and Geo. F. Mosnette. 

In a recent publication of the Russell Sage Foundation, “‘Sur- 
vey of Florida County Jails,” by B. C. Riley of the General Ex- 
tension Division, University of Florida, the statement is made 
that “only half the jails have any screens.” This is indeed a 
deplorable and dangerous condition of affairs. Not only is an 
unscreened jail a cruel injustice to the prisoners but also a con- 
stant menace to the health of the community in which it is sit- 
uated. It could easily serve as a center of infection from which 
malaria might spread over the town. 


MEETINGS OF THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
March 27. The Society met with the Horticultural Seminar 
in the office of the Nursery Inspector, Pres. Floyd of the Seminar 
in the chair. Members present: Berger, Burger, Floyd, Lord, 
Montgomery, Stone and Watson. Prof. Watson read a paper 
on the “Correlation Between Sunspot Maxima and Florida 
Freezes.” This was followed by a general discussion. Dr. 
Burger discussed Current Notes on Plant Pathology with a re- 
view of Smith’s “Bacterial Diseases of Plants.” Mr. Goodwin 
was elected Business Manager of the ENTOMOLOGIST in the place 
of Dr. E. W. Berger, resigned. O. T. STONE, Sec’y Pro. Tem. 


(8) 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


April 24. The Society met in the Plant Board offices with 
Pres. Stirling in the chair. Members present: Berger, Beyer, 


Brown, Lord, Merrill, Montgomery, Newell, O’Byrne, Stirling, 


Watson. Mr. Brown gave an illustrated paper on “Protecting 
Florida’s Horticulture.” 


May 22. The Society met with the Horticultural Seminar, 
Dr. E. W. Berger in the chair. Major W. L. Floyd, Prof. of 
Horticulture in the University; Reginald Hart of the Plant 
Board, stationed at Ft. Lauderdale; Mr. Ed. L. Ayers, and Prof. 
J. S. Rogers were elected to membership in the Society. Mr. 
A. H. Beyer was elected Business Manager of the ENTOMOLOGIST. 
Mr. Ayers gave the paper of the evening on Bordeaux Mixture. 
He discussed the proper method of making the mixture and the 
causes of burning. 


PERSONALS 


R. N. Van Zwaluwenburg, entomologist of the United Sugar 
Companies, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, was visiting Mr. Mer- 
rill, May 28. He was on his way to Cuba to collect parasites of 
the Sugar Cane Moth Borers. 


The position of Extension Entomologist and Pathologist of 
the Agricultural Extension Division has been filled by the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Ed. L. Ayers of Texas. Mr. Ayers has had 
much experience in Texas as Nursery Inspector and with com- 
mercial horticultural firms. 


Prof. J. S. Rogers, head of the Department of Biology in the 
University, has left for Michigan on his summer vacation. 

Mr. O. T. Stone of the Nursery Inspection Office has moved 
into his new house on West Union street. 


ANOTHER APHID FROM GAINESVILLE 


In connection with the host plant list of Gainesville aphids by 
Mr. Mason, published in our last issue, Mr. Geo. G. Ainslie 
calls our: attention to Carolinaia cyperi Ainslie, the original de- 
scription of which was published in the Canadian Entomologist 
March, 1915. This was collected from nut grass at Gainesville 
by Mr. Ainslie and is probably the species Mr. Mason records 
on page 23 as Carolinaia sp. 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


A LADY-BEETLE NEW TO FLORIDA 


Mr. Geo. F. Merrill adds to the list of Florida Coleoptera the 
white lady-beetle Olla abdominalis Say. It was sent in from 
Tampa. Its range has hitherto been given as Indiana to Texas 
and west. 


THE CORN LEAF-TIER, LEREMA ACCIUS S. & A. 


(Continued from Page 4) 


-star, they do not overlap. In the first two instars the head is 
black, in the last two it is strikingly banded with white in the 
form of a narrow white band completely encircling the face on 
the margin and an inverted white V on each side of the face. 
In the last instar the vertex becomes reddish-brown. The third 
instar, however, presents both black heads and those striped 
with white as described for the fourth and fifth. This variation 
may be due to sex though this was not proven. Two larvae 
taken near together and having exactly the same head widths 
showed this difference. 

As the larva prepares to molt the new head is formed within 
the body just caudad of the old one and shortly before the skin 
breaks there appear to be two distinct heads, even the mark- 
ings of the new one showing through the epidermis. All the 
head casts are discarded unbroken except the last one which 
ruptures along the frontal suture. The pellicles of all except 
the last molt are very delicate and difficult to find. The larva 
is pale gray when freshly molted. 

A day or two before pupation the larva becomes covered with 
a distinct while pulverulence. We have observed its first ap- 
pearance as much as four days before pupation as two powdery 
white areas on the ventro-lateral margin of the body just caudad 
of the caudal pair of legs. From this point it spreads until the 
whole body is covered. It is all carried away with the last 
exuvium which remains attached to the head cast and is much 
more bulky than any of the preceding. 

Twenty larvae were reared, nine of them completely through 
from egg to adult. The following table shows in days the length 
of the different instars and the total larval life. 


SUMMER NUMBER ala | 


No.of First Second Third Fourth Fifth Total Pupa Prob- Total 
Larva instar instar instar instar instar larval stage able 


ege 
IL 32 
2, 21 il 
*3 Pat 
4 7 5 8 iy 10 47 16 8) TZ 
5 6 12 13 13 13 
6 9 10 26 45 ie 9 67 
f( 16 
8 45 45 1s 9 66 
9 9 6 24 16 
10 9 8 2, ——14—_ 43 13 9 65 
11 11 ——23—_ ——]5— AT 14 ) 70 
iy Uf ——22—_ ——16— 45 13 9 67 
13 ——]14—_ ——17—— 5 36 16 9 61 
14 8 8 23 —____ 39 3 9 61 
15 12 8 tS 
16 8 13 13 34 12 9 55 
1G, 8 a — 9— 14 
18 5 —11—— 16 
~19 8 e 4 ——10—— 11 
20 25 14 
Average 8.4 8.2 8.6 2 13 42.3 14 9 65 


*These larvae were taken in Florida in November, 1912, and reared indoors at 
Nashville, Tennessee. They are not included in the averages. 


When fully grown the larva covers a portion of the surface of 
a leaf with silk, suspends itself with a girdle about the thorax 
and pupates in a fold of the leaf, head downward in most cases. 
The larval skin breaks along the dorsal line from the head to 
about the second abdominal segment and is worked back by the 
pupa to its caudal extremity. The pupa is clear translucent 
green, 27 mm., long and 5 mm. wide. The anterior end is drawn 
out into a conical process 3 mm. long. The tongue lies in a 
straight slender case along the ventral side. Four or five days 
before emergence the wing pads and thorax assume an opaque 
whitish color, the eyes begin to darken and finally become deep 


12 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


purple. The body retains its pale color until a few hours before 
emergence when it rapidly darkens from the head caudad. The 
pupal case remains as a crumpled dingy-white skin attached to 
the leaf. The duration of the pupal stage is shown in the table 
on page 11. An individual reared at Brownsville, Texas, by Mr. 
R. A. Vickery remained 11 days in the pupa and Mr. W. R. 
McConnell noted seven at Greenwood, Mississippi, which emerged 
in from seven to thirteen days. The maximum reached under 
out-of-door conditions in Florida was 16 days and the lengthened 
pupal period of the individuals reared at temperatures greatly 
below normal at Nashville indicates some power of adaptation 
to unfavorable conditions in this stage. 

The writer has not had the opportunity to follow this species 
throughout an entire year in the field and all the data at hand 
concerning its seasonal history are fragmentary. February 11 
a first instar larva was found at Brownsville, Texas. June 3 a 
nearly full grown larva and June 17 a pupa were taken at 
Greenwood, Mississippi. As early as June 1 a larva nearly full 
grown, was found at Marion, South Carolina, and September 
16 full grown larvae and pupae were found at Clemson College, 
in the same state, on corn growing in an open greenhouse used 
as an insectary and at the same place on September 25 on up- 
land rice growing in the open. At Orlando, Florida, larvae 
survived the mild winter of 1912-13 which was unusually warm 
even for Florida, there being insufficient frost to injure corn 
growing in the open. Mr. McConnell attempted without success 
to carry larvae and pupae through the winter at Greenwood, 
Mississippi, where they were exposed to freezing, but not se- 
vere, temperatures. The great susceptibility to frost of the 
similar and closely related species, Calpodes ethlius, and the 
probable tropical origin of this species lead to the conclusion 
that it cannot survive severe freezing weather. If such be the 
case the butterflies must travel for long distances and very 
rapidly to reach so early in the summer the localities mentioned 
above. The larvae in the table on page 11 are arranged in 
approximate chronological order from November, 1912 to June, 
1913, and the figures indicate that the time required for develop- 
ment becomes less as the season advances. At none of the points 
where this species has been noted do the records indicate any 
distinct generations, furnishing further support to the theory 
of its tropical origin; for definite seasonal habits with long 


SUMMER NUMBER 13 


quiescent periods, little or not at all affected by outside in- 
fluences, are evidence of a long course of adjustment to condi- 
tions as found in the temperate zone. 

In the spring of 1913 the generations were not distinct, for 
eggs and larvae of all sizes were found at the same time. The 
time required for the development of a generation, 65 days not 
including the time required for mating and oviposition after 
emergence, indicates that there may be several generations in 
Florida in one year, and at least two as far north as the species 
is likely to go. It is probable that it is a continuous breeder 
in its permanent range and that it travels northward every 
summer and is killed back every winter as is the case with 
several others of our economically important insects. However, 
the fact that Calpodes ethlius has reached and caused damage 
at Washington, D. C., may indicate similar possibilities for this 
species, 


The original account gave American wisteria (Bradleya frute- 
scens (L.) Britton) as the food plant but a note adds that it 
‘is most commonly to be met with in the chrysalis state on the 
blades of Indian corn, Zea mays, in which it enfolds itself.” 
Chapman found larvae in the leaves of Hrianthus alopecuroides 
(L.) Ell. at Apalachicola, Florida. McConnell found several 
larvae feeding on sorghum at Greenwood, Mississippi, and one 
on a grass locally known as “tumble grass,” probably Panicum 
capiliare, at Memphis, Tennessee. The writer found larvae 
feeding in leaves of upland rice on the grounds of the South 
Carolina Experiment Station at Clemson College and a single 
one in a rolled leaf of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) at 
the Florida Experiment Station at Gainesville. All other rec- 
ords give corn as the food plant. Further observations are re- 
quired to determine the possible food plants but, among culti- 
vated crops, corn will probably head the list. 

Three species of parasites have been reared, one from eggs 
and two from larvae. 


Xenufens ruskint Gir. Of eleven eggs taken on corn leaves 
at Orlando, January 28, two were mottled and darker than the 
rest. On February 10 they had become very dark and on the 
20th 12 minute hymenopterons emerged from one egg, and on 
the 25th, 10 from the other. They left through a small hole in 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


the apex. The empty shell retained its mottled appearance. 
Another egg in the same lot appeared normal until February 
4 when the shell showed faint mottling which slowly increased 
until 12 adult parasites emerged on March 10, 42 days after the 
egg was collected. Eggs of Calpodes ethlius occurring in large 
numbers on canna leaves at Orlando on February 17 were found 
to be almost 100% parasitized and though most of the parasites 
had emerged, enough were obtained from the several dozen eggs 
collected to determine them as the same species attacking the 
eggs of Lerema accius. The parasite was described by Girault* 
from specimens reared from eggs of Hudamus proteus taken in. 
the same vicinity and at the same time it was found attacking 
the eggs of Lerema accius. 


Microdus sp. A small dwarfed larva of Lerema, taken in the 
field at Lakeland, April 10, gave forth on the 15th a hymenopter- 
ous grub which, after spinning a few threads, pupated in a 
corner of the box in which its host had been confined. The 
pupa was 8 mm. long, naked, white except for the eyes and 
ocelli which darkened as development proceeded. On the 24th 
the thorax turned yellow, and the adult emerged on the 26th. 
The adult, which proved to be a female, had a reddish-brown 
head and thorax, yellow abdomen and black wings. 


Euplectrus insuetus Gahan. An undersized yellowish larva 
taken in the field at Lakeland, April 10 almost at once gave 
forth 16 white grubs which moved a few millimeters from the 
dead body of their host and transformed to naked pupae at- 
tached to the bottom of the box with their ventral sides upper- 
most. On the 23rd the adults, small Chalcids, emerged. They 
are black except for the dark eyes and the legs and cephalic 
half of the abdomen which are pale yellow. From this material 
the species was described by Mr. A. B. Gahany as new. 


Investigations during the more entomologically active part 
of the year would undoubtedly reveal more parasites concerned 
in the control of this species and it seems likely that the ordinary 
scarcity of the larvae may be attributed to parasitic agency. 


*Ent. News, Vol. 27, p. 6. 
+Proc. U. S. N. M. Vol. 48, p. 164. 


SUMMER NUMBER 15 


CONSIDER THE FLY 


The tops of the maples are red with buds; the warm forest 
glades are dotted with violets and white forget-me-notes (Hous- 
tonias); an occasional sedge, and in the more sunny spots the 
Sheep Sorrell (Oxalis), are in bloom; and in the deeper shade 
the Twin Flower. It is early spring. (January 15.) 


And as we rest here in this sunny glade in the forest Muscus 
domesticus comes to keep us company. In our towns we eall 
him the “Typhoid Fly” and hire sanitary officers to deal with 
him, to wage unceasing war against his young. In our dwell- 
ings we call him the ‘“‘House Fly.” We screen against him. We 
trap him. We poison him. We swat him. But here in the 
woods he is a harmless, sociable fellow—and so hardy !—the 
first insect to crawl out on a cold morning, a real harbinger of 
spring. He does not bite like his cousin the Stable Fly. And 
why blame him for carrying our filth about? It is we who 
furnish him with his germs. Like too many of us humans he 
has been spoiled by too much “civilization.” Clean up our 
towns and barns and he would cease to be a menace. Would he 
cease to exist? Probably not, for I read that on some barren 
South Pacific island, where the only vertebrate animal to fur- 
nish him manure is a species of rat, he is present in abundance. 
Verily he is a hardy rascal. 


THREE SCALES NEW TO FLORIDA 


Mr. Geo. Merrill has recently added to the list of the scale 
insects of Florida three species, as follows: 

Gymnaspis aechmeae Newst. was collected from Bromeliaceae 
at Little River by Mr. Jeff Chaffin. It has also been taken at 
Gotha. 


Targionia sacchari (Ckll.) was taken from sugar cane at 
Miami by Mr. E. L. Kelly. 

Lepidosaphes camelliae Hoke—Camellia Scale. On Camellia 
Japonica. From Oneco to Tallahassee, Alabama, Georgia and 
Mississippi. 


16 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


WHAT'S IN A NAME? SOMETIMES CONSIDERABLE 


A recent correspondent expresses himself as follows concern- 
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“Say, why couldn’t the inventor have simply named the stuff 
‘borer assassinator’; or, if he had to have a long name for it, 
called it “Sickhimandgoinyourlengthandgethim benzene’? And 
then we laymen could analyze the name.”—C. A. Finley. 


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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


: ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. VI AUTUMN NUMBER No. 2 
SEPTEMBER, 1922 


NEW SPECIES OF CICADELLIDAE FROM THE SOUTHERN 
U. S. (Homoptera) 


HERBERT OSBORN 


Deltocephalus limicelus, n. sp. 


Dark gray with fuscous markings; numerous reticulate lines and cross 
nervures on the eytra. Length, female 3.75 mm; male 3.6 mm. 

Head wider than pronotum; vertex wider than long, one-half longer at 
middle than next the eye, obtusely angulate; margin subangulate to front; 
front broad, lateral borders curved; clypeus with sides nearly parallel; 
cheeks broad and deeply sinuate.. Pronotum as long as vertex, truncate 
behind; scutellum small; elytral venation irregular, the clavus with numer- 
ous irregular reticulations, and the anteapical cells broken by irregular 
cross veinlets. 

Color: Gray; vertex ivory whitish with four dots on the anterior bor- 
der, two lunate spots midway and two rounded ocellate spots on the hind 
border, fuscous. Pronotum fuscous with five gray stripes, the inner three 
connected by cross-band near the front; scutellum with ivory spots each 
side; elytral veins and veinlets mostly ivory white, the areoles mostly 
fuscous, the first apical areole densely black, the others with whitish cen- 
ters bordered with smoky; front pale fuscous with transverse whitish ares 
and a central whitish line; clypeus dull white with smoky borders; lorae 
light yellow, with dusky margin; cheeks dull gray, legs fuscous, banded and 
striped with dull white; abdomen beneath blackish, the borders of segments 
and the outer part of pygofer lighter. 

Genitalia: Female, last ventral segment short; hind border truncate or 
slightly concave; pale whitish, bordered with fuscous; side plates conspicu- 
ous. Male, valve short, transverse, broadly rounded behind; plates broad 
at base, narrowing rapidly, terminating in acute thin slightly upturned tips 
not attaining the tip of the pygofer. 

Numerous specimens were collected at St. Petersburg, Fla., February 
and March, 1921, on a creeping succulent plant growing in a tidal flat 
and associated with fiddler crabs and snails. Type and paratypes in 
author’s collection. Superficially this species bears some resemblance to 
arundineus, but the details of the color pattern are different, the body 
is more robust, and there are distinct differences in the genitalia. 


Deltocephalus fusconotatus, n. sp. 


Ivory whitish with numerous fuscous spots on pronotum, scutellum and 
base of elytra. Length, male 3.5 mm. 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Head slightly wider than pronotum; vertex as long as width between 
the eyes, one-half longer at middle than at eye, margin acute toward the 
apex; front narrow, tapering gradually to base of clypeus; clypeus long, 
nearly twice as long as wide, sides nearly parallel; lorae short, distant from 
border of cheek; cheeks broad, distinctly sinuate beneath the eye. Pronotum 
as long as vertex; scutellum acuminate at tip; claval veins merging near 
base, middle anteapical cell divided by merging of veins. 

Color: Light gray or ivory white; vertex bordered anteriorly with black, 
except at extreme tip; the outer part of the black line enclosing the ocellus. 
Pronotum with three somewhat diffuse spots, scutellum with two dots on 
the base, elytra with a basal dot and a dot before and back of the merged 
veins, a costal spot near the base, another before the nodal vein and the 
apical cells, fuscous or blackish; face with base of front densely black, the 
remainder of front with clypeus, lorae and lower part of cheek, white; a 
large squarish spot below the eye, reaching antennal pit, black; thorax and 
abdomen white with a black dot on the pleural pieces, a black band at apex 
of femora, and black dots on the hind tibiae, and black rings on the hind 
tarsi. 

Genitalia: Male, valve narrow, rounded behind; plates small triangular, 
about one-half the length of pygofer. 

Described from a single specimen, collected at ‘‘Cameron, La., Aug. 
14-28, 1903”, by Prof. J. S. Hine. 

This is a handsome little species, somewhat resembling arundineus, but 
differing so much in the color pattern, especially on the face, that it seems 
impossible to refer it to that species. There is also a distinct difference in 
the male genitalia. 

Lonatura notata, n. sp. 

Pale straw color, with numerous black dots on pronotum, elytra and 
abdomen. Length, female 4 mm; male 3.5 to 3.75 mm. 

Head slightly wider than pronotum, distinctly produced, subconical; 
vertex somewhat flattened, but convex, as long as width between the eyes, 
nearly twice longer at the middle than next the eye; front narrowing rather 
abruptly to clypeus; clypeus broad, about one-half longer than width at 
base, scarcely widened at the middle; lorae elongate, the tips distant from 
border of the cheek; cheeks narrow, the margin sinuate beneath the eye. 
Pronotum about three-fourths as long as vertex, hind border slightly con- 
cave; scutellum small, short; elytra scarcely reaching base of abdomen, 
hind border truncate, leaving entire upper surface of abdomen exposed. 

Color: Light straw; vertex with three pairs of faintly fuscous spots; 
two dots on the anterior border, a larger spot at the lateral border, two 
dots at base of scutellum, a large dot on clavus, a similar one at middle 
of hind border of elytra, and eight series of dots on the abdominal seg- 
ments, a dot on anterior femora, a line on the hind femora, dots on the 
hind tibiae and tarsal claws dark fuscous or black. 

Genitalia: Female, last ventral segment short, concave behind, with a 
central broad tooth notched at the apex; ovipositor scarcely exceeding the 
pygofer. Male, valve short, rounded behind; plates small, triangular, acute 
at tip, reaching half way to end of pygofer. 

Described from specimens collected at St. Petersburg, Fla., March 5, 
1921. Type and paratypes in author’s collection. I have also taken speci- 


AUTUMN NUMBER 19 


mens at Ocean Springs and Pascagoula, Mississippi, during February, 1921. 


The species occurs in the flat-woods association on native grass, and is 
probably a grass feeder. Numerous black dots on the upper surface seem 
to be a distinctive character. Only short-winged forms have been noted, so 
that the venation of long-winged forms, if they occur, has not been seen. 


Euscelis (Athysanus) fumidus n. sp. 


Somewhat like magnus but much darker, smoky black, the entire sur- 
face appearing suffused with a deep brown-black color. Length, male 
6.25 mm. 

Head wider than pronotum, vertex short, scarcely longer on middle than 
next the eye, very obtusely rounded to front, front broad, subangulate at 
antennae, narrowed abruptly to clypeus; clypeus nearly twice as long as 
wide, cheek broadly rounded below the eye. Pronotum distinctly transversely 
striate. Posterior border shallowly concave. 

Color: Dark fuscous with small obscure yellowish irrorations; vertex 
lighter, yellowish with fuscous irrorations; front lighter above, darker be- 
low with obscure pale arcs; clypeus nearly black; lorae and cheeks blackish 
smoky, the whole irrorate with minute yellowish dots. Pronotum scutellum 
and elytra blackish with minute yellowish dots. Legs blackish with spines 
somewhat lighter, venter blackish with a central row of light dots. 

Genitalia: Male valve small, short, obtusely angulate behind; plates 
small elongate triangular, tips acute, black, with a row of lighter bristles on 


-the margin. 


One specimen, male (type) of this peculiar species from Chester, Ga. 
This has the appearance of a Phlepsius and might be considered as related 
to P. latifrons but it is evidently congeneric with magnus. It is distinctly 
different from this species in the absence of the white band on the pronotum 
and the white costa, as well as in the intense pitchy black color. If an 
extreme form of magnus it will have to be recognized as a distinct variety. 


Euscelis (Athysanus) drakei, n. sp. 


Related to magnus and fumidus with a yellowish band behind the mid- 
dle of pronotum and four milky spots on elytra. Length 6.25 mm, 6 mm. 

Head wider than pronotum. Vertex very short, margins parallel; disc 
convex rounded to the front; front convex except slight depression at base, 
front about as broad as long, suture below ocellus distant from eye, obtusely 
angled at eye; clypeus tip scarcely wider than base; lorae rather broad, not 
reaching margin of cheek; cheek broad, sinuate below eye; pronotum broad; 
anterior margin broadly arcuate, hind margin slightly concave, lateral 
margin flaring and sharply carinate. Elytra densely reticulate, somewhat 
rugose, scarcely exceeding tip of abdomen. 

Color: Smoky brown to fuscous. Vertex tawny with minute fulvous 
dots; upper portion of face like vertex; front below minutely dotted with 
tawny; arcs faintly indicated; cheeks darker on the margins. Pronotum 
dark brown to fuscous; posterior border somewhat darker, with a broad 
yellowish band behind the middle, the whole minutely sprinkled with tawny 
dots. Scutellum tawny with yellow dots. Elytra smoky, minutely dotted with 
fuscous; two white patches on the middle of clavus and two on the inner 
anteapical cell, the anterior just below claval spot. 


20 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Genitalia: Female, last ventral segment scarcely longer than penulti- 
mate; posterior border sinuous, the middle third and lateral lobes produced; 
minutely notched on middlle, lateral lobes rounded. 

Described from two spemines, females, (type and paratype) collected 
at Gainesville, Fla., by C. J. Drake. Type in Osborn collection, Ohio State 
University. 

This species is very close to magnus O. & B. but aside from the con- 
spicuous transverse spots on the elytra, the costa is not white and the 
female segment differs in form. 


Euscelis (Athysanus) magnus var piceus, n. var. 


Similar to magnus of typical form but with the coloration, except for 
the white band on the pronotum and the costal border, of a deep pitchy black 
and the female sgment with median notch much smaller. Collected by Mr. 
H. L. Dozier at Pascagoula, Miss., Aug. 8, 1921. 


Mesamia nervosus, n. sp. 


Light yellow; vertex with an interrupted submarginal black border; 
elytra with fuscous veins; five or more conspicuous’ cross veinlets in the 
outer costal area. Length, female 4 mm.; male 3.5 mm. 

Head slightly wider than pronotum; vertex nearly twice as wide as long, 
rounded in front, about one-fourth longer at middle than next the eye, 
distinctly angular to front; front narrowing nearly uniformly to base of 
clypeus; clypeus narrow, nearly twice as wide as long, slightly widened to- 
ward the tip; lorae rather narrow, with tip nearly reaching to the margin 
of the cheek; cheek slightly sinuate below the eye. Pronotum two-thirds 
longer than vertex, slightly concave behind; elytra with cross veinlets in 
outer claval and costal cells; two cross veins. 

Color: Vertex, pronotum and scutellum yellow tinged with green, vertex 
with a conspicuous submarginal band interrupted at the middle behind 
which is a fainter fuscous band in the female, scarcely apparent in the male; 
dise of pronotum darker; elytra hyaline, the veins conspicuously dark fus- 
cous or black, the cross veinlets of costa widening on the margin; api- 
cal broadly blackish; beneath, face yellowish-green, a narrow black line 
bordering the base of front; abdomen greenish, the segments above with 
black spots or bands. 

Genitalia: Female, last ventral segment about twice as long as pre- 
ceding; apex broadly rounded with a faint notch at middle; male, valve 
short, rounded behind; plates triangular with acute upturned tips; the disc 
marked with a distinct impression paralleling the outer border. 


Described from a female, (type) Sept. 27, 1921; and male, (allotype) 
Sept. 9, 1921, collected by Mr. F. E. Guyton, Auburn, Alabama. 


Also one female, (paratype), from Keatchie, La., June 14, 1905. This 
latter differs from the type in having a less distinct second band on the 
vertex, a more distinct yellow color to the pronotum, but otherwise is so 
similar that it seems impossible to consider it a distinct species. 


These specimens approach most nearly to Mesamia stramineus, Osb., 
but have a different shaped vertex and much more distinct venation. 


AUTUMN NUMBER il 


ADDITIONS TO THE THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA. X 
J. R. WATSON 


54. Megalomerothrips eupatorii Watson. 

Male. The female only of this species was originally described. (Fla. 
Buggist, Vol. II, No. 8, Feb. 1919). We now have the male also. Much 
darker in color than the female, almost jet black. Fore tarsus with a very 
large, slightly curved spine, 27 interlocated bristles on the fore wing. Taken 
from the burrow of a cerambycid in a dead twig of avocado, Winter Haven, 
Oct., 1921. An additional female was collected by Dr. E. W. Berger in 
one of his colonies of cottony cushion scale. It may be predaceous. 

57. Dictyothrips floridensis Watson. 

Male. Considerably lighter in color than the female. Light brown with 
traces of bright red hypodermal pigment. Abdomen very slender, darker 
than the thorax. In the integument on the dorsal side of segments 2-7 are 
numerous large pellucid dots which occupy about 4% the surface. These 
peculiar dots seem to be entirely absent from the females. 

Larvae light yellowish brown with much red hypodermal pigment. 

Described from several males and larvae. 

In addition to the type locality in the Plant Introduction garden at 
Miami, this species has been collected in the Plant Introduction Garden at 
Brooksville by W. B. Wood and H. L. Sanford of the U. S. Horticultural 
Board. In addition to the original host, Guava, it was.taken on Passiflora 
sp., Rubus sp., Arracacia xanthorihisa, and Prunus sp. Since it has been 
found only in the Plant Introduction gardens and its nearest relative is a 
native of Mexico, it would seem quite probable that this is an introduced 
species, 

74. Heliothrips phaceoli Hood. 

Abundant on Kudzu on the Station grounds, Gainesville, June, 1921. 
75. Haplothrips gowdeyi Hood. 

In Bidens blossoms, Ft. Myers, March, 1922. Hitherto known only from 
the West Indies. 

76. Haplothrips humilis Hood. 

On compositae. Ft. Myers, March, 1921. Another southern species not 
hitherto found in the United States. 
77. Haplothrips merrilli Watson. 

This species, described from specimens taken from cocoanuts from 
Cuba, (Fla. Entomologist, Vol. IV, No. 1), was found by the writer under 
the cap scales of cocoanuts at Ft. Myers, March, 1922. 

78. Idolothrips tuberculatus Hood. 

A male of this species was beaten from basswood (Tilia americana) at 
Gainesville, April 14, 1922. 

(Mr. H. L. Dozier has specimens of Idolothrips armatus collected at 
Prairie, Miss., June 17, 1921, and Batesburg, S. C. It is quite probable 
that this species also occurs in Florida.) 

79. Zygothrips floridensis n. sp. 

Color: Light yellowish brown with much purple hypodermal pigment. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.2 mm.; head, length 0.20, width 
0.15 mm.; prothorax, length 0.11, width 0.21 mm.; metathorax, width 
0.24 mm.; abdomen, width 0.21 mm.; tube, length 0.10, width at base 0.06, 


Zo THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


at apex 0.027 mm. Antennae: Segment 1, 24; 2, 44; 3, 67; 4, 56; 5, 46; 
6, 40; 7, 44; 8, 27 microns; total length 0.36 mm. 

Head: 1.3 longer than wide, vertex rounded, striate towards the pos- 
terior margin; frons elevated; head widest just above the base; cheeks 
slightly convex, bearing a few short hairs; postocular bristles short, 
reaching but little past the posterior margins of the eyes. Hyes rather 
large, slightly protruding; red by reflected light, black by transmitted; 
non-pilose; facets large. Ocelli large, yellow, bordered with dark crescents; 
situated on the elevated frons, the anterior directed forward, the posterior 
pair widely separated, opposite the anterior third of the eyes from whose 
margins they are well separated. Mouth-cone short, reaching about half way 
across the prosternum; rounded at the tip. Antennae 1.8 times as long as 
the head; dark brown except most of segment 3, basal half of 4, and the 
extreme base of 5 which are a lighter, yellowish brown, segment 3 long 
and narrow. All bristles very small. Sense cones somewhat larger but 
colorless and inconspicuous. 


Prothorax little more than half the length of the head, nearly twice as 
wide as long; trapezoidal; a prominent bristle on each posterior angle. 
These bristles have pale, dilated tips, all others are sharp pointed. 

Pterothorax with sides nearly parallel; upper surface striated. Wings 
moderately long; membrane quite markedly constricted above the middle, 
colorless except for a trace of brown at the extreme base of the primaries, 
fringed with comparatively few and short hairs, four interlocated ones on 
the primaries. Legs rather long and slender, concolorous with the body 
except the fore tibiae which are paler, fore femora not swollen, no spines 
on the basal segments of the tarsi; hind tibiae each with a very thick, 
heavy bristle near the end. 


Abdomen rather long and slender, anterior segments with three or four 
prominent bristles on each side, the median one or two sigmoid; on the 
posterior segments these become curved but not sigmoid; a pair on the 
ninth segment considerably longer than the tube. Tube rather wide for its 
length; terminal bristles much longer than the tube. Male not seen. De- 
scribed from a single female taken by Mr. Geo. B. Merrill from an unknown 
shrub collected at Elfers by Mr. C. P. Sheffield, March, 1922. Type in the 
author’s collection. 


80. Hindsiana cocois Watson. 

This insect was recently (Fla. Entomologist, Vol. V, No. 4, April, 
1922) described from specimens collected from cocoanuts from Cuba taken 
from quarantine at Key West. Mr. Mosnette has sent us five larvae taken 
from under scales of cocoanuts at Miami, and Mr. George B. Merrill has 
collected a half dozen specimens from a mango from Oneco, Fla. As in the 
case of the other specimens, they were associated with scale insects. The 
insect is probably predaceous. 


81. Cryptothrips laureli Mason (Ent. News Vol. XXXIII, No. 7). 

The Bay Thrips. On all species of the genus Tamala in Central Florida 
from Frost Proof to Daytona. It probably occurs throughout Northern 
Florida but seems to be absent from the bays on the lower East Coast. 
Closely related to the Camphor thrips with which it was long confused. 


AUTUMN NUMBER 23 


36. Symphothrips punctatus Hood and Williams. 

Oneco, Fla., July, 1922, on mango infested with scales and Septobasidium, 
George B. Merrill, Coll. This species has been taken at Key West from 
under the cap scales of cocoanuts from Cuba. Originally described from 
Orlando. 


82. Hoplanddrothrips funnebris Hood. 
SIME Valores! “aly 125 (oe. 


83. Hindsiana cocois Watson. 
Orginally described from Cuba (Fla. Entomoligst, Vol. 5, No. 4, April, 
1922, P. 66). Collected from mango, Oneco, Fla., by Mr. Jno. W. Collins. 


THE GREENHOUSE THRIPS OUT-OF-DOORS IN NORTH- 
EASTERN GEORGIA 


In August and early September the editor spent a fifteen days’ 
vacation in Rabun County, Georgia, mostly collecting thrips. The 
most surprising capture was that of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis, 
the green house thrips, from a wild shrub growing along a 
stream near Clayton. With the exception of the southern end 
of Florida (about Miami) this insect, in the United States, has 
never before been taken outside of greenhouses or in the imme- 
diate vicinity of greenhouses during the summer. But there are 
no greenhouses within many miles of Clayton and no houses 
very near the place of capture. The place and circumstances of 
its capture leave no doubt that it is living out of doors there the 
year around and point strongly: to it being a native of the re- 
gion. 

Rabun county is in the northeastern corner of Georgia and 
this thrips was collected within seven miles of the North Carolina 
line and at an altitude of about 2000 feet. The vegetation and 
doubtless the climate of Rabun county is comparable to that of 
Southern Ohio. If this thrips can live out of doors in Rabun 
county, Georgia, it should, as far as cold is concerned, be able 
to do so over a large portion of the United States. 

It is, of course, more common in the tropics, and it is supposed 
to have been introduced into northern greenhouses on plants 
brought from the tropics. Evidently its native range extends 
much further north than we have hitherto suspected and, per- 
haps, instead of being imported from the tropics, it originally 
entered the greenhouses from some local wild host: 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
dbus, WATSON: ccc esse og eee rene Editor 
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ENTOMOLOGY AT THE AGENTS’ MEETING 


The eleventh annual conference of the county demonstration 
agents was held at the University from September 7 to 14. There 
were four scheduled talks on entomological subjects and much 
discussion during committee meetings, laboratory and informa! 
conferences. 

Mr. W. W. Yothers outlined the life history of the rust mite. 
At least 90% of them complete their life cycle, from egg to egg 
in nine days. Exposure to sulphur kills them in fifteen seconds. 

A very live topic was that of dusting citrus trees for the con- 
trol of rust mite. Mr. DeBusk spoke of the results of some 
dusting done in his county in cooperation with the Experiment 
Station. The control on the dusted plots was as good as on the 
sprayed plots and the cost was only about one fourth that of 
spraying. Mr. Kime thought it might be necessary to dust two 
or three times to secure as good a control as with spraying. 
Other agents spoke of the satisfactory results of dusting in their 
counties. Of even more importance than the cheapness of dust- 
ing as compared with spraying is the rapidity of the operation. 
In large groves, even tho spraying may be started at the first 
sign of danger, much damage may be done before the entire 
grove can be covered. Another point which might have been 
mentioned is that of safety. Much fruit was burned last year 
as a result of spraying during hot weather. Mr. Yothers re- 
ported as good results from the use of straight flowers of sulphur 
as with the mixture of sulphur and lime. 

Mr. Yothers spoke of the work done at his laboratory on the 
entomogenous fungi by Dr. Spear. He came to the conclusion 
that the Red Aschersonia was spread mostly by the whitefly 


crawlers. This points strongly to the conclusion that the best 
(24) 


AUTUMN NUMBER 25 


time to apply the fungus is when the maximum number of crawl- 
ers are out, i. e. about a week after the culmination of the June 
flight of adults. The yellow aschersonia, however, should ac- 
cordingly, be applied about the middie of July. The same prin- 
ciple applies to the scale-infesting fungi. They should be sprayed 
on the trees when the maximum number of scale crawlers are 
out. 

Mr. A. C. Brown spoke on sweet-potato certification. 

The committee on truck crops reported the control of aphids 
to be one of their most serious problems. 


RELATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS TO WING 
DEVELOPMENT IN APHIDS' 


By ARTHUR C. MASON 


The generally accepted theory of most entomologists and 
experimenters on the subject is that winged forms of aphids are 
produced only when the continued existence of the apterous 
forms, under conditions then existing, might prove disastrous 
to the species. This occurs always in the fall in cold climates 
when sexual forms are produced, the males of which are usually 
winged, and also at any migrating season in the case of those 
species which live on two or more different host plants. There 
are also many other causes attributed to these adaptive varia- 
tions. Among the factors which may be potent in acting as 
effective stimuli for wing formation are crowding on the host 
and hence lessening of the food supply, unusually high or low 
humidity, early lowering of temperature in autumn, changing 
constitution of the sap of the plants by chemical means, etc. 

In collecting aphids it was noted that usually both winged and 
apterous forms occurred in’ the same colony; also, in the life 
history work with Myzus persicae, that some of them would be 
winged and others apterous. In several cases plant lice which 
were apterous when collected would develop wings when kept in 
the laboratory for a day or two. The question often arose as to 
why some of these forms were winged and some apterous when 
living under the same conditions, and as to whether the en- 
vironment of the aphids in the breeding jars had an effect on 
this. Hence a series of experiments was planned to prove or 
disprove some of these theories. 


1A synopsis of Part III of thesis entitled “Systematic and Biological Studies of 
Some Florida Aphididae’, presented by the writer in 1915 to the University of 
Florida for the degree of Master of Science. This is the third and concluding paper 
of the series. 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Species Used. For carrying on these experiments the follow- 
ing three species of aphids were mostly used: Lachnus pini L., 
Myzus persicae Sulz., and Aphis gossypu Glov. These aphids 
could be found in greater or less abundance at all times of the 
year and both winged and apterous forms occurred naturally in 
the colonies. They continued to reproduce viviparously all 
through the winter and hence a supply of adults could always be 
obtained. The last two species lived on a number of different 
host plants and so could be raised under varying conditions. 
Another species, Macrosiphum davisi, had been observed for a 
year on the rose bushes and no winged forms ever occurred. 
Hence some work was done to try to produce some individuals 
with wings. 


EFFECT OF INJURY TO HOST PLANTS 


Starting out with what appeared to be the most promising 
methods of securing results, some experiments were run to 
determine the effect of injury of the host plant on the aphids. 
For this work some small pine trees infested with Lachnus pini 
were selected. The object was to injure the branches by girdling 
or partial girdling so as to shut off the flow of sap in the branch 
and determine the effect on the aphids. 


Branch A was injured by cutting the bark and cambium layer 
for one-third of the distance around it; branch B had the bark 
cut through the cambium layer for two-thirds of the distance 
around; branch C was a check, uninjured. On each of these 
branches was placed a small colony of Lachnus pini in a cage. 
Another small tree was completely girdled around the base and 
a colony placed on it in a manner similar to the others. This 
colony is designated as D. A third tree was uninjured and a 
colony placed on it for a check, designated as E. These experi- 
ments were begun in November and were run for about two 
months, the results being recorded two or three times a week. 
The number of winged forms found each time were counted and 
the results tabulated.” The table shows that winged forms were 
produced in all the cages. On the first tree check colony C had 
approximately as many winged forms as colonies A and B which 
were on injured branches. Colony D also had a large number of 
winged forms but check colony E for a few weeks produced only 
apterous forms. Later on, however, winged ones appeared. 


°The tables are necessarily omitted because of lack of space and instead the 
results are summarized. The photographs illustrating the work are also excluded. 


AUTUMN NUMBER D7 


A little later the experiment was repeated. Colony F was 
placed on another uninjured tree and colony G on a small tree 
which was girdled in a manner similar to the tree in the previous 
experiment. Colonies H and I were checks on uninjured branches 
of another tree. These were carried on as the previous experi- 
ments for several weeks with no decided results on wing produc- 
tion by injuring the host plant. The checks produced winged aph- 
ids about as consistently as did the injured limbs. Check colony E 
appeared for a time to be an exception to this rule, and it was 
thought that the tree on which they were living might be the 
cause of this. Consequently some of the apterous aphids from 
colony EF were taken out and three new colonies started from 
them. Colony J was placed on a branch near A and B on tree 
No. 1, which had produced winged forms; colony K was placed 
on a limb of the girdled tree No. 4 by the side of colony D which 
had also produced winged forms; and colony L was moved to a 
new limb of tree No. 5, near colony E, for a check and to counter- 
act any effect of moving the aphids to other trees. As the results 
show, winged aphids were produced not only in each of these 
three colonies, but also a little later in the original colony E. 


About two months after being girdled one of the trees was 
turning very yellow from the effects. Therefore, two colonies of 
aphids were placed in cages on limbs of this tree, and two other 
colonies were placed on limbs of a healthy tree, as a check. All 
four colonies were taken from the same colony containing both 
winged and apterous forms. Here, also, during two months’ 
time, winged forms were found in the checks in about the same 
ratio as in the colonies on the girdled tree. Therefore, the un- 
healthy condition of a pine tree due to girdling or any change 
which it may cause in the sap of the tree will not cause the aphids 
on it to produce wings in increased numbers over those on 
healthy trees. 

Effect of Crowding on Wing Production. In many colonies 
it was observed that no winged forms appeared until several 
days after the colony was started, or until it had increased in 
size and often covered the limb thickly. Consequently the ques- 
tion arose as to whether or not the large number of aphids there 
caused the production of wings, either directly, or indirectly, by 
lessening the food supply. To investigate this point two colonies 
were started on a girdled tree. The first one, colony M, was 
placed on a limb of this tree on December 11 and allowed to 


28 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


grow. A week later another small colony, (N), taken from the 
same place as the others, was placed on another limb. Colony M 
had a start on colony N and should be more numerous and show 
any effects of crowding sooner than N. The results show no 
difference. In fact colony M produced winged forms before N 
was even started and while there were only a few aphids there, 
and continued to produce them as long as the colony lived there. 
Therefore crowding as a probable cause of wing production was 
given up. 

Effect on Myzus persicae of Injuring Cabbage Plants. This 
experiment was tried in the greenhouse insectary and its object 
was to see if unfavorable conditions of growth for a cabbage 
plant will cause aphids of the species Myzus persicae growing 
on it to produce wings and seek a new plant. Twelve potted cab- 
bage plants were placed on the bench and covered with lantern 
globes, and divided into three groups. The first four had a cord 
tied lightly around the stem which would shut off the flow of sap 
to some extent. The next four were given no water and allowed 
to dry up. The third four were kept in a normal condition and 
used as checks. Each of the plants had a number of aphids placed 
on it and left for two weeks, the results being recorded each day 
or two. As the table shows, winged forms were produced on all 
of the plants without discrimination. In fact the total number 
on the four plants of each group is about the same. The results, 
therefore, do not argue in favor of the unhealthy condition of 
plants causing wings. 

Mature Aphids. Eight adult apterous Lachnus pini, which 
had already produced some young, were placed on a cut stem 
which had already become partially dried out. All died in less 
than a week and produced no wings. It is hardly reasonable to 
believe that an adult could develop wings. 


EFFECT ON APHIDS OF ADDING CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE 
Foop OF THE HOST 


Some experiments were next run to determine if changing 
the sap of the host plant by adding chemical solutions to its food 
would cause aphids on it to produce wings in order to seek a 
new host. Some of these chemicals would undoubtedly be taken 
up by the plant and consequently added to the dietary of the 
aphids. First, some cabbage plants which were infested with 
Myzus persicae were watered with solutions of magnesium sul- 
phate of varying strengths. Small pots were filled with clean 


AUTUMN NUMBER 29 


white sand and some small cabbage plants, whose roots had been 
washed clean of all earth, were placed in them. The object was 
to remove all plant food, as far as possible, and give the plants 
nothing but what was in the solutions added. The plants were 
placed under lantern globes in the laboratory and divided into 
four groups of two plants each. One lot was watered with a 
1% solution, one with a 5% solution and one with a 10% solution 
of magnesium sulphate, and the other with distilled water for a 
check. The sand was kept moist by watering every day and the 
results recorded daily. The 5% and 10% solutions were found 
to be too strong and the plants soon died. Some winged forms 
were found on all but two of the plants however. 

The experiment was then repeated, this time using three per 
cent solutions which would not affect the plants so quickly. 
Hight cabbage plants were cleaned and potted as before and 
divided into four groups. One group was watered with a 3% 
solution of each of the following: magnesium sulphate, sodium 
chloride, tannic acid, and one group with distilled water for a 
check. In no ease did the plants live more than a few days. They 
soon began to turn yellow, probably from lack of food, and con- 
sequently the aphids left them and started wandering around 
and died. As the table shows, wings were produced in some of 
them, but without much consistency. Although the checks pro- 
duced no winged forms, one plant in each of the other groups 
showed none also. The experiment did not run over a long 
enough period to be conclusive. There was not sufficient time 
for the aphids to mature and show the effects of the chemicals. 
Besides we cannot prove that the plants took up any of the 
chemical solutions added, since the roots have the power of dis- 
criminating between the available foods. Therefore some at- 
tempts were made to rear them on cut stems in chemical solu- 
tions. 

Experiments with Cut Stems. Eight young orange tips were 
cut from a tree and placed in small pots of clean white sand 
which were covered with lantern globes and set in the green- 
house on a shaded bench. On each of these cuttings were placed 
a number of aphids of the species Aphis gossypii. Two of them 
were watered with a 3% solution of each of the following chemi- 
cals: magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride and citric acid; and 
two were watered with distilled water for checks. The results 
were recorded as long as the cuttings kept fresh and the aphids 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


lived on them. However after a few days the leaves wilted and 
dropped and the aphids began to die. Some winged ones were 
produced on all but one of the cuttings, but with no regularity. 

A little later the experiment was repeated, this time with 
Myzus persicae on orange cuttings. The cuttings were prepared 
as described above. Three or four dozen aphids were placed on 
each and watered with the same solutions as above and in the 
same order. The results as recorded show that wings were found 
in all but one, a cutting watered with sodium chloride solution. 
This cutting did not last very long before the leaves turned brown 
and dropped. In fact the cuttings watered with the chemical 
solutions showed the effects sooner than the checks in all cases. 
In this experiment the checks produced more winged specimens 
than any of the others except those watered with magnesium 
sulphate which produced about an equal number. Possibly this 
can be explained by the fact that the cutting did not wilt so 
quickly and hence more of the aphids had an opportunity to 
mature. At any rate, the wilting of the stems or the effect of 
the chemicals cannot be said to produce wings. 

Lachnus pini on Pine Cuttings. Four branches were cut from 
a pine tree and placed in bottles one each containing a 3% solu- 
tion of magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride and citric acid and 
distilled water. On each of these branches were placed about 
four dozen immature aphids of Lachnus pini which were allowed 
to mature. The mouths of the bottles were plugged with cotton 
and the whole bottle and stem covered over with a bell jar. 
Results show that in all cases except the check a majority of the 
aphids died while still immature and in the check also a large 
number died before becoming adult. The greatest mortality was 
noted on the stems kept in sodium chloride and citric acid. The 
leaves soon began to dry up there and the aphids died. In all 
cases however some winged ones were produced but most in the 
check. Here also we can say this is due to the fact that more of 
the aphids lived to become adult on the check. 

Injections of Chemicals into Plants. To make more sure of 
getting the chemicals into the sap of the plant and thus adding 
them to the food of the aphids, they were injected into the grow- 
ing stems with a hypodermic needle. This method was used on 
both cabbage plants and orange trees. Eight growing healthy 
cabbage plants were potted and placed under lantern globes in 
the open-air insectary. The same chemicals as used above were 


AUTUMN NUMBER ol 


injected into the stems. In two each was injected magnesium 
sulphate, sodium chloride and citric acid, in one distilled water 
and in one nothing. On each of these plants were placed twelve 
immature specimens of Myzus persicae about one week old. The 
plants were watered and kept in a healthy condition, and the 
aphids were allowed to mature there. The results show a few 
winged ones for each of the solutions, but not conclusive in favor 
of the chemicals. On one plant of each group all matured ap- 
terous. 

The same experiment was later tried by injecting some of 
each of these chemicals into young orange tips and tying up in 
each twelve immature Myzus persicae. Chemicals in same order 
as above. Here, also some winged ones were produced in each 
case, but most in the checks. 

Trials with Rose Aphids. A species of green rose aphid, 
probably Macrosiphum davisi, had been watched for over a year 
on rose bushes and no winged specimens were ever seen. There- 
fore an attempt was made to produce wings on some of them. 
Three cuttings of rose were made and placed in sand and wat- 
ered: No. 1 with 1% magnesium sulphate, No. 2 with 5% mag- 
nesium sulphate, and No. 3 with water. On each cutting was 
placed several of the rose aphids. The rose cuttings however only 
remained fresh for a few days, when they wilted and the leaves 
fell. The aphids died and no wings were produced. The experi- 
ment was repeated a little later, this time by changing the cut- 
tings about every three days and transferring the aphids to the 
fresh cuttings. In this way three generations were raised and 
about thirty individuals in each. All were apterous. No winged 
forms were produced not even in the second and third genera- 
tions. 


Effect of Chemicals on Plants. In all cases where cut stems 
were placed in chemical solutions it was observed that the checks 
in distilled water would last longer. A number of tests with cut- 
tings used in solutions of varying strength of the above chemi- 
cals showed this always to be the case. The chemical solutions 
caused wilting the second day and dropping of the leaves in two 
or three days. The checks stayed fresh for five days. In all 
these cases the results were conclusive enough to show that the 
chemical solutions do have a deleterious effect'on the cut plants, 
and plant physiologists agree on this point. Where the solution 
is strong enough it will have an osmotic pressure, which will 


ae THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


draw the sap from the cutting and consequently cause it to turn | 
brown and wither. The fact that the checks always lasted longer, | 
and therefore the aphids lived longer, is sufficient cause for the | 
greater number of winged forms there. The experiment failed, 
however, to show that the chemicals in the stems will cause the | 
aphids to produce wings, since the checks always produced as 
large a number of winged forms. 


(To be continued) 


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VOL. VI WINTER NUMBER No. 3 
DECEMBER, 1922 


ON A COLLECTION OF THYSANOPTERA FROM 
RABUN COUNTY, GEORGIA 


J. R. WATSON 


A vacation of fifteen days spent in north-eastern Georgia dur- 
ing the latter part of August and the first days of September, 
1922, gave the writer an opportunity to compare the thrips fauna 
of that region with that of Florida. 

There are no records of any considerable collection of thrips 
from this region. The nearest localities that have been inten- 
sively studied are about Clarksville, Tenn., where Morgan has 
collected, and about Washington, D. C., where Hood has done 
much of his collecting. 

Rabun County is in the north-eastern corner of Georgia. It 
is high and mountainous, the elevations ranging from about 2000 
feet to 3900. As to the vegetation: here we found most of our 
boyhood friends (and enemies too—such as nettles and bur- 
docks) of northern Ohio. But in the valleys one notes such 
southern plants as bitterweed (Helenium tenuifolium) and sweet 
gums and on the mountain sides the belated blossoms of the 
sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum) were conspicuous. On the 
whole the vegetation is much like that of southern Ohio or 
Kentucky. 

The first observation to be made was the scarcity of thrips as 
compared with Florida. They are by no means such an important 
part of the fauna as with us. They do not force themselves upon 
one’s attention. One must hunt for them, otherwise he would 
scarcely discover their existence. 

The most productive collecting was, as usual, in flowers. Even 
such an unlikely blossom as the Indian pipe supplied us with one. 


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34 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


But the Florida flower thrips (Frankliniella bispinosa) was en- 
tirely absent, its place being partly taken by its close relative F’. 
tritici. But this insect was by no means as common as ours. It 
did not swarm in the blossoms, even of roses. Three or four per 
blossom was the maximum. Still this was the most common 
species. Numerous dissections of the heads of Compositae failed 
to discover any Thrips abdominalis, so common in the heads of 
composites in Florida. 

Next after flowers these insects were most abundantly ob- | 
tained by sweeping grass and weeds. Our most common species | 
on grass, Haplothrips graminis, was entirely lacking. A new 
species of Haplothrips was obtained from grass but the most 
common species was F'rankliniella fusca. This was much more 
common than in Florida, where it is known chiefly as a pest of 
tobacco, and nearly as common as its relative F’. tritici. 

Beating and sweeping shrubs brought in very few specimens. | 
The most common was Leptothrips mali, the black hunter, a_ | 
predaceous species that was quite apt to be found on any plant | 
infested with plant lice. In vain were the young pines beaten for | 
our pine thrips Haplothrips pin. | 

In all twenty-three species were taken, four of which proved 
to be new. Thrips quinciensis, Haplothrips gracilis, and Hop- 
landrothrips flavoantennis have hitherto been taken only in 
Florida. Thrips impar was described from Maryland and has 
not hitherto been reported elsewhere. Frankliniella tenuicornis 
has not heretofore been reported from America. Thus four spe- 
cies have had their known range considerably extended. 

It is thus seen that the Thysanoptera, like the plants, show a 
mixture of southern and northern species. 

A list of the species and their host plants follows: 


THYSANOPTERA OF RABUN COUNTY, GEORGIA 


Species Number Host Plants 
taken 
Aecolothrips bicolor sHind sss 5 see 32. Grass: 
Sericothrips variabilis (Beach)............ 1....Shrubs. 
Chirothrips insolitus Hood.................... 1___.Grass. 
Wailacothraip sim) 2.2 ee ee 1_...Weeds. 
Heliothrips fasciapennis Hinds............ 9...Grass (8), smartweed (Polygo- 
num). 
Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouche) 1....Shrub. 
Thrips quinciensis Morgan.................... 2....1n blossoms of Vernonia and 


Polygala. 


WINTER NUMBER 35 


SunrIps: CLeENAtUS -N. ~SPsz-----.20:4--<22---=<t--ss 3 ...Pine, Lespedeza, bitterweed. 
Sihirips impar Hood.:....--:-.2-.c--ds-csts--0--- 6...Indian pipe, Lespedeza (A), 
grass. 

Frankliniella fusca (Hinds).................- 35...Grass (29), pine (2), Lespedeza 
(4). 

Frankliniella minuta (Moulton) (?)-.. 1....Red Clover. 

Frankliniella tenuicornis, Uzel.............. 2...0n grass (identified by R. C. 
Treherne). 

Mrankliniella tritici (Evtch)_...1....2-..:2.-- 36...A variety of blossoms. 

Heterothrips auranticornis n. sp..........- 16..._Blossoms of Helenium. 

tao Ochi Stal wii Me eS eeee ne eee 5eeGrass- 

Haplothrips statices Holiday..............-- 4__Grass. 

Haplothrips: verbasci (Osb.)...............--- 14._...Mullein. 

Haplothrips angustipennis n. sp.......-.-. 2_._.Grass. 

Haplothrips gracilis Watson..............-..- il 

iheptothrips mali (Mitch)...._......2.:.-...-22. 16...0n many shrubs and herbs. 


Hoplandrothrips flavoantennes(Wats.) 1....Oak. 
Hoplandrothrips pergandei (Hinds).... 1....Grass. 
Idolothrips armatus Hood...................... 1...On wild cane (Arundinaria). 


Thrips crenatus, n. sp. 


Female. Length about 0.8 mm. (0.74 to 1 mm.). Color dark brown, 
thorax lighter with a little orange hypodermal pigment. Without promi- 
nent bristles except near the end of the abdomen. 

Measurements: Head, length .075, width .105; Prothorax, length .113, 
width .15; Mesothorax, width .207; Abdomen, width .214; Antennae, total 
length .173 mm. 


Marennalisesment mene tsi 2. |e Se Are ale el 6s Ih ee a 
Menon e ee Se. ESR 27 SIR N28 yl 229 |) 3% | Micimierons 
Greatest width -.............. Le eS ea 184) 185 [0 S15) ei) | Mianierons 


Head about a third wider than long and two thirds as long as prothorax 
into which it is deeply retracted. Cheeks very slightly arched. Plainly 
sculptured with transverse anastomozing lines, a row of minute bristles 
behind each eye. Eyes dark, large, occupying about two-thirds the length 
and .7 the width of the head; non pilose; facets large. Ocelli large, light 
brown; widely separated, posterior situated opposite the posterior two- 
thirds of the eyes; bordered by deep orange crescents. Antennae rather 
short, from twice to two and a third times as long as the head. Segments 
1 and 2 but little lighter than the head; 3-5 varying from yellowish brown 
(lighter at the base) to dark brown concolorous with the others; 6 and 7 
dark brown. 1 cylindrical, about as wide as long; 2 urn-shaped with a very 
broad base, conspicuously wider than any of the others; 3 urn-shaped, 
abruptly narrowed to a slender pedicel; 4 oval, 5 smaller, urn-shaped; 6 
cylindrical; 7 conical. Sense cones and bristle all short, colorless, almost 
invisible; a sense cone on the outer apical angle of segment 3 thick and 
heavy. 

Prothorax large, sides convex and diverging posteriorly, without sculp- 
ture, a short, colorless bristle on each posterior angle. 


36 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mesothorax sculptured in the middle of the dorsal surface, sides bulging. 
Metathorax with nearly straight but diverging sides. Legs almost uni- 
formly brown, but little lighter apically. Wings uniformly brown except for 
a small colorless area about .2 the length from the base. Costal fringe of 
hairs scanty, absent from basal half. Veins rather prominent; costal 
bearing from 23 to 26 bristles, the others from 5 to 7, scale 5. 

Abdomen with a few short, brown bristles on segments 9 and 10. Dorsal 
surface faintly sculptured. The posterior margin of each segment is bor- 
dered with a series of about 20 rounded lobes. On the posterior segments 
these are more difficult to detect. 

Male not seen. 


Described from three females taken in Rabun Co., Ga., on 


Lespedeza, pine and bitterweed (Helenium). Readily recognized 
by the dark color, short intermediate antennal segments and 
crenated posterior borders of abdominal segments. 

Type in the author’s collection. Paratype in the National 
Museum. 


Heterothrips auranticornis, n. sp. 


Female. Color of the body a uniform deep brown, tip of fore femora, and 
both ends of others, and of all tibiae, and most of the tarsi, brownish yel- 
low. Antennal segments 3 and 4 yellow, conspicuously shaded with orange. 

Measurements: Total length, females 1.2, male .8; head length, females 
112, males .107; width, females .15, males .133; Prothorax, length, females 
13, males .128, width, females .22, males .18; Mesothorax, width, females 
.23, males .20; Abdomen, width, females .30, males .14; total, females .25, 
males .22. 


Antennal segments | 1 | 2 | 3 [41.5 | 6 | fi aseeull Oi 
Mength fone [20°]°30 1) 55 [89%] 28-82 | 245 20s |E19imicrons 
Width 3... jc0h eek | 19 | 26 | 53 | 35 | 27 | 28 | 19 | 18 | 15 microns 


Head about a third wider than long, widest behind the eyes. Cheeks 
arched, roughened, and bearing a few short, stiff bristles. All the dorsal 
surface behind the eyes striated with a half dozen anastomozing lines. 
Frontal costa deeply emarginate. A row of four minute bristles behind 
each eye and posterior ocellus. One in front of each posterior ocellus 
and a minute one near the inner anterior angle of each eye, opposite the 
anterior ocellus. Hyes dark, very large, occupying about .7 the length and 
.8 the width of the head, non-protruding, pilose, facets very large. Posterior 
ocelli very large, situated opposite posterior third of the eyes and touching 
their margins. Anterior about half the diameter of the posterior and about 
the size of the facets of the eyes; situated on the edge of the frontal emar- 
gination and directed forward. Mouth cone reaching about half way across 
the prosternum; sides almost straight up to the prolonged but rounded apex. 
Antennae 9-segmented, 2.2 as long as the head. Segment 1 short and thick, 
concolorous with the head; 2 lighter; 3 and 4 yellow with considerable 
orange pigment; 5 at least two-thirds yellow but dark brown at the extreme 


WINTER NUMBER 37 


a 

| base and apex; 6 brown but yellowish on basal half; 7-9 dark brown. 3 
long wedge-shaped with a narrow base; 4 and 6-9 barrel-shaped; 5 oval; 
4-6 with short ‘broad pedicels; margins, especially of 3 and 4, conspicuously 
crenate. Hairs and sense cones very pale, short and inconspicuous. A distal 
ring of sensoria on segments 3 and 4. 

 Prothorax but little longer than the head and 1.7 as wide as long; widest 
posteriorly. Anterior margin and sides nearly straight; posterior margin 
much arched. Dorsal surface striated posteriorly. A short, thick spine on 
each anterior angle and two on each posterior; a row of eight minute ones 
along the anterior margin and about a score of others scattered over the 
dorsum. Legs rather slender. Fore femora but little thickened. Mem- 
branes of fore wings dark brown except two minute areas near the base; 
.075 mm. wide at the base (exclusive of scale); rather abruptly narrowed 
at about a third of their length to half the sub-basal width; length ten 
times that of the sub-basal width. Costal vein with about 31, anterior with 
24 and posterior vein with 20 bristles. 

Abdomen not pubescent but provided with a number of short bristles, a 
row along the posterior margin of each segment being especially promi- 
nent. 

Males similar to the females but smaller. Fore femora considerably en- 
larged. 


Described from fourteen females and two males taken from 
the heads of a composite (Helenium) in Rabun County, Ga. Type 
in the author’s collection. Paratypes in the National Museum and 
in that of the University of Florida. 


Haplothrips rabuni, n. sp. 


Female. Length about 1.5 mm. Color dark brown to black with some 
reddish hypodermal pigment; antennal segment 3 and usually (but not 
always) fore tarsi and apical inner portion of fore tibiae yellowish brown. 

Measurements: Head, length .20, width .166; Prothorax, length .122, 
width .241; Pterothorax, width .277; Abdomen, width .273; Tube length 
.108; width at base .054, at apex .031 mm. Antennae, total length .27 mm. 


Segment ee a ce FeeIPo ecee e e® e a 
er AG eee es 21 | 40 | 41 | 46 | 42 | 40 | 87 | 26 microns 
\WUTIG HG) tase ee eee tn ee ae 27 | 26 | 22 | 29 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 14 microns 


Head longer than wide, broadest at the middle, cheeks gently arched, 
slightly convergent posteriorly; vertex rounded, slightly produced. Post- 
ocular bristles fairly long but, like all the other bristles of head and 
thorax, almost or quite colorless and difficult to detect. Hyes medium sized, 
occupying slightly more than a third of the length of the head, not pro- 
truding, not pilose. Ocelli large, yellowish, the anterior on the extreme 
vertex of the head and directed forward, the posterior pair opposite the 
anterior third of the eyes. Antennae about a third longer than the head. 
Segment 1 (and sometimes 2) concolorous with the head; 3 yellowish brown; 
4 and 5 light brown without yellowish bases; 6-8 darker brown; 1 short- 


38 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


cylindrical; 2 urn-shaped; 3-6 oblong elliptical, 3 quite markedly pedicellate, 
4-6 with broader, shorter pedicels; 7 barrel-shaped, truncate at the apex 
and broadly united with 8; 8 sub-conical. Sense cones and bristles short, 
colorless and inconspicuous. Mouth cone blunt, reaching past the middle of 
the prosternum. 

Prothorax small, about .6 the length of the head and, including coxae, 
twice as wide as long. Coxa bears a short but thick and brown bristle, the 
only conspicuous one on the anterior portion of the body, others colorless, 
mostly blunt at apex; a pair on each posterior angle of medium length. 

Pterothorax considerably wider than prothorax. Sides slightly converging 
posteriorly. Wings rather short, membrane reaching but little past the 
middle of the abdomen; colorless except for a decidedly brown area at the 
base of the primaries; primaries markedly narrowed in the middle, fringe 
rather sparse, of medium length, with 6 or 7 interlocated hairs. Legs 
rather slender, except fore tarsi and tibiae, concolorous with the body; fore 
femora but slightly enlarged; fore tarsus with a small, short, acute tooth. 

Abdomen rather long and slender, bristles rather short, light brown to 
colorless and pointed. Tube rather short, terminal bristles but little longer 
than the tube. 


Male not seen. 


Described from four females taken from grass and sedges 
along a small stream at Clayton, Rabun County, Ga. Type in 
the author’s collection. Paratypes in the National Museum and 
in that of the University of Florida. 

Close to H. graminis Hood, but differs in the shorter and 
darker antennae, darker color, smaller prothorax, larger ptero- 
thorax, longer, more slender abdomen, longer intermediate an- 
tennal segments and colorless bristles. 


Haplothrips angustipennis, n. sp. 

Female. Body length about 1.3 mm. (from 1.14 to 1.46). Color almost 
uniformly dark mahogany brown, fore tibiae and tarsi and intermediate 
antennal segments yellowish brown. 

Measurements: Head, length .185, width .151; Prothorax, length .12, 
width .25; Mesothorax, width .25; Abdomen, width .227; Tube, length .106; 
width at base .061, at apex .031. Antennae, total length .29 mm. 


Segment | Ei 2 ae ae ae 
en pt Dep e Se r | 26 | 37 | 45 |50.5| 44 | 40 | 38.5} 26 microns 
| 26 | 24 | 20 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 16 microns 


Head about a third longer than broad. Cheeks slightly arched, converging 
slightly posteriorly, somewhat roughened and bearing a few short bristles. 
Postocular bristles conspicuous, pointed, nearly as long as eyes. Eyes 
large, occupying nearly half the length of the head, not pilose, facets 
large. Ocelli large, larger than facets of the eyes, brownish yellow, posterior 
pair situated opposite the anterior .4 of eyes and contiguous with their 


WINTER NUMBER ~ 39 


margins; anterior directed forward. Mouth cone reaching about half way 
across the prothorax, abruptly constricted near the base but very broadly 
rounded at the apex. Antennae 8-segmented. Segment 1 cylindrical, con- 
colorous with the head; 2 urn-shaped, abruptly constricted to a very broad 
pedicel, concolorous with the head except the yellowish brown apex; 3 
obovate, narrower than either 2 or 4,gradually narrowed to a broad base, 
yellowish brown, darker along the sides and with a broad, colorless band 
at the apex, usual sense cones present but colorless and inconspicuous; 4 
ovate with a short, broad pedicel, basal third concolorous with 3, but re- 
mainder darker, the colorless collar at the apex narrow; 5 and 6 barrel- 
shaped, pedicel shorter and narrower than in 4, dark brown; 7 cylindrical, 
sides but slightly arched and converging slightly apically; 8 unusually 
large, margin conspicuously crenate. All antennal bristles thin, pale brown 
and inconspicuous. 


Prothorax (including coxae) about twice as wide as long, trapezoidal in 
outline, much widened posteriorly, posterior margin arched, posterior angles © 
abruptly rounded and bearing a pair of sharp-pointed, light colored bristles 
of medium length; coxae each bearing one short, dark, thick bristle and a 
pair of very short, thorn-like spines; anterior angle with a short heavy 
bristle. 


idesothorax broad, with very acute anterior angles and nearly straight 
sides which converge slightly posteriorly. Mesothorax somewhat narrower, 
sides more arched and more constricted posteriorly. Wings rather weak, 
membrane scarcely reaching the eighth abdominal segment, quite narrow 
except at the extreme base, unusually deeply constricted for a Haplothrips, 
to a diameter about half that nearer the apex. Fringing hairs moderately 
long, seven interlocated ones. Legs rather slender, dark, fore femora but 
little thickened; fore tarsus with a small tooth. 


Abdomen long and slender, destitute of conspicuous bristles, those of the 
ninth segment shorter than the tube. Tube of moderate size, sides slightly 
concave, terminal bristles about as long as the tube. 


Male not seen. 


- Described from two females taken from coarse marsh grasses 
at Clayton. Type and paratype in the author’s collection. 


Hoplan¢rothrips flavoantennis (Wats.) 


The female only was originally described. (Liothrips flavo- 
antennis, Ent. News, March 1916, p. 129.) A male was collected 
in Georgia. 


Male. Color uniformly dark brown except antennal segments 3-8, which 
‘are bright yellow. (In some females also segment 8 is yellow, also segment 
2 may be brown.) 
Measurements: Total length 1.7 mm.; head, length .235 mm., width 
.18 mm.; prothorax, length .13 mm., width including coxae .29 mm.; meso- 
(Continued on page 47) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
RP SR an WGA TS OIN eet RS ie ee a me eae ee ea 2 ees Editor 
Wal MONS NEWELL 22 205 2 hea ee eee Associate Editor 
AROHS BEYER): 2522022 © Se ere eee eeaeee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 


THE ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI 


October was an unusually rainy month in Florida. According 
to the Weather Bureau the average for the state was 8.28 inches 
above normal, and only one station in peninsular Florida (New 
Smyrna) reported a deficiency. There was not a single day 
without rain at some station. Due undoubtedly to this metero- 
logical condition the entomogenous fungi have been unusually 
efficient this fall thruout the citrus belt. A careful count of some 
hundreds of citrus leaves at Gainesville showed that the fungi 
had killed 97.2% of the fall brood of whitefly—a percentage of 
kill seldom equalled in commercial spraying. In the order of 
their efficiency the fungi ranked as follows: the brown fungus, 
the red aschersonia, Microcera, the cinnamon fungus. 


RECENT PUBLICATIONS 


Bulletin 165 of the Experiment Station and the October num- 
ber of the Quarterly Bulletin of the State Plant Board are of 
unusual interest and importance to Florida and other cotton- 
growing states. In this bulletin Mr. Geo. D. Smith presents “A 
Preliminary Report Upon an Improved Method of Controlling 
the Boll Weevil”. “The gist of the method may be summarized 
in two sentences, as follows: 

1. Remove all squares from the cotton plants about June 5 
and destroy them. 

2. Follow this at once with a thoro application of calcium 
arsenate or lead arsenate, using a suitable dusting machine.” 

40 


a 


WINTER NUMBER Al 


These measures reduce the weevils to such small numbers 
that the cotton is enabled to set a good crop of bolls before the 
weevils again become abundant. Where this method of control 
has been tried the past year practically as much cotton has been 
harvested as would have been gathered were no weevils present. 

The principle underlying this method of control is that to- 
wards which the best practice in economic entomology is stead- 
ily tending, viz., a very thoro cleanup of the insect and hence 
less need of frequent repetition, as near an approach to eradi- 
cation as is practicable rather than temporary palliatives. This 
method of dealing with the boll weevil parallels quite closely the 
latest recommendations for the control of the curculio in peaches 
and plums, i. e., to pick up and destroy the drops with their 
contained larvae as well as poisoning the adults. 


Farmers’ Bulletin 950, by Philip Luginbill, treats of the South- 
ern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica 12-punctata). Altho a common 
insect in Florida, this beetle is with us not a serious pest of corn. 
In the extreme northern part of the state it takes a small per- 
centage of the young corn. The author recommends planting in 
late April to escape damage from this insect. This beetle is 
very common in oat fields about Gainesville from January to 
March. 


Dr. H. 8S. Davis, until a year ago head of the department of 
zoology in the University, is the author of “A New Bacterial 
Disease of Fresh Water Fishes’”—Document 924, U. S. Bureau 
of Fisheries. 


Carl B. James, Horticulturist for the L. and N. Ry., has re- 
cently published a very attractive and valuable bulletin on the 
satsuma orange. 


THE SCOLDING BUTTERFLY 


Dear Friends of the Entomological Society : 


When a person arrives in a new country, the first things that 
attract his attention are the objects and customs to which he 
is not accustomed in his own country. So it was with me when I 


42, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


arrived in Brazil. I saw hundreds of interesting and important 
things that the average Brazilian, who has lived among them 
always, ‘never saw’. Brazil, as you know, is noted for its mag- 
nificent butterflies and gigantic insects of various orders. Some 
of the unusual insects are credited with being extremely ven- 
omous. I was told of one insect so venomous that if it lights 
on the trunk of a tree, the tree dies from the effects. Entomolo- 
gists, being extremely innocent, capture these insects with im- 
punity. The thing I want to tell you about today is the Scolding 
Butterfly, Ageronia feronia, L. 

My friends in Florida will naturally think that I have gone 
“louco” with the heat. But remember that in Brazil we are now 
in mid winter, and some mornings the weather is dreadfully 
cold (7). At least my Brazilian friends say that it is. And the 
Centigrade thermometer says that the temperature is Some seven 
or eight degrees above zero. Now what I was going to tell you 
about is the butterfiy that has a voice. I am’sending you a pho- 
tograph that represents her sitting on a palm tree. I know that 
it is a female which does the talking because the voice is high 
keyed and staccato. A male never could get up so much energy. 

The scolding is done probably with organs similar to those 
used by crickets or katydids. The sound is not quite as strong 
as that of the big katydids nor of the big black cricket. Organs 
similar to those possessed by these insects are located near the 
base of the wings. They make this snapping noise only when on 
the wing. Sometimes they scold their mate and sometimes they 
scold the entomologist who is passing by. 

Another peculiarity of this species is that it looks very much 
like the lichens that inhabit tree trunks. The photograph I en- 
close you brings out this peculiarity very strikingly. 


Now if there is any entomologist present who doubts the © 


correctness of these observations, let him look up Holland and 
also Sharp, who likewise became affected with the Brazilian 
heat. 

Very truly yours, 


(Signed) P. H. ROLFs. 
Vicosa, E. F. Leopoldina, 
Minas Geraes, Brazil. 
July eZee: 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


HYMENORUS OBSCURUS AS A PEST OF CITRUS 
(COL. CISTELIDAE) 


J. R. WATSON 


Occasionally one sees on the bark of citrus and other trees a 
dense colony composed of hundreds of little black beetles. The 
beetles are oval in shape, less than a quarter of an inch long 
and covered with grayish-brown hairs. In the late afternoon the 
beetles leave their resting place and go in search of food which 
consists mostly of lichens and other growths on the bark of the 
trees. But ‘it seems that they may occasionally become pests. 
In July Mr. S. B. Jones of Orchid, Fla., sent in to the Experi- 
ment Station a number of these beetles with the statement that 
they had been feeding extensively on “June bloom” and other 
tender growth of his trees. In confinement they feed greedily 
on tender citrus foliage. 

The writer has also recently caught these beetles eating - out 
freshly inserted buds in a nursery. It would seem that this beetle 
must be included among the minor pests of a citrus tree. 

This beetle should not be confused with the downy darkling 
beetle (E'pitragus tomentosus), which it considerably resembles 
in shape and color. The latter is larger, never collects in colo- 
nies, and is one of the most beneficial insects in a citrus grove. 
Its. food habits are very similar to those of lady beetles and in 
many groves it is much more abundant than even the twice- 
stabbed lady-beetle. 


A NEW CITRUS INSECT 


A caterpillar recently found feeding on the leaves of a young 
grapefruit tree at Orlando, Florida, proved on rearing to ma- 
turity to be Prodenia latifascia Walker. 

Altho this insect probably is of no economic importance as a 
-pest, its presence seems to be a new record for citrus insects. 
Hence this note may be of interest. 

The identification was made by Mr. Wm. Schaus of the Na- 
tional Museum, who says that P. latifascia Walker is essentially 
a tropical insect found from Mexico to Argentina, including 
Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, St. Lucia. The only previous records of 
its breeding in the United States is one each from onions and 
alfalfa in Texas. Nothing is known of its host plants in other 
countries. 


44 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


The insect belongs to the cut worm family and resembles 
somewhat, both in larval and adult form, some of our common 
pests, as the sweet potato caterpillar, P. commelinae, and the cot- 
ton boll cut worm, P. ornithogalli. When full grown the larva 
was about 2 inches long and of a brownish gray velvety color 
with a wide dark band down the dorsal surface and 3 narrow 
golden brown stripes along each side; ventral surface greenish 
brown. 

It pupated July 31st in soil and the moth emerged August 
ie 1922. 

ARTHUR C. MASON. 


THE PSOCID OF THE OAKS 


FRANK STIRLING 


Thruout the south-eastern United States, especially in Flor- 
ida, the water oaks frequently take on a bright silvery-grey col- 
oring which shows particularly on the Jarger limbs and trunks. 
Close observation shows this to be caused by a silky web which 
completely covers the surface. This web is of a bright, clear 
color and glistens in the sun and on bright moonlight nights, 
making an effect well worth noticing. , 

By removing a part of the web with a pen knife or sharp 
stick one may, by carefully observing, note countless numbers 
of a tiny insect. This little insect is known as a psocid (Psocus 
sp.) and is related to the book-lice. These psocids are useful 
rather than injurious, as they feed on fungus growths and 
lichens which grow on the trunks and larger limbs of the oaks. 
They apparently spin this fine, gauzy web for their protection 
against birds and other enemies which would otherwise destroy 
them. 

This insect is reported as occurring in especial abundance on 
water oaks in the vicinity of Lakeland, Orlando, Sorrento, Dade 
City and Gainesville, Fla., along the Gulf Coast in the vicinity 
of New Orleans, La., and near Mobile, Ala. To those not in- 
formed the appearance of this grey, silvery covering is often 
viewed with alarm. 

The webs, together with the insects, will disappear after a 
short time and the only effect upon the tree will be a cleaner 
and healthier appearance of the bark. 


WINTER NUMBER 45 


A NEW THRIPS FROM CITRUS IN ALABAMA 


J. R. WATSON 
Haplothrips harnedi, n. sp. 
Female. Dark brown, 3rd antennal segment and distal half of tibiae 
yellowish brown. 
Measurements : Total length 1.86; head, length .18, width .13; prothorax, 
length .15, width .24; mesothorax, width .22; abdomen, width .27; tube, 
length .108, width at base .057, apex .033. 


Antennal segment_[i [2 [3 1@ [5 [e177 8 
Wenio twee eres 4 eS | 28 | 45 | 45 | 48 | 40 | 38 | 39 | 27 microns 
IWidlihny seven ee a eee! | 80 | 28_| 25 | 26 | 23.5] 21 | 17.5| 11 microns 


Head a third longer than wide; dorsal surface with a few faint cross 
striations; cheeks slightly convex, converging a little posteriorly. Post- 
ocular bristles nearly as long as the eyes, with dilated, colorless tips. Hyes 
medium sized, not protruding, not pilose, black, triangular in outline. 
Ocelli medium sized, widely separated, anterior situated far forward, post- 
erior pair opposite the anterior .4 of eyes and near their margins, bordered 
by dark crescents. Mouth cone broadly rounded, reaching scarcely to the 
middle of the prothorax. Antennae 1.6 times as long as head; segments 
1, 6, 7, and 8, concolorous with the head, 2 and 5 a little lighter, 4 consid- 
erably lighter, 3 brownish yellow to yellowish brown with colorless apex; 
sense cones colorless and inconspicuous, spines small, light brown. 

Length of prothorax a little greater than width of head, width (including 
coxae) 1.6 times the length. Prominent spines near the anterior angles, 
on coxae, and near the posterior angles; all with dilated tips. 

Pterothorax distinctly narrower than the prothorax, sides straight, con- 
verging posteriorly. Legs rather short, femora lighter than the body; fore 
pair slightly enlarged. Wings rather weak but membrane reaching the 
fifth segment. Fringing hairs sparse, about three interlocated ones on 
primaries. 

Abdomen variable in shape. In some individuals excessively long and 
slender, in others but little more than twice as long as wide. Bristles few; 
some of those on the last segment have dilated tips but the longest have 
acute tips. Tube rather small, sides rather abruptly dilated at the base; 
terminal bristles short. 


Male not seen. 


Described from nine females collected on citrus trees in south- 
ern Mississippi and sent to the author by Prof. R. W. Harned. 
Type in the author’s collection. Paratype in the National 
Museum. 

Close to H. funki Watson, but differing in the darker color 
of the tibiae, tarsi, and third antennal segment, smaller size, 
relative lengths of antennal segments and especially the narrow 
pterothorax. 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


PERSONALS 
Dr. Carl J. Drake is now state entomologist of Iowa. 


Dr. Wilmon Newell has been called north by the death of his 
father. 


Mr. W. L. Goethe is teaching science in the Live Oak High 
School. 


The potato growers of the Hastings district sent Dr. C. D. 
Sherbakoff to Maine to select seed for them. 


Mr. C. M. Berry spent part of the summer in New York State 
inspecting sources of seed used by the Sanford growers. 


Dr. W.S. Blatchley left Indianapolis on November 14 for Rio de 
Janeiro, Brazil. He expects to return to Dunedin the last of 
March. 


Mr. A. H. Beyer, assistant entomologist of the Experiment 
Station, plans to spend several weeks at Harvard studying en- 
tomogenous fungi. 


According to Science Mr. John Belling, former plant breeder 
in the Experiment Station and now of the Eugenics Laboratory 


at Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., received the doctorate from the - | 


University of Maine in June. 


Dr. H. S. Dozier, former assistant in the Experiment Station, 
is in charge of the camphor scale investigations of the U. S. 
Bureau of Entomology and is stationed in New Orleans. He 
received the doctorate from Ohio State in June. 


REPORT OF MEETINGS OF THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGI- 
CAL SOCIETY 


September 25. The Society met in Language Hall at 4:30 
o’clock, President Stirling in the chair. Those present were: 
Beyer, Chaffin, Goodwin, Merrill, Montgomery, Rogers and Wat- 
son. New members elected were: Miss Georgia Berger, teacher 
of Biology in Tampa High School; Miss Bernice Dew and Ru- ~ 
dolph Baldwin, teacher and student in Alachua High School; and 
Mr. S. E. Neal, of the firm of Neal & Neal of Jacksonville. 


WINTER NUMBER AZT 


The question of continuing the joint meetings with the Horti- 
cultural Seminar was discussed and referred to the Executive 
Committee. 

Under “Brief and Timely. Notes” Prof. Watson spoke of ob- 
servations on the Mexican Bean Beetle in Rabun County, Geor- 
gia, and the capture of the greenhouse thrips out of doors. Mr. 
Goodwin reported the discovery of European Foul brood in 
Seminole County. 

The address of the evening was given by Dr. J. 8. Rogers, on 
the Museum of Zoology of the University of Michigan. This is 
a research museum rather than an exhibition museum. Dr. 
Rogers spoke of the progress made in surveys of the different 
groups, particularly insects.. The talk was very interesting and 
showed that Dr. Rogers is doing a great part in the carrying 
out of their pians by working up the family Tipulidae (crane 
flies) of the order Diptera. 


November 1. The Society met in joint meeting with the 
Horticu!tural Seminar, Major Floyd in the chair. 

Members present: Montgomery, O’Byrne, Chaffin, Beyer, 
Lord, Watson, Berger, Stirling, Merrill, and Stone. Mr. E. R. 
Mezgler of Hightown, N. J., was elected to membership. 

The paper of the evening was by Professor Floyd on “A Pro- 
posed Score Card for Judging Citrus Lands”. It was freely dis- 
cussed by members present. 

A. H. BEYER, Secretary. 


ON A COLLECTION OF THYSANOPTERA FROM RABUN 
COUNTY, GEORGIA 


(Continued from page 39) 


thorax, width .29 mm.; abdomen, greatest width .29 mm.; tube, length .16 
mm., width at base .064 mm., at apex .034 mm. Antennae, total length .44 
mms Seoment I 2nise2s DUS nus 4s Ts 05 6093.6, 675 7, 553 8, 29 microns: 
Head about 1.5 times longer than wide. Hyes large, occupying nearly 
a third the length of the head and fully a third of the width, slightly pro- 
truding, non-pilose, red by reflected light. Ocelli large, yellowish, situated 
far forward. The anterior on the large frontal lobe between the bases of 
the antennae and directed forward. The anterior margins of the posterior 
pair about opposite the anterior margins of the eyes. Mouth cone long, 
tapering, almost reaching the mesosternum. Antennae long and slender, 


48 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


nearly twice as long as the head. Segment 1 and base of 2 concolorous 
with the head, apex of 2 lighter brown; remaining segments clear bright 
yellow. Abdomen long and slender, tapering gradually to the 8th segment 
and then more abruptly; bristles on the posterior angles of the segments 
progressively longer, those on the 9th nearly as long as the tube. Tube long 
and slender. Otherwise identical with the female. 


Described from a single male taken from oak at Clayton. 


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Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

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we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
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Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


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When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


4 Ohe : 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


VOL. VI SPRING NUMBER No. 4 
APRIL, 1923 


THE CRAMBINAE OF FLORIDA* 


GEO. G. AINSLIE 
U. S. Bureau of Entomology, Knoxville, Tennessee 


The following is a list of the moths of the subfamily Crambinae 
so far as they are known to occur in Florida. The records come 
both from published accounts and from data collected from 
museum specimens. I have gone carefully over the material in 
the National Museum at Washington, and early in March 1922 
I had the privilege of spending several days examining the ma- 
terial in the magnificent collection of Dr. Wm. Barnes at Decatur, 
Ill. It is with his permission that the localities represented there 
for the various species are included in the present list. I am 
greatly indebted to him for his kindness and generosity and I 
take pleasure in acknowledging herewith my gratitude to him 
for the numerous courtesies he showed me. Several other smaller 
collections have been visited in which an occasional Florida speci- 
men was found. The available literature has been thoroughly 
canvassed and, so far as possible, the first author reporting the 
occurrence of a species in the state has been given credit therefor. 

This list contains 36 species and varieties whose occurrence 
in the state is well authenticated. Three others are listed which, 
for one reason or another, have no right to the places they have 
been previously given and hereafter should be dropped. The list 
for Florida is probably more nearly complete than those for most 
of the other states, due to the fact that Florida is a favorite 
collecting ground, especially in winter, and at various times has 
been visited by many lepidopterists and collectors. So far as I 
know, however, no one interested especially in the smaller moths 
has collected consistently throughout the year and it is likely 


*Published by permission of the Secretary of Agriculture. 


We recommend the gocds advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


50 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


that other species will be found whose season of adult activity 
occurs in the summer or fall. 

It is with the hope of stimulating interest in this group that 
this list is published and also that by the combination of many 
such small bits a complete list of the Florida insects may some 
day be possible. 

Argyria argentana Martyn. 


First reported ‘‘aus Georgien in Florida” by Hubner in 1818 as the type 
locality of nummulalis which, by all modern authorities is now accepted as 
a synonym of argentana Martyn. Listed from Florida also by Fernald 
(1896) and Dyar (1902). In the National Museum there are specimens 
from Cocoanut Grove (Schwarz), Miami (Schaus) and Ft. Drum. In the 
Barnes collection there are also specimens from Hastings (Kearfott), Ft. 
Myers, St. Petersburg (Ludwig), and Crescent City. I have taken it at 
Orlando and Lakeland. 


Argyria auratella Clemens. 


Fernald (1896) first reported this species from Florida. The National 
Museum contains specimens from Tallahassee, and Lakeland (Ainslie). Dr. 
Barnes has specimens from Everglade and Hastings (Kearfott). This 
species is widely distributed, having been reported from Nova Scotia and 
Manitoba to California and Florida. 


Argyria consortalis Dyar. 


A species described by Dyar (1909) and known only from its type locality, 
Dade City, Fla. 


Argyria critica Forbes. 


Described by Forbes (1920) from North Carolina with paratypes in the 
Barnes collection from Everglade and Hastings. This species had previously 
been confused with auratella and doubtless in many collections still stands 
under that name. 


Argyria lacteella Fab. 


The smallest native species of this genus. First recorded from Florida 
by Fernald (1896). Specimens in the National Museum from Archer, Miami 
(Schaus), Lakeland (Ainslie) and in Barnes’ collection from Fort Myers. 
Although occurring as far north as Pennsylvania and Maryland, this species 
covers also the West Indies and Central and South America. I have found 
it very abundant at times near Lakeland and have taken it also at Orlando 
and Gainesville. It is very variable in markings which accounts for the 
half dozen or more names in its synonomy. 


Argyria nivalis Drury. 

First recorded from the state by Fernald (1896). Dyar (1901) notes one 
specimen taken at light at Lake Worth. The National Museum contains a 
specimen from Cocoanut Grove (Schwarz) and Barnes has a specimen from 
Fort Myers. I have taken it at Lakeland, Orlando and Port Tampa. 

Chilo plejadellus Zincken. 


’ The rice stalk-borer. Has never been reported from Florida but in Dr. 
Barnes’ collection there is a single specimen from Hastings. 


SPRING NUMBER 51 


Crambus caliginosellus Clemens. 


This species is included in the Florida list because of a single specimen 
in Dr. Barnes’ collection labeled “Hastings, Fla., Coll. of W. W. Kearfott.” 


Crambus decorellus Zincken. 


There are three specimens in the National Museum taken at Archer in 
March 1882 and four in Dr. Barnes’ collection taken at Fort Myers in April 
and May. No previous published record from the state. 


Crambus elegans. 


Two specimens in the National Museum from Miami (Schwarz) and 
Archer. 


Crambus haytiellus Zincken. 


Not previously recorded from Florida. The National Museum has speci- 
mens from Cocoanut Grove (Schwarz) and Key West and Dr. Barnes, 
others from Everglades, Fort Myers and Chokoloskee. 


Crambus multilinellus Fernald. 


Originally described from Florida by Fernald (1887). Specimens are in 
the National Museum from Hastings and in Barnes’ collection from Fort 
Myers. 


Crambus mutabilis Clemens. 


First recorded from the state by Grote (1880) under the name fuscico- 
stellus Zeller. There are specimens in the National Museum, from Palm 
Beach (Dyar) and Archer and in Dr. Barnes’ collection from Fort Myers 
and Lakeland. I have taken specimens at Fellsmere, Lakeland, Port Tampa 
and Orlando. At the latter place it was abundant at light during February 
and March. 


Crambus praefectellus Zincken. 


Although widely distributed over the state, this species has not pre- 
viously been reported from Florida. There are specimens in the National 
Museum from Jacksonville (Ashmead). I have collected it at Gainesville, 
Fellsmere, Lakeland and Orlando. At Lakeland larvae were found attack- 
ing young corn. 


Crambus quinqueareatus Zeller. 


This species has heretofore been listed as hastiferellus Walker and has 
been reported from Florida under that name by Felt (1894). A comparison 
with the type of quinqueareatus Zeller in the British Museum made by Dr. 
McDunnough, shows the common Florida form to be this species. If Felt 
(1894) is correct in the determination of the species he calls extorralis 
Hulst, it becomes a synonym of quinqueareatus for the genitalia are iden- 
tical. Hastiferellus is a northern form originally described from Nova 
Scotia and apparently never authentically reported from the South. Quin- 
queareatus was described from Texas and has been taken at numerous points 
in Florida. Felt (1894) is the first to record it from Florida under the 
name extorralis and hastiferellus. There are specimens in the National 
Museum from Palm Beach (Dyar) and Miami (Schaus), in the Carnegie 
Museum at Pittsburgh from Daytona (Laurent), and in Dr. Barnes’ col- 
lection from Fort Myers, Chokoloskee, Hastings, Lakeland, LaBelle and 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Dade City. I have also taken it at Lakeland, Plymouth and Fellsmere and re- 
peatedly at Orlando, both at light and in the field. It is one of the most 
abundant species at light at Orlando during February and March. 


Crambus satrapellus Zincken. 


First recorded from the state by Grote (1880). There is one specimen in 
the National Museum from Dade City, in the Carnegie Museum at Pitts- 
burg one from Melbourne (Laurent) and in Barnes’ collection specimens 
from Fort Myers, Marco, Dade City, Hastings, and Kissimmee. I have 
collected it at Orlando, Lakeland, Plymouth and Fellsmere. 


Crambus tripsacus Dyar. 


Described from specimens from Miami (Dyar) and in Barnes’ collection 
there are also specimens from St. Petersburg. 


? Crambus trisectus Walker. 


There are three specimens in the National Museum collection bearing 
the simple label “Fla.”’ It is very doubtful, however, if these are correctly 
labeled for otherwise east of the Mississippi River the species is not known 
to extend farther south than the northern edge of Tennessee. It should not 
be listed as a Florida species without corroboration. | 


Crambus zeelus Fernald. 


Not previously recorded from Florida. One specimen in the National 
Museum from Lakeland (Ainslie) and several in Barnes’ collection from 
Hastings. I have also taken specimens referable here at Lakeland, Port 
Tampa and Orlando. 


Diatraea differentialis Fernald. 


This huge species, spreading 11% to 2% inches, was originally described 
from Florida by Fernald (1888) and all the specimens which I have seen 
in collections have been from this state. There are specimens in Barnes’ 
collection from St. Petersburg (Ludwig), Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Venice, 
Chokoloskee and Palm Beach, and one in the National Museum from Fort 
Myers (Davis). 


Diatraea saccharalis crambidoides Grote. 


This is the destructive sugar-cane moth-borer which also attacks Jap- 
anese cane and, much more rarely, corn. According to Holloway (1919) it 
occurs practically throughout peninsular Florida as far north as Gaines- 
ville. 


Diatraea saccharalis saccharalis Fab. 


The typical and more southern form occurring in the West Indies and 
South America. Dyar (1911) records a single specimen from southern 
Florida. 


Diatraea zeacolella Dyar. 


Because of the long-standing confusion between this, the larger corn- 
stalk-borer, and D. saccharalis crambidoides, the sugar-cane moth-borer of 
our southern states, it is difficult to determine just who first reported this 
species from Florida. Holloway and Loftin (1919) state that it occurs in 
northern Florida. 


SPRING NUMBER 53 


Dicymolomia julianalis Walker. 

The larvae feed in heads of cattail, Typha latifolia. A single specimen 
in Dr. Barnes’ collection from Everglade. Not heretofore recorded from 
the state. 


Dicymolomia pegasalis Walker. 

Recorded from the southern states but never definitely from Florida. 
There are specimens in Dr. Barnes’ collection from Lakeland, Chokoloskee 
and Glenwood. 


Eoreuma densellus Zeller. 

This species was originally described from Texas while multilineatella 
Hulst was described from Florida. The latter species was reduced to a 
synonym of the former by Smith (1891) and his verdict was generally 
accepted until Dyar (1909) showed it to be an error and resurrected 
multilineatella Hulst as a valid species. For these reasons the literature of 
densellus is confused and it is impossible to say to which of the two species 
reference is made. In the National Museum there are specimens from 
Palm Beach (Dyar), Cocoanut Grove (Schwarz) and Everglade, and in 
Barnes’ collection from Hastings, Chokoloskee and Everglade. 


Eugrotea dentella Fernald. 


Originally described from Florida by Fernald (1896) and apparently not 
taken since. 


Eugrotea incertella Zincken. 
Not heretofore recorded from the state. A single specimen in Dr. Barnes’ 
collection from Fort Myers. 


Testa lisetta Dyar. 


Originally described from Dade City specimens by Dyar (1909). There is 
other material in the National Museum from Lakeland (Ainslie) and 
LaBelle. In Dr. Barnes’ collection Glenwood and Fort Myers are repre- 
sented in addition to those given above. 


Platytes acerata Dyar. 
A species described by Dyar (1917) from specimens from Dade City. 


Platytes multilineatella Hulst. 


Originally described from Florida by Hulst (1887). Long considered a 
synonym of densellus but resurrected and differentiated by Dyar (1909). 
There are specimens in the National Museum from Palm Beach (Dyar) 
and Dade City, and in Barnes’ collection from Glenwood (Barnes), Hastings 
(Kearfott) and Chokoloskee. It has been taken at Orlando and Fellsmere 
by the writer. 


Platytes punctilineella B. & McD. 
Described by Barnes & McDunnough (1913) from Everglade. There are 
other specimens in Barnes’ collection from Fort Myers and Marco. 


Platytes squamulellus Zeller. 


Not heretofore reported from the state. Three specimens in Barnes’ 


collection from Everglade, one of which bears a label to the effect that it 


54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


has been compared with the presumable type of squamulellus in the British 
Museum. 


? Prionapteryx nebulifera Stephens. 
Hampson (1895) records this species from Florida without giving his 


authority. It may be an error as no other authors before or since so 
listed it. 


- Prionapteryx serpentella Kearfott. 

Originally described by Kearfott (1908) from specimens from Cocoanut 
Grove (Schwarz). There is also another specimen in the National Museum 
labeled “Egmont”, a place I have been unable to locate. 


Raphiptera minimella Robinson. 


Not heretofore recorded from the state. It has been taken at Orlando 
and Lakeland by the writer. There is a specimen in Dr. Barnes’ collection 
from Hastings and two in the collection of the Carnegie Museum at Pitts- 
burgh from Melbourne. 


Thaumatopsis actuellus B. & McD. 

Described from Florida material from Lakeland and St. Petersburg by 
Barnes & McDunnough (1918). Also a paratype in their collection from 
“Stemper, Fla.”’, another place I cannot locate. 


? Thaumatopsis fernaldellus Kearfott. 


In listing his paratypes of this species, Kearfott mentions one from Key 
West. Later, however, Barnes & McDunnough described T. floridellus and 
placed this Key West specimen under that name so that there is no record 
to show that fernaldellus occurs in the state and it should not be so listed. 


Thaumatopsis floridellus B. & McD. (1918). 


The type material for this species came from Everglade and Marco. There 
is also in Barnes’ collection the Key West specimen mentioned above. 


REFERENCES 


Barnes & McDunnough. 
1913. Some Apparently new Lepidoptera from southern Florida, in Cont. 
Nat. Hist. Lep. N. A. 4:166-194. 
1918. Notes and new species, in Cont. Nat. Hist. Lep. N. A. 4:61-208. 
Dyar, HeiG: 
1901. Notes on the winter Lepidoptera of Lake Worth, Fla., in Proc. 
Ent. Soc. Wash. 4:446-85. 
1902. List North American Lepidoptera. U. S. N. M. Bul. 52. 
1909. New species of American Lepidoptera, in Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 


11:19-29. 
1911. The American species of Diatraea Guilding, in Ent. News. 22:199- 
207. 
1917. Seven new Crambids from the United States, in Insec. Insc. Men. 
5 384-7. 
Fernald, C. H. 


1887. North American Pyralidae, in Ent. Am. 3:37. 
1896. The Crambidae of North America. Sp. Bull. Mass. Ag. Col. 


SPRING NUMBER 55) 


Forbes, W. T. M. 
1920. Notes on the Crambinae, in Jour. N. Y. Ent. Soc. 28:215-227. 
Grote, A. R. 
1880. Preliminary list of North American species of Crambus, in Can. 
Ente 12:77. 
Hampson, G. F. 
1895. On the classification of the Schoenobiinae and Crambinae, in Proc. 
Zool. Soc. London. p. 897-974. 
Holloway, T. E. & Loftin, U. C. 
1919. The sugar cane moth borer. U.S. D. A. Bul. 746. 


Hubner. 

1918. Zutrage zur Sammlung exotischen Schmettlinge. 
Eulst; (G: D. 

1887. New species of Pyralidae, in Ent. Am. 3:134. 
Smith, J. B. 


1891. List of the Lepidoptera of Boreal America. 


—_—=——~ 


PERSONALS 


Among the new assistant nursery inspectors are: C. C. Ben- 
nett, stationed with Fogg at Eustis; J. L. Lazenby, at New 
Smyrna; and O. D. Link at Clearwater. 


The stork has passed out several favors to our members since 
our last issue, as witness U. C. Loftin, Jr., and Edward Murril 
Brown. Mr. James T. Marsh is also the proud father of a boy. 

Mr. C. M. Hunt reports bag worms as damaging 25% of the 
fruit in a grove in Polk County. This is much the highest percent 
of damage from this insect of which we have ever heard. 

Mr. F. F. Bibby is now located at Tlahnalilo, Durango, Mexico. 
He is employed by the Federal Horticultural Board on pink boll- 
worm work. 


The State Plant Board has found a spider mite on Bauhenia 
not only new to Florida but one hitherto reported only from 
Hawaii. It is Eupalopsis pavoniformis. 

Mr. Jeff Chaffin has for the past month been acting as As- 
sistant to the Associate Entemologist of the State Plant Board. 
Mr. Hunt has taken his place in the Nursery Inspection Depart- 
ment. 

Introducing the two new members elected at the February 
meeting of the Society: Mr. Walker is a vocational student in the 
University who is much interested in Entomology. He is acting 
as part time assisttant in the Entomological Department of the 
State Plant Board. Mr. Trigg holds an industrial fellowship 
given thru the National Research Council. His work is the in- 

(Continued on page 61) 


Ohe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
JR, WATSON... 20 
VVGTE MON INGE WBE ies oe Sr eee Associate Editor 
ACOH | BEYER Senet ares ee ees ee eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


THE BOSTON MEETINGS 


The American Association for the Advancement of Science 
met in Boston during the holidays. Most of the meetings were 
held in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. 
Dr. Charles D. Walcott, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 
was elected president for the current year. The retiring presi- 
dent. E. H. Moore, of the University of Chicago, delivered an ad- 
dress on the subject “What is a Number ?” 

Dr. William M. Wheeler of Bussey Institute was elected pres- 
ident of the American Society of Naturalists and A. Franklin 
Shull, University of Michigan, secretary. Two joint programs 
were presented: “The Development of Biology (particularly Gen- 
etics) in the past Sixty Years’, and a symposium on “Geographi- 
cal Distribution of Animals’. At the banquet Dr. Wheeler gave 
~ his presidential address on ‘‘Academic Biology”’. 

The Entomological Society of America elected Arthur Gibson 
president and Professor C. L. Metcalf of the University of Illi- 
nois secretary. Wednesday’s program was devoted to a sym- 
posium divided into two sections: Part 1 on “Noteworthy ex- 
amples of Adaptation of Insects to Special Environments”, and 
Part 2 dealing with adaptation in a single species of insect or 
with a single unit of adaptation. The annual public address of 
the Society was given Wednesday evening by Professor W. M. 
Wheeler. His subject was “The Physiognomy of Insects”. This 
was a very instructive and interesting address. The subject 
selected for the symposium at the Cincinnati meeting in 1923 
is “Methods of Protection and Defense Among Insects”. 

The 25th Annual Meeting of the Economic Entomologists, un- 
der the presidency of J. C. Saunders and with A. F. Burgess sec- 
retary, was held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a 


(56) 


SPRING NUMBER 57 


record for large attendance of members and visitors. Much of 
the program was devoted to experimental work on insecticides. 
Some of the large insect problems were presented and discussed. 
However nothing was said about the boll weevil. A feature of the 
meeting was an exhibit of the Gypsy Moth and the European 
Corn Borer displayed by the U. S. Bureau of Entomology.—A. H. 
Beyer. 


DELPHASTUS AT BRADENTOWN 


A recent trip to Bradentawn afforded an opportunity to visit 
the citrus grove in which the California Delphastus was liberated 
in 1917 and where they have been most successful in controlling 
the whitefly. In only one small section of the grove was there 
enough whitefly to perceptibly blacken the trees and there the 
Delphastus was found. Were it not for the purple scale and rust 
mite this grove would not have needed spraying for the past five 
years. But in order to control the scale the grove has been 
sprayed about once a year. There were some signs of the En- 
tomogenous fungi and undoubtedly the annual sprayings have 
also contributed to the control of the whitefly, and incidentally 
killed many of the beetles, but it would appear as if the Delphas- 
tus has been the major factor in the commercial control of the 
whitefly during the past five years. Indeed from the standpoint 
of their spread over the state they have been too successful. 
They have reduced their food to such a degree that they them- 
selves are too scarce to make their collection practicable. The 
lady beetles have been pretty well distributed over the state but 
no systematic effort has been made to follow up these introduc- 
tions and determine whether the beetles have established them- 
selves. They are so small and quick to drop at the least jar that 
no one without experience with them would be likely to find them 
unless they were very abundant. In a grove at Crescent City 
they were much in evidence one summer but seemed to diminish 
in numbers during the winter. It is possible that they are better 
adapted to the southern part of the state. 


A NEW MEALY BUG PREDATOR FOR FLORIDA 


The Department of Entomology of the Experiment Station 
has received the first of several shipments of the lady beetle 
Scymnus binaeratus, which has done good work in controlling 
all species of mealy bugs in California. An effort will be made 


58 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


to rear these in numbers to be distributed over the state. They 
seem to bear shipment well, only about 20% of the beetles having 
died during the long journey without food from California. The 
Department is very desirous of securing mealy bugs to feed 
these lady beetles. Any of our readers finding any considerable 
number of mealy bugs will do a great service by sending a box 
of them by express collect to the Experiment Station. 
Jens 


AN ADDITION TO THE THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA—XI 
J. R. WATSON 


83. Hoplandrothrips xanthopoides Bagnall. 

This insect was described in 1917 in the Journal of Biological 
Research from a single male collected in St. Vincent, British 
W.I. No reference to it has appeared since. The writer recently 
received from E. S. Sasscer, of the Federal Horticultural Board, 
three females and a male, and numerous larvae collected in the 
Plant Introduction Gardens in Miami. This find enables us to 
describe the female. 

Female. Forma macroptera. Length about 2 mm. (from 1.7 to 2.2 mm.). 
Color similar to the male. In my specimens the base of antennal segment 6 
is yellow as well as segments 3, 4, and 5 and abdominal segment 8 is yellow 
in the middle only. Head, thorax, and sides of the abdomen with much red 
hypodermal pigment. 

Measurements: Head, length 0.25 mm., width 0.21 mm.; prothorax, 
length 0.18 mm., width, including coxa, 0.36 mm.; antennae, segment 1, 40; 
2, dU; 3, 883 4, 853 5, 675 6, 593 7, 543285 36 microns lone Mouthecone 
shorter than in the male, not reaching the mesosternum. Postocular bristles 
shorter than in the male, but little longer than the eyes. Fore femora con- 
siderably enlarged but not nearly as large as in the male, with a small 
tooth on the inner side near the end (not evident in all specimens.) Tooth 
of the fore tarsus well developed but much shorter than in the male. Wings 
somewhat constricted in the middle, 7 to 9 interlocated bristles. 

Male. In my specimen the postocular bristles are even longer than de- 
scribed by Bagnall, about 1.5 as long as the eye, greatly enlarged and fun- 
nel-form at the tip, sharply curved outward. The fore tibia has the tooth 
characteristics of the genus. Fore tarsus with a long, powerful tooth. Only 
9 interlocated hairs on the fore wings in the place of the 12 in Bagnall’s 
specimen. 

Larva. Light grayish brown but so liberally provided with red hypoder- 
mal pigment as to appear red. 


Collected by Mr. W. B. Wood of the Federal Horticultural 
Board from Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus mauritiana, Atalaya hem- 
iglauca, and Randia tomentosa Feb. 1923. 


SPRING NUMBER 59 


ARTICLES ON FLORIDA INSECTS 


In the Canadian Entomologist for January, LV No. 1, Dr. W. 
S. Blatchley publishes “Notes on the Coleoptera of Southern 
Florida with Description of New Species”. 

In the Bulletin of the Brooklyn Entomological Society for Feb- 
ruary, Vol. XVIII No. 1, Mr. E. L. Bell has an article on “Collect- 
ing Florida Butterflies in March”. He took 63 species in three 
weeks about Tampa. 

In the Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., XLVIII, No. 831, the same author 
describes Thorybes confusis, a new skipper butterfly from 
Florida, 


MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 

Jan. 31, 1923. The Society met in Language Hall with Dr. 
Montgomery in the chair. Members present were Watson, Mer- 
rill, Floyd, Beyer, Montgomery, O’Byrne, Goodwin, Chaffin, 
Brown, and Lazonby. 

The following officers were elected for 1923: President G. B. 
Merrill, Vice President Dr. J. S. Rogers, Secretary A. H. Beyer. 
The present staff of the Entomologist was reelected. 

Faurtino Q. Otanes, a recent visitor to the University who is 
connected with the Bureau of Agriculture of the Philippine 
Islands, was elected a member of the society. 

The president appointed Dr. Berger, Prof. Watson and A. H. 
Beyer a committee to draft a resolution of the Society urging the 
City Board of Health of Gainesville to institute an anti-mosquito 
campaien and pledging the Society’s aid in conducting such a 
campaign. 

The first subject of the evening was a report of the Florida 
Antimosquito Association’s meeting at Daytona, by Dr. E. W. 
Berger. He spoke of the reports of the successful campaigns 
being conducted at Perry, Fernandina, and Miami. There were 
150 people at the meeting. 

Mr. Merrill gave a summary of the Boston entomological meet- 
ings. Dr. Berger read a letter from Prof. Fawcett who is in 
Russia with a Quaker relief unit. 


Feb. 28, 1923. The regular February meeting was held in 
Language Hall with President Merrill in the chair. Members 
present were Stirling, Montgomery, Floyd, O’Byrne, Merrill, Ber- 
ger, Brown, and Beyer, and Mr. Fred W. Walker and Mr. R. L. 
Trigg, visitors. 


60 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


The address of the retiring president was given by Mr. Frank 
Stirling on ‘Commercial Entomology”. The speaker presented 
a number of interesting phases which were discussed freely by 
those present. Dr. Berger exhibited an unusually strong colony of 
Vedalia on Cottony Cushion Scale. Mr. Walker and Mr. Trigg 
were elected to membership in the Society. 


March 28. The meeting was called to order by the president, 
Geo. B. Merrill, with the following members present: Chaffin, 
Merrill, Hunt, Trigg, Ayers, Floyd, Montgomery, Watson, Ber- 
ger, Rogers, Walker and Beyer. 

Mr. A. H. Beyer, Business Manager of the FLORIDA ENTO- 
MOLOGIST, gave a report on the finances which was approved 
by the Society and a copy was filed with the minutes. 

The president called on the first speaker of the evening, Prof. 
J. R. Watson, who spoke on “Sulphur Dust for the Control of 
Purple Mite and Rust Mite’. Prof. Watson pointed out the fol- 
lowing interesting facts regarding dusting: that it is safer than 

spraying, no danger of burning foliage; the cheapness is an out- 
- standing feature, only one-fourth the cost of spraying, no water 
to haul; and it covers the ground quickly—the greatest advan- 
tage. Disadvantages: no dust will control whitefly, therefore a 
spraying and a dusting machine are necessary for the same grove, 
a heavy expense to the small grower. Dusting may not last as 
long as the spray application. Mr. Yothers’ dusting results were 
quoted where he recorded effective control of Purple Mite on 
citrus with a temperature of 95 or above but not at a tempera- 
ture below 85. Prof. Watson also mentioned the lack of fertility 
of Blackberry hybrids often being laid to thrips injury. 


The Vice President, Dr. Rogers, called on the next speaker, 


A. H. Beyer, whose subject was “Nicotine Dust for the Control 
of Bean Jassid and Pea Aphis”. But two important phases of 
this paper were summarized owing to the short time: first, the 
method of application of dust; second, the importance of the 
strength of the dust. A duster producing a continuous flow of 
dust was found most satisfactory for speed and efficiency; a 
covering over plants to confine dust also found valuable. Dusts 
that were used gave best results where they were most heavily 


impregnated with nicotine sulphate ranging from 5 to 10 percent, 


in which case the nymphs of the bean jassid were largely con- 
trolled while the adults were not affected. The pea aphis was 
well controlled where the dust came in contact with the bodies of 
the insects.—A. H. Beyer, Secretary. 


SPRING NUMBER 61 


STUDIES ON ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI 


During the month of December the writer spent his vacation 
in Harvard University in the Department of Cryptogamic Botany 
studying the forms of entomogenous fungi collected in Florida 
the past year, with special attention to those which are parasitic 
on insects of ctirus. No study was made of the sooty mould fun- 
gus which occurs abundantly in different stages. 

The fungi studied in this collection covered most of the species 
described from Florida. There was one exception however and 
this is an interesting fungus occurring sparsely under several 
different serial numbers in the writer’s collection. ieenigues 
Coniothyrium-like growth. This fungus has good typical Conio- 
thyrium spores, but the pycnidial walls are quite thick and al- 
most carbonaceous. According to literature and authorities con- 
sulted it seems to be of rare occurrence, and it is thought probable 
that it may be a conidial stage of scme well-known fungus, but 
thus far no connection has been traced with the forms com- 
monly met on citrus. This form may be recognized by having 
small round dark spots, surrounded by, and occasionally filled 
with, spherical, somewhat pointed bodies, the pycnidia. 

Another interesting note made in the course of the writer’s 
taxonomic studies of his collection of Microcera coccophilia 
(Desm.) was that all specimens examined showed spores scme- 
what smaller than is general for this species. However they 
came within the measurements.—A. H. Beyer. 


PERSONALS 
(Continued from page 55) 

vestigation of the effects of sulphur on the root knot nematode. 
He is also pursuing graduate work in the University and has un- 
dertaken the preparation of an annotated list of the Heteroptera 
of the Gainesville region. He is a graduate of Mississippi A. and 
M. College. 

Mr. Fritz Fuchs has resigned from the State Plant Board to 
take charge of the grove of Mr. Frederick at Fruitland Park. 

Mr. T. J. Iles of Crescent City reports that he finds lime- 
sulphur at rust mite strength, 1:70, applied at a pressure of 275 
pounds, a very efficient control measure for mealy bugs. During 
the past three years he has sprayed 6,000, 93,000 and 45,000 
trees respectively. 

Mr. A. C. Mason has been transferred to Lindsay, Cal., to work 
on the California Citrus Thrips. 


62 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mr. F. M. Bather, a member of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts 
and Sciences of N. Y., and Mrs. Bather, spent part of February 
in Gainesville colleeting lepidoptera. 

Other recent visitors to the campus were Prof. Lounsberry 
of South Africa and Prof. Craighead of the Pennsylvania Sta- 
tion, and C. B. Pierson of Los Angeles, Cal. 


THE PALMETTO WEEVIL CATCHES A RIDE 

Mr. Chris Waldron of East Palatka writes as follows: “En- 
closed see specimen of a beetle found clinched fast on a five 
months’ old chick’s head, clinched so tightly that it seemed im- 
possible to tear it loose without injury to the chick. I dropped 
kerosere oil on the beetle until it loosened.” The insect was the 
palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus). As this large 
beetle is over an inch in length and of corresponding breadth and 
thickness, it must have been something of a load for the chick. 
It would be interesting to know how the weevil happened to at- 
tach itself to the chick’s head. Did the chick attempt to lunch 
on the beetle only to find the tables turned on him? 


DUSTING costs less than 
a liquid spraying. 
Dusting materials cost more 
than materials for liquid spray- 
ing, but this is more than coun- 
terbalanced by the big saving 
in time and labor, less cost of 
the duster, and much smaller 
depreciation, repairs, and oper- 
ating cost. 
Dusting differs from spraying 
chiefly in that Insecticides and 
Fungicides are applied in a 
powdered form; dry instead of 
wet. Water merely carries the 
active ingredients to the plant, 
where it evaporates and leaves 
a dry powder. Spraying requires 
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oy 
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OGhe 
‘Florida Entomologist 


cee. (hee of the Florida Entomologicas JA 


vO. VIL. SUMMER NUMBER Not 
JULY, 1923 


IS THE ADULT CONDITION OF AN APHID DETERMINED 
WHEN IT IS BORN?* 


ARTHUR C. MASON 


Most aphids which are eventually to develop wings will, upon 
close examination, show wing pads, especially when approaching 
maturity. On some species these show distinctly, but on others not 
so plainly. Usually they are not very noticeable until the last 
instar preceding maturity. The question now arose as to whether 
the adult form of the aphids was determined when it was born. 
Was it possible to prevent, under favorable conditions, an aphid 
which had wing pads from developing wings, or to cause, through 
unfavorable conditions, an aphid without pads to develop wings? 
To determine this point some experiments were planned. 

Twelve specimens of Lachnus pini in the first instar and show- 
ing wing pads were placed on a pine branch in a cage on the tree 
and allowed to mature. Also twelve specimens not showing wing 
pads were placed in a second cage. Of the first group all de. 
veloped wings, while in the second lot there were both winged 
and apterous forms. A probable error in this work lies in the 
fact that it is not possible to tell exactly if a small aphid has pads 
and consequently some of this lot undoubtedly had pads while 
in the other lot only those were selected which plainly showed 
wing pads. This experiment was repeated the same way on cut 
branches of pine under bell jars in the laboratory. The results 
were similar to those of the preceding experiment, all of the first 
group developing wings while the second had both winged and 
apterous forms. The same probable error occurs here also. 

A similar experiment was next tried with Myzus persicae. In 
this species however it is much harder to distinguish those hav- 


Peontinued from Vole Vil, No. 25ep. 32: 

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2 | THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ing pads from those without them, until just before the last molt. 


However, some attempts were made to select some without and 
try to produce wings on them. Twelve immature specimens were 
placed on each of four cuttings of orange tips in sand. A and B 
were watered with a 3% magnesium sulphate solution, and C and 
D were watered with distilled water. The results showed both 
winged and apterous forms developed with a majority of winged 
in all cases. The number in the two checks was about equal to 
the number in the treated jars. A second trial using only one 
individual on each cutting produced similar results. Those on 
stems in magnesium sulphate solution were all apterous and 


those in water were half winged and half apterous. Four checks ~ 


tied up on a limb of an orange tree resulted in three winged and 
one apterous. On these results it is probable that the cause of 
wing production was due to wrong selection of aphids rather 
than to a change of conditions. The checks also produced wings. 
It is practically impossible to select aphids of this species, when 
young which we can tell with certainty will not develop wing 
pads. 


One more experiment was run on aphids of this species whose 
lineage was known. Four specimens of Myzus persicae were 
selected from the lines used in the life history work. Their 
parents had been apterous for four generations back. They were 
all kept on a cabbage plant until eight days old and then two of 
them, C and D, removed each to a separate orange tip in sand 
and watered with distilled water. The other two, A and B, were 
left on the plants for checks. All matured apterous. A and B 
together then raised 17 young on the cabbage plant of which six- 
teen were apterous and one winged. C on orange tip raised five 
young, all apterous. D on orange tip raised five young, four ap- 
terous and one winged. In the third generation raised from C 
and D there were together forty-six apterous and five winged 
aphids. Hence it is seen that even in the second and third gen- 
erations the number of winged forms on the cut stems is not 
increased over those on plants growing naturally. 


ALTERNATION OF WINGED AND APTEROUS GENERATIONS 


The question arose as to the possibility of there being an alter- 
nation of one winged generation with one or more apterous gen- 
erations. To investigate this point some colonies of the pine aphids 
were started on a small pine tree. Four winged adults reared a 
family the majority of which were apterous and four apterous 


ible 
aaa 


‘+ 


SUMMER NUMBER 2 


_ adults reared a family the majority of which were winged. From 
. 


each of these families some winged and apterous individuals were 
selected and the work continued for three generations. These 


results show that there is a distinct alternation of winged and ap- 


terous forms of Lachnus pini. In the case of four lines run for 
three generations there was in every case a majority of apterous 
young from winged parents and of winged young from apterous 
parents, and in some cases it was 100 per cent. This work was 


- then continued by rearing the aphids on cut stems in the labora- 


tory in both water and salt solution with checks on a growing 
tree. Here with one exception the same phenomenon was ob- 
served. In all, twelve winged adults from whom families were 
reared and counts of the offspring made produced an average of 
72.1% apterous young; and in the case of six apterous females 
there was an average of 93.1% winged young. In several other 
cases of each form a majority was observed to exhibit this alter- 
nation of generations but no counts were made. As the results 
show, the cut stems had no influence in changing this proportion. 
So we conclude that even if the aphids are reared on unhealthy 
or dying stems the effect will not counteract the alternation of 
winged and apterous forms. 

In practically all cases the first few young from a winged 
parent were apterous and vice versa. This may account for the 


_ fact that the percentage is perfect in some cases where the adult 


1 


lived only long enough to raise a few young. The percentage of 
winged young from apterous parents is higher than that of 
apterous young from winged parents. The alternation of winged 
and apterous forms accounts for the fact that winged forms were 
observed in the field only at certain intervals. A winged adult 
might fly to a new tree and start a colony which would be all 
apterous. These would then produce families which would be 
largely winged. However, nearly a month would be consumed 
before the winged ones would become adult, during which time 
no winged forms would be seen, and then within a few days many 
winged ones would appear. This was observed on several dif- 
ferent occasions. 
SUMMARY 


We can draw the general conclusion from all of these experi- 
ments that external conditions and environmental changes do not 
effect the production of winged forms of aphids, at least not in the 
first generation. This was proven by confining aphids on injured 
and dying pine trees; by raising aphids on cabbage plants show- 


4 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ing effect of injury and drought, by crowding aphids on a limb, - 


and by adding chemical solutions to their food in growing plants, 
cut stems, and injections in growing stems. In no instance was 
a larger number of winged forms of aphids produced than in the 
checks iiving under natural conditions. 

It is generally believed that an aphid will develop wings and 
fly away if its host plant dies or if crowding lessens the food 
supply and endangers its existence. In the case of mature pine 
aphids this was not found to be true. They all died whey the 
host plant dried up. In fact it is unreasonable to believe that 
they can develop wings after maturity. Grove (19)* has made a 
careful study of the anatomy of winged and apterous aphids, and 
finds distinct differences, not only in external characters but also 
in the internal anatomy, such as the nervous system, the tracheal 
system, the size and shape of the alimentary canal, etc. There- 
fore, if an aphid were to develop wings due to unfavorable ex- 
ternal conditions it must change its entire anatomy, and this 
probably is beyond the power of any organism. 

A young aphid when born has its adult conditions as regards 
presence or absence of wings already determined, and no change 
of environment can effect this. First instar nymphs of both Lach- 
nus pint and Myzus persicae which showed wing pads developed 
wings in every case, even though kept under the most favorable 
condition. On the other hand, young aphids which did not show 
wing pads developed apterous when raised under adverse con- 
ditions. 

In the case of Lachnus pini an alternation of winged and ap- 
terous forms was determined. Although not exhibiting a per- 
fect alternation, the offspring of each individual showed a ma- 
jority of the opposite type. No changes in environment such as 
injury to host, crowding, or adding chemicals to the food of the 
host would change this alternation. A majority of apterous forms 
was always obtained from winged parents even under unfavora- 
ble conditions of life. With Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypu 
this alternation does not exist, since several generations were 
raised without securing any winged forms. 

Kellogg (23) says that Clarke was able to produce winged 
forms of aphids at will by changing the sap of the host plant 
through addition of chemical salts. He used tip cutting of rose 


stems in sterilized sand and watered with solutions of mag- | 


nesium salts of varying strengths. In this way he says he pro- 


*Numbers refer to references cited. 


SUMMER NUMBER 5 


- duced winged forms of the rose aphid Nectarophora rosae. As 


shown above this was not true in the case of another species of 


rose aphid. No winged forms were produced even when the sec- 


ond and third generations were raised on cuttings in salt solu- 
tions by transferring the aphids from one cutting to another as 
often as they showed signs of wilting. In the same way three 
generations of Myzus persicae were raised on orange cuttings 
with no noticeable effect as compared with the checks on grow- 
ing trees. Two generations of Lachnus pini, and one of Aphis 
gossypui were also raised on cuttings in solutions of magnesium, 
of sodium, and of citrus acid, and in all cases without results to 
substantiate Clarke’s statement. 

Morgan (24) in discussing Balbiani’s work of raising sexual 
and parthenogenetic forms of aphids says that a female pro- 
ducing parthenogenetic young continued to produce them when 
placed on a dying stem. He concludes that food does not effect 
the mode of reproduction unless the organism is “predisposed to 
submit to its influence.” In another paper Morgan (25) gives 
the results of several attempts to produce sexual aphids, and 


_ finally concludes that sexual forms are not due to external con- 


ditions, however important these factors may be in cyclical 
changes in sex production. We can also say the same regarding 
wing formation in aphids. 

External conditions must require more than one generation 
to produce their effects, and when once effected the condition 
of that individual cannot be altered. Even in the second and third 
generations no positive results of their influence on wing forma- 


tion were obtained. 
REFERENCES CITED 


1. Ashmead, Wm. H.—Insect Notes from General Bulletin. Bulletin No. 
2. Fla. Agr. Expt. Sta. 
2. Berger, E. W.—19th Annual Report of Entomologist. Fla. Agr. Expt. 
Sta. 
3. Buckton—Monograph of British Aphids. 
4. Chittenden, F. H.—Some Insects Injprious to Cabbages, Cucumbers 
and Related Crops. Va. Truck Expt. Sta. Bul. No. 2. 
5. Chittenden, F. H.—The Melon Aphis. Bureau of Entomology. Circular 
80. U.S. D. A. 
6. Clarke, Warren T.—A List of California Aphididae. Canadian Ento- 
mologist. Vol. XXXV., p. 247 (19038). 
Comstock, J. H.—Insect Life. 
Comstock, J. H—Manual for the Study of Insects. 
Davis, J. J—A List of the Aphididae of Illinois, with Notes on Some 
of the Species. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. III, No. 6 
(1910). 


OES! 


10. 


113 


12. 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


17. 


18. 


19. 


20. 


21. 
22. 


23. 


24. 
25. 


26. 


27. 


28. 
29. 


30. 


31. 


32. 


THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


a“ 


the Species. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. IV, No. 3 
(1911). 


4 
‘Davis, J. J—A List of the Aphididae of Illinois, with Notes on Some of 3 


Davidson, W. M.—Notes on Aphididae Collected in the Vicinity of | 


Stanford University. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. II, 
p. 299 (1909). 4 


Davidson, W. M.—Further Notes on Aphididae Collected in the Vicinity 
of Stanford Univ. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. III, 
pp ota (1910): 

Essig, E. O.—Host Index to California Plant Lice (Aphididae). Po- 


mona Journal of Entomology. Vol. III, No. 2. 

Essig, E. O.—Host Index to California Plant Lice II (Aphididae). 
Pomona Journal of Entomology. Vol. IV, No. 4. 

Essig, E. O.—Aphididae of Southern California. Pomona Journal of — 
Entomology. Vol. III, No. 4. 


Gillette, C. P—Notes and Description of Some Orchard Plant Lice of 


the Family Aphididae. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. I, 
p. 802 (1908). 

Gillette, C. P.—Plant Louse Notes, Family Aphididae. Journal of 
Economic Entomology. Vol. II, p. 351 (1909). Vol. III, p. 367 
(1910). 

Gillette, C. P., and Taylor, E. P—A Few Orchard Plant Lice. Colorado 
Bulletin No. 133. 

Grove, A. J—The Anatomy of Siphonophora rosarum, Part II. The 
Winged Viviparous Stage Compared with the Apterous Viviparous 
Stage. Parasitology. Vol. III, No. 1 (1910). 

Harper, Roland M.—Geography and Vegetation of Northern Florida. 
6th Annual Report of Florida Geological Survey (1914). 

Howard, L. O.—The Insect Book. 

Hubbard, H. G.—Insects Affecting the Orange. Bulletin of U. S. Dept. 
of Agr. Division of Entomology (1885). 

Kellogg, V. L.—Insects. 

Morgan, T. H.—Experimental Zoology. 

Morgan, T. H.—Biological and Cytological Study of Sex Determination 
in Phylloxerans and Aphids. Journal of Experimental Zoology. 
Violz Vall INoe2. 

Neal, Jas. C—Entomologist Report. Bul. No. 4. Fla Agr. Expt. Sta. 

Oestlund, O. W.—Synopsis of Aphididae of Minnesota. Geological and — 
Natural History Survey of Minn. Bul. No. 4. 

O’Kane, W. C.—Injurious Insects. 

Patch, Edith M.—Aphid Pests of Maine, Food Plants of the Aphids. 
Me. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bul. No. 202. 

Pergande, Theo.— North American Phylloxerinae Affecting Hickoria 
(Carya) and Other Trees. Proceedings of Davenport Academy of 
Science. Vol. IX (1904). 


Quaintance, A. L.—8th Annual Report of Entomologist. Fla. Agr. | 


Expt. Sta. (1896). ; 
Quaintance, A. L.—Insect Enemies of Truck and Garden Crops. Fla. 
Agr. Expt. Sta. Bul. No. 34. 


| 
| 


a! SUMMER NUMBER qT 


= . Sanderson, E. D.—Insect Pests of Farm, Garden and Orchard. 
FS 34. Taylor, E. P.—Life History Notes and Control of the Green Peach 
= Aphis, Myzus persicae. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. I, 
: p. 838 (1908). 
35. Watson, J. R—Tomato Insects. Fla. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bul. No. 112. 
36. Watson, J. R—Tomato Insects. Fla. Agr. Expt. Sta. Bul. No. 125. 
87. Webster, F. M., and Phillips, W. J.—The Spring Grain Aphis or “Green 
Bug.” Bureau of Entomology. U.S. D. A. Bul. No. 110. 
88. Williams, T. A.—Host Plant List of North American Aphididae. Uni- 
versity of Nebraska. Special Bul. No. 1. 
39. Wilson, H. F.—New Records of Aphididae in North America. Journal 
of Economic Entomology. Vol. II, sp. 346 (1909). 


PERSONAL NOTES OF MEMBERS 


We note from Baldwin-Wallace Alumnus that Dr. Carl J. 
Drake, head of the Department of Entomology of the Iowa State 
College, has just recovered from a severe attack of pneumonia. 

Dr. H. L. Dozier has resigned from the U. S. Bureau of Ento- 
mology where he had charge of the Camphor Scale investigations, 
to take the position of Entomologist to the Gulf Coast Citrus 
Exchange with headquarters in Mobile. 

According to the Official Record of the U. S. D. A., Mr. John 
Graf has been made acting head of truck crop insect investiga- 
tions of the Bureau of Entomology. 

‘Mr. F. F. Bibby has been transferred from Tlahualilo, Dugan- 

_ go, Mexico, to Brownsville, Texas. 
~ J. C. Goodwin is the proud father of a young entomologist. 

U. C. Zeluff, the Plant Board Quarantine Inspector stationed 
at Tampa, has recently intercepted the Mexican orange maggot 
in a shipment of Mexican oranges from Tampico, Mexico. 

D. Marston Bates, youngest member of the Entomological 
Society, has perhaps the largest collection of lepidoptera in the 
Southeast. Mr. Bates is but seventeen. He lives at Ft. Lauder- 
dale. 

Jeff Chaffin has returned to Gainesville after spending several 
weeks in Lafayette County, where he was engaged in demon- 
strating the Florida method of boll weevil control. 

Wm. J. Rahn has been employed by the American Fruit Grow- 
ers Inc. and is located at Wabasso. 

J. L. Lazonby is engaged in quarantine inspection work for 
the Plant Board at Jacksonville. 

Chas. A. Reese, formerly Assistant Apiary Inspector of Flor- 
ida, has moved to Columbus, Ohio. 


: 
os 
4 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
ORE SW ATSONE. 2: ee: Sao ee nae nt pode ee Editor 
WAIEMON | NE WEG 2 ee ek ee Associate Editor 
sa WSG es Degghl 6 Of gO) sence mea ai Sa ceo ara ger a al Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 


SOUTHERN MIGRATION OF BUTTERFLIES 


FRANK STIRLING 


Not in many years has the southern migration of the Great 
Southern White, or Gulf Butterfly (Pieris monuste L.), been 
quite so great or noticeable as during the early part of June of 
this year (1923). Their numbers along the waterways of the 
east coast of Florida, especially along the Halifax and Indian 
Rivers, were so great that the radiators of automobiles driving 
north and south became thoroughly plastered with them. The 
migration is constantly southward and one wonders where this 
tremendous army comes from. It seems that they are first noted 
in large numbers in the vicinity of Titusville and as one travels 
southward their numbers seem to increase until they reach un- 
limited millions between Fort Pierce and Stewart, with an ap- 
parent increase in numbers as they advance southward. Always 
they are noted as flying thickest along the edges of the water, 
such as the two rivers above mentioned, Lake Worth, the East 
Coast Canal and Biscayne Bay. There they apparently leave the 
mainland and follow the Gulf Stream to no one knows where. It 
is not unlikely that these butterflies begin to make up the bulk 
of their army in such states as the Carolinas and Georgia, for 
they have been reported in the vicinity of Jacksonville, Florida, 
on their journey south. 

It is observed that numbers of these butterflies occur some 
three to five miles west of the inland waterways and are always 
flying eastward, apparently for the purpose of joining the main 
army in the southward flight. It is not unlikely that many of 
these butterflies breed and hatch in certain portions of the swamp 
lands and Everglades of the interior; also in farms and fields 
where cabbages and collards are grown. These butterflies, upon 
reaching maturity, apparently follow instictively the eastward 

8 


- sted 


- 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


march until the main army is met. On June 8 they were noted 
in greatest numbers along the coastal sections of eastern Florida 
and on June 9, 10 and 11 millions of them were noted by travelers 
coming from Nassau, Bahama Islands, fluttering above the Gulf 
Stream heading southward. 

It would be extremely interesting to understand the purpose 
of such migrations: where the butterflies come from, that is, 
how far north do they begin to gather and migrate and where 
is the place for which they are headed. Is it Cuba, or South Amer- 
ica, or do most of them become exhausted and consequently a 
prey to fish in their journey over the ocean? 

But little is known in regard to the food plants of the cater- 
pillars of these butterflies. They may feed on some wild species 
of plants related to the cabbage and mustard. Noting that so 
many appear from the Everglades, it is not unlikely that some 
native host growing in that section of the state is responsible 
for the breeding of great numbers. 


THE PROPER NAME AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE FLORIDA 
FLOWER THRIPS* 


J. R. WATSON 


In the literature on Florida insects prior to 1913 our flower 
thrips was not distinguished from the northern species F'rank- 
liniella tritici (Fitch), then called Huthrips tritici Fitch or 
Thrips tritici Fitch. For instance, Quaintance in Bulletin No. 42 
of Fla. Agric. Exp. Sta. refers to a thrips damaging strawberries 
at Lake City under that name. But his Figure 4, from a micro- 
photograph, shows the second antennal segment with sufficient 
clearness to prove that it belongs to Morgan’s bispinosa. Further- 
more the known distribution of tritici in Florida would make it 
very improbable that it was the dominant species attacking 
strawberries as far south as Lake City. 

In 1913. Morgan, (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 46, p. 10) de- 
scribed Huthrips tritici bispinosa from four females taken at 
Dade City. As distinguishing characters he named: (1) the 
color, ‘“‘pale yellow shading to gray on sides of head and abdo- 
men.” (He does not mention any orange color probably because 
he described alcoholic specimens.) ‘‘Tip of abdomen not darker 
than remainder of body.” (2) “Tip of second (antennal) seg- 
ment raised dorsally and bearing two exceptionally heavy dark 


*Paper presented at the May meeting of the Society. 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


slender than in EL. tritici.” 

Later Hood raised Morgan’s variety to specific rank and trans- 
ferred it with tritici and other species of Huthrips to Karny’s 
genus Frankliniella, naming our insect Frankliniella bispinosa 
(Morgan), and this is the name that has been used by the writer 
until more data could be collected. 

As bearing upon the subject of the specific rank of bispinosa 
two questions needed investigation. Are there transition forms 
between bispinosa and tritici, and do the two forms overlap in 
distribution? Not until recently were we able to gather evidence 
bearing upon these questions. Specimens sent in from Missis- 
sippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Atlanta, Ga., always proved to 
be typical tritici and all specimens from Florida typical bispi- 


nosa. During the last few months, however, we have examined a 


large series from Escambia County in extreme west Florida and 
from several points in extreme southern Alabama, Mississippi, 
and Georgia. 

An examination of some hundreds of specimens of both forms 
shows that the color differences as described by Morgan are 
valueless. There are no constant color differences. Apparently 
Morgan’s description was from alcoholic specimens from which 
the orange color had faded. Bispinosa has fully as much orange 
as tritici, perhaps more. The dark spot on the tip of the abdomen 
is a variable character present in many specimens of bispinosa 
and absolutely worthless as a distinguishing mark. There re- 
mains only the comparative lengths of the third and fourth an- 
tennal segments and the dorsal elevation and the two heavy 
spines of the second antennal segment. In typical tricit: there is 
no such elevation. The segment is symmetrical in side view. Also 
the two spines on the dorsal surface are no heavier than those on 
segment 3. In both these characters some specimens from ex- 
treme western Florida and Gulfport, Miss., are intermediate. 
Some of these cannot with certainty be placed with either form. 
Some have the second antennal segment of bispinosa but the 
short third and fourth segments of tritici. The lengths of seg- 
ments 3 and 4 are more variable than the two heavy spines of 
segment 2. These spines form the most constant distinguishing 
mark between the two forms. ; 

Since the only characters of any value are those of the three 
antennal segments and these intermediate in many specimens it 
would seem that bispinosa hardly deserves specific rank as given 


al] 
Th 
| 


brown spines.” (3) “Segments 3 and 4 relatively much more } 


gh 
Cees aoe Oe PE ee: 


sia ids sol teed et 
Ra 


eS 
% 


SUMMER NUMBER sat 


by Hood but that it should be considered as a mere variety, though 
a well-marked one, as originally given by Morgan, and that its 
proper name is F'rankliniella tritici bispinosa (Morgan). 

In size bispinosa averages a trifle smaller than tritici. The 
average total length of several hundred measured was 1.1 mm., 
while the average of all the tritici in the writer’s collection is 
1.15 mm. On the other hand, where the two forms meet at Cot- 
tage Hill bispinosa measured 1.25 mm., while tritici averaged 
1.09 mm. and at Loxley, Ala., only 1.03 mm. F'rankliniella cepha- 
alica masoni averaged only 1.02 mm. 

In regard to the distribution of the variety most of the speci- 
mens from Cottage Hill, Escambia County, Fla., were bispinosa, 
but there was a minority of tritici. In a collection from as far 
east as Panama City there were a few tritici. On the other hand, 
a collection from Loxley, Ala., was mostly tritict with a sprink- 
ling of bispinosa and the same was true of several collections 
from near Gulfport, Miss., sent in by Mr. E. K. Bynum of the 
State Plant Board of Mississippi. It would thus seem that in the 
west there is a remarkably close coincidence between the dividing 
line of the two forms and the boundary of the state. On the 
northern border a collection taken a few miles north of Val- 
dosta, Ga., by F. W. Walker were all bispinosa, while specimens 
received from Atlanta were all tritici. 

We have thus in Florida three yellow, flower-inhabiting thrips 
of the genus F'rankliniella. The most common one is F’. tritici 
bispinosa (Morgan), which ranges over the entire state and ex- 
tends but little over the state line in the west but well up into 
Georgia. F’. tritici (Fitch) comes into the western end of the 
state in small numbers. In the south but ranging in small num- 
bers as far north as Daytona is another species, Ff’. cephalica 
masont. Wats. 


ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM BRAZIL 


“The other day the young fellow who is working here in the 
enclosure as a care taker of the plants hollered for me to come 
and help him with a big “‘bicho!’”’ When I got there I found it 
was a Buprestid that measured over six centimeters in length. 
Some time ago the servant’s daughter brought us a Prionid that 
measured over eight centimeters in length, not including his 
antennae. 

“We had spent lots of time and exercised lots of care in getting 
some really magnificent things that Mr. Haddon took through for 


12 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mr. Van Hyning. But then you know that Mr. Haddon made the 
fool blunder of placing them in the mail for the last lap of the 
journey, in spite of the fact that I had warned him and specifi- 
cally instructed him to send them by express. I knew of course 
that if they were sent in the usual envelopes and folded in the 
usual way that Mr. Van Hyning could not possibly get time to 
take care of them for years to come. 

“The last four weeks have been unusually prolific ones in the 
way of collecting moths at the electric light. Most of them are 
of medium or small size but a lot of them very fine and interest- 
ing. We have gotten a couple of larvae of very large and inter- 
esting Sphingidae. Lately the Heliconidae butterflies have be- 
come quite abundant. Clarissa got some rather interesting ones 
today. Yesterday I saw one specimen of the clear-winged Heli- 
conidae. I had no net with me so could not get him. The day be- 
fore I had seen two of that species at Ponte Nova. The chrysalis 
of one of these Heliconidae is of burnished silver, about as bright 
asa mirror. It takes only about a week from the time of pupation 
until the butterfly emerges. The other day I got fourteen of them 
from a single Sylaniuwm. For the last three or four weeks leaf- 
hoppers have become very abundant at the light. Apparently 
they are of quite a number of different species. At the beginning 
of the rainy season I made some sweepings over grass plots but 
caught practically no leaf hoppers.”’ 

P.-E. “ROLES: 


April 3, 1923. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 
Aprilss0) mg23. 

Society met in Language Hall with Vice President Rogers in 
the chair. Members present: Ayers, Berger, Beyer, Brown, 
Burger, Chaffin, Merrill, Mowry, Montgomery, O’Byrne, Rogers, 
Stirling, Trigg, Walker, Watson. Visitors, Jenkins, Link, and 
Heuse. 

Mr. Ayers gave the first paper on “Insect and Plant Disease 
Problems Occurring in the Field.” Among the insect problems 
mentioned by Mr. Ayers were the camphor scale, flower thrips, 
celery leaf-tyer, and garden flea hopper. Spraying was done 
for the control of thrips. Poisoned bran bait moistened with 
nitro-benzine was used with success on the leaf-tyer. Calcium 
cyanide dust was also used for control of the leaf-tyer, as well 
as the garden flea hopper. It was thorough and effective in its 
control of the latter but not the former. 


SUMMER NUMBER Als" 


A. H. Beyer, the next speaker, reported an infestation of Aphis 
maidis-radicis, on the roots of watermelons collected by Prof. 
Watson near Live Oak. He also discussed the difficulty in the 
‘control of this pest. 

Under “Brief and Timely Notes” Dr. Montgomery mentioned 
Baker’s mealy bug, as being a probable threatening pest to the 
grape industry of Florida. 


May 25, 1923. 
Society met in Language Hall with President Merrill in the 
chair. Members present were Berger, Beyer, Brown, Merrill, 
Stirling, Stone, Trigg, Walker, and Watson. Visitor, Mr. Link, 
who was elected a member of the society. 
The first subject was a round table discussion of the proposed 
anti-mosquito campaign in Gainesville, led by F. M. O’Byrne. 
The speaker first discussed the effect on the health and comfort 
of the community as well as real estate values and civic pride. He 
reported that the Gainesville Board of Health had adopted the 
Model Mosquito Ordinance which was adopted by the State 
Board of Health, and that the campaign was costing about $500, 
which is being expended for inspectors, etc. Lack of funds pre- 
vents any drainage work being done at present. Among the mos- 
quito breeding places discussed, which should be abolished or 
oiled, were barrels, bottles, tubs, pans, and tin cans. They were 
also found breeding in septic tanks, storm sewers, holes in bark 
of trees, cup depressions on exposed roots of trees, seepage places 
in land, and bodies of water where minnows and other enemies 
of the mosquito do not occur. 
The next speaker, Professor Watson, spoke on the proper name 
for the Florida flower thrips. 
A. H. BEYER, Secretary. 


THE SYCAMORE LACE-BUG 


It was late September and the Florida landscape was one un- 
broken green. Drenched by the almost daily showers and heavy 
dews of the rainy season which had just closed, the grass was at 
its greenest. The weeds of the neglected fields and other waste 
places had as yet hardly commenced their automn carnival of 
color. The native trees, too, except for an occasional half-drowned 
red maple or sour gum in a flooded swamp, had scarcely turned a 
leaf. In vain did the tired eye seek a bit of color in this mo- 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


notonously green landscape. But there was one exception. The 
sycamores planted along our streets and lawns were brown, sear 
and half bare. Why should they alone of all the trees on well- 
drained land be dropping their leaves? Let us examine the 
withered foliage. On the under side we find numerous reddish 
brown stains—so characteristic of tingids. A closer scrutiny and 
we see, in the middle of some of the fresher stained areas, the 
bugs themselves. Under the lens the entire body is seen to be 
covered with the most delicate net of thickened veins and ridges 
which gives these insects their name of lace bugs. And they or 
their stains were on every leaf. What a fearful epidemic is this! 
The worst human epidemic of which we have any record, the 
plague or black death of medieval Europe, is said to have taken 
over half of the population. But here is an epidemic which has 
taken nearly 100%. And it is a yearly event. Luckily for the 
trees it occurs late in the season, after much of the work of the 
leaves is done. Still it must be a handicap to the sycamore tree 
and one wonders if this may not be one of the reasons why 
the sycamore does not grow wild in our hammocks. 


DUSTING costs less than 
liquid spraying. 
Dusting materials cost more 
than materials for liquid spray- 
ing, but this is more than coun- 
terbalanced by the big saving 
in time and labor, less cost of 
the duster, and much smaller 
depreciation, repairs, and oper- 
ating cost. 

Dusting differs from spraying 
chiefly in that Insecticides and 
Fungicides are applied in a 
powdered form; dry instead of 
wet. Water merely carries the 
active ingredients to the plant, 
where it evaporates and leaves 
a dry powder. Spraying requires 
50 lbs. of water to carry 1 lb. of 


NIAGARA COMBINATION DUSTER poison to the foliage. In dust- 
ing air is the carrier; it 1s ever 


E eX 


This is the Niagara Power Potato 


Duster. Shown here fitted with flexible present and does not have to be 
distributor pipe and drop platform for use pumped and carried. The chem- 
in orchard dusting. For grower having icals used are fundamentally 


hard d low crops to protect. . : 
one aeiver weaded for dusting potatoes, the same with either product. 


etc. Driver and one man to operate dis- For further information write 
tributor pipe needed for orchard use. Ba re ira 


J. SCHNARR & CO. 
Orlando, Fla. 
NIAGARA SPRAYER COMPANY 
Middleport, N. Y. - 


SUMMER NUMBER 15 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 
For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 


etc. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 
Always dependable and efficient. 
“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable” 
PRICES 


“BLACK LEAF”-FI-NICOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Made from our own high-strength (“Free”) Nicotine. 
Thoroughly standardized as to strength and texture. Rec- 
ommended for dusting vegetables to destroy aphis. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Sl] 0), SEI GL os, Bas eee dee tn ae Rt rE $ 1.10 
PASS log V0 lm hia eee a toe ee of Ue ete eee aulo 
Oma GURU eeeeres Se alee 2h oe Le es 6.75 

UCU,” CRE WH TE ee ee ei See ey ee ee PAS 


“BLACK LEAF”-F2-NIGOTINE OUST 


Contains Over 2% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Is stronger in nicotine than our—F1—Dust, but other- 
wise, is the same. Recommended against the more resistant 
insects, such as cucumber beetle, pea aphis, etc. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 
ean pea tit Meeess me etceine ope ee ee $ 1.30 
Pe eC GUD eee ad oe ee Seer eS. 4.75 
(el eee Chinn es eee Po eee ent a Se eS ee 8.75 
OOS eeECst Tea ee re ee Ba are ee 16.75 


“Black Leaf” products are sold by seedsmen, hardware 
stores, drum stores, general merchants, and dealers in hor- 
ticultural supplies. 

ASK YOUR DEALER 


TOBAGGO BY-PRODUCTS & CHEMICAL 
CORPORATION 


(Incorporated) 
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 


16 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


THE HOST OF THECLA HALESUS 


While in Gainesville last March Mr. Geo. B. Pierson; an en- 
thusiastic butterfly hunter of Los Angeles, Cal., captured a cater- 
pillar feeding on mistletoe. After leaving Gainesville Mr. Pier- 
son was successful in raising this caterpillar to maturity. It 
turned out to be the hair streak butterfly, Thecla halesus. Holland 
in the “Butterfly Book” states that not much is known of the 
early stages but quotes Abbott to the effect that it occurs on oaks. 


Printing for All Purposes 
Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
seab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 

. Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E. 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


Ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official ae of the Florida Entomologteal. = 


—————— 


VOL, VIL ° FALL NUMBER No. 2 
OCTOBER, 1923 


CITRUS CONDITIONS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND 
THE SATSUMA SECTIONS OF ALABAMA TOGETHER 
WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SAN JOSE SCALE 
SITUATION IN NORTHWESTERN ARKANSAS 


By 
W. W. YOTHERS, Bureau of Entomology* 
Orlando, Florida. 


INTRODUCTION 


The visit to the Rio Grande Valley was made under the aus- 
pices and on the invitation of the Extension Division of the 
Texas A. & M. College. A year ago they conducted a citrus school 
and it met with such success that it was decided to hold another 
one this year and it was held from June 25th to 30th inclusive. 
The object of the school was to give the citrus growers informa- 
tion regarding the diseases and insects and methods for their 
control. During the week somewhere around a thousand people 
attended the lectures at the various places. 

General Conditions. The soil of the Rio Grande Valley is very 
fertile and citrus trees make a marvelous growth. Nursery 
trees one year old are much larger than are trees of the same 
age in Florida. The average 4-year old grove was as large as a 7 
or 8-year old grove grown uder the average Florida conditions. 
In fact some of the trees planted 20x20 feet, 4 years ago, have 
branches which now meet. 

Owing to the uneven distribution of rainfall throughout the 
year it is necessary to irrigate the trees in order to insure 
proper growth. The water for this purpose is pumped from the 
Rio Grande. As yet the gravity system is not in operation but 


*Paper read before the August meeting of the Florida Entomological Society. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


a strong movement is on foot to bring about such a system of 
irrigation and no doubt in a few years not only will the present 
groves be irrigated by the gravity system but also great acre- 
ages in addition. So far as I could learn the cost of irrigating 
a grove varies from $10.00 to $12.00 per acre per year. No doubt 
the cost is different in different districts. Since the valley is 
near Mexico an abundant supply of labor is always available 
and the prevailing wage is one dollar per day for common labor. 

Extent of Industry. According to the best information obtain- 
able, 1,700,000 citrus trees have been planted during the past 
few years. This would be about 25,000 acres figuring on the 
basis that the trees were planted 20x20 feet. As yet the produc- 
tion of fruit has not been great but prospects are good for 
ten or twelve thousand cars within the period of 4 years. In 
fact this is the estimate given by the president of the Valley 
Citrus Exchange. 

Varieties and Root Stocks. The Parson Brown, Pineapple 
and Valencias seem to be the varieties of oranges usually planted, 
while Duncan and Marsh Seedless were the leading varieties of 
grapefruit, 80% of the plantings consisting of grapefruit and 
only 20% of oranges. With one exception all of the citrus 
growers with whom I talked in the Valley are of the opinion 
that neither trifoliata nor lemon stock have any value for the 
growing of citrus trees in the Valley. Practically all the plant- 
ings are now on sour orange stock. 

Injury from Winds. The injury caused by the winds is very 
great. A large part of the foliage on young trees is blown away 
and most of these trees are very much lop-sided. The foliage 
on the outside rows on the south and east sides of most groves 
is usually very sparse, due to the injury from winds. The fruit 
also is very badly blemished by being blown around so violently 
as to cause mechanical injury. In fact I rather thought that 
99% of the blemishes seen in the Valley were caused by winds. 

Diseases. Although an extensive search was made for mela- 
nose not a single spot was found in the entire Valley. Citrus 
scab was very serious on some sour seedlings in a nursery but 
the grapefruit trees did not seem to be seriously effected with 
this fungus disease. In one grove I saw what I presumed to 
be foot-rot and one case of a disease simliar to frenching was 
observed. 

Insects and Mites. Since citrus trees have been shipped into 
the Valley from both Florida and California is is only natural 


FALL NUMBER 19 


to expect that the same insect pests which are present in both 
of these localities should also be present in the Valley. Such is 
largely the case and we find about the same scale insects and 
mites present as in both Florida and California. The Florida 
red scale is supposed to be the most injurious scale present. It 
seems to thrive in the hot dry climate. Next in importance is 
the California red (this may be dictyospermum). This scale 
was observed in a grove, the trees of which were purchased in 
California, in great abundance. In fact this scale had nearly 
killed this entire grove which was only saved from total destruc- 
tion by the use of oil emulsion two or three times last winter. 
The chaff scale, P. pergandii, does great damage to the twigs 
and trunk and no doubt is the third most injurious scale insect. 
The long scale, L. gloverii, is the fourth in importance and does 
much more damage than the purple scale. The purple scale is 
also present but I presume the sun is too hot for its proper de- 
velopment in great numbers. I understand the citrus white fly 
is present at Brownsville but I did not see it myself. 


The citrus rust mite is present in the greatest abundance in the 
Valley. It often becomes so abundant that the limbs turn blue 
and the leaves take on a brown color and, in many cases, do not - 
reach normal size. The fruit on several groves was badly rus- 
seted and in many cases the living mites and eggs were present 
on the fruit in countless numbers. 


Even though rust mites are extremely abundant they can be 
very easily controlled by means of dusting with sulphur. Owing 
to the infrequency of rains the sulphur would remain on the 
foliage for long periods of time and sufficient to kill rust mites 
would no doubt be present until a rain came and washed it from 
the trees. 


Entomogenous fungi. None of the entomogenous fungi at- 
tacking scale insects were observed. Neither the county agents 
nor Mr. E. W. Halstead had ever seen them in the Valley excep- 
ting on nursery stock when received. No doubt these fungi have 
been introduced many thousands of times and owing to the 
adverse climatic conditions have never established themselves. 
I did not find out if our Florida fungus on rust mites was pres- 
ent. Neither the citrus red spider nor the six-spotted mite, T. 
sexmaculatus, were observed. Another red spider, however, 
of a greenish tinge with dark spots on its back was observed 
at McAllen. I am of the opinion that this is the same red spider 


20 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


as the one taken by me on some temple oranges at Homestead, 
Florida, in W. J. Krome’s grove. 

A local man was making the Government formula oil emulsion 
for controlling scale insects. The grade of oil being used was 
too light for best results and specifications of a better oil were 
given to him. They have already established a citrus experi- 
ment station in the Valley for the purpose of taking up the 
problems relating to the industry. No doubt this will solve many 
of the problems and difficulties which now seem almost insur- 
mountable to the citrus growers. 

Even though trees make a much more vigorous growth and 
labor is less than half what it is in Florida and no fertilizer has 
been required up to this time, the hazard from cold may out- 
weigh the advantages above enumerated. Due to this cold haz- 
ard most of the growers will arrange for firing in case of 
necessity. 

SATSUMA CONDITIONS IN ALABAMA 


The satsuma industry in Alabama is in a flourishing condition 
with prospects this coming year for an increased yield over 
that of the past season. The Gulf Coast Citrus Exchange has 
employed Dr. H. L. Dozier to handle its insect and spray prob- 
lems. Dr. Dozier has approached the situation with enthusiasm 
and vigor and no doubt his work will be exceedingly profitable 
to the members of the Exchange. One of his main objects is to 
teach the citrus growers the recognition and biology of the 
citrus pests. This is being done by lectures, personal interviews 
and writing for the Gulf Coast Citrus Grower. It is also his 
intention to carry on as much research work relating to sprays 
and insect biologies as time will permit. 


SAN JOSE SCALE CONDITIONS IN NORTHWESTERN ARKANSAS 


In Northwestern Arkansas I visited Messrs. Ackerman and 
Pierce, who showed me large acreages of apples which had been 
completely killed by the San Jose Scale and thousands of other 
trees which had been most severely damaged. The entire apple 
industry would have been wiped out in the Ozark district if these 
scientists had not introduced the oil emulsions. The apple- 
growers and business men are highly pleased with the results of 
these emulsions in the control of this scale. They use a heavy 
oil for making the emulsion and it retails for $12.00 a barrel 
which is less than half what Florida growers pay for emulsions 
made out of lighter oils. 


FALL NUMBER 21 


THE GENERIC AND SPECIFIC NAME OF THE ORANGE 
RUST MITE 


Some confusion has arisen in regard to the proper generic 
name for the orange rust mite and also the proper spelling of 
its specific name. 


The generic name Typhlodromus under which the mite was 
originally described does not appear in recent literature on the 
gall mites and is not mentioned in either Nalepa’s 1898 mono- 
graph of this group or in his extensive 1911 monograph. This 
genus was established by Scheuten in 1857 for the pear leaf 
blister mite, now known as Evriophyes piri (Pgst.). In Scheu- 
ten’s paper the name of his proposed genus is neither set off 
by a center heading or a paragraph heading, hence has undoubt- 
edly been overlooked by most entomologists. Being monobasic 
and having Eriophyes piri (Pgst.) as a type, the genus is evi- 
dently only a synonym of Phytoptus Dujardin (1851), which in 
turn is a synonym of Hriophyes Siebold (1851). 

Notwithstanding the fact that the orange rust mite clearly 
belongs to the genus Phyllocoptes, which genus was established 
by Nalepa in 1889, it is sometimes mentioned as being an 
Eriophyes, if perchance neither of the two untenable names, 
Typhlodromus or Phytoptus, are used. The reason for this is 
not hard to find. The drawing of this species given by Hubbard 
many years ago, which drawing frequentily has been copied in 
more recent years and which is the only drawing of this mite 
with which most entomologists are familiar, actually represents 
the species as being an Hriophyes!, 7. e., all of the abdominal 
rings are shown as being complete rings, whereas in reality half 
of them are only half rings. 

The proper genus for this mite is clearly Phyllocoptes Nalepa. 


The spelling of the specific name of this mite also varies. In 
accumulated notes and papers it has been spelled oliioorus, olei- 
vorus, oilivorus and oil-livorus. The first mentioned is the spell- 
ing under which the species was described. Evidently it was 
badly garbled either in manuscript or in the printing of the 
same. In Ashmead’s notes accompanying the original description 
of the mite mention is made of its feeding on the oil of the 
orange, hence the supposition has been that he intended to 
indicate this fact in the name proposed. All of the renderings of 
the name, other than the original spelling, seem to indicate this 


22 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


intention, but unfortunately not everyone would form the name 
in the same way. 

If a subsequent paper published by Ashmead in his “Orange 
Insects’, only a year after the publication of this original de- 
scription of the mite, had not been so commonly overlooked, 
this confusion would have been largely avoided. In his “Orange 
Insects,” published in 1880, there occurs on page 40 the follow- 
ing sentence: “I immediately began to study it (the rust mite), 
and soon after wrote him (Rev. T. W. Moore) that I had dis- 
covered what it was and forwarded a description of it for pub- 
lication, crediting him with the discovery, under the name of 
Typhlodromus oleivorus, i. e., oil eating from supposing it to 
feed on the essential oil of the orange.” 

Thus the earliest amended spelling of the specific name, and 
in this instance the more properly formed, is oleivorus. The 
proper scientific name for the orange rust mite, therefore, is 
Phyllocoptes oleivorus (Ashmead). 

.H. E. EWING 
U. S. Bureau of Entomology. 


A GEOMETRID LARVA ON GRAPEFRUIT 


The writer has recently received a number of larvae of the 
Geometrid moth Microgonia vesulia Cramer which were col- 
lected on grapefruit trees. The larva is not apt to be confounded 
with anything else, being a large gray looper, fully four inches 
long when mature. The majority of the larvae were parasitized 
by a Tachinid fly, and only the very young larvae lived to pro- 
duce moths. These parasites will probably prevent the insect 
from ever becoming of any importance as a pest. 

I am indebted to Mr. F. H. Benjamin for the determination. 
The moth is figured by Holland (Moth Book, pl. XLV, f. 11) 
under the name Oxydia vesulia. Grossbeck (Insects of Fla., 
IV, p. 102) gives the food plant of the larvae as oak. According 
to these authorities it is found over south Florida, and extends 
to Texas and through Mexico and the Antilles to Brazil. A 
series of the bred specimens is preserved in the author’s col- 
lection. 

D. MARSTON BATES. 


FALL NUMBER 23 


PERSONALS 


New members of our society are T. H. Hubbell and John 


Gray. Prof. Hubbell comes to assist Dr. Rogers in the teaching 


of entomology in the University. He is an ecologist and par- 
ticularly interested in orthoptera. Mr. Gray is Professor of 
Economic Entomology and Pathology in the Agricultural Col- 
lege. 

Mr. D. Marston Bates of Ft. Lauderdale, the youngest mem- 
ber of our society and an earnest student of microlepidoptera, 
has entered the University. He is also working as part time 


- assistant in the Department of Entomology of the Experiment 


iar 


Station. 

Mr. R. L. Trigg has resigned his position as research fellow 
for the National Research Council located at the Experiment 
Station to accept a position with the Federal Horticultural 
Board. He will be located at New York. Mr. Trigg has se- 
cured some valuable data on the influence of sulphur on the 
root-knot nematodes. 

Reginald Hart has been acting as assistant to the entomolo- 
gist of the State Plant Board during the absence of Mr. Geo. 
Merrill on a short vecation in the Carolinas. 

Among the publications recently published by our members 
are two by Dr. H. S. Davis of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries on 
diseases of fish and three by Dr. Carl J. Drake in Technical Pub- 
lication No. 16, of the N. Y. State College of Forestry. 

Mr. A. H. Beyer recently visited Lakeland Highlands where 
“pumpkin bugs’, Nezara viridula, were doing much damage to 
citrus. They were killing limbs of grapefruit trees an inch or 
two in diameter. They attack the upper side of limbs bending 
under the weight of fruit at the point of maximum bending, 
where it seems to be easier for them to pierce the bark. This 
type of injury was first brought to our attention last year. The 
infestation was due to a crop of cowpeas that was allowed to grow 
until about the first of October instead of being cut by the middle 
of September as has been recommended. 


A recent correspondent writes concerning the “fungas” in his 
grove. A member of the Board of Control once said that Dr. 
Berger is the man who put the fun in fungus. Who inserted the 
gas? . 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
He WATSON: 2 wee eae er kin Editor 
WAEMON NE WELT 278 8 «oem ee gn Sree are Associate Editor 
ASE EL VBEYER er. ek oa 85 ees ade ae ine Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 

THE SCALE INSECTS OF FLORIDA 

The last number of the Quarterly Bulletin of the State Plant 
Board of Florida (Vol. VII, No. 4) consists chiefly of an il- 
lustrated catalog of the scale insects of Florida by Geo. B. Mer- 
rill and Jeff Chaffin. This is a very valuable reference work 
which should be in the hands of everyone interested in the in- 
sects of Florida. 


NATURAL CONTROL OF ANTS 


A fruit grower in attendance at the Farmers’ and Fruit Grow- 
ers’ Short Course reported a novel method of controlling ants 
nesting about the bases of young citrus trees where the use of 
solutions of sodium cyanide or carbon disulphide would be 
unsafe. He collects a number of ant-lion larvae (“‘doodle-bugs’’) 
and liberates them about the bases of the infested trees. The 
larvae at once “dig in” and construct their deadly funnels. The 
result 1s a prompt and satisfactory clean up of the ants. 


A PROMISING NEW BAIT 


It has been found that a flavoring of nitrobenzine added to 
the poisoned bran bait (25 pounds of bran thoroly mixed with 
a pound of paris green) is very attractive to a variety and large 
range of insects. It was first tried by U. S. D. A. workers as a 
bait for web-worms (Crambidae). The Experiment Station 
found it quite attractive to the celery leaf-tyer at Sanford. The 
Official Record of the U. S. D. A. for July 18, 1923, reports its 
successful use against tobacco wireworms at Clarksville, Tenn. 
If it is attractive to such diverse insects as wireworms and 
caterpillars it is quite possible that it will be found of value 
against a large number of insects. It is at least worthy of a 
trial against almost any biting insect. 


aloe SH 


FALL NUMBER 25 


THE BUMBLE BEES OF FLORIDA’ 


Ps We EFATTIC 


Altho there are 58 species of Bombidae in the U. S.,—47 of 
the genus Bombus—the true bumble bees, and 11 of Psithyrus— 
the parasitic bees; only five species, four Bombus and one Psi- 
thyrus, occur in Florida. Thus it is seen that these bees are but 
poorly represented in Florida. They are most abundant in the 
Rocky Mountains. The following key will enable the reader to 
separate our species. 

A. Outer surface of hind tibiae convex and hairy; face of males black 
Psithyrus. 
Abdomen of female entirely dark; that of male very variable... 
P. variabilis. 
AA. Outer surface of hind tibiae of female concave and smooth; face of 
mnvebe? stillet lvoe WEbUy ClO Wes = Scccs =e tei ae so tne es | oer ae Bombus. 
a. Thorax with a distinct black band. 

b. First and second segment of abdomen yellow....B. fraternus. 
fob. First, second and third segments of the abdomen yellow........ 
B. pennsylvanicus. 

aa. Thorax without a distinct black band. 
b. Dorsum of the abdomen with the first segment yellow and the 
nemainines seoments: flack. ....2 8 =e ee B. impatiens. 
bo. Dorsum of the abdomen with the first segment yellow, the 
second segment more or less brown-ferruginous on the basal 
portion, especially in the middle—the remaining segments 
Nee lee ean Sie ee Ty eed Sie’ DEN Oe Re Sree B. separatus. 

B. fraternus nests in the ground or in holes in stumps or trees 
at the level of the ground. It is one of the most pacific of the 
bumble bees. Its coloration is very constant. 

B. impatiens also nests in the ground. 

B. pennsylvanicus nests on top of the ground, usually in old 
mouse nests and similar situations. Occasionally the nests are 
subterranean. 

B. separatus nests in the grass on the surface of the ground. 
It is one of the most pugnacious of bumble bees when its nest is 
attacked. 

Bees of the genus Psithyrus are parasitic on the true bumble 
bees which they mimic in color and actions. Usually they mimic 
most closely the species of Bombus on which they are parasitic. 
The Psithyrus queen enters the Bombus nest and kills the queen. 
The young Bombus bees then adopt the Psithyrus queen, feed her 
and tend and raise her brood. 


1Abstract of a paper read before the Fla. Entomological Society March, 1920. 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


FOOD HABITS OF THE PECAN TWIG GIRDLER 


In the latter part of October Mr. Robert R. Thompson of the 
Palmer Corporation at Sarasota sent to the Experiment Station 
specimens of an insect that was severely pruning his roses. It 
was the hickory twig girdler, Oncideres cingulata. This is the 
first instance of its attacking roses in Florida that has come to 
our attention altho Felt, in “Insects Affecting Park and Wood- 
land Trees’, records it as an occasional pest of roses. In Flor- 
ida in addition to hickories, including the pecan, which are its 
normal hosts, it frequently attacks Japanese persimmons and 
Australian pines, Casuarina equsetifolia, and occasionally the 
water beech, Carpinus Carolinana, and citrus trees. In the 
northern states it commonly attacks elms. Felt also lists oaks, 
apple, plum, linden, pear, and peach. A peculiarity of their 
attacks upon Australian pines is that they seldom lay any eggs 
in the girdled twigs. Evidently the stimulus of the tree (which 
is not really a pine) excites, thru smell, sight, feel, or other 
sense, the girdling instinct but not the egg-laying instinct. 


“BRAZILIAN ANT EATERS” 
Py HeROLES 


Friends and Associates or the Florida Entomological Society: 

I send you words of greeting from the land of the lure, where 
the skies are higher, where the stars are more numerous in the 
sky, and where the Southern Cross shines every night to remind 
one of his duty to his fellow man. Brazil, the land where great 
rivers flow without having names, where mountain ranges occur 
that are not even indicated on the maps. This vast interior 
is really the Brazil. Rio de Janeiro, Sau Paulo, and the other 
large coastal cities are merely cosmopolitan conglomerations 
like New York, Chicago and New Orleans. One has to get away 
from these cities to really know and appreciate the Brazil for 
what she is. Three million people could live in this territory 
and find themselves less cramped than a hundred million in the 
United States. 

Well, what I started out to write you about was the ant 
eaters of Brazil. At first you will say that this is not an ento- 
mological problem. Maybe the eating of honey is not an ento- 
mological problem, but even entomologists condescend at times 
to satisfy their gastronomic longings for that delicacy. 


pee rsetntene 


FALL NUMBER Zk 


THA SAuUVA (Atta sexdens, L.) 


The destructiveness of this species is attested in all agricul- 
tural countries in tropical America, ranging from Texas to Ar- 
gentina. It is the “billion dollar insect’’, destroying far more 
than the boll weevil, with which the Florida entomologists are 
quite familiar. 


The formicaries of this “bicho” are often from six to eight 
meters across and the range of the activity of the ants from one 
nest may be as great as a hundred meters. Frequently they 
connect their formicaries with the field in which they are cut- 
ting by long tunnels. I have a photograph of one formicary 
that went to a depth of more than four meters. 


Naturally formicaries of this size can breed a great quantity 
of sauvas, and each year produce thousands of tanajuras 
(queens). During the spring (October and November), after 
the rains have commenced, these tanajuras make their nuptial 
flight. Fortunately the distance they fly from the formicary is 
not great. The largest number of them alight within one hun- 
dred meters of their birthplace. After divesting themselves of 
their wings these new queens begin to excavate and then com- 
mence a new colony. Each one carries with her enough ‘“am- 
brosia” to care for herself and progeny until the first set of 
workers are ready to bring in the organic matter on which to 
plant the mushrooms. 


EATING TANAJURAS. 


These tanajuras are of a considerable size. With their wings 
folded back they measure from four to six centimeters. Their 
wing-spread is six to seven centimeters. Just after they have 
shed their wings the tanajuras are considered a particularly 
appetizing morsel. We had been told repeatedly that the ab- 
origines ate them, and that some of the country people cooked 
them. So we made particular inquiry to find out how this par- 
ticular feat was accomplished. It seems that the regulation 
way is to pull off the heads and fry the abdomen and thorax in 
hot fat. So Mrs. Hargrave (nee Effie Rolfs) prepared some of 
them for us. While in the hot fat, the abdomens burst, sounding 
and appearing very much like popcorn. In eating quality, too, 
they are about like good popcorn, crush readily and give off a 
rather pleasing, evanescent aroma. 


28 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mrs. Long, a teacher in the Methodist Missionary School at 
Juiz de Fora, tells us that she has frequently seen the moleques 
(negro urchins) in the school there pull off the heads and wings 
and eat the remainder with a great deal of gusto. 

There is no reason why one should have a great aversion to 
eating tanajuras. They are absolutely cleanly about their for- 
micary. For thousands, possibly millions of generations they 
have lived upon nothing but mushrooms. They are much more 
cleanly and certainly more appetizing in appearance than either 
oysters or shrimp, though of course their color is somewhat 
dark, almost black. 

If any of you are “from Missouri” on this proposition, just 
make us a visit next spring (October or November) and we will 
give you an opportunity of changing your mind. 


REPORTS OF MEETINGS. 


August 9, 1923.—A special meeting of the Society was held 
during Farmers’ and Fruit Growers’ Week at the University. A 
large number of visitors and members were present. President 
G. F. Merrill presided. The paper of the evening was by Mr. 
Yothers on “Citrus Conditions in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas 
and in the Satsuma District of Alabama”. This paper is printed 
in full in this issue of the Entomologist. 


September 21—A meeting of the Society was held during 
County Agents’ Week. 

Meeting was called to order by the temporary chairman, J. R. 
Watson. Members present, Beyer, Briggs, Burger, DeBusk, 
Gomme, Kime, Link, O’Byrne, Warren and Watson. A large 
number of visitors were also present. 

The subject of the meeting was “Most Important Insect 
Problems and Their Control.” This was discussed by a number 
of the county agents. 

The first speaker, E. F. DeBusk, Extension Citrus Patholo- 
gist, formerly county agent of Lake County, spoke of the aphid 
injury to the watermelon crop and control measures. He brought 
out very strongly the idea of agitation for a bill to the legislature 
to standardize spray materials. 


FALL NUMBER 29 


Wm. Gomme of Polk County also spoke of watermelon insects 
and stated that in his opinion spraying was more efficient than 
dusting. He spoke of Florida Red Scale as being particularly 
bad. Spray burn from oil emulsion was noticed from June to 
October. He also commented on the serious infestation of mealy 
bugs the past season, but declared that it was brought under 
good control by means of the parasite Paraleptomastix, distri- 
buted by the Experiment Station. 

C. D. Kime of Orange County mentioned about the same 
troubles as the former speakers, but added rust mite injury. 

W. R. Briggs of Manatee County told of controlling aphids 
on peppers by means of nicotine sulphate. He had success in 
controlling the Garden Flea Hopper with kerosene emulsion. 

Alfred Warren of St. Lucie County spoke of the Florida Red 
Scale as a puzzling insect. 

J. S. Rainey of Dade County brought out the idea that control 
work is more or less regulated by the market price of fruit; 
as a result the groves have been neglected. He considers avocados 
of primary importance and thinks citrus will become secondary. 
He expressed the opinion that spraying or dusting of fruit should 
be made compulsory by law. 

General discussion followed and the meeting adjourned at 
6:00 p. m. 


October 31.—The Society met in Language Hall at 4:30 with 
President Merrill in the chair. Members present were, Ayers, 
Bates, Beyer, Berger, Chaffin, Floyd, Goodwin, Hart, Merrill, 
O’Byrne, Walker, and Watson. Following a rather extended bus- 
iness meeting Mr. Reginald Hart spoke of his work on an 
insect survey of the lower East Coast. Among the insects 
collected and sent to Mr. George Merrill for identification were 
eight species of scale insects new to Florida, including two species 
new to science. He spoke of the importance of the insect 
pests of ornamentals to that portion of the state. In that connec- 
tion Prof. Watson mentioned the recent finding of a heavy infest- 
ation of root-knot on the roots of Washingtonia palms. The roots 
do not produce the characteristic knot-like galls. Prof. T. H. 
Hubbell and Prof. John Gray were elected members of the So- 
ciety. 

A. H. BEYER, Sec’y. 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


TRY NICOTINE SULPHATE 


A correspondent writes that his cucumbers are troubled with 


“‘yeapus.” 


Niagara Orchard Duster 


5-h. p. water cooled motor, and 
special orchard wagon. Weighs 


1000 lbs. complete. Crop attach- 
ment for dusting potatoes and cel- 
ery can be supplied. 


Niagara Sulfodust 

A finely ground sulphur contain- 
ing a special spreader and sticker. 
It has long been acknowledged as 
one of the best standard fruit dust 
fungicides, also for use in citrus 
groves to protect against rust mite 
and red spider. 

For further information on Nia- 
gara Dusts and Dusters write our 
Florida distributor 


PENINSULAR CHEMICAL CO. 
Orlando, Fla. 


DUSTING costs less than h- 
‘ quid spraying. Dust- 
ing materials cost more than ma- 
terials for liquid spraying, but 
this is more than counterbalanced 
by the big saving in time and labor, 
less cost of the duster, and much 
smaller depreciation, repairs and 
operating cost. 

Dusting differs from spraying 
chiefly in that Insecticides and 
Fungicides are applied in a pow- 
dered form; dry instead of wet. 
Water merely carries the active 
ingredients to the plant, where it 
evaporates and leaves a dry pow- 
der. Spraying requires 50 lbs. of 
water to carry 1 lb. of poison to 
the foliage. In dusting air is the 
carrier; it is ever present and does 
not have to be pumped and carried. 
The chemicals used are funda- 
mentally the same with either 
product. 


NIAGARA SPRAYER COMPANY 


Middleport, N. Y. 


Jacksonville, Fla. 


Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


When writing to advertisers mention The Florida Entomologist 


FALL NUMBER 31 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 101% to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E, 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTABLISHMENT 


ROCHESTER, N. Y., U. S. A. 

We are the headquarters for entomological supplies and specimens. 

We furnish the genuine Schmitt boxes, exhibition cases, and cabinets; 
also the American Entomological Company’ s insect pins. 

Riker specimen mounts and botanical mounts always on hand; also 
Riker botanical presses. 

Send for our free supply catalogue and other lists of interest to 
collectors. 

List No. 254 offering living pupae just issued. 


AXFIXO 


Trade Mark Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. 
(A Superior Nicotine Dust) 
For Dusting Against 
APHIS AND CUCUMBER BEETLE 


SOLD BY ALL THE BETTER DEALERS. 
Manufactured By 
‘Chemical Division 


HIGHTSTOWN HARDWARE COMPANY 
HIGHTSTOWN, N. J. 


on THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 


For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 
etc. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 
Always dependable and efficient. 

“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable” 


PRICES 
Set 0 gal 0 A eres Aetiea Sete ape eh, Cre Pe Re er hates, Sate $ 1.25 
Pll oFage 5 ba eee ete oe a pe amiec aN Sn I ae Ra a EN 3.50 
TEC ESN ote ba giao ae Oe ea sea Re eed ar toe 13.50 


“BLACK LEAF”-FI-NIGOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free’’) Nicotine 


Made from our own high-strength (“Free’’) Nicotine. 
Thoroughly standardized as to strength and texture. Rec- 
ommended for dusting vegetables to ‘destroy aphis. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Belloie Gin esse te. ee eee eee eee ay AIRY) 
PATEAL Oe 4 [ORG Dd0 as emeee, Mees eens ph tee ae a 3.75 
BOS bs ri eae A eee ee eee 6.75 

TL OQElIbe: xO RUIN et eee ea ee eee PAGS) 


“BLAGK LEAF”- F NICOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 2% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Is stronger in nicotine than our—F1—Dust, but other- 
wise, is the same. Recommended against the more resistant 
insects, such as cucumber beetle, pea aphis, etc. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Bey senb lke ee ee ee $ 1.30 
2521s ar he es ee pe rae ees 4.75 
GOI oy Stab eb ince cetat ee ee 8.75 

MOO basdrumM 2s eee 16.75 


“Black Leaf” products are sold by seedsmen, hardware 
stores, drum stores, general merchants, and dealers in hor- 
ticultural supplies. 


TOBACCO BY-PRODUCTS & CHEMICAL 
CORPORATION 


(Incorporated) 
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 


% 


Ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


veel eee of the Florida ees Society. 


WORUVIT-” WINTER NUMBER No. 3 
JANUARY, 1924 


THE CHRYSOMELIDAE OF FLORIDA 


By W. S. BLATCHLEY 
Dunedin, Florida 


To the student of entomology the leaf beetles or Chrysomelidae 
comprise one of the most interesting families of insects. On ac- 
count of their variation in form and color they have long been a 
favorite group of the systematic Coleopterists, while their leaf- 
and root-feeding habits have for many years attracted the atten- 
tion of economic entomologists. The family is one of the largest 
among the Coleoptera, about 18,000 species being known to scien- 
tists. Of these Leng, in his recent catalogue, recognizes 974 
from America north of Mexico. In the ‘Coleoptera of Indiana” 
265 were included from that State and 20 or more additional ones 
have since been taken. The present list of 268 species and 15 
varieties from Florida shows that the number known from each 
of these two states is very nearly the same. 

The Chrysomelidae may be characterized and separated from 
our other Coleoptera as follows: 

Size medium or small, rarely more than 13 mm. (one-half inch) in length; 
form variable, usually more or less oval and convex, never much flattened; 
color variable, often brilliant and shining; surface usually glabrous; an- 
tennae rarely more than two-thirds the length of body, filiform, the outer 
joints rarely subserrate or slightly thickened; front of head small, oblique or 
inflexed; base of antennae not at all surrounded by the eyes; thorax usually 
with distinct side margins; tarsi all 5-jointed, but the fourth joint very 
small and attached very closely to the base of the fifth, the tarsi therefore 
apparently only 4-jointed; sole usually densely pubescent. 

Of the life habits of the great majority of the Chrysomelidae 
but little or nothing is known, except that the adults occur mainly 
on the foliage of plants. The larvae of only about 100 species are 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 


mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


34 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


known, and only those which have proven especially injurious, 
such as the striped cucumber beetle and the Colorado potato 
beetle, have been studied in detail from egg to adult. There is 
therefore a most fertile field for pioneer work by young entomolo- 
gists along this line. 

All the species are diurnal in habit and move slowly over the 
surface of plants, to which they adhere by means of the dense 
brushes of hairs upon the under side of the tarsi. The eggs are 
usually yellowish and elongated and are generally laid upon the 
leaves or stems of the plants upon which the larvae feed. The 
latter are of varying form, but for the most part are fleshy con- 
vex or chunky hump-backed “slugs” or grubs, a familiar example 
being that of the Colorado potato beetle. Many of them live on the 
leaves of the plants, where they feed often in company with the 
mature insects. Those that live exposed to the light differ from 
the great majority of coleopterous larvae in being more or less 
highly colored. Some of them are flattened and curiously armed 
with spines, while others are partially covered with their own 
excrement. A few are leaf-miners or stem borers, and these are 
long and slender and without the conspicuous markings of those 
which feed in the open. The larvae of one large group are case- 
bearers; others, including an entire subfamily (Humolpinae) are 
root-feeders. When ready to transform, many of the leaf-eating 
larvae fasten themselves by the tail or last abdominal segment to 
a leaf and enter the chysalis stage, while others go into the ground 
when about to change to a pupa. The case-bearers pupate within 
the sealed-up larval case. 

The main object of the present paper is to list in natural order 
the species of Chrysomelidae which in the past have been recorded 
from Florida, and to show somewhat accurately their distribu- 
tion in the State. Many of the older Coleopterists, including both 
Leconte and Horn, were content to put “Fla.” or “Florida” after 
their descriptions, forgetting that the State is approximately 400 
miles long, 360 miles wide across its northern border, and con- 
tains an area of nearly 60,000 square miles. Representatives of 
three distinct faunas, the Austroriparian, Subtropical and Tropi- 
cal, live within its bounds, and the time has come when more defi- 
nite and accurate distributional notes than those furnished by 
the mere name of the State are in demand. 

Another object is to furnish some knowledge of the principal 
food plants of each species. But in compiling this data from 
printed records or from my field accession notes (now more than 


WINTER NUMBER 35 


10,000 in number) I have been surprised at the paucity of that 
knowledge. This is due principally to two reasons; First, few of 
our systematic coleopterists, both past and present, have been 
active collectors, but have relied largely upon others to furnish 
their specimens, and neither they nor the collectors kept or re- 
corded ecological data; second, the collecting of beetles in recent 
years has largely been done by the sweep-net, and this method of 
capture prevents the food plant being definitely known, unless, 
as is seldom the case, the vegetation is of a single species. It is 
only, therefore, of the more common and destructive species that 
the food plant can be stated with accuracy. The notes, as given 
after each species, furnish, therefore, information as to the kind 
of a habitat in which the species may usually be found, rather 
than accurate knowledge as to its host plant. 

The sources of information on which the present paper is based 
are as follows: (a). My private collection, taken personally, main- 
ly during the months from November to April inclusive, during 
the past eleven years, and principally in the southern half of the 
State. In this collection are those species whose serial numbers 
are preceded by an asterisk (*) numbering 184 of those recorded 
from the State; (b). The Florida Chrysomelidae in the collection 
of W. T. Davis, Staten Island, N. Y., which were sent on to me 
for examination; (c). The collection of the Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station at Gainesville, which I have examined in part there, 
and which in part has been sent to me for identification; (d). 
The printed records of Florida species as given in the works men- 
tioned in the “‘List of Works Cited’ which follows. A few of 
these records are open to question as to their proper identification 
at the time the record was made; (e). Manuscript records, espe- 
cially those of Schwarz and Hamilton mentioned in the “List of 
Works Cited,” also others kindly sent me by Prof. J. R. Watson, 
Chas. Schaeffer, H. C. Fall, J. N. Knull, Chas. W. Leng and 
others. 

List of Works Cited in the Present Paper 


Arranged Alphabetically by Authors and Years of Publication. 


BARBER, H. S.—1916—A Review of North American Tortoise Beetles. 
Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., XVIII, 113-127. 
BLATCHLEY, W. S.—1902—A List of the Coleoptera taken in the vicinity 
of Ormond, Florida in March and April, 1899. A Nature Wooing 
at Ormond by the Sea. pp. 2383-238. 
1910—An Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of the Coleoptera known to 
Occur in Indiana, pp. 1-1386. Chrysomelidae pp. 1095-1233. 


36 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


1913—On some Apparently New Coleoptera from Indiana and Florida. 
Can. Ent., XLV, 21-24. 

1914—Notes on the Winter and Early Spring Coleoptera of Florida, with 
Descriptions of New Species. Can. Ent., XLVI, 62-67; 88-92; 
140-144; 247-251. 

1916—A New Genus and Species of Nitidulini with Descriptions of other 
New Species of Coleoptera from Indiana and Florida. Can. Ent., 
XLVIII, 91-96. 

1917—On some New or Noteworthy Coleoptera from the West Coast of 
Florida. Can. Ent., XLIX, 187-148; 2386-240; 272-279. 

1918—Same, Pt. IV. Can. Ent., L. 52-59. 

1919—Some New or Scarce Coleoptera from Western and Southern 
Florida.—III. Can: Ent., LI, 65-69. 

1920—Notes on the Winter Coleoptera of Western and Southern Florida 
with Descriptions of New Species. Can. Ent., LII, 42-46; 68-72. 

1920a—Notes on some Coleoptera taken in the vicinity of Dunedin, Florida 
in the Spring of 1920, with Descriptions of New Species. Can. 
Ent., LII, 259-264. 

1921—Notes on Indiana Halticini with Characterization of a New Genus 
and Descriptions of New Species. Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc., XXIX, 
16-27. 

1922—Some New and Rare Coleoptera from Southwestern Florida. Can. 
Ent., LIV, 9-14; 27-33. 

1923—Notes on the Coleoptera of Southern Florida with Descriptions of 
New Species. Can. Ent., LV, 13-20; 30-36. 

1924—-New Coleoptera from Southern Florida with Notes on Other In- 
teresting Species. Can. Ent., LVI. 


BOWDITCH, F. C.—1909—Notes on Pachybrachys and Descriptions of 
New Species. Can. Ent., XLI, 287-244; 285-292; 312-324. 

CASTLE & LAURENT—1896-’97—April Collecting in Georgia and Flor- 
ida. Ent. News, VII, 300-305; XIII, 7-9. 

CROTCH, G. R.—1873—Materials for the Study of the Phytophaga of the 
_ United States. Proc. Acad. Nat. Scie., Phil., XXV, 19-83. 
DOZIER, H. L.—1918—An Annotated List of Gainesville, Florida Coleop- 

tera. Ent. News, XXIX, 295-298; 331-335; 370-374. 
FALL, H. C.—1910—Miscellaneous Notes and Descriptions of North Amer- 
ican Coleoptera. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XXXVI, 89-197. 
1915—A Revision of the North American Species of Pachybrachys. 
Trans. Amer. Ent. ‘Soc., XLI, 291-486. 
HAMILTON, DR. JOHN—1888—A Manuscript List of Coleoptera taken 
in the vicinity of St. Augustine, Florida by Mr. Chas. Johnson.* 
1894—Coleoptera taken at Lake Worth, Florida. Can. Ent., XX VI, 250- 
ADOSER VLSI o 22. 
HORN, G. H.—1883—Miscellaneous Notes and Short Studies of North Amer- 
ican Coleoptera. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., X, 269-312. 
1889—A Synopsis of the Halticini of Boreal America. Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soc., XVI, 163-320. 


*See Schwarz, Proc. Wash. Entom. Soc., No. 3, 1889. All St. Augustine 
records by Hamilton refer to his list. 


“any 
see e- 


WINTER NUMBER 3H 


1892—The Eumolpini of Boreal America. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XIX, 
195-234. 
1893—The Galerucini of Boreal America. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XX, 
57-136. 
LECONTE, J. L.—1878*—New Species of Coleoptera from Florida. Proc. 
Amer. Phil. Soc., XVII, 373-434. 
1880—Short Studies of North American Coleoptera. Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soc., VIII, 163-218. 
LENG, C. W.—1891—Review of the Donacia of Boreal America. Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., XVIII, 159-176. 
1920—Catalogue of the Coleoptera of America North of Mexico, pp. 
1-470. 
SCHAEFFER, CHAS.—1919—Synonymical and other Notes on some Spe- 
cies of the Family Chrysomelidae and Descriptions of New Spe- 
cies. Journ. N. Y. Entom. Soc., XX VII, 307-348. 
SCHWARZ, E. A.—1878*—Descriptions of New Species of Coleoptera from 
Florida. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., XVII, 354-372. 
1878*—List of Species of Coleoptera from Florida. Proc. Amer. Phil. 
Soc., XVII, 484-472.° 
SCHWARZ, E. A.—Ms.—A manuscript list of all additions to his “Coleop- 
tera of Florida,” up to about 1910. This List is in the Smithsonian 
Library.* 
SLOSSON, MRS. A. T.—1893—Spring Collecting in Northern Florida. 
Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc., I, 147-152. 
1895—Coleoptera of Lake Worth, Florida. Can. Ent., XX VII, 9-10. 
WICKHAM, H. F.—1909—A List of the Van Duzee Collection of Florida 
Beetles. Bull. Buffalo Soc. Natural Sciences, IX, 399-405. 


In the list of species which follows, the sequence and the nom- 
enclature, with rare exceptions, is that of Leng’s “Catalogue of 
the Coleoptera of America North of Mexico,” and the number in 
parenthesis before each species is that of said catalogue. Where 
a species was originally described from Florida the date of year 
and page follows the name of author, the name of the publica- 
tion in which the description appeared being given after the date 
of that year in the “List of Works Cited.” 

The names of authors whose locality records are mentioned or 
of those who furnished manuscript data are, to save space, usually 
abbreviated as follows: 


Barber, H. S.=Br. Leconte, J. L.—Lec. 
Blatchley, W. S.—BI. or Blatch. Schaeffer, Chas.=Schf. 
Castle & Laurent=C. & L. Slosson, Mrs. A. T.=Sl. 
Davis, W. T.—Dav. Schwarz, E. A.=Sz. 
Dozier, H. L.—Doz. Watson, J. R.—Wat. 
Knull, J. N.=Kn. Wickham, H. L.—Wic. 


*The three papers marked with an asterisk comprise the work. of Schwarz 
entitled “The Coleoptera of Florida.” Since the Leconte article is in- 
cluded I have thought it best to list the three separately 

See Can. Ent., L, 1918, 419. 


38 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


By our later systematists the family Chrysomelidae is sep- 
arated into 15 groups or subfamilies, 12 of which are represented 
in Florida. Each of these is mentioned under the brief charac- 
terization of its first genus in the list which follows. 


LIST OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES 
I. Donacia Fabricius. 


Elongate or oblong graceful beetles of medium size (6-12 mm.), 
occurring upon the foliage and flowers of water-lilies, pickerel- 
weed, skunk cabbage, arrow-head and other semi-aquatic plants; 
the larvae living under water and feeding upon the roots, the 
adults flying actively about and mating usually within the flow- 
ers. They have the head constricted to form a neck behind the 
eyes, thorax narrower than elytra and without side margins; 
mandibles simple; first ventral about as long as the others united. 
(Subfamily Donacinae.) 


1. (15197). D. floridae Leng, 1891, 196.—Types in the U. S. N. Mus. 
from Enterprise. No other Florida record. Food plant white water-lily, 
Castalia odorata (Dryand). The males differ from those of all others in 
having the hind femora much surpassing the tips of elytra. 


2. (15198a). D. cincticornis Newn.—Crescent City (Sz. Ms.). “Jupiter 
and Lake Worth; not a var. of proxima but a distinct species” (Schf. Ms.).— 
White water-lily; yellow water-lily, Nymphaea advena Sol.; pondweed, Po- 
tamogeton. 


3. (15200). D. hypoleuca Lac.—Enterprise, Lake Poinsett, Crescent City 


(Sz. Ms.). Lake City (Wat.). Schaeffer (Ms.) says that the Crescent City 
specimens in the U. S. N. Mus. are texana. 


Ah (ee a! ). D. texana Crotch.—Crescent City; a distinct species, not 
the female of hypoleuca as stated by Leng.” (Schf. Ms.).—Yellow water- 
lily. 

*5. (15202). D. piscatrix Lac.—Throughout the State. Common about 
Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., mating in flowers of its only food plant, the yellow 
water-lily. 

6. (15206). D. rugosa Lec., 1878, 415.—Described from Enterprise. Cres- 
cent City (Sz. Ms.).—Pickerel-weed, Pontederia cordata L. 

7. (15212). D. torosa Lec.—‘Specimens in Leng Collection labelled 


‘Fla.’; occurs in Massachusetts on Carex and grasses in moist meadows” 
(Schf. Ms.). 


8. (15215). D. metallica Ahr.—‘Specimens in Leng Collection labelled 
‘Fla. ” (Schf. Ms.). In Indiana this species has been taken only between 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


the bases of the leaves of skunk cabbage, Spathyema foetida (L.) ; in Massa- 
chusetts on the tussock sedge, Carex stricta Lam. 


II. Lema Fabricius. 


Oblong, often prettily variagated beetles of small size (4-7 
mm.) occurring usually on herbage in dense woodland or moist 
places. Head with a neck behind eyes; elytral punctures in rows; 
thorax constricted at middle; tarsal claws simple. The larvae 
feed on foliage and, for protection, cover their backs with their 
own excrement. (Subfamily Criocerinae.) 


*9, (15236). L. cornuta Fabr.—Numerous records from the northern 
half of the State. Taken by me at Lake Wales, Marco and Dunedin, Mch.- 
Apr., while sweeping natal grass and other herbage. Miami (Kn.). 

10. (15238). L. texana Cr—Suwannee Springs; on flowers of the but- 
terfly-pea, Clitoria mariana L. (SI., 1893). The only definite State record. 

*11. (15239). L. brunnicollis Lac.—Fernandina and St. Augustine on 
Carduus (Sz.). Common at Sarasota and Sanford, Febr.-Mch., on flowers 
of a thistle, Carduus spinosissimus Walt. (BI., 1913). L. Wales and Gaines- 
ville; common, June-Sept., on live oak (Wat.). 

12. (15242). L. maculicollis Lac—L. Ashley and Haw Creek (Sz.). 
Cleveland (Kn.). 

13. (15243). L. collaris Say.—Enterprise (C. & L.). The only State 
record.—In Indiana the food plant is the spiderwort, Tradescantia virgini- 
ana L. 

*14, (15246). L. solani Fabr.—Throughout the State. Occurs mainly 
in March and April on the black nightshade, Solanum nigrum L., and allied 
plants. 

15. (15248). L. cireumvittata Clark.—Listed as L. conjuncta Lac. from 
Enterprise (Sz.); afterwards (Ms.) from St. Augustine and Crescent City, 
and changed to circumvittata. L. Worth (Ham.); Clearwater (Wic.). 

16. (15250). L. conjuncta Lac.—L. Worth (Ham.). Gainesville, swept 
from oak, Apr. 1 (Doz.). Perhaps confused with circumvittata, as not men- 
tioned from Florida in Leng Catalogue. 

17. (15251). L. confusa Chev.—Crescent City (Sz. Ms.); Enterprise, 
Apr. 16 (C. & L.). Biscayne Bay (Schf. 1919.). 

*18. (15253). L. trilineata (Oliv.)—Throughout the State. Abundant 
at Gainesville, April, on ground cherry (Doz.). Rare at Dunedin. Food 
plants, potato, night-shade, horse-nettle and other Solanaceae. 

*19. (15256a). L. sexpunctata albina Lac.—Enterprise (C. & L.); Cres- 
cent City (Sz. Ms.); Sanford, Apr. 4 (Bl.); Gainesville on dog-fennel, Aug. 
4 (Wat.); Ft. Myers (Wic.). Cleveland (Kn.). 

*19a. (15256b). L. sexpunctata ephippium Lac.—Crescent City (Sz. Ms.); 
Ormond, Apr. 4 on blossoms of thistle (Bl., 1902); Sanford, Apr. (Bl.); 
Gainesville on basswood, June (Wat.). 


(To be continued) 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
J. R. WATSON.......... Ceara er re A AL ahr: 
WiniMON “NEWELL. <:-.5 222 50 St eet Associate Editor 
sa, Its ES) 63 Od See eR ee AO te DR cena A od Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
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Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 


THE SCIENTIST 


The following from the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, pub- 
lished during the meeting of the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science in that city, is so good, and incidentally, 
so comforting to our conceit, that we reproduce it here for the 
benefiit of our readers: 

“Popularly speaking, the scientist is to society in general a 
something apart. We know he is there busy on the inside with 
laboratory experiment and busy on the outside with labored re- 
search in investigation. We regard him highly, respect him sin- 
cerely and forget him entirely until some wonder work of devel- 
opment or discovery brings some one of him into the limelight 
of public attention. 

“Now this is not unflattering to the scientist, but on the con- 
trary is wholly complimentary. We recognize him as our guide, 
philosopher and friend blazing the way to knowledge, but some 
planes removed from us in the average of the upward climb to- 
ward achievement. Except the fundamentalists whose dogma he 
may disturb, we accept him at his word and take what he teaches 
us as the latest in that particular line. In the fields of utility we 
grant him the halo of a benefactor of his race. We recognize him 
as the giver of good gifts in adding constantly to the interest and 
comfort, even the exhilaration and luxuriousness of life.” 


THE CINCINNATI MEETING OF THE A. A. A. S. 


The Association meetings extended from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2. 
Among the affiliated societies meeting with the Association at 
which papers on entomology were read were the Entomological 
Society of America, the Am. Ass. of Economic Entomologists, 
and the Ecological Society of America. 


(40) 


| 
| 
| 
| 


WINTER NUMBER 41 


In his address, ‘“‘A Retrospect’, the retiring president of the 
Association, Prof. J. Playfair McMurrick, reviewed the progress 
that has been made in the Association and in science in general 
since the organization of the Association seventy-five years ago. 
He spoke especially of the revolutionary influence of the doctrine 
of evolution upon science in particular and human thought in 
general. In conclusion he stated: ‘No, evolution is not dead, nor 
ean it be killed by legislative enactment.” 

In the public address of the Entomological Society Dr. James 
G. Needham spoke on “The Role of Insects in Food Production’’. 
He drew attention to the practicability of using insects as food 
for other animals, especially fishes and birds. While most farm- 
ers are spending their good money for insecticides to kill insects 
Dr. Needham is raising them as a forage crop. 

Among the papers presented before the Ecologists was one on 
the use of calcium cyanide in exterminating burrowing rodents. 
This substance should be effective against our “salamanders” 
and possibly “gophers”’. 

In the meeting of the Economic Entomologists the Japanese 
Beetle and the European Corn Borer received much attention 
as did also the use of oil emulsions instead of lime-sulphur for 
the control of the San Jose scale. The following members of our ' 
own societey were elected to membership in the association: 
Reginald Hart, Donald Reese, and F. G. Tooke. H. L. Dozier was 
elected to active membership. A. F. Burgess was elected presi- 
dent. 

Our members present at the meeting were Geo. Ainsley, E. W. 
Berger, Dr. H. S. Davis (Washington, D. C.), H. L. Dozier (and 
his newly acquired wife), H. C. Goodwin, Herbert Osborn, Don- 
ald Reese and J. R. Watson. 


RECENT PUBLICATIONS ON FLORIDA INSECTS 


Three bulletins and articles recently published by our mem- 
bers are: ‘“Bordeaux-oil Emu!sion’”—Winston, Bowman, and 
Yothers. U.S. D. A. Departmental Bulletin 1178. 

“Striped Sod Worm, Crambus mutabilis Clemens”—Geo. G. 
Ainslie. Jl. Ag. Research Vol. XXIV, No. 5. 

“Synopsis and Catalog of the Thysanoptera of North America 
(with a translation of Karny’s Keys to the Genera of Thysan- 
optera and a Bibliography of Recent Publications)”—J. R. Wat- 
son. Univ. of Fla. Ag. Exp. Station, Bull. 168. 


4? THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


We also note, “The Puss Caterpillar and the Effects of its 
Sting on Man’—F. C. Bishop. U. 8. D. A. Departmental Cir- 
cular 288. 

In the Jl. of Agric. Research Vol. XXV, No. 5, Mr. A. C. 
Baker describes a new and possibly dangerous whitefly (Alewro- 
dicus manni) from Honduras. 


NOTES ON FLORIDA LEPIDOPTERA 


D. MARSTON BATES 


(Contribution from the Department of Entomology, Fla. Agr. Exp. Sta.) 


Papilio polydamas L. 


Grossbeck, in his Lepidoptera of Florida, gives only the indefi- 
nite locality “Indian River” for this species. It is, however, lo- 
cally quite abundant in southeast Florida, and I have found it in 
both the adult and larval stages at Stuart, Palm Beach, Ft. Laud- 
erdale, and Miami. The larva is at times destructively abundant 
on Aristolochia. 


Papilio troilus form iloneus A. & S. (=texanus Ehr.) 


Larvae of this species that were collected on camphor have 
been sent in to the Experiment Station on several occasions. 


Anartia jatrophae L. 


Holland (1898) erroneously states that the early stages of this 
genus and species are unknown, and apparently all who have fol- 
lowed him have fallen into the same error. Scudder, Proceedings 
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1892, p. 239, gives 
the following note on the larva: “Black, the front of the first 
thoracic segment, the prolegs, and the base of many of the spines 
more or less ochraceous. Chrysalis: Smooth and wholly black, ex- 
cept the borders of the antennal cases and the stigmatal fissures, 
which are whitish, and the cremaster is somewhat ochraceous at 
base. Food-plant, Lippia.”’ 


Seitz, Macrolepidoptera, Vol. V, cities Jatropha manihot as the 
food-plant. 


Very abundant in south Florida at times, especially in the 
Everglades, along the banks of the canals. 


WINTER NUMBER 43 


Victorina steneles L. 


This is another one of the many species, the early stages of 
which Holland erroneously states to be unknown. Scudder, op. 
cit., p. 238, gives the following note on the early stages of this 
species: “Mature Caterpillar: Coronal spines of head 8 mm. long, 
red, broadly crimson at base, whitish in the middle and brownish 
at tip. Body velvety black, the spines reddish gray, a mediodorsal 
stripe of stiff pile, less abundant than the unequal papilla-seated 
pile on the sides. Feeds on Blechum.” 

Seitz, Macrolepidoptera, vol. V, p. 464 states that the life-his- 
tory of V. trayja only is known, and that the food-plant is Acan- 
thaceae. 


Diaethria clymena Cramer 


Early stages stated by Holland to be unknown. Described by 
Scudder (op. cit.), who states that the food-plant in Brazil is 
Trema micrantha. Another species of the genus, Trema floridana 
Britton is found in peninsular Florida and on the keys (Small), 
and is possibly the food-plant in Florida. 


Athena peleus Sulz. 


Scudder has given some notes on the early stages of this species 
in his above mentioned paper. I have frequently reared it at 
Ft. Lauderdale on Ficus carica, the cultivated fig. Scudder states 
that the food-plants are Ficus and Anacardium. Seitz states that 
the larva occurs on “‘Cachou” (Anacardium). 

The butterfly is quite common in the “hammocks” of southeast 
Florida, where the Ficus species are found. 


MEETINGS OF THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


December 7, 1923. A regular meeting was held in Language 
Hall, Pres. G. B. Merrill in the chair. Members present: Rogers, 
Berger, Watson, Gray, Hubbell, Major Floyd, Bates, Walker, 
Merrill, O’Byrne, Stirling, and Beyer. Dr. F. Thome was a 
visitor. 

The address of the meeting was a very interesting narrative 
by Mr. Hubbell on a collecting trip to Honduras. Prof. Hubbell 
visited Honduras in the spring of 1923 with an expedition of en- 
tomologists and pathologists in charge of Dr. Johnson. The object 


44 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


of the expedition was to investigate insects which are a source of 
great loss in the banana plantations of the United Fruit Co. Be- 
cause of the ravages of the Panama blight disease in the older 
plantations the company is obliged to constantly seek new banana 
lands and are constantly pushing their plantations up the valleys 
towards the dry interior. 

Most of the collecting done by the speaker was along the Tela 
and Truxillo divisions of the company’s railroad, but a trip was 
made over the mountains into the more arid interior. Here the 
fauna was quite different from that of the banana country. Dr. 
Hubbell found the orthoptera of the region especially interesting. 
Ticks were very abundant and troublesome. He spoke of the 
very interesting ants which inhabit the thorns of the Acacia trees. 

In the humid coastal section many of the insects were special- 
ized for arboreal life. Gorgeous butterflies were very abundant, 
as were also snakes. Mimicry was common. Dr. Hubbell did some 
collecting about lights at night thereby catching many valuable 
specimens that otherwise would have been missed. 

He described the culture of bananas. Paths are cut thru 
the jungle and the banana slips planted. The entire forest is 
then cut and, when sufficiently dry, burned. The banana shoots 
immediately spring up and have a start of the other vegetation. 
Practically no cultivation is given except to cut down the brush 
and old banana stalks. 


January 18, 1924. The regular meeting of the Florida Ento- 
mological Society was held in Language Hall, the president, Geo. 
B. Merrill, in the chair. The following members were present: 
Bates, Berger, Beyer, O’Byrne, Merrill, Montgomery, Walker, 
Watson. 

Meeting opened with the election of officers. All former offi- 
cers were reelected. 

The program of the evening included reports from several 
members who were in attendance at the Cincinnati and Birming- 
ham meetings. The first speaker, Dr. E. W. Berger, reported that 
the A. A. A. S. meetings at Cincinnati were well attended. He 
gave a brief account of Dr. Hamlin’s address on the biological 
control of cactus as illustrated by Australia’s struggle to control 
the prickly pear cacti which overrun the entire country, by means 
of introducing insects and diseases. Great difficulty in introduc- 
ing any control measures is experienced because of the fact that 


WINTER NUMBER A5 


the government owns the land and leases it for periods of years 
to individuals, who as a consequence, have little interest in im- 
proving it. 

Professor J. R. Watson spoke of attending three meetings, the 
Entomological Society of America, the American Association of 
Economic Entomologists, and the Ecological Society of America. 
He also reported an interesting conference on the Mexican bean 
beetle. This beetle is characteristic of mountainous regions and 
apparently need not be feared in the coastal plain. 


The meetings of the Association of Southern Agricultural 
Workers at Birmingham, Alabama, were discussed by Dr. Mont- 
gomery, who reported an address by Dr. Hull of Mississippi, who 
spoke of cotton production as a matter of fundamental import- 
ance, and told of the committee which was appointed to secure all 
possible information on cotton production and boll weevil control. 
B. R. Coad, of the Bureau of Entomology, U.S. D. A., gave an 
interesting address on boll weevil experiments. The net results 
of experiments at Tullulah, La., were given by means of charts, 
showing the saving in dollars per acre by the use of different 
methods of control. In the absence of Mr. George B. Smith, Dr. 
Newell was called on and gave a brief report on the results of 
the Florida Method for 1923. It was recommended by the com- 
mittee that on the poor, low-yielding soils of the Coastal Plain 
the Florida Method be used, and in the rich delta regions the dust- 
ing method be used, as under the wide range of conditions no one 
method can be successfully applied. 

The treatment of cotton plants just before formation of squares 
was recommended. The treatment ordinarily would be applied 
about May 20th and would consist in applying by means of a 
mop a calcium arsenate syrup mixture. 

A new method of boll weevil control was demonstrated with 
the Barber machine, composed of a burner and copper coils, using 
a mixture of steam and kerosene vapor to destroy the weevils. 

A. H. BEYER, 
Secretary. 


Dr. W. S. Blatchley expects to leave Dunedin about March 10 
on a collecting trip to Miami and the Royal Palm Park. He is 
working on the heteroptera. 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


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WINTER NUMBER 47 


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48 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


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VOL. VII SPRING NUMBER Nesa 
ee 1924 


THE CHRYSOMELIDAE OF FLORIDA 
By W. S. BLATCHLEY 
Dunedin, Florida 
(Continued from Vol. VII, No. 3) 
II. Antipus DeGeer—(Anomeea Lac.) 


Rather stout elongate (7-8 mm.) subcylindrical, dull yellow 
species having the head inserted in thorax to eyes; thorax as 
wide as elytra and with side margins; mandibles toothed; last 
dorsal segment exposed, declivent; antennae short, serrate, not 
received in grooves; surface not tuberculate; prosternum not 
separating front coxae. The larvae are case-bearers and are 
said to live mainly in ants’ nests, feeding upon vegetable debris. 
(This and Genus IV form the subfamily Clythrinae.) 

*20. (15262). A. laticlavia (Forst.).—Numerous records from the north- 
ern three-fourths of the State. Dunedin at porch light, Apr. 26. Occurs on 
oak, citrus, etc.; “feeding on pine foliage, June 8” (Doz.). Also said to 
injure leaves of cotton. 

IV. Coscinoptera Lacordaire. 

Small oblong (3-7 mm.) black pubescent species. The eggs are 
attached to leaves of various plants. The larvae are case-bearers, 
and feed upon dead leaves of the plants upon which the adults 
are found. (Riley, Ins. Mo., VI, 127.) 

*21. (15267). C. dominicana (Fabr)—Haulover and Tampa, very rare 
(Sz.). Dunedin, one only, Apr. 5; Gainesville on oak (Doz.). 

V. Chlamys Knoch. 

Small robust blackish or bronze beetles (2-4 mm.) having the 
upper surface furnished with numerous wart-like tubercles, and 
antennae received in grooves. The larvae live on the surface of 
leaves enclosed in cases formed of their own excrement. This 
genus and the next are very closely allied forming the subfamily 
Chlamydinae which is badly in need of revision. ° 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


50 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


*992. (15297). C. gibbosa (Fabr.)——Common throughout the State. 
Usually listed as C. plicata (Fabr.). Common about Dunedin on roadside 
herbage. On chinquepin blooms, evidently eating the pollen, at Gainesville, 
May 20 (Doz.). 

*23, (15298). C. tuberculata Klug.—Enterprise (Sz. Ms.); Sanford, La 
Belle, Istokpoga and Dunedin (BI.); frequent about Dunedin, Dec.-Apr., on 
flowers and foliage of a dwarf huckleberry. Ft. Myers (Kn.). 

24. (15300). C. foveolata Knoch.—Tampa, rare (Sz.); Key West (Sz. Ms.). 


VI. Exema Lacordaire. 


Resemble Chlamys but smaller (1.8-2.7 mm.) ; the males usu- 


ally with face white. Habits of larvae the same. 

*95, (15305). E. gibber (Oliv.)—Common throughout the State. Occurs 
during the winter on the foliage of oak, huckleberry, etc. Dimorphic in hue, 
the typical form opaque black. My Chlamys nodulosa (1913, 22), based on 
the bronzed form, is a synonym. 

*26. (15306). E. conspersa (Mann.).—Taken in some numbers about 
Dunedin by sweeping low moist cultivated tracts about the borders of 
hammocks (Bl, 1920). No other record from the State, but a specimen 
in the U. S. N. Mus. from Enterprise. ne! 

Be Oice ( ). E. neglecta Blatch, 1920, 69,—Common throughout the 
southern half of the State; probably also in the northern portion. Frequents 
the foliage and flowers of huckleberry and other low shrubs during the win- 
ter and spring months. Usually listed as EH. conspersa. 


VII. Griburius Haldeman. 


Small oblong robust yellow species (5-6 mm.), the elytra and 
sometimes the thorax with black dots. Habits of larvae not known. 
The species of this and the genera up to XIV possess the char- 
acters mentioned under Antipus except that the antennae are 
usually long and slender, and the prosternum separates the front 
coxae. They belong to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. 

*28. (15307). G. larvatus (Newn.)—Throughout the State. Taken 


frequently in spring about Dunedin by sweeping low herbage. Miami, 
LaBelle, Cleveland and Paradise Key (Kn.). 


VIII. Pachybrachys Redtenbacher. 


A large genus of small compact subcylindrical species (2.5-5.5 
mm.), varying much in color, from gray or. yellow to black, or 
red with black markings. Fall in his Revision (1915) includes 
159 species from North America. Of these 26 have been definitely 
recorded, some of them doubtless erroneously, from Florida. A 
number of the other species, known as yet only from Georgia or 
Alabama, probably occur in the northern part of the State. But 
little is known of the food habits of the larve. Schwarz wrote 
Fall that they ‘‘are unquestionably all sac-bearers, but are difficult 
to find and do not feed upon the foliage of plants.” 


a 


SPRING NUMBER i 


29. (15812). P. pubescens (Oliv.)—St. Augustine (Ham.) as P. morosus 
Hald., a synonym. Fall gives South Carolina as the most southern range 
known to him. 

*30. (15337). BP. lodingi Bowd., 1909, 248.—Fall (1915) records this from 
seven different stations, including Jacksonville and Key West, so that it 
doubtless occurs throughout the State. Taken frequently about Dunedin, 
Nov.-Apr.. by sweeping herbage in dry sandy localities. 

81. (15358). P. sobrinus Hald.—Enterprise, rare (Sz.). No other State 
record. Fall does not include Florida in his distributional records, though 
pectoralis Melsh., a very closely allied species, is recorded by him from both 
Georgia and Alabama. Occurs on black locust in Missouri (Riley). 


382. (153865). P. illectus Fall, 1915, 370—The types, now in the U.S.N. 
Mus., were taken at Enterprise, May 20. No other record. 

33. (153869). P. femoratus (Oliv.)—Enterprise and Key West (Fall, 
1915). Occurs on hickory and oak in Alabama. 

*34. (15370). BP. characteristicus Suffr., 1853, 176—Known only from 
Florida. Seven localities, including Key West and Jacksonville, are given 
by Fall. In addition to these I have it from Sanford, Gainesville and Dune- 
din. Taken by beating in dense wet hammocks. 


385. (15393). P. peccans Suffr.—‘Duval Co., Leng Coll.” (Fall 1915). 
No other State record. On Prunus and Rumex in the north. 

*36. (15407). P. atomarius (Melsh.).—Throughout the State. Rare 
at Dunedin, Apr. 3, by sweeping low huckleberry. 

*37. (15410). P. stygicus Fall, 1915, 417.—The type is from Enterprise 
and Fall gives six other localities, including Jacksonville and Key West. At 
hand from Sanford, Dunedin and Gainesville. Frequent about Dunedin, 
Jan.-Apr., on the flowers and foliage of dwarf huckleberry, etc. One of 
the few wholly black species occurring in the State. 

388. (154138). P. roboris Fall—Jacksonville; Ashmead Coll., U. S. N. 
Mus. (Fall). No other State record. 


*39, (15414). P. spumarius Suffr—In my _ collection from Ormond, 
Sanford, Palmdale, Gulfport and Dunedin. Identified by Fall. Merritt and 
Ft. Pierce on Oak (Wat.). The most common Pachybrachys about Dun- 
edin, Dec.-Apr., on the foliage and flowers of low huckleberry and other 
herbage, especially that about the borders of wet hammocks. Not before 
recorded from the state. 

*40. (15418). BP. varians Bowd.—Fall records this from six stations, 
Jacksonville and Key West included. I have it from Eustis, Ocala, L. 
Wales, Lakeland and Dunedin, Oct. 31-Apr. 15. Scarce about Dunedin, on 
natal grass and low herbage in dry soil. 

Al, (15419). BP. conformis Suffr., 1853, 205.—Tampa and Enterprise 
(Fall). Known only from Florida. 

A2. (15420). BP. osceola Fall, 1915, 428.—Types in U. S. N. Mus. from 
Enterprise. No other record. 

43. (15432). BP. tridens (Melsh.)—Enterprise, Lake Ashley and Tampa 
(Sz.). Not included from Florida by Fall. Schwarz informed Fall that 
this was the only eastern species, the imago of which has a definite known 
food plant, the plant being the poison ivy, Rhus toxicodendron L. 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


44, (15433). P. obsoletus Suffr—One in Liebeck coll. from Florida 
(Fall). No other State record. On black locust in Missouri (Riley). 


*45. (15444). P. litigiosus Suffr—Throughout the State. At hand 
from Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ft. Myers and Dunedin. Common about 
Dunedin, Nov.-Apr., on a wild bean along the railway embankment and 
on herbage which has sprung up on recently burned-over tracts. 


46. (15450). P. pallidipennis Suffr—‘Tampa, common” (Sz.). No 
other State record. Known elsewhere only from Kansas and Texas. 

47. (15451). BP. othonus (Say).—Key West, Leng Coll. (Fall). Orlando 
(Kn.). 

48. (15455). P. carbonarius Hald.—New Smyrna and Tampa (Sz.); 
St. Augustine (Ham.); Jacksonville (C. & L.); Sanford (Wic.). In In- 
diana occurs on oak and roadside herbage. 


49. (15457). P. viduatus (Fabr.).—Florida, Leng Coll. (Fall). Gaines- 
ville (Wat.). 

50. (15459). P. trinotatus (Melsh.)—“Not rare” (Sz.); Enterprise 
(C. & L.); Crescent City and Estero (Wic.). These records should perhaps 
refer to pulvinatus. In Indiana occurs on flowers of Jersey tea, Ceanothus 
americanus L. 


*51. (15460). P. pulvinatus Suffr.—Capron, Baldwin, Enterprise, 
Tampa and Key West (Fall). Scarce about Dunedin in March on tall grass 
along the margins of ponds and moist hammocks. Closely resembles 
trinotatus but the legs with small yellow spots, instead of wholly black as 
there. 

52. (15462). P. luridus (Fabr.)—Jacksonville and Key West (Fall). 
In Indiana occurs on the flowers of Jersey tea and false indigo, Baptisia 
leucantha T. & G. 

*53. (15466). P. discoideus Bowd., 1909, 239.—Type from Port Orange. 
Occurs throughout the State. Formerly known as limbatus Newn., a preoccu- 
pied name. At hand from Ormond, Ocala, Palmdale and Dunedin. Fre- 
quent at Ormond and Dunedin in spring on oak and huckleberry. The 
dull red elytra with abbreviated broad black sutural stripe easily distin- 
guish the species. 

*54. (15470). P. hepaticus (Melsh.)—Cedar Keys, New Smyrna and 
Tampa (Sz.); St. Augustine (Ham.); Jacksonville (Fall). Scarce at Dun- 
edin, Feb.-Apr., on ground beneath boards and by sweeping. 


IX. Monachulus Leng. 


Small compact, dark blue or black species (2-3 mm.). Larvaze 
unknown. The old name, Monachus Suffr., was preoccupied. 

55. (15472). M. ater (Hald.).—Enterprise (C. & L.). No other State 
record. Occurs in Indiana on milkweed. 

*56. (15473). M. saponatus (Fabr.).—Throughout the State. At hand 
from Sanford, Ft. Myers and Dunedin, Dec.-Apr. Occurs on herbage in 


moist places, mating Dec. 9. 
*57. (15474). M. thoracicus (Cr.), 1873, 31.—Types from South Car- 


a: 


Pe wie 


SPRING NUMBER 53 


olina and Florida. Throughout the northern three-fourths of the State. 
Abundant at Gainesville, Feb. 18-Mch. 8, on wild plum, cherry-laurel and 
wild cherry blossoms (Doz.). 

*58. (15475). M. auritus (Hald.).—Throughout the State. At hand 
from six different stations, Febr.-Apr. Beaten from oak and wax myrtle. 
Cerothamnus ceriferus L. 


X. Cryptocephalus Geoffroy. 


Small compact oblong subcylindrical species ‘(3-6.5 mm.), 
usually prettily striped or spotted, and found on foliage of trees 
or shrubs. Food habits of larvae unknown or unrecorded. The 
genus is a large one and needs revision badly, 44 species being 
recognized by Leng, 21 of which are known from Florida. 


59. (15479 a). C. notatus quadrimaculatus Say.—“Fla.” (Leng Coll.). 
No definite locality record can be found. Frequent in Indiana on flowers 
of Jersey tea. 

*59a. (15479b). C. notatus fulvipennis Hald.—Northern three-fourths 
of the State. At hand from Ocala and Dunedin, Oct.-Apr. Scarce at 
Dunedin on oak. Gainesville on wild cherry bloom, March 9; oak and wild 
buckeye foliage, Apr. 3-18 (Doz.). La Belle, Apr. (Kn.). 

EGOE( ). C. binominis Newn.—Northern three-fourths of the State. 
At hand from Ormond, Istopoga, L. Okeechobee and Dunedin, Mch.-Apr. 
On oak and low huckleberry. Leng erroneously places this as a synonym 
of Bassareus detritus (Oliv.) (See BI., 1923, 30.). The C. distinctus Hald. 
(Sz.) belongs here (Sz. Ms.). 

*61. (15483). C. guttulatus Oliv.—Recorded or reported from six sta- 
tions as far south as Sanford. Ormond, Apr. 1, on oak (BI., 1902). 

*62. (15486). C. bivius Newn.—Occurs as far south as Estero (Wic.). 
Searce at Ormond, Eustis, Sanford and Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., on oak and 
huckleberry. 

Oonm(lb49i) C. defectus Lec.—According to Schaeffer (Ms.) my 
C. sanfordi (1913, 23) is a synonym of defectus. The latter is recorded only 
from Texas. My specimens of sanfordi are from Sanford, Istokpoga and 
Dunedin, Mch. 25-31 ,and were beaten from willow. Schaeffer also suggests 
that defectus Lec. is probably a color variety of nanus Fabr., the two dif- 
fering only in color of elytra. 

64. (15493). C. confluens Say.—‘Florida” (Schaupp*). The only State 
record. 

65. (15495). C. venustus Fabr.—‘Common” (Sz.). No other printed 
record. St. Augustine (Ham.). Gainesville, Jan.-Aug.; Largo (Wat.). 

65a. (15495c). C. venustus ornatulus Clav., 1913, 1914. ‘‘Florida.” No 
other record. 

*66. (15496). C. obseletus Germ.—Throughout the State from Paradise 
Key and Estero northward. At hand from six stations, Dec.-Apr. Taken 
from flowers of golden-rod and other Compositae. The C. ornatus Fabr. of 
the Schwarz list is a synonym (Sz. Ms.). 


# Bull. Brook, Ent. Soc., I, 1878, 34. 


54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


*67. (15497). C. nanus Fabr.—“‘Ark. and Fla.,” (Lec., 1880). Jackson- 
ville (C. & L.). Dunedin (Bl., 1917). A half dozen specimens have been 
taken at Dunedin, Feb.-Apr., all while beating in a densely wooded wet 
hammock. 

*68. (15500). C. calidus Suffr—Dunedin (Bl., 1917, 1922), Dec.-Jan., 
scarce on huckleberry and other low shrubs. LaGrange, Sept. 11 (Davis 
coll.). 

*69, (——). CC. albicans Hald.—Gulfport, Schaeffer Coll.; Lakeland, 
May 5, Davis Coll. (Bl., 1923). Leng places this as a synonym of gibbicollis 
Hald., but Schaeffer considers them distinct. 

*70, (15502). C. aulicus Hald.—Occurs from St. Augustine (Ham.) 
south to Estero (Wic.). Dunedin (Bl., 1920a, 1923), scarce, Nov.-Apr., 
on low vegetation along the edge of a hammock. The largest (6-6.5 mm.) 
of the Florida species. ; 

*71. (15503). C. trivittatus Oliv.—St. Petersburg (Wic.); Bradentown 
(Watson) Aug. 12, sweeping herbage in a vacant lot (BI., 1923). 

*72 (15505). C. incertus Oliv.—Jacksonville, Sept. 7 (Davis Coll.) south 
to LaBelle; numerous records. The most common species about Dunedin, 
Nov.-Apr., on wax myrtle, huckleberry, and especially the fetter-bush, Pieris 
nitida (Bart.). 

*73. (15506). C. pumilus Hald.— Common throughout the State, Nov.- 
May, on willow and dead vines along streams; at Cape Sable, sweeping 
in open prairie. The smallest member (1.8-2.2 mm.) of the genus. 

74, (15514). C. badius Suffr.—“Enterprise, not rare.” (Sz.); Crescent 
City (Sz. Ms.). Cleveland (Kn.). Gainesville, in numbers on linden, 
July 12-14 (Doz.). 

75. (15515). C. schreibersi Suffr—Tallahassee (Sz. Ms.); Jacksonville, 
Apr. 21 (C. & L.). Schaeffer (Ms.) doubts its occurrence in Florida, though 
Leconte (1880) records it from Georgia. Food plant, pine. 

*76. (15516). C. tinectus Lec.—Ft. Capron (Sz. Ms.). Lakeland, Istok- 
poga, Dunedin, Dec.-Feb. (Bl., 1914). Scarce on low herbage along the 
borders of lakes and in wet hammocks; hibernating in Spanish moss at 
Lakeland. 

*77. (15517). C. lateritius Newn.—Crescent City (Sz. Ms.); Lakeland 
and Dunedin, Nov.-Mch. Occurs mainly on the flowers and foliage of a 
tall, scurfy Ericad shrub, Xolisma ferruginea Walt., growing in very dry 
sandy soil. 

78. (15519). C. luteolus Newn., 1840, 250.—Described from Florida. 
Jacksonville, Apr. 21 (C. & L.). 


XI. Diachus Leconte. 


Very small (1.5-2.5 mm.) subcylindrical oval species, usually 
with a metallic greenish or bronzed surface. Larve unknown. 
*79, (15521.) D. auratus Fabr—Throughout the State. At hand from 


Sanford, Lakeland, Ft. Myers and Dunedin, Feb.-Apr.; frequent on dwarf 
huckleberry in open pine woods. Gainesville, May-Oct. (Wat.). 


*80. (15525). D. squalens Suffr., 1852, 73.—Described from Florida. 
Haulover and Ft. Capron (Sz. Ms.). Taken at Bassenger and Dunedin, 


SPRING NUMBER 55 


Feb. 27-Apr. 14, by beating wax-myrtle along the margin of dense ham- 
mocks. 
XII. Bassareus Haldeman. 


Species resembling those of Cryptocephalus in form and size 
and like them varied in color. They have the front edge of sides 
of thorax toothed or sinuate, whereas in Cryptocephalus it is 
straight. 

81. (15530). B. brunnipes (Oliv.)—St. Augustine (Ham.); Crescent 
City (Sz. Ms.); Pablo Beach, Sept. 5; Lakeland, Mch. 8 (Davis Coll.). 
LaBelle (Kn.). Gainesville, July 5, on oak (Doz.). Listed as C. or B. con- 
gestus, a Synonym. 

*82. (15533). B. detritus (Oliv.)—Istokpoga, Mch. 29 (BI., 1923); 
beating Spanish moss along the edge of a cypress swamp. No other State 
record. 

*83. (15535). B. croceipennis Lec., 1880, 199.—Described from Florida. 
Haulover and Tampa, rare (Sz.). St. Augustine (Ham.). Ormond and 
Sanford, Mch. and Apr. on oak (BI., 1914). 

*84, (15536). B. lituratus (Fabr.)—Northern two-thirds of the State. 
Common (Sz.). Lake Wales, Mch. 31, sweeping natal grass. Gainesville, 
Mar.-July (Wat.). 

*84a. (15536b). B. lituratus lativittis (Germ.).—Same distribution as 
preceding. Common (Sz.). Lake Wales and Dunedin; common at Dunedin, 
Mch.-Apr., on oak sprouts, ferns in dense hammocks and dwarf huckleberry. 

*84b. (15536c). B. lituratus vittatus Suffr—Enterprise (C. & L.); Ft. 
Myers (Davis Coll.). Sanford, Palmdale and Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., sweeping 
grass and low herbage on old pond sites. 

*84ce, (155386d). 3B. lituratus recurvus Say.—Ft. Capron (Sz. Ms.). 
Sanford, Apr. 4 on oak. 


XIII. Triachus Leconte. 

Minute (1.2-1.5 mm.), oval, convex species, piceous or dull yel- 
low in hue. 

*85, (15537). T. atomus (Suffr.).—Northern two-thirds of the State. 
Eustis, Sanford and Dunedin, Feb.-Apr., on huckleberry and at porch light. 

*86. (15538). T. cerinus Leconte, 1880, 197.—Common throughout the 
State on oak, wax-myrtle and other foliage. 

87. (15540). T. postremus Lec.—St. Augustine (Ham.). The only 
State record and a doubtful one. 


XIV. Lamprosoma Kirby. 

Small oval convex piceous species, (2.5 mm.), having grooves 
at the sides of prosternum for the antennae in repose. (Sub- 
family Lamprosominae) . 

88. (15542). L. floridanum (Horn), 1893, 133.—Types from Biscayne 


Bay. Fort Capron, Cocoanut Grove and Key West (Sz. Ms.). Known 
only from Florida. 


XV. Colaspis Fabricius. 
Small or medium (4-6 mm.) bronzed or dull yellow species hav- 


56 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ing the thorax margined on sides, the front margin straight. The 
larve feed on the roots of strawberries and other plants, while 
the adults attack the leaves of grapes and strawberries. The 
species of this and the genera up to XXIV have the head inserted 
in thorax to eyes, last dorsal segment covered by elytra, antennae 
widely separted at base, front coxae rounded, third tarsal joint 
‘bilobed. They belong to the subfamily Humolpinae. 

*89, (15555). C. brunnea (Fabr.).—‘Common” (Sz.). Jacksonville 
(C. & L.). Ormond, Apr. 18. Gainesville on sweet potato foliage, Aug., and 
cowpeas, July (Doz.). The typical form probably occurs only in the north- 
ern third of the State, and both it and var. flavida are known as the “grape 
vine Colaspis, “the adults at times riddling the leaves of the vines, the larvae 
attacking strawberry roots. (Riley, Third Mo. Rep., 1881). Also known to 
feed on cotton leaves, clover, buckwheat, potatoes and corn. 

*89a, (15555a). C. brunnea costipennis Cr.—‘Not rare” (Sz.). Jack- 
sonville (C. & L.). Ocala and Dunedin, Mch. 16-Apr. 11. Gainesville on 
velvet beans (Wat.). 

*89b, (15555b). C. brunnea flavida Say.—Occurs, south to Ft. Myers. 
Common at Dunedin on herbage and at porch light, Mar.-Sept. Gainesville, 
June-Aug. (Wat.). 

*90. (15559). C. favosa Say.—“Common’” (Sz.). Occurs as far south 
as Cleveland (Kn.). Frequent about Dunedin, especially so at porch light, 
June-Sept. Feeds on eucalyptus and grape foliage (Doz.). 


XVI. Rhabdopterus Lefevre. 


Small oblong-oval, convex, shining brown species (4-6 mm.), 
having the prosternum broad and flat, its sides nearly parallel. 

*91, (15563). R. praetexta (Say.)—Recorded from several stations as far 
south as Biscayne Bay (Sz. Ms.). Dunedin, Mch. 20; beaten from the pepper- 
vine, Ampelopsis arborea (L.). Probably in part confused with the next. 
Usually listed as R. picipes (Oliv.). (See Bl., 1923, 30.). 

*92, (——). R. blatchleyi Bowd.’, 1921, 234.—Types from Dunedin, 
collected by me. At hand from Sanford, Arch Creek, Little River, Bassenger, 
L. Okeechobee, Sarasota and Dunedin, and probably occurs throughout the 
southern half of the State (Bl., 1923). On flowers of thistle and foliage of 
various shrubs in March and April. Larger and more oblong than 
praetexta, with antennal joints 7, 10 and 11 dark. 

XVII. Graphops Leconte. 

Small subcylindrical, convex pubescent species (2.5-4 mm.), 
brown or coppery bronzed in hue, the thorax without side margins 
and head with a groove above the eyes. The larvae occur about 
the roots of the evening primrose, Onagra biennis (L.), straw- 
berry and other plants, the adults, often in large numbers, on the 
foliage. 


5 The Entomologist, London, LIV. 


50206) Ce 


PART 


SPRING NUMBER 57 


*93. (15566). G. varians Lec.—Dunedin, Mch. 19-Apr. 10 (Bl., 1920a); 


_ the only record for the State. Beaten from oak and taken from the Amer- 


ican sea-rocket, Cakile edentula (Bigel.), a fleshy crucifer growing along 
the bay beach. 

*94. (15568). G. curtipennis (Melsh).—Northern three-fourths of the 
State, perhaps throughout. At hand from five stations. Very common, Feb. 
24-Mch. 28, on St. Andrew’s Cross, Ascyrum hypericoides L. at both Ft. 
Myers and Palmdale. 


95. (15569). G. marcassitus Cr.—‘‘Haulover, New Smyrna and Tampa, 
not rare” (Sz.). Not since recorded. 


XVIII. Xanthonia Baly. 


Small dull brown or fuscous pubescent species (3-3.5 mm.), 
without a groove above eyes, thorax transverse, front femora 
toothed. The adults occur on oak and hazel, and are sometimes 
injurious to grapes. Larvae unknown. 


*96. (15574). X. villosula (Melsh.)—Dunedin, Mch. 18. Beaten from 
wax-myrtle. The first record for the State. 


XIX. Fidia Baly. 


Species resembling Xanthonia but larger (5.5-7 mm.), the thor- 
ax cylindrical and femora not toothed. The adults occur on both 
wild and cultivated grape and allied plants, often doing much 
damage by riddling the leaves, while the larvae feed on the roots. 

97. (15577). EF. viticida Walsh.—‘‘Middle States to Dakota, Florida and 


Texas” (Horn, 1892). No other State record can be found except that of the 
Leng Catalogue. 


*98. (15578). F. longipes (Melsh.)—One specimen at hand taken June 
21 by P. W. Fattig at Gainesville. The first record for the State. 


XX. Metachroma Leconte. 


Small to medium, glabrous, oval, convex species (3-6.5 mm.), 
dull yellow to piceous-brown in hue, having the thorax margined 
on sides and head with grooves above the eyes. The adults occur 
on oak and other foliage, and are sometimes injurious to grapes, 
pecans, chestnuts, etc. The habits of larvae are unknown. 

99. (15582). M. dubiosum (Say).—Atlantic Beach, Slosson Collection, 
Jan.-Mch. (Leng Ms.). No other State record. 

*100. (15588). M. terminale Horn, 1892, 215.—Types from Biscayne 
Bay and Key West. Big Pine Key, Sept. (Davis Coll.). At hand from Cape 
Sable, Key West, Chokoloskee and Caxambus. Beaten from shrubs in ham- 
mocks (Bl., 1920). A member of the Tropical life zone. 

101. (15590). M. interruptum (Say).—Crescent City (Sz.) Ms.). No 
other State record. 

102. ( ). M. robusta Blatch., 1924.—Ft. Myers, Fla., Apr. 20. Taken 
by Davis; type in his collection. 


(To be Continued) 


Ghe 


~ FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
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A NEW APHID ON CITRUS 

For the past year or more growers in certain sections have 
been having trouble with an unusually heavy infestation of aphids 
on citrus. Until recently it was assumed that this was our old 
acquaintance, Aphis gossypu, but during March and April of 
this year the trouble increased to serious proportions and efforts 
were made to determine the best method of control. 

In line with this attempt Mr. Beyer, of the Department of En- 
tomology of the Experiment Station, spent a week in Polk 
County, studying the insect and the best method of control. He 
at once recognized that the insect was not Aphis gossypii, but 
was unable to place it. He sent specimens to Washington, as did 
also Mr. Yothers, of the U. S. Bureau of Entomology, and there 
it was provisionally determined by Mr. Mason as Aphis citricola, 
a European species, but further study convinces him that it is 
not that species. It seems to be a new species. 

This new turn of affairs has naturally caused much concern 
among the growers. Indeed the behavior of the insect,—its 
rapid spread and the extremely heavy infestation,—is typical 
of a recently introduced species. 

The editor and Dr. E. W. Berger, of the Plant Board, and 
Dean Newell inspected many groves in all sections of the infested 
area. The extent of the infestation and damage is certainly ser- 
ious. With the exception of the very first flush of growth in 
the early spring, in many groves all new growth has been com- 
pletely prevented from expanding, and a large proportion of 
fruit, particularly that from the later blooms is on the ground, 
and practically all the remainder extremely rough and deformed. 

However, those inclined to regard the situation with pessimism 
should be reminded that the common predators of other aphids 
were observed working on this species in abundance. Three 


SPRING NUMBER 59 


species of lady-beetles, the Convergent, the Blood Red, and the 
Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetles, were present in the order named as 
far as abundance is concerned. Syrphus fly larvae were numer- 
ous as well as the larvae of aphis lions and trash bugs. Mr. 
Beyer’s observations in Polk County show that the same is true 
there. But the little hymenopterous parasite that is often so 
effective in keeping down Aphis gossypii was not observed. A 
small brownish beetle, identified by W. S. Blatchley as Cyphon 
ag Blatch., is predaceous on this aphid. 

The factor which makes a recently introduced insect so destruc- 
tive is lack of enemies. This aphid has enemies. Just how effec- 
tive they will be in checking the infestation it is as yet too early 
to state. 

Mr. Beyer has taken up the study of this insect intensively, to 
work out its life history particularly with reference to its ene- 
mies, both insect and fungus. 

This aphid differs from A. gossypw in the large proportion of 
winged adults which are very active. These winged forms have 
a dark brown thorax and green abdomen. 


MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


Feb. 28. The Society met in Science Hall, President Merrill in 
the chair. Members present, Bates, Berger, Gray, Merrill, 
Thone, Walker, and Watson. 


The paper of the evening on the Orthoptera of Florida was 
read by Mr. F. W. Walker and discussed by those present. Mr. 
Walker reported 210 species and varieties from Florida. The 
following are to be added to those recorded by Blatchley (1920) 
from the state :—Parcoblatta zebra Hebard, P. divisa, Hebard, 
Melanoplus querneus R. & H., Pterophylla camellifolia Fab., Neo- 
conocephalus palustris Blatch., Orchelimum minor Brunner, 
Conocephalus saltans (Scudder), Ocecanthus eaxclamationis 
Davis. A few additional species have been recorded from Thomas- 
ville and Billy’s Island, Ga., a few miles only from the Florida 
line, and doubtless occur within the state. Sixty-four of the 210 
species have been described since 1900. 

As in the case of other insects and plants the Orthoptera of 
the extreme southern part of the state differ radically from 
those of the northern part, being related to or identical with 
West Indian forms. Mr. Walker would draw the line thru Bre- 


60 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


vard, Orange, Lake and Hernando Counties. (This is further 
north, particularly on the West Coast, than the botanists usu- 
ally draw the dividing line—Ed.) 

Representative of these southern forms would be Plectoptera 
poeyi, a Cuban form taken at Key West; Anaxipha imitator 
(Cuba) ; Orocharis gryllodes (W. 1.), Tafalisca lurida (W. I.). 

Among the problems that need attention are: the relation of 
Florida forms or races to those outside the state, (Mr. Walker 
mentioned particularly Brachypterus melanopli and Pterophylla 
camellifolia in this connection) and the geographical and eco- 
logical distribution within the state, a practically untouched 
field. 

The speaker mentioned as particular regions that need atten- 
tion the northern tier of counties, the Apalachicola region where 
many relics are found among the plants, the coastal islands, the 
tropical hammocks and the mangrove swamps. As an example 
of the result to be expected from working unpromising and lit- 
tle studied habitats he mentioned the following rare forms 
found during a brief investigation of a mangrove swamp: Eubo- 
relia ambigua, Hygronemobius alleni, Anaxipha scia. 

The thick tropical hammocks have alréady yielded Phrixa 
maya, a Yucutan species; Turpilia rostrata; Oligacanthopus 
prograptus, known only from south Florida; Anaxipha imitator; 
Orocharis gryllodes and Tafalisca lurida. 


ON A COLLECTION OF THYSANOPTERA 
FROM HONDURAS 


J. R. WATSON AND T. H. HUBBELL 


The following is a report on a collection of thrips taken by 
the junior author along the Tela and Truxillo divisions of the 
United Fruit Company’s railroad at Honduras during March, 
April and May 1923. All data on distribution and food plants 
are from his field notes. The insects were determined by the 
senior author. Two of the seven species (Sedulothrips hubbelli 
and Liothrips perseae) were new and have been described else- 
where (Bull. 168, Fla. Agric. Exp. Station). 

Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouche). The greenhouse Thrips. 

On avocadoes, Puerto Arturo. Mar. 13. 

Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard). The red-banded Thrips. 

On cocoa plants. Tela Division, Colorado District, 

Aguas Calientes Farm. Not found on Dakota Farm. 


Riva 7 


SPRING NUMBER 61 


A common and destructive pest of cacoa, avocado, and many 


other plants in the West Indies, S. Fla., Ceylon, H. I., Uganda. 


Franklinothrips vespiformis (Crawford). 

On cacoa plants infested with Selenothrips on which it was 
doubtless feeding. 
Sedulothrips hubbelli Wats. 

Tela Division, Guamas District. May 2, 3, 10. On branches of 
a strangling fig tree immediately after it was felled and on bark 
and log of one felled two weeks previously. Very rapid runners 
which take refuge in cracks when disturbed. 

Liothrips zeteki Hood. 

Swept from low bushes and dry herbs at the base of a lime- 
stone cliff. Truxillo (Puerto Castilla) Division, Piedra Blanca 
Farm. April 9. 

Described from Panama and not reported since. 

Liothrips perseae Wats. 

Abundant on young avocado tree, in the bud scales and bhe- 
tween very young developing leaves, for the most part on the 
terminal shoots. Both adults and nymphs present. Puerto Ar- 
turo, about 5 kilometers inland from Tela. Mar. 13, 15, April 4. 
Leptothrips mali (Fitch). 

On a mimosa-like shrub in ditch along railroad at Puerto Ar- 
turo. A common predaceous thrips found over most of North 
America from Panama to B. C. and Mass. 


Symphothrips punctatus Hood and Williams. 

March 15. Described from Orlando, Florida, and since re- 
ported from Miami and Cuba. The senior author has it from 
Panama (collected from under the cap scales of cocoanuts by 
Geo. B. Merrill of the Fla. State Plant Board) and Ala. (col- 
lected from a satsuma tree by H. P. Loding in Mobile Co.). 
Dicaiethrips brevicornis (Bagnall). 

A nymph was beaten from the lower branches of a sour sop 
tree at Puerto Arturo on March 13; several adults on April 4. 
Found on clothing while passing thru a Guinea Grass pasture, 
Progresso Mar. 23 (W. C. Bonacker, Coll.). Sweeping the air 
from a motor car on the railroad between Maloa Farm and Tau- 
jica Farm. On foliage of cacao; not common at this season altho 
Mr. Davis stated that it is the common form at some seasons, 
Colorado District, Dakota Farm. Swept from the luxuriant 
growth of grasses and vines in the ditch at the side of the rail- 
road thru the bananas, Dokota Farm, May 25. 


62 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Previously reported only from Trinidad and St. Vincent, W. I. 


Elaphrothrips longiceps (Bagnall). 

On avocado trees. Found among the bud and scales and be- 
tween the young developing leaves, for the most part on the ter- 
minal shoots. Both adults and nymphs present. Puerto Arturo 


arn. Ware lo. 


Reported from Mexico and Nicaragua. 


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SPRING NUMBER 63 


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64 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


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VOL. VII SUMMER NUMBER No. 1. 
July, 1924 


THE CHRYSOMELIDAE OF FLORIDA 


By W. S. BLATCHLEY 
Dunedin, Florida 


(Continued from Vol. VII, No. 4) 


*103. (15593). M. laevicolle Cr—Enterprise and Lake Ashley (Sz.); L 
Poinsett (Sz. Ms.). Dunedin, July 24, at porch light. 

*104. (15594). M. ludidum (Oliv.).—Eustis, Apr. 7, beaten from oak; 
Dunedin, Mch. 29-July 1, on the latter date at porch light. Known hereto- 
fore only from South Carolina and Georgia. 

105. (15595). M. marginale Cr.—‘Common” (Sz.). Gainesville, beating 
oak foliage, Apr. 3 (Doz.). These records may refer to luridwm. 

*106. (15596). M. maculipenne Sz., 1878, 366.—Types from Enterprise 
on live oak, Quercus virginiana Mill. Occurs south, at least to Miami, La- 
Belle and Marco. Frequent about Dunedin on oak; at Palmdale swept 
in numbers from a species of St. Johnswort, Hypericum. I have recently 
taken this species in Posey Co., Ind. 

~ *107. (15597). M. pellucidum Cr.—Frequent as far south as L. Wales. 
Common about Dunedin, Nov.-Apr., on oak, wax-myrtle, etc. 

*108. ( ). M. testacea Blatch., 1920. 70—Types from Key West, 
Mch. 1-3, by beating shrubs. 

*109. (15598). M. pallidum (Say).—Throughout the State. Dunedin, 
Nov.-Apr., by sweeping tall grasses about the margins of ponds, also on 
foliage of red bay, Persea borbonia L. 

*110. (15599). M. floridanum Cr., 1873, 48.—Types from “Florida.” 
Ranges as far south as Biscayne Bay. Sanford and Dunedin, Mch.-Apr.; 
at Dunedin taken only on Hog Island, in the axils and on the heads of 
the yellow thistle. 

-111. (15600). M. puncticolle Lec.—Crescent City, Apr. (Wic.). Or- 
lando and Cleveland (Kn.). Known from Georgia and Texas. 

Eo AG ). M.. strigicolle Blatch., 1924—Types from Dunedin 
Mch. 21-Apr. 11; taken at porch light. 

*113. (15601). M. quercatum (Fabr.)—“Common” (Sz.). Ranges south 
to Lakeland and Dunedin. Taken at Dunedin only in April by sweeping 
huckleberry and other low herbage. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
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2 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


XXI. Myochrous Erichson. 


Medium sized oblong, convex species (5-7 mm.), piceous-brown, 
thinly clothed with hair-like scales, the thorax toothed on sides 
and with postocular lobes in front. Larvae unknown. 

*114. (15608). M. denticollis (Say).—Common (Sz.). North half of 
the State, south to Lakeland and Dunedin. Frequent about Dunedin, Jan.- 
Apr., in winter beneath cover along the margins of ponds; in spring on 


huckleberry and other blossoms; once at carrion trap. Gainesville, July-Aug. 
on grass, ferns and corn (Wat.). 


XXII. Typophorus Erichson. 


Rather large (6-7.5 mm.), oval, convex, greenish-blue, glabrous 
shining species, with punctures of elytra in regular rows and 
hind tibiae notched near apex. The adults occur on bindweeds, 
morning glory and other Convolvulacez. 


*115. (15625). T. viridicyaneus Cr.—Gainesville; one eating sweet potato 
foliage, Aug. 18 (Doz.); one at hand, taken by Fattig, May 14. No other 
State record. 


XXIII. Paria Leconte. 


Small (3-4 mm.) dull yellow, reddish-brown or blackish species, 
closely related to Typophorus. The larvae feed at times on the 
roots of strawberry, while the adults occur on wild grape and 
numerous other plants. Horn (1892, 208) lumped all our forms 
under one name and Leng so catalogues them. There is no 
doubt but that three or four distinct species occur in the eastern 
and southern States. 


116 (15626). P. canella (Fabr.).—Ft. Myers, Apr. 23 (Davis Coll.); 
Lawtey, on wild grape (Wat.). Larger than the other forms, dull red with 
suture and two large spots on each elytron piceous, tibiz and tarsi fuscous. 
The T. canellus quadriguttatus listed by Wickham from Ft. Myers was prob- 
ably this form. 

*116a (15626a). P. canella aterrima (Oliv.)—Throughout the State. 
At hand from six stations, Dec.-Apr. Taken by beating in dense hammocks; 
also beneath cover, and once several specimens by sifting a pile of rotten 
unhulled rice. Gainesville, always in low ground, July-Oct. (Wat.). 

*116b (15626h). P. canella thoracica (Melsh.)—Dunedin, Apr. 19; 
sweeping low herbage. : 

*116c (15626e). P. canella quadrinotata (Say.)—At hand from Sanford, 
Palmdale, Ft. Myers, Tarpon Springs and Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., by sweeping 
St. Johnswort, tall grasses, etc., near ponds. 

*116d (15626g). P. canella sexnotata (Say).—Throughout the State. 
About Dunedin it is taken frequently—Dec.-Apr., but only by sweeping and 
beating ferns and other foliage in a dense wet hammock. Mt. Dora on oak, 
June (Wat.). It is this variety and aterrima whose larve do much damage 
to strawberries in the North. 


SUMMER NUMBER 


ey) 


The last four forms mentioned are, as treated by Horn, only 
color varieties of one species, but whether that species is typical 
canella or not, is questionable. It should probably be known as 
aterrima (Oliv.). The P. sellatus Horn and P. opacicollis Lec. are 
both, in my opinion, valid species. 

lala dan ( ). P. opacicollis Lec.—Gainesville; taken by Watson in July 
by beating along the edge of a cypress swamp. Since I first recorded this 
form from Florida (1923, 31) I have taken several additional examples in In- 


diana, and a careful study of them shows that they are undoubtedly distinct 
from any of the forms listed as varieties of canella. 


XXIV. Labidomera Chevrolet. 


Large oval, strongly convex species (8-12 mm.) having the 
elytra yellow with large black markings; front femora of male 
strongly toothed. Adults on milkweed. This and the genera 
up to XXIX possess the characters mentioned under Colaspis 
except that the front coxae are transverse and the third tarsal 
joint usually entire. (Subfamily Chrysomelinae.) 

*118 (15639). L. clivicollis (Kirby.)—Dunedin, Feb.-Mch.; taken by beat- 


ing dead leaves and bunches of the slender climbing milkweed, Metastelma 
scoparium Nutt. (Bl., 1919). The only definite record for the State. 


XXV. Leptinotarsa Stal. 


Oval, strongly convex species of medium size (6-11 mm.) hav- 
ing the elytra dull yellow, with double rows of confluent punc- 
tures, the suture and five narrow stripes on each black; front 
femora unarmed. 

119 (15648). L. decemlineata (Say).—Northern tier of counties from 
Pensacola to Jacksonville; on the Gulf coast as far south as Panama City 
(Wat.). Known as the “Colorado potato beetle.” Food plants, potato, horse 
nettle and other Solanacea. No definite Florida record in any of the lit- 
erature at hand. 


XXVI. Calligrapha Erichson. 


Oval, convex species of medium size (6-9 mm.), having the 
elytra yellow with brown stripes or small bronzed spots, and sides 
of thorax not thickened, third tarsal joint entire. Both larvae 
and adults feed on foliage of various species of shrubs and herbs. 

*120 (15665). C. similis Rog—Northern two-thirds of the State. At 
hand from Gainesville, Lakeland and Dunedin. Frequent about Dunedin, 
Dec.-Mch., on flowers of various Composite. 

121 (15667). C. cephalanthi Sz., 1878, 366.—Types from Ft. Capron, 
L. Harney and Tampa. Enterprise (C. & L.). Ft. Myers, Apr. 26 (Davis 
Coll.) (Bl., 1923). Labelle (Kn.). Occurs only on the button-bush, 
Cephalanthus occidentalis L. 


4 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


*122 (15671). C. sealaris Lec.—Entérprise and Tampa, as multiguttis 
Stal., a synonym (Sz.); Crescent City (Wic.). At hand from Ormond, 
Utopia and Dunedin, Dec.-Apr. Scarce about Dunedin on foliage of wax- 
myrtle. Knab once identified this for me as C. rhoda floridana Knab (Ms.), 
and I have sent them out under that name, but I can see no difference between 
them and typical scalaris from Indiana. 


XXVII. Chrysomela Linnezus. 


Medium sized oval convex species (7-9 mm.) having the elytra 
wholly blackish- or greenish-bronzed, and the side margins of 
thorax thickened. The adults occur on cacti and thistle. 

*123 (15692). C. subopaca Rog.—Crescent City and Bartow (Sz. Ms). 
At hand from Jacksonville and Gainesville. La Belle, Apr. (Kn.). Occurs 
on rape (Wat.). 

XXVIII. Phedon Latreille. 


Small oval greenish species (3-4 mm.) having the third tarsal 
joint emarginate, sides of thorax not thickened. Habits not 
known. 

124 (15699). P. viridis (Melsh.)—“Enterprise and Tampa, rare” (Sz.); 
Crescent City (Sz. Ms.) 


XXIX. Lina Redtenbacher. 


Oblong-oval, sub-depressed species of medium size (7-9 mm.) 
having the elytra dull yellow interrupted with black lines; sides 
of thorax thickened, third tarsal deeply bilobed. Food plant, 
willow, cotton-wood, etc. 

*125 (15710). L. scripta (Fabr.)—Recorded from numerous stations as 
far south as Miami and Everglade. At hand from eight localities, Feb.- 
Apr.; taken mainly by beating a dwarf willow. On Carolina poplar, Gaines- 
ville, Aug. 20 (Doz.). No Carolina poplars in Gainesville (Wat.). 


XXX. Monocesta Clark. 


Very large oval, blue and yellow species (10-16 mm.) having 
the claws of tarsi bifid, outer edge of tibiae deeply sulcate, thorax 
with a broad median transverse impression. The species of this 
and all the genera up to XXXVIII have the head inserted in 
thorax to eyes, antennae close together at base, last dorsal not 
exposed, front coxae conical, prominent, hind femora slender. 


(Subfamily Galerucinae.) 

*126 (15720). M. coryli (Say).—Palmetto, July 3, on elm (BI. 1918). 
The only State record. The largest of our Chrysomelidae. Occurs on 
hazel in the North. 

XXXI. Halticidea Hom. 


Very small, oblong-oval species (2.5 mm.) having the elytra 
bluish-green and tibiae feebly carinate on outer side. 


SUMMER NUMBER 5 


127 (15722). H. Modesta Horn., 1893, 62—Types from Biscayne Bay. 
Cocoanut Grove (Sz. Ms.). No other records. 


XXXII. Trirhabda Leconte. 


Elongate-oblong, medium sized pubescent species (7-10 mm.), 
dull yellow with dark stripes on elytra and having the third 
joint of antennae shorter than fourth, front coxal cavities open 
behind and tarsal claws deeply bifid. Both adults and larvae 
feed on the foliage of prickly ash, Xanthoxrylum americanum 
Mill., and other Rutacee. 

*128 (15724). T. tomentosa (Linn.)—Northern portion of the State south 
to Sanford and Dunedin. Abundant at Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., defoliating the 
tooth-ache tree, Xanthoxylum clava-herculis L. Gainesville, Apr. -May, on 
citrus, pecan and prickly ash (Wat.). 

129 (15725). T. brevicornis Lec—‘Enterprise, common” (Sz.); St. 
Augustine (Ham.); Gainesville, Apr., defoliating prickly ash (Doz.). 

*130 (15726). T. virgata Lec—‘‘On the Atlantic coast from Massachu- 
setts to Florida” (Horn, 1893). Dunedin, July 1, at porch light. 


XXXII. Galerucella Crotch. 


Small oblong-oval, dull brown or reddish, pubescent species 
(3.5-6 mm.), the elytra usually with three or more narrow dark 
stripes; third joint of antennae longer than fourth. Both adults 
and larvae occur on plants of various kinds, especially those 
growing in moist places. 

*131 (15744). G. americana (Fabr.).—“Tampa, very rare” (Sz.). Dun- 
edin, Jan. 1; one specimen beneath bark of dead oak. No other State 
records. Occurs on golden-rod. 

*132 (15745). G. sexvittata (Lec.)—Lake Wales and Dunedin, Dec. 31- 
Apr. 13; taken by sweeping low herbage along the borders of hammocks 
and found hibernating beneath pine bark (Bl. 1923). Lakeland, May 8 
(Davis Coll.). 

*133 (15748). G. integra (Lec.).—“Common” (Sz.). Ranges south to 
Tampa (Sz. Ms.) and Lake Okeechobee. One specimen at hand from the 
latter point, May 3. 

*134 (15749). G. notulata (Fabr.)—Northern three-fourths of the State, 
south to La Belle. At hand from five stations, Dec.-Apr.; the most com- 
mon species about Dunedin. Occurs on ragweed, Ambrosia and _ other 
herbage. 

*135 (15750). G. notata (Fabr.).—‘Enterprise and Tampa, rare” (Sz.). 
Sanford, rare, Apr. 3, swept from boneset, Hupatorium perfoliatum L. 

*136 (15751). G. nymphez (Linn.)—Moore Haven, Mch. 2; on flowers 
of yellow water lily (Bl. 1919). The only record for the State. 

wisi, ¢ -), G. bivittata Blatch., 1920, 70—Types from Dunedin, Mch. 
21; swept from huckleberry blossoms. The only record. 


6 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


XXXIV. Monoxia Leconte. 


Resembles Galerucella very closely. Tarsal claws narrowly 
bifid in males, simple in females; antennae not reaching middle 
of body. The species occur near the coast, usually on submari- 
time plants. 

*138 (15755). M. puncticollis (Say).—Occurs on both the Atlantic and 
Gulf coasts. At hand from Ormond, Key West, Everglade and Dunedin, 
Nov.-Apr.; recorded from several other stations. Swept from a swamp 
golden-rod growing in brackish water, and from the foliage of the man- 
grove, Rhizophora mangle L. Formerly listed as Galeruca maritima Lec. 
Varies much in color, many specimens being devoid of the usual elytral dark 
stripes. 

*139 (15758). M. batisia Blatch., 1917, 273.—Types from Hog Island, 
opposite Dunedin, Jan.-Apr., where it occurs in numbers on the saltwort, 
Batis maritima L., a fleshy-leaved seaside plant. No other record. 


XXXV. Diabrotica Chevrolat. 


Small or medium oblong-oval, glabrous species (4-7 mm.), dull 
yellow in hue, the elytra with black stripes or spots, thorax im- 
pressed at middle, front and middle tibiae with spurs. Both 
larve and adults are active plant feeders, the former attacking 
the roots, and often doing much damage to cultivated crops. 

*140 (15769). D. 12-punctata (Fabr.).—Throughout the northern three- 
fourths of the State, but less common than in the North. At hand from 
Sanford, Dunedin and Ft. Myers, Dec.-Mch.; taken by sweeping golden- 
rod and other weeds in gardens. Gainesville, abundant the entire year 
(Wat.). 

*141 (15781). D. vineta Lec., 1878, 416.—Types from Capron, “Tampa 
and Orange Co., very rare” (Sz.). Enterprise (C. & L.); Ft. Myers (Wic.). 
Lake Okeechobee, rare on Ambrosia (Bl. 1914). Dunedin, Mch.-Apr.; on 
ferns in dense hammocks, and at porch light. 

*142 (15782). D. vittata (Fabr.)—Throughout the State, common in 
the northern and southern thirds, much less so in central one. Big Pine 
Key (Davis Coll.). Frequent in gardens at Canal Point and Moore Haven, 
Mch.-Apr. This is the “striped cucumber beetle,’ very injurious to cucurbs 
of all kinds; “also on satsumas” (Wat.). 


XXXVI. Phyllobrotica Redtenbacher. 


Medium sized, elongate-oval (5-6 mm.) black and yellow 
species, thorax transverse, impressed, tibiae without spurs. 
Usually found on marsh plants. 

*143 (15791). P. costipennis Horn, 1893, 99.—Types from Georgia and 
Florida. Crescent City (Sz. Ms.). Clearwater and Sanford (Wic.). Ft. 
Myers, Mch. 30 (Davis Coll.). Gainesville, in flat woods, July 4 (Wat.). 
Orlando and La Belle, Apr. (Kn.). 

*144 (15792). BP. discoidea (Fabr.)—Ocala, Apr. 14 (Bl. 1923). The 
only State record. 


SUMMER NUMBER 


~] 


XXXVII. Luperodes Motschulsky. 


Small oblong-oval pale brownish-yellow species (3-4.5 mm.) 
having the head transversely grooved between the eyes, thorax 
not impressed, tibiae with spurs, first joint of hind tarsi longer 
than the next two. 


145 (15810). L. varicornis Lec.—St. Augustine (Ham.). The only State 
record. Known from Georgia. 


XXXVIII. Cerotoma Chevrolat. 


Small oblong-oval species (3.5-5 mm.), dull yellow, rarely red- 
dish, with black spots; front coxal cavities closed behind; tarsal 
claws appendiculate. Injurious to beans, bush clover and other 
legumes. 


146 (15854). C. trifurcata (Forst.).—“Cedar Keys, one specimen” (Sz.). 
Gainesville, taken in abundance on cow-peas (Doz.). 


XXXIX. Blepharida Rogers. 


Robust oval convex species of medium size (5-7 mm.), dull 
yellow with reddish-brown markings on elytra; front coxal cavi- 
ties closed behind. Occurs on sumac, Rhus. In this and fol- 
lowing genera up to LVIII the hind femora are greatly enlarged 
and thickened for leaping. They form the subfamily Halticinae. 


*147 (15858). B. rhois (Forst.).—Northern three-fourths of State, south 
to Palmdale. At hand from L. Wales, Palmdale and Dunedin, Feb.-Mch.; 
swept from sumac. 


XL. Hypolampsis Clark. 


Small oblong-oval, piceous species (2-4 mm.), thickly clothed 
with grayish pubescence and erect brown hairs; front coxal 
cavities closed behind; elytral punctures in rows; last joint of 
hind tarsi globosely inflated. 


*148 (15861). H. pilosa (Ill.)—“Tampa, very rare” (Sz.). Enterprise 
(C. & L.). St. Petersburg (Wic.). Scarce at Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., on 
weeds along the borders of ponds. 


XLI. Hamletia Crotch. 


Small elongate-oval black species with green elytra (3.5 mm.) ; 
elytral punctures confused; front coxal cavities open behind; 
first joint of hind tarsi short and broad, last one globosely 
inflated. 

149 (15864). H. dimidiaticornis Cr.—‘Lake Ashley, one specimen in 
June” (Sz.). Jacksonville (Sz. Ms.). No other State records. 


(To be continued) 


Ghe 


FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
Bye WV ATSON ccf coe ce cc See ree eee Editor 
WITEMON INEWHUe::. 220. bee ee ee eeen a Associate Editor 
(Aer EL S AS EY Bo sb2s.cc sce. sobs 02 ee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 385 cents per copy. 


LIFE HISTORY OF THE NEW CITRUS APHIS 
A. H. BEYER, 
Assistant Entomologist, 
Experiment Station 


The life history studies of this species have been somewhat 
complicated because of its alternate host plants. 

We have carried on generation studies from May 2d to June 
20th in the field, at Lakeland, Florida. Since that time these 
studies have been transferred to Gainesville, where they are now 
being conducted. A summary of these studies thus far gives the 
following results. 

Viviperous females were used in starting these studies as no 
eggs or stem mothers were found. The reproductive period of 
the female varied, during the time of these studies, from 2 to 11 
days, with an average of five young per day. The longevity of 
the females used ranged from 3 to 21 days. In most cases death 
was due to natural causes. We must, however, take into con- 
sideration the conditions of temperature and humidity which 
would have some influence on the mortality, as the experiments 
were conducted under a tent where the temperature ranged from 
85 to 98 degrees. 

The maximum number of young produced by a single female 
was 61, and the minimum was 8. The birth rate was highest 
in the early life of the female and the largest number of young 
were brought forth during the morning hours. The percentage 
of winged individuals produced during this series of experiments 
ranged from 45 to 69. 


DESCRIPTION 


Alate Viviperous Female. Eyes carmen; body rather long and 
plump; head normal, dark; antennae shorter than body, reaching 


SUMMER NUMBER 9 


approximately the 4th or 5th abdominal segment; sensoria pres- 
ent; body dark green, with dark irregular area covering most of 
the torsal part of the thorax. Cornicles dark, slender, tapering 
slightly at the apex and reaching almost to the end of the cauda. 
Cauda twice as long as tarsi; fusiform, and slightly constricted 
at the base of the body; supporting four slender, curved, project- 
ing lateral hairs on each side of the cauda. Wings normal. 

Apterous Viviperous Female. Eyes carmen; body pea green 
with dark green shading on thorax; head normal; antennae 
shorter than body, reaching approximately the 4th or 5th abdom- 
inal segments ; sensoria present; cornicles dark, slender, tapering 
slightly at the apex and reaching almost to the end of the cauda. 
Cauda twice as long as tarsi; fusiform and slightly constricted 
at base of body; supporting four slender, curved, projecting 
lateral hairs on each side of the cauda. No wings. 


STAGES 


This insect was found to have five instars with four molting 
periods. The length of the first instar was about 20 hours, the 
second was about 24 hours, the third about 26 hours, the fourth 
about 30 hours, and the fifth about 35 hours. The range of life 
of the nymph was from 5 to 11 days. The period of birth was on 
an average two and a half minutes, and the period of molting ten 
‘minutes, 

Molting. The time required for molting was observed to be 
from 10 to 20 minutes. The skin divides at the head which is 
moved forward and forced out of the cast. The feet and an- 
tennae are released first, followed by the body, the cauda being 
the last portion to be extracted. 

First and Second Instars. The first and second instars of this 
insect are almost identical in form, except that in the second 
instar the body becomes somewhat enlarged and elliptical in 
shape, tapering to a rounded point at the cauda; while in the 
first stage nymph the lateral portions of the body are almost 
parallel with the head, and the cauda tapers abruptly. Eyes 
reddish. 7 

The second stage nymph soon after molting takes on a pea 
green color. The last two segments of the feet are a dusky color, 
and the last two joints of the antennae are also dark. The distal 
half of the cornicles are darkened, beginning at the tip, with 
a dusky area on body joining the cornicles. Eyes dark red. 
Cauda pea green with blackish tip. ‘The nymph moves about 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


quite freely until a suitable place is found, but is very quiet while 
feeding. 

Third Instar. Eyes red. Body pea green. Body gradually 
becomes enlarged from the head almost to the cornicles at which 
point the abdomen tapers off to the cauda. Cornicles almost 
transparent with dark tips; dark greenish area between the 
cornicles. In the individuals destined to become winged the 
wing pads begin to develop. 

Fourth Instar. Similar to the third. Body slightly more en- 
larged. Last antennal segments dark. Cornicles about one 
third darkened. Wing pads more prominent. 

Fifth Instar. Color of head and thorax, amber. Abdomen light 
green. Eyes dark red. Antennae and wings whitish, as well 
as legs. Coxae dark. Wing pads, when present, very prominent. 
Distal half of cornicles darkened. Wings are rolled in a window 
curtain manner over dorsal side of body. After the skin is shed 
the wings, which have a silvery, crystalline appearance, gradually 
unfold and are spread out by the newly emerged adult to dry. 


HOST PLANTS 


In the field citrus has been found to be the most commonly 
infested, especially certain varieties of the mandarin family. The 
varieties of citrus were infested in the following order; those 
most heavily infested being placed first: King orange, Temple 
orange, Tangerine, pineapple orange, Valencia, and grapefruit. 

The writer also carried on experiments on many plants as 
hosts, both in the laboratory and in the field. In the field it was 
found on loquat, wild plum and sand pear, and in the laboratory 
we were successful in breeding it on night-shade, Jerusalem Oak, 
milkweed, dogfennel, cudweed; also on lettuce and peppers. At 
the present time, however, the writer is conducting his experi- 
ments most succcessfully on Chinese spirea, on which the insect 
in question seems to have all the habits and characteristics of a 
species on its native host. 


CHARACTER OF ATTACK 

This aphid, unlike any species which has heretofore been found 
on citrus, attacks the young tender succulent growth, and the 
blossoms, calyx and young fruit, as well as the shoots and water 
sprouts. The method of its attack on the foliage is also char- 
acteristic in that it shows a tendency to attack the mid-rib of 
the leaf together with its branches. As a result a few individuals 
soon cut off the source of food supply of a leaf, causing it to 


SUMMER NUMBER 11 


quickly curl at the point of attack. Repeated examination of cross 
sections of these leaves has shown many of the cells to be broken 
down and deficient in protoplasm, leaving a predominating quan- 
tity of cellulose. 

The injury to the blossoms causes a large percentage of them to 
fall, while on the young fruit a double injury is inflicted. In the 
first place the rind of the fruit where it is punctured by the beak 
of the insect, develops little protuberances or knobs, loosing 
the smoothness of healthy, uninjured fruit. When punctured near 
the stem end much of the fruit was found to fall, often several 
weeks after the outbreak of the infestation. Besides the injury 
caused by the puncture and removal of the sap from the portion 
of the tree attacked, it is probable that a toxic effect is also 
produced by the insect. 


NATURAL ENEMIES 


It has been the experience of the writer in all his previous 
work on the Aphididae that in the case of outbreaks the aphids 
were usually attacked by hordes of natural enemies which soon 
controlled them, but in this instance the “laissez faire’ policy 
does not seem to do, as this aphis is the least attacked by natural 
enemies of any species studied. This is due perhaps to several 
causes such as the recent introduction of the species, or the in- 
fluence of meteorological conditions. 

Of the beneficial insects three groups have been found to 
work on the aphid in the following order. First in importance 
about Lakeland is the Family Coccinellidae, or lady-beetles, of 
which the following species were found: The Blood Red, Cy- 
clomeda sanguinea, the Twelve-Spotted, Hippodamia convergens, 
the Twice-Stabbed, Chilcorus bivulnerus; and the little Scymnus 
binevatus. Next in economic importance are the syrphus fly 
larvae, Allogapta obliqua, and Lysephaebus testaceipes, and 
third the Green Lace Wing Fly or Golden Eyed Lace-Wing of 
the Chrysopa genus. 

Numerous collections of specimens were made for the pur- 
pose of determining whether any fungi were of economic value in 
the control of this pest, but no definite results were obtained. 
Among the enemies of lesser importance were recorded the tree 
cricket, and the lizard “‘camaleon.”’ 

Relation Between Ants and Aphids. An intimate relation was 
observed between ants and this species of aphid. Wherever 
ants were found to be numerous, the aphids were also found 


32 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


to be well colonized. Three species of ants were noted by the 
writer, the most abundant being a species of Camponotus. The 
principal function of the ants was found by repeated observa- 
tions and studies both in the laboratory and field, to be the re- 
moval of the honey dew from the foliage, thus keeping the leaves 
and twigs clean and conditions most favorable for the aphids. 
Where there were no ants it was found that many of the nymphs 
in moving about during feeding became entangled in the honey 
dew, which finally caused the weak individuals to perish. Much 
was done, therefore, toward the control of the aphids when all 
the ant colonies were destroyed. 


CONTROL MEASURES 


In the solution of the problem on which the writer was working 
it was obvious that measures for effective control must be tested 
out. The first experiments, conducted on April 10th when the 
outbreak was at its peak, consisted in testing spraying as an 
effective control measure. Where nicotine sulphate was used 
in a spray of 1 to 800 combined with either whale oil soap or 
Octagon laundry soap, one pound to each five gallons of water, 
it was found that very efficient results were obtained where it 
was possible to get the spray into actual contact with the insect. 
But this was not always possible because of the abundance of the 
curled foliage which served as a protection for many of the 
insects. 

With the contact dusts, however, especially the three percent 
nicotine dusts, we estimated the kill to be about 95 percent where 
the experiments were conducted under the writer’s personal at- 
tention. The spraying experiments showed an average killing of 
85 percent. 

These experiments were conducted on three-year-old Temple 
Orange trees in the Templetown Groves, Lake Wales, on April 
9th, 1924, between 9:30 A. M. and noon. It was a bright sunny 
day, with a temperature of 80 degrees and a westerly wind blow- 
ing about 15 miles an hour. 

Following is a table giving relative cost of spraying and. 
dusting: 


Spraying Machine: 300 gallon. Bean. Equipped with rods and two lines 
of hose, spraying four rows at a time. 


Cost 

Mixture: Lime Sulphur Solution (1 to 40) 7% gal................. $1.20 
Black Weat Forty (4"t01800)) SB pts see 5.07 

Kayso! 2161 los: sss sete oe reer 58 


Gostlof materialse= ee ee $6.85 


SUMMER NUMBER 13 


Time: Actual Spraying, .... 102 min. 
. Including loading, ....120 min. 
ILE ooo, Gi veneio. (@)) PAS jorere INO WHR 1.50 
ANY Coste One apie labor oe ee ee $8.3! 


Ground Covered: 548 trees or 4.3 trees per minute at cost of $.015 per tree. 

Dusting Machine: Bean. Dust made in hopper of machine by adding 3 
pints of Black Leaf Forty to 50 lbs. of hydrated lime 
and allowing agitator to run for five minutes. 


Cost 
Mixture: Hydrated dime’ 100 vbs2e 4 ne eke ee eee er eee $1.10 
Blackybeat i orty, <6 opts ee eee eee 10.14 
(Ghosin. Kone any NI ee $11.24 
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes— 
Labor, '2.men @; $:25, per hour) 223.4 ss 
Total cost of dusting. 2. a= ae ee ee $11.99 
Ground Covered: 382 trees or 3.4 trees per minute at cost of $.036 per tree. 


A stop was made at each tree of from 5 to 10 seconds. There- 
fore more dust was used and less ground covered than in the 
commercial practice of never stopping and only throwing a cloud 
of dust over the tree. In this instance the tree was dusted from 
three sides. 

Similar experiments have been conducted in Lakeland, to 
which the writer added oil sprays, kerosene emulsion, soap solu- 
tion, and the follownig dusts: sulphur, calcium arsenate, com- 
binations of lime and sulphur, and calcium cyanide. 

The lowest percentage of kill was obtained from the sulphur 
dust, medium results were derived from oil, kerosene emulsion 
and soap emulsion, and the highest efficiency from the nicotine 
and the calcium cyanide dusts. However, the calcium cyanide 
was only effective when applied to the trees under tents, in which 
case a quarter of a pound was applied to four-year-old trees. 
The tree was left under the tent for a period of four minutes. 
This gave approximately a 100 percent kill. Some injury was 
done, however, to the tender foliage as a result of the burning 
caused by the dust. The nicotine dusts, which gave an average 
of 95 percent kill, were safer from the standpoint of the burning 
of the foliage, and had the added advantage of being less de- 
structive to the parasites than was the calcium cyanide. 


In our January issue, p. 41, we erroneously recorded Donald 
Reese as being present at the Cincinnati meetings. It should have 
been Chas. A. Reese. Mr. Reese, formerly of the State Plant 
Board, is now engaged in bee inspéction work for the State of 
Ohio with headquarters. at Columbus... Mr. Goodwin’s initials 
were also erroneous. They should have been U. C. 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


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A finely ground sulphur contain- 
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It has long been acknowledged as 
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For further information on Nia- 
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DUSTING costs less than li- 
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ing materials cost more than ma- 
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this is more than counterbalanced 
by the big saving in time and labor, 
less cost of the duster, and much 
smaller depreciation, repairs and 
operating cost. 


Dusting differs from spraying 
chiefly in that Insecticides and 
Fungicides are applied in a pow- 
dered form; dry instead of wet. 
Water merely carries the active 
ingredients to the plant, where it 
evaporates and leaves a dry pow- 
der. Spraying requires 50 lbs. of 
water to carry 1 lb. of poison to 
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carrier; it is ever present and does 
not have to be pumped and carried. 
The chemicals used are funda- 
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SUMMER NUMBER 15 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
In any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to waiter and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


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We are the headquarters for entomological supplies and specimens. 

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Send for our free supply catalogue and other lists of interest to 
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Trade Mark Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. 
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For Dusting Against 
APHIS AND CUCUMBER BEETLE 


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16 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 
For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 


etc. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 
Always dependable and efficient. 
“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable’ 
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“BLACK LEAP”-FI-NICOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free’’) Nicotine 


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Beals tats 2c 2 ose Pel ae pee Mean es EAD $ 1.10 | 
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Florida Entomolog ist 


pal Cee of the oe Entomological 1A 


VOL. VIII AUTUMN NUMBER No. 2 
September, 1924 


THE CHRYSOMELIDAE OF FLORIDA 
By W. S. BLATCHLEY 


Dunedin, Florida 


(Continued from page 7) 


XLII. Oedionychis Latreille. 


Elongate-oval, glabrous species of medium size (4.5-7 mm.) 
and variable color, having the front coxal cavities open behind, 
elytral punctures confused, first joint of hind tarsus slender, last 
one globosely inflated. Adults occcur on flowers and foliage of 


various plants, especially Composite. 

*150 (15865). O. gibbitarsa (Say).—‘Enterprise and Cedar Keys, com- 
mon” (Sz.). St. Augustine (Ham.). Pablo Beach, Sept. 5 (Davis Coll.). 
Moore Haven, Mch. 22 (Bl. 1923), swept from vegetation in marshy ground. 
All Florida specimens that I have seen have the elytra a deep cobalt-blue in 
hue, not greenish as in the North. 

*151 (15867). O. thoracica (Fabr.).—Haulover, one specimen (Sz.). 
Crescent City (Sz. Ms.). L. Worth (SI.). At hand from Gainesville and 
Dunedin, Nov.-Mch.; scarce about Dunedin, flying along the roads. 

152 (15868). O. vians (Ill.).—“Common” (Sz.) St. Augustine (Ham.). 
No other State records. 

*153 (15869). O. concinna (Fabr.)—‘“Rare”’ (Sz.). Crescent City (Wic.). 
At hand from Ormond, Palmdale and Dunedin, Feb.-Apr.; occurs beneath 
boards and other cover along the margins of ponds, one being dug out of 
the muck (Bl. 1914). 

*154 (15873). O. fimbriata (Forst.)—Northern part of the State, south 
to Ft. Myers. Gainesville on oak, Apr. 18 (Wat.). At hand from Sarasota 
and Dunedin, Nov.-Apr.; taken on flowers of thistle and swept from tall 
grass along the sandy margins of ponds. All specimens seen are of the 
vittate variety formerly listed as circwmcincta Cr. 

*155 (15875). O. petaurista (Fabr.)—“Tampa, very rare’ (Sz.). 
Crescent City and Haw Creek (Sz. Ms.): St. Augustine (Ham.): Ft. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Myers (Wic.). Gainesville, eating strawberry leaf, Feb.; on bitter-weed, 
Helenium, Aug. (Wat.). Varies much in size (5.5-8 mm.) and width of 
dark stripes. 

*156 (15877). O. miniata (Fabr.).—Northern part of State south to 
Ft. Myers. Frequent at Dunedin, Nov.-Apr., on dwarf huckleberry and 
other low vegetation. 

*157. (15879). O. ulkei Horn, 1889, 188.—Type from “Florida.” Haul- 
over, Crescent City, Orange and Sumter Cos. (Sz. Ms.). Enterprise 
(Wic.). Dunedin, Feb. 24-Apr. 10; occurs on flowers of fetter-bush, Des- 
mothamnus nitidus (Bartr.) and other Ericads in low damp woods (BI. 
1923). 

158 (15883). O. indigoptera Lec., 1878, 416—Type from Tampa. No 
other State record. “Occurs in Georgia and Florida” (Horn, 1889.) 

TO a( ). ©. saltatra Blatch., 1923, 32.—Types from Dunedin and 
Sanford. Frequent about Dunedin in spring on low herbage in moist ground; 
at porch light, June 15. 

*160 (15887). O. sexmaculata (Ill.).—Enterprise, rare (Sz.). Gainesville, 
abundant on foliage of ash, Apr. 5 (Doz.). At hand from Sanford, Apr. 
4. A common species in Indiana. 

*161 (15888). O. suturalis (Fabr.).—Throughout the State, south to Ft. 
Myers. At hand from six stations. Frequent about Dunedin, hibernating 
in Spanish moss and occurring in spring on flowers of the gallberry, 
Ilex glabra (L.), and other shrubs. 

162 (15869). O. quercata (Fabr.).—St. Augustine (Ham.); probably re- 
fers to the next; thorax wholly pale. 

G22... (( ). O. quercata obsidiana (Fabr.).—‘‘Baldwin and Enter- 
prise, common,” (Sz.). Sanford, Mch. 30-Apr. 5 (Bl. 1928). This variety 
has the thorax piceous with explanate side margins pale. Leng places it 
as a synonym of quercata. 

*163 (15890). O. scalaris Melsh.—Northern part of the State, south to 
L. Okeechobee. At hand from Sanford, Utopia and Istokpoga, Mch.-Apr.; 
occurs on low Ericads near margins of lakes. 


XLII. Disonycha Chevrolat. 


Oblong or oval medium sized (4-7 mm.) beetles of varied hue, 
having the front coxal cavities open behind; thorax without a 
transverse basal impression; hind tibiae not grooved; first joint 
of hind tarsi short and rather broad, tarsal joints not inflated. 
The adults feed upon herbs of various kinds and feign death 


when disturbed. 

164 (15895). D. pennsylvanica (Ill.).—“‘Common” (Sz.). Miami, Moore 
Haven and Orlando (Kn.). The only records of the typical form for the 
State. Perhaps apply to var. parva. 

*164a (15895c). D. pennsylvanica conjugata (Fabr.).—Northern part of 
the State, south to Moore Haven and Ft. Myers. At hand from six stations 
and reported from many others. Common, where found, on various species 
of smart-weed, Polygonum; also beneath decaying stems of pickerel-weed on 
old pond sites. 

*164b ( 


). D. pennsylvanica parva Blatch, 1921, 16.—Types from 


AUTUMN NUMBER 19 


Indiana and Sanford, Fla. At hand from Sanford, Pahoka, Palmdale and 
Dunedin, Mch.-Apr., from the muck and grass roots about the margins of 
cypress swamps. But little more than half the size of typical pennsylvanica, 
and probably a distinct species. 

165 (15896). D. quinquevittata (Say.)—Schwarz in his Florida list 
records D. punctigera Lec. as “not rare.” That name is made a synonym of 
quinquevittata by Horn (1889, 314). No other mention from the State. 

166 ( ). D. fumata Lec.—According to Scheffer (1919) the D. cren- 
icollis (Say.) of Horn (1889) is this species. Under the latter name it is 
mentioned by Schwarz (Ms.) as occurring at Jacksonville. 

*167 (15898). D. caroliniana (Fabr.).—Enterprise and Capron (Sz. Ms.). 
Lakeland, May 8 (Davis Coll.). At hand from L. Wales, Palmdale and 
Dunedin. Swept in some numbers, Mch. 28, from the flowers of a tall St. 
Johnswort at Palmdale. Rare at Dunedin on fetter-bush. 

*168 (15901). D. glabrata (Fabr.)—Ormond, on oak (Bl. 1902); Dun- 
edin Mch. 9, one specimen at each place. Gainesville, abundant on bull- 
thistle, Apr.; riddling the foliage of pig-weed, Amaranthus, May (Doz.). 
These the only State records. 

169 (15902). D. abbreviata Melsh.—Recorded from numerous stations 
in the northern half of the State. Gainesville, sweeping low herbage 
Feb. 26 (Doz.); on golden-rod, Sept. (Wat.); these, in part at least, Oedi- 
onychis petaurista (Fabr.). Scheffer (Ms.) doubts the occurrence of the 
true abbreviata in Florida, but a specimen taken at Lake City, Apr. 18, is 
in the Gainesville collection. 

*170 (15902a). D. leptolineata Blatch., 1917, 143—Types from Dunedin; 
also taken at Lakeland and Istokpoga. Frequent on ferns in dense ham- 
mocks and cypress marshes; also hibernating beneath cover along the bor- 
ders of ponds. Described as a variety of abbreviata but evidently a dis- 
tinct species. 

171 (15906). D. triangularis (Say).—Gainesville, Apr. 15; sweeping low 
foliage along a moist hammock edge, and hibernating under old logs (Doz.). 
The only State record. 

G2 ( ). D. albida Blatch., 1924, 169.—Type in Davis collection; 
taken by him on Big Pine Key, Sept. 18. 

173 (15907). D. xanthomelena (Dalm.).—‘‘Florida” (Horn, 1889). St. 
Augustine (Ham.) as collaris (Ill.), a synonym. 

*174 (15910). D. mellicollis (Say.)——Capron (Sz. Ms.). LaGrange 
(Davis Coll.). Bradentown, Oct. (Wat.). At hand from Sanford, Lakeland 
and Dunedin, Feb.-Apr.; scarce at porch light and beneath cover. 

*175 (15911). D. collata (Fabr.)—Common along the sea-coast, where 
it occurs beneath cover, between the roots of grass and on low vegetation 
close to the water. At hand from Key West and Dunedin. Recorded from 
many stations, but inland only from Enterprise (C. & L.). 


XLIV. Argopistes Motschulsky. 


Small (3 mm.), hemispherical black and red species resem- 
bling Exochomus in general appearance; antennae gradually 
clavate, front coxal cavities open behind. 


20 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


“176 (15914). A. scyrtoides Lec., 1878, 416—Types from “Florida.” 
Jupiter, on oak; Miami (Sz. Ms.). At hand from Biscayne Bay, Mch. 18, 
taken by Mrs. Slosson. Mines the leaves of the Florida privet, Forestiera 
porulosa (Michx.) (Sz. Ms.). 


XLV. Haltica Geoffroy. 


Small oblong-oval, convex species (2-5 mm.), blue, dull yellow 
or bronzed in hue, having the front coxal cavities open behind; 
thorax with a transverse basal impression, this not limited at 
each end. The species are numerous and some of them are in- 
jurious to grape foliage and garden truck. The genus is a difficult 
one and there is much confusion of synonymy. 


*177 (15917). H. chalybea Il].—Throughout the State, recorded from 
numerous stations. At hand from seven, including Cape Sable. Common 
about Dunedin, Nov.-Apr., on foliage of wax myrtle, wild grape, etc., hiber- 
nating in bunches of Spanish moss and beneath loose bark. Gainesville, on 
plum blossoms, Feb. 18, wild grape, Feb. 27 (Doz.); velvet beans (Wat.). 
Known in economic literature as the “grape-vine flea-beetle.” 

*178 (15918). H. nana Cr.—“South Carolina to Florida” (Horn, 1889). 
Biscayne Bay (Sz. Ms.). Mt. Dora, Aug.; Gainesville, on Eupatorium 
(Wat.). At hand from Gainesville (Fattig) and Dunedin. Rare at Dunedin, 
Nov.-Apr., on foliage in sandy open woods. One of the smallest (2 mm.) 
members of the genus. 

“179 (15926). H. litigata Fall, 1910, 154—Type from Enterprise. 
Throughout the State; recorded as H. ignita (Ill.) from numerous stations. 
At hand from nine localities, Nov.-Apr. Common on the water purslane, 
Ludwigia palustris Ell.; also beneath debris and decaying vegetation about 
the margins of ditches, ponds and lakes, and occasionally at porch light 
(B1., 1923). Fall (loc. cit.) assumes that typical H. ignita is a “brilliant 
coppery-golden form of the Middle Atlantic States,” whereas litigata is 
blue with protruding eyes and dull brown tibiae and tarsi. 

*180 (15927). H. schwarzi Blatch., 1914, 141.—Types from Utopia on L. 
Okeechobee. Taken also at Pahokee and Ft. Myers. Occurs on low vege- 
tation along the edges of lakes and streams. Piceous, strongly bronzed. 
(4.2-4.5 mm.). 

*181 (15928). H. vaccinia Blatch., 1916, 95—Types from Dunedin. At 
hand also from Caxambus and Ft. Myers. Common about Dunedin, Dec-Apr., 
on the flowers and foliage of dwarf nuckleberry. Uniform dark coppery 
red. (3-3.2 mm.). 

182 (15932). H. vicaria Horn, 1889, 222.—‘‘Massachusetts to Florida 
westward to Colorado and Arizona” (Horn). No other record. 

*183 (15942). H. marevagans Horn, 1889, 226—‘Along the seacoast 
region from Florida to New Jersey” (Horn). Pablo Beach and New Smyr- 
na. (Sz. Ms.). Gainesville on Oenothera, riddling the plant; also on 
Jussieua Apr.-Sept. (Doz.); maple, June, Helenium July, Solidago Oct. 
(Wat.). Scarce on Hog Island, opposite Dunedin, Feb. 5-Mch. 25, on the sea 
purslane, Sesuvium maritimum Walt. (Bl. 1917) ; also at porch light, July 5. 


AUTUMN NUMBER Pah 


184 (15953). H. floridana Horn, 1889, 230.—Types from Biscayne Bay. 
No other record. 


185 (15954). H. burgessi Cr., 1873, 71.—Types from Key West. No 
other record. The smallest Haltica (1.5-1.7 mm.) known. 

*186 (15955). H. rufa Ill—Throughout the State. At hand from six 
localities, Jan.-Apr. Common at Dunedin, libernating beneath cover along 
ponds and marshes, and in Spanish moss, and in spring on low herbage in 
moist localities. 

In addition to the ten species of Haltica above mentioned 
Leng, in his Catalogue, includes H. carinata Germ. and H. tor- 
quata Lec. from Florida. His record for the first is probably 
based on the H. exapta Say. of the Schwarz list, a synonym of H. 
carinata, but Schwarz (Ms.) changes this to ignita Ill., which I 
have included above as litigata Fall. Of H. torquata Lec. 
I can find no Florida record, and as Horn makes it a synonym 
of carinata, I have not included it, especially as Fall (Ms.) says: 
“Almost surely does not occur in Florida.” 


XLVI. Lactica Erichson. 


Small oblong-oval, shining species (3-4.5 mm.), pale yellow or 
with elytra blue. Closely allied to Haltica but having the basal 
impression of thorax limited each side by a longitudinal fold; 
elytra nearly smooth. Habits unknown. 

187 (15960). L. tibialis (Oliv.).—St. Augustine (Ham.). Miami (Sz.Ms.). 
“North Carolina to Florida and Louisiana.” Horn (1889). 


188 (15961). L. iris (Oliv.)—The type of L. specularis Harold, a syno- 
nym, was from “Florida.”” No other State record. 


XLVII. Diphaulaca Clark. 


Very small oval glabrous convex species (2 mm.), differing 
from Lactica in the elytra having rows of coarse punctures; 
thorax reddish-yellow, elytra piceous-black. 


189 (15964). DD. bicolorata Horn.—Enterprise, Apr. 19 (C. & L.). 
Gainesville, on red buckeye, Aesculus pavia L., Mch. (Wat.). 


XLVIII. Crepidodera Chevrolat. 


Small oval, convex glabrous species (2-2.5 mm.) having the 
front coxal cavities closed behind; elytral punctures in rows; 
ante-basal groove of thorax limited each side; antennae half the 
length of body; color greenish-bronzed, brown or black. 

*190 (15968). C. helxines (Linn.).—“Tampa, rare” (Sz.). Jacksonville 


6Horn, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., VIII, 1880, 151. 


22, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


(Sz. Ms.). At hand from Sanford and Pahoka, Mch.-Apr., one specimen 
from each place. A very common species in Indiana but evidently scarce 
in Florida. Occurs on willow, elm and other foliage. 

*191 (15974). C. atriventris Melsh.—“‘Enterprise and Tampa, rare.” 
(Sz.). At hand from Okeechobee City and Dunedin, Feb. 6-Mch. 27. In 
February beaten from Spanish moss; in March on ferns and other 
herbage in dense hammocks or along their edges. 


XLIX. Epitrix Foudras. 


Very small, oval, convex black or brownish species (1.5-2 mm.), 
close to Crepidodera but having the upper surface rather thickly 
clothed with short, erect grayish hairs. 


192 (15981). E. lobata Cr.—‘New Smyrna’’, rare (Sz.). Indian River 
(Sz. Ms.). No other State record. 

*193 (15982). E. cucumeris Harr.—Moore Haven, mouth of Hillsboro 
Canal and other points on L. Okeechobee, Mch. 20-24; swept from vege- 
tation in gardens and said to do much damage to egg plant, cucumbers 
and other truck crops of that region (BI. 1923). The only State record. 

*194 (15983). E. brevis Sz., 1878, 367 Types from Ft. Capron and 
Enterprise. St. Augustine and L. Worth (Ham.). Frequent about Dun- 
edin in March on ferns and other foliage in hammocks and low moist ground. 
Gainesville on Eupatorium, Oct.; on Aesculus pavia, Mch. (Wat.). 

*195 (15984). E. fasciata Blatch., 1918, 56—Types from Dunedin. At 
hand also from Caxambus, Key West and Cape Sable. A submaritime 
species found in spring on low herbage along the margins of salt water 
lagoons. 

*196 (15986). E. parvula (Fabr.).—Throughout the State. Listed by 
Schwarz as EH. hirtipennis Melsh., a synonym. Frequent about Dunedin, 
Mch.-Apr., on ground cherry and other low vegetation in moist grounds. 
Known as the “tobacco flea-beetle” as it often riddles the leaves of that 
plant, thereby preventing their use for cigar wrappers. 


L. Orthaltica Crotch. 


Small oblong, parallel glabrous species (2-2.5 mm.), brown or 
piceous in hue, having the ante-basal thoracic groove not limited 
each side, and antennae as long as or longer than body. 

197 (15988). O. copalina (Fabr.)—“Occurs from Massachusetts to 
Florida, westward to Missouri and Iowa” (Horn, 1889). No definite State 
record. Occurs in Indiana on sumac and Hercules’ club, Aralia Spinosa L. 


LI. Mantura Stephens. 


Small oblong-oval, convex species (2 mm.), brownish-bronzed 
in hue, the tips of elytra paler; thorax without transverse basal 
impression, but with a short deep longitudinal one each side of 
base; elytral punctures in rows. | 


, 


NE 


AUTUMN NUMBER 23 


*198 (15993). M. floridana Crotch, 1873, 73.—Types from “Florida, 
Louisiana and Pennsylvania.” At hand from Sanford and Dunedin, Mch.- 
Apr. Occurs in March by hundreds on a species of dock, Rumex, growing 
along the bay beach at Dunedin; also on other herbage in low moist grounds. 


LII. Chaetocnema Stephens. 


Very small, oval, convex black or brownish glabrous species 
(1.8-3 mm.), having the thorax without basal impression, hind 
tibiae sinuate and toothed above near apex; elytral punctures in 
rows; first two ventral segments connate. 


*199 (16000). CC. brunnescens Horn, 1889, 259.—Types from Key West, 
Punta Gorda and Miami (Sz. Ms.). A submaritime species, at hand from 
Key West, Cape Sable and Dunedin. Frequent near Dunedin, Nov.-Feb., 
on the foliage of button-wood and other low shrubs growing near tidewater 
lagoons. 

200 (16001). C. denticulata (Til.)—‘‘Enterprise and Cedar Keys, 
rare” (Sz.). St. Augustine (Ham.). 

SPANIL: (( ). C. fleridana Blatch., 1928, 33—Types from Dunedin and 
Lakeland, Dec.-Mch.; taken by sweeping huckleberry and other low vege- 
tation in open pine woods. This is the: species I erroneously recorded 
(1919, 66) as C. cribrifrons Lec. 

*202 (16008). -C. pinguis Lec., 1878, 417.—Types from Enterprise and 
New Smyrna. At hand from Lakeland, Istokpoga and Dunedin, Dec.-Mch. 
Occurs on low vegetation along the margins of lakes and beneath cover on 
the bay beach. 

— *203 (16006). C. minuta Melsh.—‘Florida” (Horn, 1889). Gainesville 
(Wat.), Scarce at Dunedin, Mch. 2-30, on herbage growing in low moist 
ground. 

*204 (16008). C. alutacea Cr., 1878, 74.—Types from “Florida.” “Com- 
mon on swampy meadows” (Sz.). St. Augustine (Ham.). Biscayne Bay 
and Haw Creek (Sz. Ms.). Dunedin, rare, Apr. 8, by sweeping along the 
margin of a dense hammock (BI. 1923). : 

20m ( ). C. robusta Blatch., 1923, 33.—Types from Hog Island, 
opposite Dunedin, where it occurs in some numbers on Batis maritima and 
other herbage growing in areas flooded at high tide. The largest (2.7-3 mm.) 
of the Florida species of the genus. 

*206 (16011). C. obesula Lec., 1878, 418.—Types from L. Ashley and 
Baldwin. Enterprise (Sz. Ms.). At hand from Pahoka, Moore Haven and 
Dunedin, Oct. 26-Mch. 27. In the truck lands about L. Okeechobee this 
is one of the three species of flea beetles which are said to do much damage 
to the crops, the others being Epitrix cucumeris and Chaetocnema quadri- 
collis. 

207 (16013). C. parcepunctata Cr.—‘Common” (Sz.). The only State 
record. 

*208 (16014). C. pulicaria Melsh.—St. Augustine (Ham.). Gainesville, 
on corn (Doz.). Dunedin, scarce, Dec.-Mch., on low herbage along the mar- 
gins of ponds. 


(To be continued) 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
Urals WATSON 22 ce.o dso ae oe toon es ne eens Our ae a ae Sea Editor 
IWVAEE; WEOIN INS Wie 00-25 22s oo toca cs seceevee diesen eee Associate Editor 
Gai 6 Webi 83 02) : Heke de eee ae eb ie Ren ear ie ie Business Manager 
Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 


Society. 
Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


THE APHID SITUATION 


The new citrus aphis has at last been identified. Dr. Baker 
of the U. S. Bureau of Entomology states that it is Aphis spirea- 
cola Patch., an insect whose known distribution covers most of 
the United States. Miss Patch, who described the species, is now 
of the opinion that it is identical with Aphis pomi, the Green 
Apple Aphis. At the Station we have been able to readily trans- 
fer the aphis from citrus to apple. 


The origin of the outbreak still remains a mystery. Has the 
insect only recently reached our citrus section, or has it recently 
developed a strain with an appetite for citrus, or has it been here 
on citrus in small numbers for many years to develop into a severe 
pest during the last two years because of weather or other favor- 
ing conditions? It is unfortunate that we cannot definitely 
answer that question, for on the answer hinges the probable 
future of the pest. If either of the first two guesses is the correct 
one, we may expect a prolonged fight. If the last is the true one, 
as Dr. Baker seems to think, we may look for a slump in its num- 
bers perhaps as complete and sudden as its rise. Undoubtedly 
the aphids are fewer now than at any time since March. But 
the present ebb in numbers may be a seasonal rather than a per- 
manent one. All aphids are always scarce at this season of the 
year and there was a similar slump in the numbers of the new 
aphis last summer. If the outbreak of last spring was caused by 
favorable weather conditions one would expect that there would 


a ae 


AUTUMN NUMBER 25 


have been a similar rise in numbers of other species of aphids. 
This was distinctly not the case. The melon aphis, for example, 
was much less destructive than usual. Furthermore if this 
new aphis has been with us for many years is seems strange 
that the outbreak should have had a definite center of origin, 
near Tampa, from which it spread out in all directions. One 
would have expected the outbreak to have been simultaneous 
over at least most of the citrus belt. 


MOSQUITO SURVEY OF BAMBOO KEY, FLORIDA 


By G. F. MOZNETTE 


Entomologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture 
Miami, Florida 


During the month of January 1923, Dr. Joseph Y. Porter, 
President of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, wrote to Dr. 
L. O. Howard, Chief Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D. C., 
stating that he was going to send an inspector to Bamboo Key 
to investigate the truth of the report that there are no mosqui- 
toes there, and find out the reason for such absence if true. He 
requested Dr. Howard to send the writer with this inspector. 
To the best of the writer’s knowledge, Dr. Porter’s proposed 
plan never materialized. However, at the request of Dr. 
Howard, a visit was made to Bamboo Key in January and again 
in October and the following is a brief report on the mosquito 
conditions existing there. 


In July 1923, Dr. Howard received another letter regarding 
Bamboo Key from a Mr. S. C. Singleton of Miami, Florida. He 
wrote as follows: ‘There is a smail island called Bamboo Key, 
about a half mile north of Key Vaca, and about midway of its 
length, that is immune from mosquitoes. I am aware of the 
fact that this will sound a bit like a crank story, but if you wish, 
what I say can be supported by affidavits from others. I took 
up a homestead on Ramrod Key; I am not talking hearsay. If 
what I say is so, then few matters are better worth your atten- 
tion. 

Right now, when from here to Key West, the mosquitoes are 
plain hell, and swarminng in the cockpit and cabin of your boat, 
you can anchor close to this island and they will leave your 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


boat and you can be out on the sand in your bathing suit, in 


comfort. 


Once when sheep were pastured there, the immunity disap- 
peared. Some time after the sheep were taken away, the Key 
became again immune. This is the reason why I think it is a 
problem coming under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Plant 
Industry. 

If it is a plant that can be propagated, then oil or gold de- 
posits would not add as much to the wealth of this State as the 
application of the knowledge of this fact. I am not able to 
undertake a proper investigation. I would be very glad to give 
you every aid within my power. It is not a matter of especial 
bleakness. Mangrove grows along this shore. Mosquitoes are 
not in this mangrove. This condition has been known to exist 
for at least twenty years. I trust you will investigate.” 


Topography of Bambeo Key, Florida 


Bamboo Key is a small island, about three acres in area, sit- 
uated among the lower Florida Keys, approximately a half mile 
north of Key Vaca and about midway its length. No elevations 
of consequence occur, the highest point being about a foot above 
the water’s edge. The south, east, and west shores are rocky, 
consisting of coral. The north shore is not as rocky and a 
little sand beach is to be found. For the most part the key is 
of a shell and coral formation. Low depressions and swampy 
places to afford breeding places for mosquitoes do not exist 
about the key, except for a few small crab holes along the shore. 
The writer was unable to find brackish or fresh water existing 
on any portion of the key during either visit there and condi- 
tions about the key were exceedingly dry. 


Flora of Bamboo Key, Florida 


For the most part the key is devoid of trees. The few trees 
that do occur are close to the water’s edge, and are situated 
on the east and south shore, while the remainder of the key is 
overgrown with low growing plants and shrubs of various kinds. 
The trees are mainly the white mangrove or buttonwood 
Laguneularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. and the red mangrove, 
Rhizophora mangle L. One or two Geiger trees, Sebestin 
Sebestina L., occur and a single coconut stands on the southwest 


. 


3 
: 
F 


AUTUMN NUMBER ped 


portion of the key. The writer was told that Bamboo Key was 
a bird roost at one time, and, if so, there apparently were more. 
trees on the key than exist now. From reports the key was 
cleared and cultivated a number of years ago and parties re- 
sided there. The dwelling, however, was apparently destroyed 
by fire, parts of the foundation still remaining. The fact that 
this key was at one time cleared and cultivated apparently 
accounts for the lack of more trees, the mangrove occurring 
along the shore springing up after the key was abandoned. 

During the second visit to Bamboo Key the writer had the 
use of a boat generously furnished by Mr. Hugh Matheson who 
owns Lignum Vitae Key and also a large portion of Upper Mathe- 
combe Key where he operates a lime plantation. Capt. L. 
Cochron, Mr. Matheson’s superintendent on Upper Mathecombe 
Key, took the writer to Bamboo Key. Capt. Cochron, who has 
lived on the Florida Keys for a number of years, stated after the 
survey of the key that he did not see a single plant growing 
there that does not occur on Upper Mathecombe Key or on some 
of the other keys. The writer made a careful collection of all 
plants growing on the key which have been determined by Dr. 
John Small of the New York Botanical Garden. The determina- 
tions are as follows: Aloe sp.; Gayoides crispum L.; Cyperus 
brunneus SW.; Rondia aculeata L.; Spartina junciformis BK. & 
G.; Galactia spiciformis T. & G.; Dolichus minimus; Atriplex 
cristata HBK; Heliotropium curassavicum L.; Suriana mari- 
tima L.; Wild asparagus; Chamaesyce buxifolia Lam.; Rivina 
humilis L.; Melanthera testator; Heliotropium parviflorum 
L.; Salicornia ambigua M.; Laguncularia racemosa L.; Mon- 
anthochloe littoralis E.; Waltheria americana L.; Distichlis 
spictata; Dondia linearis M.; Lyolina clostus; Gyssipum ler- 
sutum and Rliloxerus vermieularis. From the data contained 
in Dr. Small’s volume on the Flora of the Florida Keys, it ap- 
pears that all the plants collected are also growing on other 
Florida Keys. The writer has also observed many of them 
growing on Grassy Key, Long Key, Lignum Vitae Key, and 
Upper Mathecombe Key. 


Mosquito Conditions of Bamboo Key, Florida 


Dr. Raymond Turck and the writer did not find any mosqui- 
toes on Bamboo Key during the visit there in January 1923. 
January is not the month to find mosquitoes there, in fact, any- 


28 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


where in southern Florida. On the writer’s second visit to the 
key in company with Capt. L. Cochron, many specimens of 
Aedes taeniorhynchus, the brackish water mosquito, were col- 
lected. This was the only species of mosquito encountered on 
the key. Mosquitoes were not present on the boat while ap- 
proaching the key from the north, but the minute we reached 
shore by means of a smaller boat carried with us, we were at- 
tacked. The writer‘s first impression on landing was not in the 
least encouraging; that, as reports had led him to believe, he 
would possibly find a solution for combatting the brackish water 
mosquito in Florida. He was not, however, greatly surprised 
when he did find plenty of mosquitoes there. The writer sur- 
veyed the entire key and stirred up mosquitoes wherever he 
went. In the mangrove the mosquitoes were quite plentiful, 
and in walking through the grass and shrubs, mosquitoes 
were encountered. These observations were made on October 
5, the day being bright and quite warm. No doubt the mosqui- 
toes would have been more numerous during the night. It is 
the writer’s belief that mosquitoes do not occur in as large num- 
bers on Bamboo Key as on Key Vaca or Grassy Key as well as 
some of the other keys in the vicinity. Bamboo Key is more or 
less wind swept. The vegetation is not as dense nor as high and 
hence does not afford nearly the harboring conditions for mos- 
quitoes as the other keys which are covered with a much denser 
growth of mangrove and high growing trees and shrubs. Again 
mosquitoes were not found breeding on the key as they were on 
the other neighboring keys. It appeared that the mosquitoes 
occurring on the key migrated there from adjoining keys to the 
south and southeast, the prevailing winds aiding their migra- 
tion from those directions. Bamboo Key might have been free 
from mosquitoes at one time but this is not true at present. It 
may be possible, however, that Bamboo Key is comparatively 
free from mosquitoes for very short periods during the summer 
months when mosquitoes are plentiful on some of the other keys. 
This would perhaps depend on the weather conditions at the 
time, and whether the wind was in a direction very unfavorable 
for their migration to the key. 


PERSONALS 


Dr. W. S. Blatchley has, at the invitation of the Florida State 
Federation of Women’s Clubs which owns the park, undertaken 


a  e 


AUTUMN NUMBER 29 


a natural history survey of Royal Palm Park (Paradise Key), 
south of Miami. Dr. Blatchley expects to devote a considerable 
part of his time for at least five years to this survey. 

Dr. Cole has been secured to assist Mr. Yothers in the U. S. 
Bur. Ent. Laboratory at Orlando. 


Mr. Homer Bratley, Assistant in Department of Biology in 
the University, has been employed during the summer by the 
Department of Entomology of the Experiment Station. He 
assisted with the experiments on nematode control. During the 
remainder of the year he will serve as a half-time assistant in the 
Department and will work on pecan insects. 


Profs. Rogers and Hubbell of the Department of Zoology of 
the University spent their summer vacations collecting in West 
Florida, Michigan, and Eastern Tennessee. 


Mr. F. F. Bibby has accepted a position with the Georgia 
State Board of Entomology with Mr. Jeff Chaffin. 

According to Science, Dr. Frank E. A. Thone, assistant pro- 
fessor of Botany at the University last year, has been selected to 
direct the “Daily Science News Bulletin” which Science Service 
furnishes to newspapers. 


THYSANOPTERA OF N. A. 
Additions and a Correction 


J. R. WATSON 


The writer has recently received from Prof. Harry 8. Smith 
of California specimens of a thrips infesting lily bulbs in Los 
Angeles Co., Cal. The insect proved to be Liothrips vaneecket 
Priesner, hitherto known only from Europe. 

Another addition to the American species of Liothrips is L. 
urichi Karny (“A New Liothrips from Trinidad,” Ann. Mag. 
Nate erst, 9. XII.) 

The late Prof. R. C. Treherne in the Canadian Entomologist 
records the following new species from B. C.: Thrips physa- 
pus L.; Taeniothrips lemanis Treherne, T. vulgatissimus Hal. 
var. meridionalis Pries., T. pallipennis Uzel, T. orionis Treherne, 
and Frankliniella nubila Treherne. 

An examination of a larger series of the author’s Phloeothrips 
drakei reveals that it is identical with Acanthothrips karnyi 
Hood. 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Dr. H. Priesner of Austria recently called the writer’s atten- 
tion to the fact that his Dictyothrips floridensis is an Echino- 


thrips. 
they are apparently identical. 


Comparison with Morgan’s E. americana shows that 


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NOTES ON EUPTERYGID LEAF-HOPPERS WITH 
DESCRIPTIONS OF A FEW FORMS (HOMOPTERA) 


By W. L. McATEE 


1.—Forewing; 2.—hindwing, of Jorwma pisca. 


* The following notes on distribution extend the known ranges 
of the forms mentioned, and the names of host plants are given 
wherever possible. Nothing has been published on several of 
these forms since their original description so the information 


should be welcome. A genus, two species, and four varieties 


are described as new. For economy the following abbrevia- 
tions are used in citing two of the localities: Onaga for Onaga, 
Kansas, January 6, 1921, French Creek, under leaves, F. F. 
Clevecoeur; and Perry, for Camp Perry, Ohio, September 5, 
1921, W. L. McAtee. All leaf-hoppers with latter citation were 
collected along the shore of Lake Erie on wild grape which they 
had thoroughly riddled. 


Genus Alebra Fieber 


A. albostriella var. albostriella Fallen.—Woodstock, Vt., A. P. Morse. 

A. albostriella var. discicollis Herrich-Schaffer.—Falls Church, Va., 
June 6, N. Banks. 

A. bicincta DeLong.—DuBois, Ill., August 9, 1917, J. R. Malloch. 


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34 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Genus Empoasca Walsh 


E. trifasciata Gillette—Falls Church, Va., June 7, N. Banks. 
E. albolinea Gillette.—Indianola, Nebraska, July 5; Cambridge, Mass., 
July, on maple. 
Joruma new genus 


This genus is intermediate in character between the two main 
groups of Eupterygidae that lack an appendix to the hemely- 
tron. These groups have been distinguished by the characters: 
wing with, and without submarginal vein, respectively. A 
clearer way of expressing the same thought is apical cells of the 
wing closed, and the alternative, apical cells.of the wing open. 
The present genus has one open and one closed apical cell in the 
wing. Venation of tegmen and wing as in Figures 1-2 (kindly 
drawn by J. R. Malloch). Another character of note is that the 
ocelli are so well developed that they may justly be called con- 
spicuous for this small leafhopper; they are on the rondure from 
vertex to front, at about their own diameters from inner mar- 
gins of eyes. 

Other features of this insect probably of generic significance 
are the following. The cross-vein that would form base of first 
apical cell of tegmen is nearly obsolete. There is a row of coarse 
punctures extending about one-third of way across pronotum in 
front of each humeral angle and there is a nearly percurrent 
median impressed line on the vertex. 

The genus is named for John Russell Malloch who is equally 
acute and successful in collecting as he is in the taxonomy of 
insects. 

Genotype the following species: 


Joruma pisca new species 


Head and thorax dark brown above appearing as if underlaid by red- 
dish; tegmina uniformly fumose with dark greenish reflections; most of 
face and legs pale yellow, the upper part of front and anterior part of 
vertex, more or less reddish, sometimes paler just around ocelli; abdomen 
chiefly brown above and pale yellow below with edgings of the alternate 
color; pleural regions more or less reddish. Length: 3 mm. 

Holotype ?, Plummers Id., Md., August 27, 1922, J. R. Malloch; allo- 
type, Glen Echo, Md., August 22, 1922, W. L. McAtee; paratype °, Glen 
Echo, Md., July 23, 1922, J. R. Malloch. A female from San Domingo, 
W. I., 6.8.05, August Busck (U. S. Nat. Mus.), seen only after the pre- 
ceding account was in ms. is made a paratype. Another specimen in too 
poor condition to be included in the type material is from La Ceiba, Hon- 
duras, Aug. 17, 1916, F. J. Dyer. (U. S. N. M.) 


WINTER NUMBER 35 


Joruma adusta new species 


Another specimen of this genus recently found represents 
a species distinct from the genotype. It agrees exactly with the 
generic characters as already defined, and in the main is colored 
like the genotype. Reddish tints are almost absent, however, 
and the front of vertex between ocelli and middle of face are 
covered by a broad dusky band. This species is also longer and 
broader than pisca; the vertex is more rounded, its median 
length scarcely greater than that along inner margin of eye, 
while in pisca the vertex is more produced, the median length 
being decidedly more than that along inner margin of eye. 
Length 3.5 mm. Holotype °, Chapada, Brazil, January, C. F. 
Baker, (U. S. Nat. Mus.) 


Genus Eupteryx Curtis 


E. artemisiae Kirchbaum.—Arnold arboretum, Boston, Mass., swept 
from Artemisia sp., July 27, 1921, Harold Morrison. This species has not 
previously been recorded from the United States. 

E. flavoscuta var. flavoscuta Gillette—Beltsville, Md., May 21, 1922; 
Glen Echo, Md., August 8, 28, 1921; May 14, September 17, 1922; Chain 
Bridge, Va., September 11, 18, 1921, J. R. Malloch. This species lives on 
ferns. 

E. flavoscuta var. nigra Osborn.—Beltsville, Md., May 21, 1922; Glen 
Echo, Md., August 8, 28, 1921; May 14, 21, 26, J. R. Malloch; August 22, 
' 1922, J. R. Malloch, W. L. McAtee. 

E. flavoscuta var. juvenis McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., July 23, 1921, J. R. 
Malloch. 

Genus Hymetta McAtee 


H. trifasciata var. trifasciata Say.—Onaga. 

H. trifasciata var. balteata McAtee.—Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., Aug- 
ust 10, 1922, swarming on Hedera helix which the hoppers had severely in- 
jured, W. L. McAtee; Dallas, Tex., August 21, 1922, on cultivated grape, 
F. C. Bishopp; Ames, Iowa, various dates, April to September. 


Genus Erythroneura Fitch 


E. vulnerata var. vulnerata Fitch, fulvous form.—Perry; Vermillion, 
Ohio, July 21, 1921, on Delaware grape, C. I. Bliss; red form: St. Louis, 
Mo., on elm, T. Pergande. 

E. vulnerata var. niger Gillette-—Onaga. 


Erythroneura hubbardi new species 


This species has a very distinct type of coloration from any 
previously described American form, and suggests very strongly 


36 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


in this respect some of the European species of Eupteryx. The 
scutellum and parts anterior are sooty fuscous (the eyes some- 
what reddish) ; the tegmen is pale yellow, with the extreme base 
of clavus sooty and a fuscous mark beginning at apical third of 
clavus, skirting costal plaque and covering remainder of the 
surface posteriorly except for the following clear areoles: a 
small one on radial margin in apex of clavus; a larger one in the 
end of each sectorial area; the extremely large first apical cell 
almost entirely; three small round spots in second apical cell, 
two of them on margin, one at exterior angle; three large and 
two small spots in basal two-thirds of third apical cell, and the 
apex of this cell; a large spot basally, connecting with radial 
margin in fourth apical cell and two small round spots toward the 
apex. Moderately wide margin of pronotum and head as seen 
from below sooty brown, a narrow line between eyes, and re- 
mainder of lower parts, including legs, but excluding the sooty 
brown genitalia, pale yellow. Venation. of. tegmen of the 
vulnerata type; vertex longer than wide between the eyes, blunt. 
Length: 2.75 mm. Holotype *, Chiricahua Mts., Ariz., June 9, 
H. G. Hubbard (U.S. Nat. Mus.) 

E. obliqua var. obliqua Say, red form.—Washington, D. C., November 
3, 1895, on oak, T. Pergande; yellow form: Sea Cliff, N. Y., N. Banks. 

E. obliqua var. electa McAtee.—Falls Church, Va., March 28, N. 
Banks. 

E. obliqua var. cluta McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., August 22, 1922, W. L. 
McAtee. 

Erythroneura erosa new species 


Venation resembles that of obliqua Say. In two specimens examined 
a vitta covering more or less of vertex, middle part of pronotum and most 
of scutellum; differs considerably in details; in one specimen this vitta is 
sanguineous (nearly orange on posterior part of pronotum), is underlaid 
by dark stripes along inner margins of eyes, and by three pairs of dusky 
spots, one pair near front of vertex, a pair of smaller ones just behind, 
and a pair larger than either of the others near front of pronotum. In 
the other specimen the vertex is yellow, with only the anterior pair of 
spots and median line posteriorly dusky, posterior disk reddish; front of 
pronotum dusky, two large discal spots scarlet; anterior disk and extreme 
lateral angles of scutelluam and margins of pronotum pale yellow; ground 
color of tegmina greenish yellow, clavus with two large oblong blotches 
on basal two-thirds, and corium with a single similar blotch exterior to 
hind part of clavus, and another just posterior, coral-red (glossy spec- 
trum red in one specimen). All of these spots have their edges ragged 
or erose. Apical cells, apex of clavus, and hind part of costal plaque dusky 
fumose; a band of coral-red spots over cross veins in one _ specimen. 
Length 3 mm. 


WINTER NUMBER 37 


Holotype °, Los Angeles Co., Calif., D. W. Coquillett (U. S. Nat. Mus.) ; 
paratype °, Spreckels, Calif., Sept. 10, 1907, E. D. Ball (Ball). 

E. tecta var. tecta McAtee—Glen Echo, Md., August 28, 1821, J. R. 
Malloch; New Hampshire, F. Blanchard. 

E. tecta var. carbonata McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., July 16, August 22, 
1922; Chain Bridge, Va., September 10, 1922, J. R. Malloch; Middlesex 
Fells, Mass., August 28, August 29, N. Banks; New Hampshire, F. Blan- 
chard. 


Erythroneura abolia var. divisa new variety 


General color above sulphur-yellow, hind margin and a median longi- 
tudinal line on vertex, disk of pronotum, scutellum, and commissure 
broadly dusky to black, a coloration reinforced by the dark dorsum of abdo- 
men; membrane as well as ends of the cells between sectors dusky hyaline. 
General color below sulphur-yellow, legs stramineous. Length 2.75 mm. 
Holotype male, Glen Echo, Md., July 16, 1922, J. R. Malloch. 

HE. tecta var. tecta McAtee——Glen Echo, Md., August 28, 1821, J. R. 
Malloch; New Hampshire, F. Blanchard. 

E. tecta var. carbonata McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., July 16, August 22, 
1922; Chain Bridge, Va., September 10, 1922, J. R. Malloch; Middlesex 
Fells, Mass., August 28, August 29, N. Banks; New Hampshire, F. Blanch- 
ard. 

E. aclys McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., August 21, 1921, April 23, July 9, 
30, 1922, July 1, 1923; Virginia near Plummers Id., Md., August 27, 1922, 
J. R. Malloch; Kingston, N. J., August 20, 1923, on redbud, H. B. Weiss. 

E. morgani Delong, red and yellow forms.—Chain Bridge, Va., April 
16, 23, May 7, August 20, September 17, 1922, April 28, 1923, J. R. Malloch. 

E. basilaris var. basilaris Say, red form.—New Hampshire, F. Blan- 
chard. 

E. basilaris var. affinis Fitch—Onaga; Falls Church, Va., April 7, N. 
Banks. 

E. maculata var. maculata Gillette, red and yellow forms.—Sandusky, 
Ohio, August 16, 1921, on sycamore, C. I. Bliss; Perry; red form only: 
Washington, D. C., November 3, 1895, on oak, T. Pergande; Sea Cliff, N. 
Y., August; Cambridge, Mass., October 10, N. Banks. 

E. maculata var. bella McAtee, yellow form.—Glen Echo, Md., August 
2222 ek hve Vlalloch: 

E. maculata var. osborni De Long.—Chain Bridge, Va., September 11, 
1921, April 23, 1923; Glen Echo, Md., August 22, 1922, August 10, 1923, 
J. R. Malloch. 

E. maculata var. bigemina McAtee.—Onaga. 

E. maculata var. gemina McAtee.—Glen Echo, Md., July 4, Aug. 28. 
19215 J. KR: Malloch. 


Erythroneura maculata var. confirmata new variety 


Markings of head, thorax and scutellum as usual in the maculata type, 
yellow; tegmen with a streak along claval suture anteriorly, an oblique 
dash at base of corium and another at anterior end of costal plaque, yellow; 
dot at posterior end of plaque, and in base of fourth apical cell black; and 


38 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


the following markings red, broad vitta based on costal plaque, extending 
inwardly and crossing clavus as an oblique broad band, and a straight nar- 
row stripe, connected narrowly behind to a spot which spreads so as to 
fill spaces between sectors anterior to third and fourth apical cells, also 
ramose marking on cross veins; costal plaque dusky bluish hyaline, apical 
cells fumose. Color below pale yellow. Length: 2.75 mm. 


Holotype, and paratype males, Chain Bridge, Va., April 28, 1922, J. R. 
Malloch. 


Erythroneura maculata var. parallela new variety 


Bears the same relation to maculata that var. rubra Gillette does to 
comes, the red markings being more extensive and denser than in the typi- 
cal variety, of a darker shade of red, and the dorsum of abdomen very dark. 
Length: 2.5 mm. 


Holotype male, Lexington, Mass., Sept. 28, 1920; paratype male, 
same locality, Sept. 18, 1920, and Arlington, Mass., Oct. 9, 1920. Specimens 
intermediate between this and the typical variety were collected at Lexing- 
ton at approximate dates. 

E. ligata var. ligata McAtee. Perry. 

E. vitis var. vitis Harris.—Dallas, Tex., August 21, 1922, on cultivated 
grape, F. C. Bishopp; Washington, D. C., October, 1895, on Cercis canadensis, 
T. pergande; Perry; Ottawa County, Ohio, September 4, 1921, on Vitis 
vulpina, C. I. Bliss. 

E. vitis var. bistrata McAtee.—Fort Washington, Pa., September 24, 
1921, H. L. Viereck. 

E. vitis var. stricta McAtee.—Perry. 

E. tricincta var. tricincta Fitch, yellow form.—Kelley’s Id., Ohio, July 
30, 1920, on Clinton grapes; Put-in-Bay, Ohio, August 3, 1920, on Catawba 
grape, C. I. Bliss; Perry. 

E. tricincta var. calycula McAtee, yellow form.—Chain Bridge, Va., 
September 11, 1921, May 7, 1922, J. R. Malloch. 

E. tricincta var. integra McAtee, yellow form.—Chain Bridge, Va., 
October 2, 1921, April 23, 1922, J. R. Malloch. 

E. comes var. comes Say, red and yellow forms.—Rocky River, Ohio, 
September 1, 1920, on Catawba grape, C. I. Bliss; yellow form only; Black 
Mt., N. C., May, N. Banks. 

E. comes var. vitifex Fitch, red form.—Dallas, Tex., Aug. 21, 1922, on 
cultivated grape, F. C. Bishopp; Colorado (No. 1854). 

E. comes var. elegans McAtee.—Cambridge, Mass., October 3, November 
1; Lexington, Mass., September 7. 

EH. comes var. rubra Gillette.——Perry. 

E. comes var. rubrella McAtee.—Onaga; Sea Cliff, N. Y., N. Banks. 

E. comes var. delicata McAtee, red form.—Falls Church, Va., March 26, 
N. Banks; Chain Bridge, Va., April 16, 23, 1922, J. R. Malloch. 

E. comes var. accepta McAtee, yellow form.—Chain Bridge, Va., May 7, 
1922, J. R. Malloch. 

E. comes var. compta McAtee, yellow and red forms.—Middle Bass Id., 
Ohio, August 10, 1920, on Catawba grape, C. I. Bliss. 


WINTER NUMBER 39 


E. comes var. ziczac Walsh, red and yellow forms.—North Bass Id., 
Ohio, August 6, 1920, on Clinton grape, C. I. Bliss; red form only; Perry; 
Wichita, Kans., August 31, 1918, on English ivy, J. R. Horton. 


Erythroneura comes var. bidens new variety 


Like E. comes var. rubra Gillete, except that the upper surface of pro- 
notum save a semi-elliptical space on each anterior angle, and a semi- 
circular spot in middle of front margin, is black. Length 2.8 mm. Holotype 
male, Virginia near Stubblefield Fall, on Pinus virginiana, October 23, 
1921, J. R. Malloch. 


Erythroneura comes var. suffusa new variety 


What is left of the ground color is pale yellow, but the vertex has a 
median dusky vitta, flanked at its apex by dark parentheses; the pronotum 
has the hind margin and much of disk dusky to black; the scutellum with a 
short median vitta from base, or more of basal part, dusky to black; and 
the tegmen except for costa is dusky fumose; in best marked individuals 
the usual black markings of comes are distinct and colored markings typi- 
cally indistinct; color below also chiefly dark, middle of face, legs, and 
abdominal edgings paler. Length: 2.75-3 mm. 

Holotype male Glen Echo, Md., July 16, 1922, J. R. Malloch; para- 
types both sexes, same locality, July 10, 17, 23, August 8, 1921, and May 
26, 1923, J. R. Malloch; August 22, 1922, W. L. McAtee. 


THE CHRYSOMELIDAE OF FLORIDA 


By W. S. BLATCHLEY 
Dunedin, Florida 


(Continued from page 23) 

*209 (16015). C. crenulata Cr—‘Sumter Co., very rare” (Sz.). At 
hand from Gainesville; taken by Watson in June by beating in flat-woods. 

*210 (16016). C. confinis Cr.—Throughout the State, south to Ft. 
Myers and Moore Haven. At hand from four stations and recorded from 
numerous others. Common about Dunedin, Nov.-Apr. on soy-beans, Con- 
volvulaceae and other vegetation, especially in low mucky grounds. Gaines- 
ville, abundant, Mch.-Apr., in the hammocks on basswood, wild cherry, 
buckeye, etc. (Doz.); velvet beans, Nov.; oak, Apr.; maple, June (Wat.). In 
the North known as the “sweet potato flea-beetle.”’ 

*211 (16020). C. quadricollis Sz., 1878, 368.—Types from Enterprise 
and New Smyrna, May-June. Biscayne Bay and L. Worth (Sz. Ms.). 
Common in truck patches around the southern half of L. Okeechobee in 
March (BI. 1923). 


LIII. Systena Clark. 


Small elongate, convex black or dull yellow glabrous species 
(3-5 mm.) having the thorax without basal impression, elytral 
punctures confused, front coxal cavities closed, spur of hind 


40 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


tibiae small and slender. The adults live mainly on marsh vege- 
tation, as Polygonum, etc. 

*212 (16023%). S. frontalis (Fabr.).—Northern part of State, south 
to Citrus Center (Davis Coll.). At hand from Gainesville and Dunedin, at 
the former on smartweed, July (Wat.); rare at Dunedin at porch-light, 
June 15. Occurs usually on Polygonum about the margins of ponds. Leng, 
in his Catalogue, forgot to number this and it appears erroneously as a syn- 
onym of pallicornis Scheffer, a Texas species. 

213 (16026). S. pallipes Sz., 1878, 367.—Types from “different parts of 
Florida, abundant on swampy meadows in May and June” (Sz.). L. Poin- 
sett, L. Ashley, Baldwin and Crescent City (Sz. Ms.). Ft. Myers, Apr. 20 
(Davis Coll.). 

*214 (16027). S. elongata (Fabr.).—“Enterprise, not rare” (Sz.). 
St. Augustine (Ham.). Moore Haven, Mch. 27, on foliage in low mucky 
soil. Gainesville, on Heleniwm, June (Wat.). 

*215 (16029). S. marginalis (Ill.).—Crescent City and Haw Creek 
(Sz. Ms.). Dunedin, rare, Mch. 28, on wax-myrtle; July 5 at porch-light. 
Gainesville, on Polymnia and Myrica, June; L. Wales, on oak (Wat.). 


LIV. Longitarsus Latreille. 

Very small oblong-oval, strongly convex, glabrous species 
(1-2.5 mm.) blackish or dull yellow in hue and having the front 
coxal cavities open behind, thorax without basal impression, 
elytral punctures confused, hind tibiae with apex entire, first 
joint of hind tarsus nearly half the length of tibia. (For key to 
species see Bl., 1921). The adults live mainly on subaquatic 
vegetation along the edges of marshes or on herbage in dense 
woodland. 

216 (16032). L. varicornis Suffr.—Leng, in his catalogue, mentions 
L. heliophyti Horn, a synonym, as occurring in Florida, Alabama and Texas. 
No other State record. Occurs on the Indian heliotrope, Heliotropium 
indicum L. 

*217 (16046). L. pygmaeus Horn.—“Enterprise, Tampa, Baldwin and 
Sumter County” (Sz. Ms.). At hand from Arch Creek and Dunedin. Fre- 
quent about Dunedin, Dec.-Apr., on tall dead grasses along the margins of 
ponds. Described from Georgia. 

218 (16047). L. testaceus Melsh.—Northern part of the State south 
to L. Okeechobee (Davis Coll.). Numerous records by Schwarz (Ms.) and 
others but part of them doubtless refer to L. cotulus and tenuicornis. 

F219 ( ). L. tenuicornis Blatch., 1923, 34.—Types from Sanford, 
Dunedin, La Belle, Moore Haven and Ft. Myers, Nov. 21-Apr. 4. Common 
on low vegetation about the borders of ponds and lakes and at Dunedin on 
the fleshy crucifer, Cakile edentula (Bigel), along the bay front. 

*220 (16048). L. cotulus Blatch., 1914, 141.—Types from Kissimmee, 
Dunedin, Eustis and Sanford. Occurs throughout the State, south to Moore 
Haven, on May weed or dog-fennel, Anthemis cotula L. and allied Composite. 
Gainesville, May-Dec., on Hupatorium, Cephalanthus, velvet beans, chin- 
quapin, etc.” (Wat.). 


WINTER NUMBER 41 


221 (16049). L. melanurus Melsh.—Lake Harney (Sz. Ms.). Crescent 
City (Wic.). Horn gives North Carolina as its southern range. 

OD On ( ). L. fuscicornis Blatch., 1919, 65.—Types from Dunedin, 
Oct. 26-Dec. 13, where it occurs on low vegetation about ponds. No other 
record. 

*223 (16052). L. perforatus Horn, 1889, 286.—Types from Tampa. 
Frequent about Dunedin, Feb.-Apr., on tall dead grasses about the margins 
of ‘“wet-weather” ponds. 

So eyl | ). L. impuncticollis Blatch., 1928, 35——Types from Dunedin, 
Feb. 28, swept from vegetation about the margin of a pond. 

*2925 (16053). L. solidaginis Horn, 1889, 286.—Types from Sumter 
County on a species of Solidago. Orange County (Sz. Ms.). Frequent about 
Dunedin, Jan.-Apr., on huckleberry and other low shrubs in open pine 
woods and about the margins of hammocks. Hibernates beneath pine bark 
and in Spanish moss. 

=226) | ( ). L. subcylindricus Blatch., 1920, 70—Type from Dunedin 
Mch. 27; taken by beating in dense hammock. 

eeuian( ). L. aeneola Blatch., 1923, 35—Type from Caxambus, Mch. 
6; swept from low herbage along the margin of a salt water lagoon. 


LV. Giyptina Leconte. 


Small oblong-oval species (1.5-3.5 mm.), closely allied to Longi- 
tarsus but having the elytra blue or dull yellow, their punctures 
in rows, first joint of hind tarsus not more than one-third the 
length of tibia. 

228 (16056). G. bicolor Horn.—Biscayne Bay, Slosson collection, 
-Jan.-Mch. (Leng Ms.). No other State record. 

229 (16058). G. cyanipennis Cr.—Biscayne Bay (Horn, 1889). No other 
State record. Occurs in Indiana on the Virginia-creeper, Parthenocissus 
quinquefolia (L.). 

230 (16060). G. brunnea Horn.—Tampa and L. Ashley (Sz. Ms.). 

*231 (16061). G. spuria Lec.—“Enterprise, rare” (Sz.); Tampa, Haw 
Creek and Punta Gorda (Sz. Ms.). Cape Sable, Feb. 27; one specimen taken 
by beating in hammock. 

232 (16062). G. cerina Lec.—‘Tampa very rare” (Sz.). St. Augustine 
(Ham.). Probably an error of identification. 


LVI. Phyllotreta Foudras. 


Small oblong-oval, subconvex species (2-3 mm.) allied to 
Glyptina and having the elytra blue, or piceous with pale stripes 
or spots, their punctures confused; hind tibiae not grooved, the 
spur at middle of tip. The adults feed on cruciferous plants 


both wild and cultivated. 

*233 (16066). P. vittata (Fabr.)—Enterprise Apr. 17 (C. & L.). 
Jacksonville (Sz. Ms.). Sanford and Dunedin, rare, Apr. 4-26 sweeping 
in low moist gardens. Known as the “cabbage flea-beetle,” the adults feed- 


42 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ing upon the leaves of turnips, cabbage and strawberries, the larvae on the 
roots. 

234 (16076). P. chalybeipennis (Cr.).—‘“Occurs on the sea coast, 
Massachusetts to Florida” (Horn, 1889). No other State record. A sub- 
maritime species feeding on the sea rocket, Cakile edentula (Bigel). 

*235 (16081). P. picta (Say.).—Northern two-thirds of the State, 
south to Tampa. At hand from Ormond, Apr. 15, beaten from oak. Gaines- 
ville, very abundant on young oak foliage, Mch.-Apr. (Doz.). 

*236_(( ). P. liebecki Scheffer, 1919, 339.—Types from fitted 
Sanford, Mch. 28—-Apr. 9; taken in numbers by sweeping herbage along 
the borders of cypress swamps. This is the species erroneously recorded 
by me (1914, 142) as P. robusta Horn (See BI., 1920a, 263). 


LVII. Aphthona Chevrolat. 


Very small oval, convex, glabrous species (2-2.5 mm.) having 
the elytra blue or reddish-yellow, their punctures confused, hind 
tibiae with the inner apex notched or bilobed, the spur on inner 
lobe. 

237 (16084). A. insolita (Melsh.).—Capron, “very rare” (Sz.). Miami 
(Kn.). Occurs in Southern Indiana on the Indian currant, Symphori- 
carpos. 


LVIII. Psylliodes Latreille. 


Small oblong-oval convex glabrous (2-2.5 mm.) piceous bronz- 
ed or bluish-green species having the antennae 10-jointed; front 
coxal cavities closed behind, hind tarsi inserted on the outer side 
of the tibiae above the apex; elytral punctures in rows. 

238 (16089). P. punctulata Melsh—St. Augustine (Ham.). The only 
State record. 

*239 (16090). P. convexior Lec.—“Occurs in Texas, Georgia, Florida, 
te.” (Horn, 1889). At hand from Gainesville; taken by Watson March 10 
on radish. No other State record. 

*240 (16093). P. elegans Horn, 1889, 311.—Types from Florida and 
Kansas. Haulover, Enterprise and Cedar Keys (Sz.). as P. lacustris; 
changed (Ms.) to P. elegans. At hand from Ormond, Caxambus and sev- 
eral intervening stations. Frequent about Dunedin, Jan.—Apr., especially 
so on the field sorrel, Ruwmex acetosella L., in sandy cultivated grounds, 
and the fleshy sea-rocket along the bay beach. 


LIX. Stenispa Baly. 


Elongate, subcylindrical black or bluish-black species of me- 
dium size (5-7 mm.) having the head inserted in thorax to eyes, 
its front inflexed, the mouth inferior; thorax as broad as elytra, 
the latter not costate but with finely punctate striae; tarsal claws 
widely divaricate. This and the genera with costate elytra up 
to LX VI, comprise the subfamily Hispinae. 


WINTER NUMBER | 43 


*241 (16094). S. metallica (Fabr.).—“Enterprise and Tampa, not rare” 
(Sz.). Haw Creek (Sz. Ms.). Scarce at Dunedin, Feb.-Mch., on low huckle- 
berry and on grasses about the margins of ponds. 


LX. Anisostena Weise. 


Small elongate bluish-black species (4-5 mm.) having the 
antennae filiform, 11-jointed, elytra costate, middle tibiae curved, 
third joint of tarsus bilobed, tarsal claws divergent. The gene- 
ric name in former use was Charistena. 

242 (16096). A. nigrita (Oliv.)—“Florida” Horn Coll. (Cr.).  Enter- 
prise’ (GC, 'G i.) . 

*243 (16102). A. ariadne Newm.—Scarce in the northern part of the 
State, south to La Belle. At hand from Sanford and Dunedin, Febr.-Apr.; 
taken beneath boards in damp places. Gainesville, July (Wat.). LaBelle 
Apr. (Kn.). 

244 (16103). A. lecontei Baly.—‘‘Florida, rare.” (Horn, 1883). St. 
Augustine (Ham.). 


LXI. Anoplitis Chapuis. 


Small elongate-oval species (3.5-4 mim.) ; dull red, often mark- 
ed with fuscous; antennae 11-jointed, elytra costate, with eight 
rows of punctures, middle tibiae straight. Formerly listed as 


Odontota or Chalepus. 

*245 (16105). A. inzqualis (Web.).—“Lake Harney and Enterprise, 
rare” (Sz.). as O. rosea Web.; changed to nervosa (—inaequalis) (Sz. Ms.). 
Sanford (Wic.) as nervosa. Gainesville on Polymnia and Rhus, July (Wat.). 
At hand from Eustis and Dunedin, Apr.; swept from low herbage. Leng 
includes A. rosea Web. from “Fla.’’, but this was evidently based on the 
first record by Schwarz. That name is usually considered a synonym of 
inaequalis, as the species is extremely variable in color. 


LXII. Chalepus Thunberg. 


Elongate-oval species of medium size (5-7 mm.) with black 
elytra and thorax in part or wholly red; elytra with three costae 
and ten rows of punctures. Formerly listed as Odontota. 

*246 (16109). CC. bicolor (Oliv.).—Occurs throughout the State. At 
hand from six stations and reported from numerous others. Occuns in 
spring and summer on low herbage, usually in moist places. 

*247 (16111). C. scapularis (Oliv.)—‘“Tampa, one specimen” (Sz.). 
Crescent City (Sz. Ms.). At hand from Sanford. Istokpoga and Dunedin, 
Mch.-Apr.; taken while beating in dense wet hammocks. 

*248 (16112). C. notatus (Oliv.).—Northern three-fourths of the State, 
south to Miami; numerous records. At hand from Ormond, Sanford and 
Dunedin, Mch.-Apr.; taken with the preceding and by sweeping low herbage. 
Gainesville on blackberry, Ostrya (hop-hornbeam) and oak, Apr. (Doz.). 


44 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


LXIII. Baliosus Weise. 


Similar to Chalepus but elytra dull red with scattered fuscous 
marks and a fourth costa at base and apex. 

*249 (16116). B. rubra (Web.).—Northern part of the State, south to 
Lakeland and Dunedin. At hand from five stations, Mch.-Apr.; beaten 
from wax-myrtle and oak. Gainesville on oak and linden, Jan.-June, mat- 
ing June 11 (Doz.). 


LXIV. Octotoma Suffrian. 


Small oblong-oval species (4.5-5 mm.), dull black with thorax 
in part red; antennae clavate, 8-jointed; elytra with short ob- 
lique plice. 

*250 (16124). O. plicatula (Fabr.).—Archer, by Keebele (Sz. Ms.). 
Gainesville on buckeye and ash, Mch. 6-25 (Doz.). 


LXV. Uroplata Baly. 


Small, elongate, parallel-sided, dull black, species (3 mm.) 
having the antennae 8-jointed; elytra costate and with ten rows 
of punctures. Formerly included with Microrhopala. 

*251 (16126). U. porcata (Melsh).—“Enterprise and Tampa, very 


rare’ (Sz.). Jacksonville (Sz. Ms.). Moore Haven (Kn.). Scarce about 
Dunedin Jan.-Apr., on oak and low huckleberry. 


LXVI. Microrhopala Baly. 


Small oblong-oval black or dark-blue species (4.5-5 mm.), 
similar to Uroplata but the elytra with only eight rows of punc- 
tures. 


*952 (16132). M. floridana Sz., 1878, 8369.—Types from Sumter County, 
Enterprise, New Smyrna and Tampa. Baldwin (Sz. Ms.). Orlando (Kn.). 
Sanford and Dunedin, Dec.-Apr., on the hoary lupine, Lupinus diffusus Nutt. 

*253 (16134). M. erebus (Newn.).—Northern part of the State, south 
to Ft. Myers and Marco (Davis Coll.). Numerous records. At hand from 
Ormond and Dunedin, Nov.-Apr., on oak, golden-rod and low herbage. 
Easily known by its very large elytral punctures. 


LXVII. Porphyraspis Hope. 


Small convex dark blue species (4-5 mm.}. This and all the 
following genera have the thorax and elytra of nearly equal 
width, with broad expanded margins, head usually wholly con- 
cealed beneath the thorax and body elliptical or sometimes nearly 
circular. They comprise the subfamily Cassidinae and are known 
as “tortoise-beetles.” The larvae are oval flattened prickly 
grubs and feed, for the most part, upon Solanaceze and Convol- 
vulacese. (See Bl., 1910, 1229). 


WINTER NUMBER 45 


*254 (16137). P. cyanea (Say).—Northern part of the State, south to 
Arch Creek. Occurs throughout the year on the saw palmetto, Serenoa 


serrulata (Michx.). Specimens taken along the Kissimmee River were 
wholly black in hue (BI, 1914). 


LXVIII. Chelymorpha Boheman. 


Large oblong-oval, convex species (9-15 mm.), brick-red dotted 
with black; front margin of thorax broadly emarginate at mid- 
dle; head visible from above. Both adults and larvae feed on 
Convolvulacee. 

*255 (16139). C. cassidea (Fabr.).—Northern part of the State, south 
to Moore Haven. At hand from Ormond, Lakeland and Moore Haven. 
Hibernates in bunches of Spanish moss and feeds on morning-glory, sweet 
potato and wild potato, Ipomoea pandurata (L.). 

*256 (16139d). CC. geniculata Boh.—Marathon Key and Key West (Br.). 
A submaritime tropical species occurring along both the Atlantic and Gulf 
coasts of the southern third of the State. At hand from Long Key, Cape 
Sable, Key West, Sarasota and Dunedin. Food plant, the goat’s-foot morn- 
ing-glory, Ipomoea pes-caprae Sweet., a creeping plant growing along the 
sea beaches. In my opinion a distinct species, not a variety of cassidea. 
(See BIl., 1920, 71). 

LXIX. Eurypepla Boheman 

Large oval convex species (10 mm.) having the head concealed 
by the rounded front margin of pronotum; outline deeply and 
broadly notched between humeri and pronotum; claws simple. 

257 (16140). E. jamaicensis (L.).—Key West (Sz. Ms.). Cutter, July 1 
(Br.). A tropical species occurring on the geiger-tree, Sebesten sebes- 
tena (L.). 

LXX. Physonota Boheman. 

Large elongate-oval convex greenish-yellow species (10 mm.) ; 
thorax with three black dots; head and claws as in Hurypepla. 

258 (16142). P. unipunctate (Say).—Haw Creek Prairie (Sz. Ms.). No 
other State record. Occurs on wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa, wild sun- 
flower, Helianthus, and kindred plants. 

LXXI. Jonthonota Spaeth. 

Oval convex species of medium size (7-8 mm.), dull red, elytra 
each with one to three vague dark spots. 

*259 (16149) J. nigripes (Oliv.)—‘‘New Jersey, Florida, Michigan, etc.” 
(Br.). Ocala Apr. 17. Occurs in Indiana on wild morning glory and sweet 


potato. 
LXXII. Orectis Spaeth. 

Small circular convex species (5-6 mm.) ; elytra with num- 
erous tubercles, their margins maculate. Formerly included 
under Cassida. 

260 (16151). O.callosa (Boh.). Crescent City (Br.). Occurs on ground 
cherry and other Solanacee. 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


LXXII. Chirida Chapuis. 


Oval subdepressed species of medium size (5-6 mm.), dull 
yellow, elytra often maculate with blackish; antennal joints 


2-4 in repose lying in a groove, joint 3 twice as long as 2. 

*261 (16152). C. guttata (Oliv.).—“Cedar Keys, rare” (Sz.). Enter- 
prise (C. & L.). Lakeland, May 8 (Davis Coll.). Ormond, Mch. 27, on oak 
(Bl. 1902.). Gainesville, on wild sweet potato (Doz.); on sweet potato, 
Eupatorium and Ceanothus, Apr.-Sept. (Wat.). Often listed as C. signifera 
Hbst., a synonym. 

262 (16153). C. extensa (Boh.).—Jacksonville and Gulfport (Schf. Ms.). 
Differs from guttata in having the elytra usually immaculate and translu- 
cent at humerus. 


LXXIV. Deloyla Chevrolat. 


Rather large, broadly oval, subdepressed species (7-8 mm.), 
the elytra with disk brown, rugose, and bearing numerous tu- 
bercles, its margins broadly translucent at middle. 

*263 (16155). D. clavata (Fabr.)—Lake Worth (Ham.). Enterprise 
(C. & L.). Eustis, Apr. 6, one specimen, beaten from oak. Gainesville, Dec.- 
Apr., on oak. Apparently confined to the northern half of the State. Food 
plants usually various species of Solanacez. 


LXXV. Metriona Weise. 


Species of medium size (5-7 mm.) and dull reddish-yellow in 
hue, having the elytra smooth, evenly convex; third joint of an- 
tennae but slightly longer than second. Food plants Convolvul- 
aces. Usually listed as Coptocycla. 

264 (16156). M. bivittata (Say).—DeFuniak Springs (Sz. Ms.). The 
only definite State record. Occurs on sweet potato and morning-glory. 

*265 (16157). M. bicolor (Fabr.).—Throughout the State. At hand from 
nine stations and reported from many others. Hibernates in bunches of 
Spanish moss and beneath rubbish, and in spring beaten or swept from 
morning-glory, wild potato and various species of low herbage. Often 
listed as Coptocycla aurichalcea Fabr., a synonym. 

266 (16159). M. purpurata (Boh.).—Gainesville on buckeye, oak and 
wild morning-glory, Mch.-May (Doz.). The only definite State record and 
perhaps refers to the next. 

*267 ( ). M. ormondensis Blatch., 1920, 71—Type from Ormond, 
Apr. 18, on wild morning-glory. 

LXXVI. Coptocycla Boheman. 

Rather small oblong-oval, strongly convex species (5.5-6 mm.), 
uniform dull red in hue with expanded side margins of elytra 
strongly declivent. 

*268 (16161). C. repudiata Suffr—Haw Creek, Crescent City, L. Poin- 
sett and Cocoanut Grove, May-June (Br.). Cape Sable, Feb. 23-26, from 


among the roots of tufts of a coarse prairie grass (Bl. 1920). Described 
from Cuba. 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
5 eee RW ATGOINS te. feats Vip 345. Y ONT aia ee re E witer 
IWUETIRTOIN, INGO WEIL oe ee ee Associate Editor 
JN. LG bad] 34 0) 42 eR BC ck Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 385 cents per copy. 


AN ENLARGED NUMBER 


In order to have the time of publication of the different vol- 
umes of the ENTOMOLOGIST coincide with the calendar year it 
has been decided to combine in this issue the remaining two 
numbers of volumes VIII. With the New Year we will begin 
Volume IX. 


AEROPLANE DUSTING COMING 


Last month a private concern carried on demonstrations in 
Georgia in dusting cotton fields and peach orchards from an 
aeroplane, with a view to signing up the farmers for the sea- 
son’s dusting. The demonstration is said by those who followed 
it closely to have been a success. Not only was the dusting 
cheaper, but the distribution was more uniform than that se- 
cured from machines operating from the ground. 

It would seem that dusting citrus groves for rust mite should 
offer a particularly attractive field for aeroplane dusting. It 
could be applied at the optimum time. A single plane could 
dust all the groves in a county in a few days at most. 


PERSONALS 


Dr. P. H. Rolfs, who has spent the past four years in Minas 
Geraes, Brazil, establishing an agricultural college and experi- 
ment station at Vicosa, is back in Florida for the winter. He 
addressed the Phi Kappa Phi Society of the university on De- 


48 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


cember 17, and it is hoped that the Entomological Society can 
induce him to talk on the insects of Brazil. Dr. Rolfs returns 
to Brazil in March. 

Dr. W. S. Blatchley has returned to Florida for the winter and 
is now collecting in Royal Palm Park. 

Mr. G. F. Moznette will leave shortly for South America 
where he will study the fruit fly situation. 

Among our members who will attend the meetings of the 
A.A.A.S. in Washington the last of December are A. H. Beyer, 
Dr. O. F. Burger, J. C. Goodwin, T. H. Hubbell, Geo. B. Merrill, 
Dr. J. H. Montgomery, Dr. Wilmon Newell, F. M. O’Byrne, Prof. 
J. Speed Rogers, and Dr. P. H. Rolfs. 


MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


October 29, 1924. The first meeting of the season of the 
Florida Entomological Society was held in Science Hall, October 
29, at 4 P.M., with President Merrill in the chair, and the fol- 
lowing members present: Bates, Berger, Beyer, Floyd, Gray, 
Hubbell; Merrill, Rogers, Walker, Watson. Visitors, Bratley, 
Nolen, Speere. 

The paper of the evening by J. R. Watson, followed. His 
subject was “Insects of the Desert Region of New Mexico.” 
The speaker first discussed the climatic and moisture conditions 
of the desert, and their relation to the insect life of the desert re- 
gion. Under climate he mentioned the sudden and violent wind 
storms and their effect on the insects. To avoid death in the des- 
ert they dig into the soil, especially in the middle of the day. 
Other principal habitats are under the leaves of the yucca or 
Spanish Bayonet plant. During the wind storms the tenebrionid 
beetles hug firmly to the base of the plants until the storm 
ceases. In connection with the wind storms the speaker also 
made a brief mention of the birds such as the prairie horned 
lark and the road runner. The former “roosts” on the ground 
or under the banks of arroyas. 

It is characteristic of the animals of the desert not to be at 
all particular what they eat, and the darkling beetles even live 
on Russian thistle seedlings, and weed seeds. The darkling 
beetles in this section have no wings. On account of the severe 
winds they would be disadvantageous. Blister beetles are com- 
mon and very large in size, and some also have inflated immov- 
able elatra. Some Cerambicids resemble darkling beetles in 


WINTER NUMBER 49 


being wingless and feed on cactus. Digger wasps are very com- 
mon especially ‘velvet ants,” sometimes called “cattle killers.” 
Butterflies are very rare. The speaker stated that he took only 
one common species on his collecting trips. He collected an 
abundance of geometrids. Agricultural ants were very abun- 
dant and ciccadas were also quite common. Mosquitoes were 
found only within a belt of 5 miles of the Rio Grande Valley. 
Moisture is very scant. The light (8 in.) rain comes during 
the summer months of June, July, and August. At least one 
fourth of an inch is necessary to produce growth of the grass. 
Under Brief and Timely Notes Mr. Watson mentioned the 
infestation of saw flies occurring in the pine trees of the state. 
Mr. Beyer mentioned millipeds as injuring citrus and pecans. 
Mr. Hubbell spoke of collecting a rare species of hawkmoth 
larva on cypress, Isoparce cypressi. 


Dec. 3. The regular meeting was held in the Biological Lec- 

ture Room of Science Hall; President Merrill in the chair. The 
following members were present: Beyer, Gray, Hubbell, Merrill, 
Walker, Watson; and the following visitors: C. O. Bratley, H. 
E. Bratley, Cobb, Fox, Means, Nolen, Musselwhite, Speere. H. 
E. Bratley, R. E. Nolen, and H. L. Speere were elected to mem- 
bership. 
_ Mr. Walker presented the paper of the evening on “A Sum- 
mer’s Collecting of Orthoptera in Florida.” He discussed and 
exhibited the characteristic orthoptera of the salt marsh, sand 
scrub, sandy ponds, cypress ponds, low pine woods, high pine 
woods, flat woods, and hammock. The new species collected 
brings the total number for Florida to 208. Of particular in- 
terest was an undescribed grasshopper from the sand scrub. 
Mr. Walker described the methods used in collecting. He em- 
phasized the fact that many species not to be found at all, or 
rarely, during the day could be readily taken at night. 


Our Common Chiggar 


Dr. H. E. Ewing in the Jl. Agric. Research, Vol. XX VI, No. 9, 
p. 401 (Dec. 1923), writes in “Our Common N. A. Chiggar, Its 
Distribution and Nomenclature.’ He states that the proper 
name is Trombicula tlalzahuatl (Murray). Synonyms are Lep- 
tus (Trombicula?) similis Hirst, L. irritans Riley T. connabaris © 
Ewing. The pest extends from Long Island to Mexico and from 
the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. 


50 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


ADDITIONS TO THE THYSANOPTERA OF FLORIDA—XII 
J. R. WATSON 


(Contribution from the Department of Entomology, Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta.) 


84. Eurythrips osborni Hinds. 

Beaten from Hupatorium serotinum in bloom, Oct. 1923. Near Gaines- 
ville. Previously reported from grass, Mass. (Hinds) and Tenn. (Morgan). 
85. Trichothrips marginalis Hood and Williams. 

Under rotting bark, with a good growth of fungi, of a fallen maple 
tree. Hog-town Creek near Gainesville. Sept. 1928. (T. H. Hubbell, 
Coll.) Described from Louisiana, where it was found under the bark 
of a willow tree. 


Under bark of the same maple tree the writer in Dec. 1923 took several 
specimens which correspond with the describtion of T. terminalis Hood 
and Williams, described from specimens taken from a stump at Orlando. 
It is the writer’s opinion that these two species are identical. 


86. Taeniothrips (Physothrips) xanthius Williams. 
Collected by Geo. B. Merrill from cynipid galls in pigeon plums sent 
in from Miami by Reginald Hart. 


Described and known only from Cattleya orchids from Trinidad, W. I. 


87. Gastrothrips (?) pallidus, n. sp. 

Color of body and legs a very pale yellow flecked with conspicuous 
hypodermal pigment which (like the eyes) is purple by transmitted, and 
bright red by reflected light; antennae light gray, bases of segments 3-6 
colorless, apical antennal segments and tube a darker gray. Head about as 
wide as long; cheeks decidedly bulging, abruptly rounded to the eyes and 
converging posteriorly, destitute of conspicuous bristles. Hyes rather small, 
diameter much less than the distance between them. Ocelli large, straw- 
colored, well separated from each other but posterior pair well separated 
from margins of eyes, opposite the anterior third of eyes; bordered with 
deep orange crescents. Mouth-cone long, reaching the mesosternum. Labium 
broadly rounded at the apex. Labrum sharp-pointed and scarcely at- 
taining tip of labium, tip dark. Antennae less than twice as long as head; 
segment 1 very broad, especially at the base, concolorous with the head; 
2, urn-shaped with a broad short pedicel, uniformly grayish; 3, subclavate, 
tapering uniformly to a narrow base, gray in apical third, almost colorless 
in basal two-thirds; 4, ovoid, darker gray in apical half or two thirds, 
colorless at the broad base; 5, more narrowly ovoid, basal third colorless; 
6, barrel-shaped with a broad colorless pedicel; 7, sub-cylindrical, ab- 
ruptly contracted to a broad base; 8, sub-conical, contracted at base; 7 
and 8 uniformly dark gray. Prothorax distinctly shorter than the head 
and (including coxae) nearly twice as broad as long; each angle and also 
coxa bears a short but rather heavy, knobbed bristle. Pterothorax about 
as broad as prothorax, sides sharply converging posteriorly. Fore coxae 
slender, but little wider than the others. Fore tarsi unarmed. Wings 
well-developed, membrane almost reaching the base of the tube, barely if 
at all contracted in the middle but the basal fourth markedly wider; very 
light gray except for a median darker streak along the vein which disap- 
pears near the base and a little above the middle; sparsely fringed with 


WINTER NUMBER 51 


rather long hairs, 3 interlocated ones on fore wing. Abdomen narrow at. the 
base, widest at about segments 7 and 8; each segment provided with one or 
more rather thick but colorless bristles which become progressively longer 
posteriorly, those on segment 9 being nearly as long as the tube, blunt. 
Tube about two-thirds as long as the head, twice as wide at the base as 
at the apex, not abruptly contracted at the apex; terminal bristles about 
as long as the tube. 

Measurements: Total length about 1 mm. Head, length .168 mm., 
width .173 mm.; prothorax, length .109 mm., width .21 mm.; mesothorax, 
width .224 mm.; abdomen .187 mm.; tube, length .11 mm., width at base 
.053 mm., at apex .028 mm. 


Antennae: 
Seatientl swe ee ei a ee ee 
erent hes CAS se es A 291 408957 nee om he 40 | 29 
| 17 | 13 microns 


i CIN ee ree | 37 | 27 | 27 


Total length .29 mm. 

Described from two females found with the preceding species. 

Hood’s description of the genus Gastrothrips will have to be modified 
in two respects to admit this species. The tube is not abruptly contracted 
at the base and there are three interlocated bristles on the fore wing. In 
shape of head, eyes, prothorax, and mouth cone it agrees with that genus. 
Only the fourth antennal segment seems to bear a triangular process 
beneath. 

88. Haplothrips angustipennis Wats. 
Plant City, Fla. T. H. Hubbell, Coll. Described from Georgia. 
89. Microthrips piercei Morgan. 
_ On Cassia siamea at Miami, Fla. Feb. 7, 1924. W. T. Owrey, Coll. 
90. Scirtothrips owreyi n. sp. 

Color dark brown; prothorax and especially abdomen darker, head, 
pterothorax, all femora and antennae somewhat lighter, all tibiae, tarsi, 
and antennal segment 3 a much lighter yellowish brown. 

Measurements: Total body length 1 mm. to 1.13 mm.; head, length 0.11 
mm., width 0.18 mm.; prothorax, length 0.16 mm., width 0.22 mm.; ptero- 
thorax, length 0.18 mm., width 0.22 mm.; abdomen, width 0.36 mm.; an- 
tennae, total length 0.31 mm. 


Sesment. 6 er Pa eae hie ag Re a te eC cl) 
Mensthee eee [n26) (44 | 585 bee) | 48esies | ec 
VAG 0g See se a een oOu) 2ouleaceon | ea0eo 6 microns 


Head rounded in front, considerably elevated between the bases of the 
antennae which it slightly overlaps. Vertex cross striated. A heavy black 
spine inward from each eye and a very long one arising from below the 
base of each antennae on the ventral side and two rather short ones midway 
of each cheek behind the eyes; cheeks arched and roughened. LHyes large, 
slightly protruding, roughly triangular in shape, facets large. Anterior 
ocellus large, yellow and situated about opposite the anterior margin of 
eyes. In one specimen the posterior ocelli are absent, in the other very 
conspicuous, situated at the inner-posterior corner of each eye, margined 
on the inner side with dark brown crescents. 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Mouth cone long, reaching the mesosternum. Antennae 8-segmented, 
segments 2 and 5-8 concolorous with the head; 1, 3, and the base of 4 
lighter brown. Spines dark and thick and quite conspicuous. 


Prothora@x a third longer than the head and nearly .4 wider than long; 
sides quite convex, but little wider posteriorly than anteriorly; pronotum 
faintly reticulate striate; one long, one rather short but thick, and one 
minute bristle on each anterior angle; a pair of long and one minute bristle 
on each posterior angle; three pairs of bristles along the anterior margin, 
the second of which are longer. 

Sides of the very short mesothorax strongly convex and diverging 
posteriorly, those of the even shorter metathorax nearly straight and 
slightly diverging posteriorly. Two heavy spines near the anterior angles 
of the pterothorax and the metanotum covered with short ones like the 
abdomen. Wings entirely lacking. Legs rather short, the fore femora 
especially so, the latter with a small tooth at the apex on the inner side. 
Fore tibiae almost as thick as the femora, with a heavy black bristle below 
the apex on the inside. Tarsi unarmed. Abdomen wide and heavy, the 
last two segments with very long, heavy, dark bristles.on the sides. 

Described from two females collected from Iris trifoliata at Jacksonville, 
Fla., by Mr. W. T. Owrey of the Federal Horticultural Board. 

This species resembles Sericothrips apteris Daniels, in color, the ab- 
sence of wings, and the long mouth cone, but differs in the presence 
of ocelli, suture on antennal segment 6, two long bristles on the posterior 
angles of the prothorax, the presence of a tooth at the apex of the fore 
femora, and in the shorter head. 

91. Chirothrips floridensis catchingsi Wats. 
Under the leaf sheaths of Napier grass, Gainesville, Dec. 1924. 
Previously described from Louisiana (Bull. 168, Fla. Agric. Exp. Sta.) 


The Third International Congress of Entomology will be held 
at Zurich, Switzerland, July 19th to 26th, 1925, with Dr. A. V. 
Schulthess as president. General Secretary Dr. Leuzinger, Glo- 
riastrasse 72, Zurich, 7, Switzerland. All entomologists are 
cordially invited. For the Executive Committee, 

Henry Skinner. 


The first and second congresses held at Brussels and Oxford, 
respectively, were very successful and it is now proposed to 
hold the third congress in a neutral country where entomolo- 
gists of the belligerent countries could meet without embarrass- 
ment, and Switzerland has been suggested as a suitable place 
and attractive in many ways and convenient for the majority. 


WINTER NUMBER 


On 
we) 


MR. WALKER GOES TO COLOMBIA 


One of our members, Mr. F. W. Walker, has left for Colombia, 
S. Am., where he has been employed as entomologist by the 
United Fruit Co. 


THE CELERY LEAF-TYER 


The leaf-tyer (Phlyctaenia rubigalis Guenee), which did so 
much damage in the Sanford celery fields during the spring of 
1924, has again appeared in large numbers in that section. 
Owing to the difficulty of getting any poison into the heart of 
the celery plant where the caterpillar works, the insect was 
found to be a difficult one to control. Recent trials conducted 
by the Experiment Station indicate that calcium arsenate blown 
into the plants by a good dusting machine would seem to offer 
the most promising means of control. 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
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54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


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WINTER NUMBER 


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56 


THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


CALCIUM CYANIDE 


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ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society ae 


Vol. IX SPRING NUMBER No. 1 
MARCH, 1925 


A NEW GENUS, A NEW SUBGENUS AND SEVEN 
NEW SPECIES 
OF THYSANOPTERA FROM PORTO RICO 
By 
A. C. MORGAN, 


Associate Entomologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture 
Cercyothrips. New Genus. Family Thripidae. 


Antennae 8-segmented, maxillary palpi apparently only 2-segmented, 
sense cones on segments 3 and 4 forked, mouth cone broad and heavy reach- 
ing nearly across prosternum. Head produced between antennae which 
are inserted far apart close to the eyes, and are directed somewhat laterally. 
Cheeks strongly converging posteriorly. Prothorax shorter than the head 
and without the usual spines at the angles. Anterior and intermediate 
tibiae unarmed; legs stout. Wings well-developed, with two veins sparsely 
set with spines, 9th segment of abdomen the longest. Spine on abdominal 


segments 9 and 10 stout. 


This genus suggests Limothrips somewhat in the projection of the 
head between the eyes. The antennae are very similar to those of some 
species of Sericothrips, notably variabilis. 

Cercyothrips striatus. New Species. 


Female:—Measurements of Holotype: Length 0.95 mm.; head, length 
0.112 mm., width through eyes 0,163 mm.; prothorax, length 0.103 mm., 
width 0.155 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.20 mm.; abdomen, greatest width 
0.215 mm. 


Dimensions of antennal segments in microns: 


(Lata, 8 eg oe eels en ee 
ent [22 6u |) 60k facleals 40" bs i oeneae 
Width. eee ee ee oe eG yall 


General color by reflected light: eyes deep orange, whole body, 
especially prothorax, heavily tinged with orange, also all femora and tibiae 
and two basal segments of antennae and segment 6, basal half of segments 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
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2, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


3-5, segments 7-8 and tarsi lemon yellow. Color by transmitted light; head, 
thorax, abdomen, femora, tibiae, and segment 2 of antennae deep brown; 
tarsi, distal half of segments 3, 4, 5 and segments 6-8 light brown, 7 and 8 
lighter than 6, proximal half of segments 3 to 5 gray brown, Wings clear 
in basal 2/5 and distal 1/5 except over veins, remainder brown, forming a 
broad band. Posterior wings clear except for dark brown median vein. 


Head nearly straight across front to middle of insertion of antennae, 
thence curving forward very nearly to base of second antennal segment 
forming a projection between the antennae as broad as basal segment. 
Eyes not protruding, rather coarsely facetted, minutely pilose, occupying 
slightly more than half the width of the head and 2/3 its length; with 
orange pigmentation. Ocelli large, approximate, the posterior pair opposite 
center of eyes, slightly fore-shortened due to their position on sides of 
hump, anterior ocellus on front margin of hump and strongly directed 
forward. Cheeks slightly roughened and converging evenly and strongly 
to prothorax. Dorsal surface behind ocelli very distinctly though finely 
transversely striate, and very slightly so in front of anterior ocellus. Spines 
upon head sparse and minute. Antennae situated rather low on front 
bearing few spines and those small. Branched sense cones placed as in 
Frankliniella, but in this specimen they are much enlarged and long. A 
long transparent sensory hair located on inner margin of six near the 
middle. 


Prothorax very distinctly though finely transversely striate, anterior 
angles broadly rounding to the middle of the segment, posterior angles 
slightly rounding, without long spines, although rather low down on each 
anterior angle, and on posterior angles a single very short spine is visible, 
remnants of the row on the posterior margin are found in a pair of very 
short, rather stout spines on each side of meson. Mesonotum and metano- 
tum distinctly and finely striate. Legs short and the fore pair, particu- 
larly, quite stout. Femora and tarsi sparsely pubescent. Wings narrow, 
rine vein heavy, at middle about 1/15 as broad as long, spines on costa 
and veins small, costa bears 23, fore vein bears 9 spines situated as fol- 
lows, 3 near base, 4 near middle, 1 at fourth fifth and one near tip; 
posterior vein bears 3 spines all beyond middle of vein, two being near the 
middle and the third just within brown area near fourth fifth. Anterior 
vein runs all the way very near costa. Fringe on costa long, slender and 
sparse, fringe on posterior margin long, slender and straight. 


Abdomen striate on sides of first to 7th segments, constriccted at 
segments, broadest at about 5th segment, converging evenly from 6th 
segment to the stout cone-shaped 10th segment. Conspicuous spines only 
on last three segments, two lateral pair on nine and much shorter median 
pair on 10 quite prominent: and dark brown. The median pair on 9 consid- 
erably smaller than those on 10. 8th segment bears a fine comb-like 
fringe of minute spines on posterior dorsal margin. A dark chitinous 
thickening extends across dorsum of segments 2 to 8 near anterior margin. 
10th segment is entire above. . 


SPRING NUMBER 3 


Described from one female. No food plant given. Collected by Mr. 
E. G. Smythe, Rio Piedros, Porto Rico, Oct. 7, 1919. 
Sericothrips portoricensis, sp. nov. 

Female:—Color: Head and prothorax deep brown, pterothorax and 
Ist abdominal segment orange brown; abdominal segments 2-5 with a 
longitudinally median tan colored stripe occupying about 1/4 the width 
of the segments, remainder of segments brown, segment six tan, segments 
7-10 dark brown; fore and middle femora tan, hind femora nearly as dark 
brown as abdominal segments 7-10, tibiae light tan, tarsi lemon yellow; 
antennal segments 1 and 2 straminious, base of 3 gray, remainder of an- 
tennae brown, shading from light lemon on 3rd segment to dark brown on 
segments 6-8 with bases of 4 and 5 gray brown. Wings deep brown, basal 
fourth (except scale which is brown) gray, a gray cross band in the fourth 
fifth; hind wings gray except for dark brown median vein. 


Head very short, scarcely 1/4 as long as broad, surface very finely 
striate; eyes dark blackish brown, occupying slightly more than half the 
width of head and nearly its entire length, pilose with a few conspicuous 
hairs, facets large; ocelli equidistant, large, margined inwardly, with very 
dark orange crescents; post-ocellar spines large and prominent, a few 
small spines on cheeks, four spines across front below anterior ocellus a 
little larger than setae between facets of compound eyes; mouth cone long, 
reaching across prosternum, stout, cone-shaped with sides slightly convex; 
antennae normal except for the branched sense cones which are especially 
large and thick. 

Prothorax only about half as long as wide, quite thickly covered with 
fine transversely anastomosing lines, sides convex; each posterior margin 
bears a very stout long spine a short distance from lateral margain, between 
these two spines there is a chitinous thickening very close to posterior 
margin; this chitinous thickening extends cephalad from each spine in an 
arcuate line about 2/3 across the pronotum, each side line boing 
joined across the front by a concave thickening; the enclosed pronotal area 
is somewhat darker than the remainder of the segment and bears two 
small spines on each side, one at the anterior angle and the other midway 
the lateral margin; the prothorax bears two pairs of small spines on its 
anterior margin, the first spine of each pair being about 1/8 the width 
of the anterior margin from the anterior angle and the second spine about 
1/8 this width distant from the first. The mesoscutum is very thickly 
covered with finely anastomosing lines and bears six small but distant 
spines, one near each lateral angle, one each side the meson about midway 
between poterior and anterior margins, the other two spines stand, one 
on each side about half-way between lateral line through preceding two 
spines and posterior margin but about twice as far from meson as the 
preceding; the metascutum is longitudinally striate and bears four spines 
in its anterior margin somewhat smaller than those on pronotum, metas- 
eutetlum smooth. Legs not especially long; wings normal to the genus, at 
the base about 1/9 as broad as long, at the middle about 1/18 as broad 
as long, Costa bears about 24 spines, fore vein about 20, and sometimes 2 
on hind vein near tip. 


A THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Abdomen normal to the genus in shape. The lighter color of 6th 
segment and the light stripe along meson due partly to the absence of the 
very fine posteriorly directed dark spines found on segments 7-10 and 
on darkened posteriors of other segments. Segments 2 to 7 each with a 
dark chitinous thickening near anterior margin. Spines on last two seg- 
ments rather short. Tenth segment entire above. 

Measurements; length 1.10 mm.; head, length0.04 mm., width 0.16 mm.; 
prothorax, length 0.114 mm., width 0.204 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.26 mm.; 
metathorax, width 0,24 mm.; abdomen, width at 4th segment 0.28 mm. 
Dimensions of antennal segments in microns: 


Py ee ee ee ee es ee epee 8 
Hencthia ee ee. 6%" 36 1 57 T4479 5s eee ee 


Described from 2 females collected at Rio Pedros, Porto Rico, March 
25, 1920, by E. G. Smythe. 

The chitinous thickening on the pronotum and the color will differ- 
entiate this species from other species of the genus. 


Anaphothrips bicolor, sp. nov. : 

Female:—Holotype—Coloration: brown and yellow; head, mesothorax, 
metathorax, first two and last four abdominal segments, first two and 
last four antennal segments and second quarter of fore wing brown—the 
head and last three abdominal segments somewhat darker than thorax, the 
first antennal segment and second quarter of wing somewhat lighter than 
thorax. Middle and hind coxae light brown. Remainder of insect grayish 
yellow except basal fourth of fore wing which is colorless, the apical half 
which is light gray and the 8rd and 4th antennal segments which are very 
light yellowish, The eyes tinged with orange pigment, the ocelli are light 
yellow margined inwardly with very dark orange crescents. 


Head a little less than 1/5 broader than long, obtusely angular in 
front of eyes, cheek very slightly convex, eyes slightly protruding, occupy- 
ing nearly 2/3 the width of head and fully 1/2 its length; ocelli small, 
approximate, the posterior pair on line with posterior third of compound 
eyes. Surface faintly and sparcely transversely striate. Four tiny spines 
stand in a row across front half-way between anterior ocellus and frontal 
angle, a row of six similar spines cross the head just behind eyes, and a 
spine of similer size stands just in front of each posterior oecellus. Mouth 
cone heavy and blunt, reaching 3/4 across prosternum. Antennal joints 
rather short, sense cones small. 


Prothorax somewhat longer than head, about 2/3 as long as broad, 
broadest across posterior margin, surface smooth and angles without 
spines. Mesothorax 1/4 broader than prothorax and without visible spines; 
metathorax about 1/9 narrower than mesothorax. Legs short and thick, 
unarmed. Wings broad at base, attaining 8th abdominal segment, First 
third of costal margin bare, at the middle 1/12 as broad as long. The two 
longitudinal veins indistinct. Spines on wing tiny and transparent. Costa 
bears about 20, fore vein with a basal group of 3 spines, 3 spines in the 
brown wing band and 3 widely separated spines beyond, the last one near 


Or 


SPRING NUMBER 


tip; hind vein bears 7 spines which are more widely separated toward tip 
than toward base of wing. ; 

Abdomen stout. Eighth segment with a comb of spiniferous tubercles 
on dorsal posterior margin. Last three segments sharply conical. A small 
spine at posterior angle of 7th segment, a larger one on posterior angle 
of 8th. segment; the 9th bears six long, light brown spines across its pos- 
terior margin. .The spines on 10th segment nearly as long as those on 
9th. 10th segment split open above. 

Measurements—holotype:—Length 0.965 mm.; head, length 0.112 mm., 
width through eyes 0.13 mm.; prothorax, length 0.122 mm., width 0.14 mm.; 
mesothorax, width 0.20 mm.; metathorax, width 0.179 mm.; abdomen, width 
at middle 0.286 mm.; length of antennal segments in microns: 

[Pt | ees Sra: ae ie ai Ore ta ees 


(Ges [= 30 - |" S25 1 P34 SP ee ana aALO ices ats 


Described from 4 females collected on cane, Bayamon, Porto Rico, 
May 5, 1920, by G. N. Wolcott. 


LISSOTHRIPS HOOD 
PROLISSOTHRIPS NEW SUBGENUS 


Head slightly wider than long, quadrate, very slightly narrowed pos- 
teriorly; eyes larger than in Lissothrips and directed more laterad; anten- 
nae as in Lissothrips, except that sixth segment is slightly longer than 
seventh. Mouth cone broad and sharp-pointed at tip, extending only 3/4 
across prosternum. Labium broad and broadly rounded. Prothorax very 
slightly shorter than head, the five pairs of bristles very noticeably 
‘expanded at tips and much shorter than in Lissothrips. Fore tarsi 
unarmed. Most of the abdominal spines expanded at tips. 

The shorter mouth cone, the shorter and more expanded spines and 
the quadrate head suggests a genus distinct from Lissothrips, but since the 
only specimen known is a male, I hesitate to give it generic rank, preferring 
to place it in a subgenus under Lissothrips, to which it is so very closely 
allied. 

Lissothrips (Prolissothrips) stratulus sp. nov. 

Male:—General color uniform dark brown, with scarcely any shading, 
except for second antennal segment, which is slightly lighter and the 3rd 
antennal segment, which is gray. 

Head, quadrate, about 1/4 wider than long, cheeks slightly roughened 
and slightly convex. Eyes directed somewhat laterad, occupying about 
half the width of the head and 1/3 its length. Ocelli wanting. Post ocular 
bristles of medium length and markedly expanded at tips. Mouth cone 
pointed at tip and reaching 3/4 across prosternum, labium broad and 
broadly rounded, over-reaching the mouth cone. 

Prothorax a little shorter than head, measured through coxae 2 1/2 
times as broad as long and 1 2/3 times as broad as at anterior margin; 
bearing five pairs of well-developed spines—not nearly as long as those 
of Lissothrips muscorum— which are markedly expanded at tips. Meso 
and metathorax about 4/5 as wide as prothorax through coxae. Mesonotum 


6 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


with a pair of spines with expanded tips at its lateral posterior angles, 
Anterior margin of mesothorax shouldered at the angles. Legs short and 
stout. Tarsi unarmed. Wings wanting. 

Abdomen searcely broader than prothorax through coxae. Posterior 
margin of abdominal segments 2-9 each, with two pairs of bristles of 
medium length, all expanded at tip, except the ones at lateral angles of 
Tth and 9th segments, respectively, which are sharp pointed. Tube stout, 
spines at its tip sharp pointed and scarcely more than half the length of 


the segment. 

Measurements: Length, 0.948 mm.—abdomen somewhat extended; 
head length, 0.089 mm.; width 0.106 mm.; prothorax, length 0.857 mm.; 
width on anterior margin 0.122 mm., through coxae 0.204 mm.; mesothorax, 
width 0.17 mm.; metathorax, width 0.155 mm.; abdomen, width at 3rd seg- 
ment 0.204 mm. Tube, length about 0.073 mm.; width at base, 0.053 mm.; 
at tip, 0.024 mm. Length of antennal segments in microns: 


ee ea 


Described from one male taken by F. Sein, from stomach of a lizard, 
Anolis stratulus Cope collected at Santa Catalina, Porto Rico, May 9, 1924. 
Elevation 1,500 feet. 

Gastrothrips fuscicauda, sp. nov. 

Female:—Holotype, color: Head, thorax and abdomen very dark 
brown; all femora, middle and hind tibiae dark brown; fore tibiae brown, 
fuscus on outer margin; fore tarsi yellowish brown, middle and hind tarsi 
light brown; first antennal segment brown, the second a little lighter, the 
third yellowish brown, the fourth colored like the second, fifth to eighth 
dark brown; tube black. 


Head longer than wide, obtusely angular in front, narrowing from 
middle to base, where it is about 5/6 as wide as at middle; postocular spines 
alone prominent, light brown and sharp pointed, Mouth reaching about 
3/4 across prosternum, constricted near tip, rounded. Labium broad and 
broadly rounded. Eyes occupy nearly 2/3 width of head through them and 
not quite 1/3 its length, facets smaller than ocelli. Ocelli rather large, 
posterior pair situated in front of middle of eyes and contiguous thereto. 
Anterior ocellus on extremity of head and pointing forward. Antennae 
normal, 5th to 7th segments stalked, 3rd segment narrow at base—inverted 
cone-shaped. 


Prothorax only half as long as head and only about 1/3 as long as the 
width through coxae; all spines present, reduced in size, those on anterior 
margin tiny, those on posterior angles alone prominent, mesothorax about 
1/9 broader, and metathorax very little broader than prothorax. Legs 
rather short and slender, except the fore pair. Fore femora enlarged, 
about 2/3 as broad as head, fore tarsus armed with a stout tooth about as 
long as diameter of tarsus. Wings present, but not spread, and the details 
cannot be seen, 


SPRING NUMBER fi 


Abdomen stout. Spines prominent alone on last four segments, those 
on 9th segment being nearly as long as the tube, those at tip of tube about 
5/6 as long as tube. 

Measurements: Length 2.03 mm.; head, length 0.24 mm.; width at middle 
0.224 mm.; prothorax, length 0.129 mm., width through coxae 0.38 mm.; 
mesothorax, width 0.422 mm.; metathorax, width 0.396 mm.; abdomen, width 
at 5th segment 0.47 mm. Tube, length 0.19 mm.; width at base 0.129 mm., 
at tip 0.06 mm.; very slightly constricted at tip. Dimensions cf antennal 
segments in microns: 


eA a a a aS a eae |e 
erigst hes sess Pa Cec a ee 
WiC) ee [Pe4Oe TP So Se Aa] es eee ea ers 


Described from 1 female collected in Porto Rico from the stomach of a 
lizard, by Mr, G. N. Wolcott. This species may be easily distinguished 
from its nearest congener G. texannus Hood by its greater size. 
Gastrothrips anolis, sp. nov. . 

Female:—Color, head light brown; thorax and all but 10th abbnominal 
segment dark blackish brown; tube dark orange; fore femora yellowish 
brown, fuscus on outer side, middle and hind femora slightly lighter brown 
than head, with decided fuscus tinge toward bases; fore tibiae lighter 
brown than head, middle and hind tibiae darker brown than head, but not 
so dark as abdomen; fore tarsi pale yellow, middle and hind tarsi pale 
brown; 1st antennal segment deep yellow, 2nd yellowish brown, 3rd light 
brown with fuscus tinge at base and on sides, 4th dark brown, 5th to 8th 
dark blackish brown. 

Head as wide as long, widest just behind eyes, at the base only 4/5 
as broad as just behind eyes; eyes medium, occupying only slightly more 
than half the width of the head and not quite 1/3 its length, cheeks set 
with a few small spines; postocular bristles, well developed, yellow; ocelli 
small, the posterior pair opposite the middle of eyes and contiguous 
thereto, anterior ocellus on line with front of eyes; mouth cone reaching 
3/4 across prosternum, constricted near the tip and pointed, labium broad 
and broadly rounded; antennae normal, 1st joint cylindrical, 4th-7th 
stalked. 

Prothorax about 4/5 as long as head and twice as broad (through 
coxae) as long; all the usual spines present, sharp pointed, although the 
anterior marginals are small. Mesothorax only slightly broader than pro- 
thorax, sides nearly parallel, metathorax nearly as broad as mesothorax; 
legs of medium size, fore femora slightly thickened, fore tarsi unarmed; 
legs sparsely clothed with long setae. 

Abdomen stout, broadest at about 6th segment, Spines well-developed 
only on last four segments; those on 9th segment being nearly as long as 
the tube. Tube stout, rugulose, constricted near, but not darkened at tip. 
Terminal hairs scarcely as long as basal width of tube. 

Measurements:—Holotype. Length 1.6 mm.; head, length 0.215 mm., 
width 0.215mm.; prothorax, length 0.172 mm.; width through coxae 0.344 mm., 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
SON sac os eee Editor 
IVWARIGIVIOIN, SINIE WoL iis. cocac-2-2don8 seem bra sncee eames eee Associate Editor 
Xe V8 Cas) 8) 09 4 11 5s ee er ee ie eee eben pp Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


mesothorax, width 0.379 mm.; metathorax, width 0.361 mm.; abdomen, width 
at 6th segment 0.49 mm.; tube, length 0.18 mm., width at base 0.094 mm., 
width at tip 0.05l1mm. Dimensions of antennal segments in microns: 


foe oll coe VU le ele we a ea 
Length .....[° 50 | 61 | 816{ 69 | 67 | 61 | 449] 449 
BVH Sse na ateaee | 44.9] 36.7] 32.6| 35 | 35 | 30 | 23 | 18 


Described from 1 female collected from the stomach of a lizard, Anolis 
pulchellus D. & B. Porto Rico. G. N. Wolcott, collector. 

This species may be distinguished from its nearest congener, G rufi- 
cauda Hood, by the yellow color of the 1st antennal segment and by the 
light brown head. 

Diceratothrips wolcotti, sp. nov. 

Female:—General color dark blackish brown; fore femora yellowish 
brown at tip inside and bases of all femora yellow brown; hind and inter- 
mediate tarsi brown, fore tarsi bright yellow brown; antennal segments 
1 and 2 and all but tip of 3 yellow brown, remainder of antennae dark 
brown. Fore wings brown in basal half, fading to gray brown in apical half; 
hind wing shaded like front wing, but lighter; both wings with two dark 
brown longitudinal stripes running from near base to about middle of 
wing; one stripe near anterior margin of wing, the other through the center. 

Head 1/4 longer than wide—cheeks slightly convex—narrowed some- 
what behind and constricted just before a collar—like thickening very 
near posterior margin; surface roughened, cheeks set with a few short, 
stout spines; eyes moderate in size, finely facetted, not pilose; ocelli large, 
well separated, posterior pair very near inner margins of eyes and stand- 
ing almost entirely back of middle of compound eye; anterior ocellus in a 
depression in front and strongly inclined forward. Post ocular bristles 
long and sharp; the pair of bristles on front laterad of anterior ocellus 
large and blunt, reaching to middle of 2nd antennal segment, just mesad 
of each of these bristles may be seen a small bristle about 1/5 as long as its 
companion. Antennae normal to the genus, twice as long as head. Mouth 
cone broad and broadly rounded at tip; reaching 3/4 across prosternum. 


SPRING NUMBER 9 


Prothorax large and heavy, nearly twice as broad through coxae as 
on anterior margin, anterior margin strongly coneave. All the usual 
bristles present, only those on posterior angles prominent, anterior mar- 
ginals minute. Meso and metathorax broad and heavy; mesothorax but 
little wider than prothorax through coxae, Wings broad but short, barely 
attaining posterior margin’ of 5th abdominal segment; enlarged toward 
tip, posterior margin with about 87 accessory hairs near tip. Legs of 
medium length; middle and hind. femora strong, fore femora incrassate 
with about 3 short spines near the middle within, surface sparsely clothed 
with smaller spines; middle and hind femora similarly clothed; middle and 
hind tibiae each with two long setae without, set at end of second fifth and 
near tip, respectively; fore tarsus with a much shorter seta without just 
before middle. Fore tarsi with a blunt tooth. 

Abdomen well developed, rather long, with long spines at lateral pos- 
terior angles of 5 to 9—a single spine on 5 and 6 and a pair on 7 and 8; 
9, with the usual circlet, which is nearly as,long as tube; spines on tip of 
tube only about 1/3 as long as tube. | | 

Holotype:—Measurements, length 4.40 mm.; head, length 0.43 mm., 
width 0.344 mm.; prothorax, median dorsal length 0.224 mm., width through 
coxae 0.594 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.62 mm.; metathorax, width 0.603 mm.; 
abdomen, width at 5th segment: 0.594 mm.; tube, length 0.49 mm.—about 3 
times as long as 9th segiment—width at base 0.146. mm., at tip 0.06 mm.; 
fore femur, width 0.21 mm. Dimensions of antennal segments in microns: 

| it | 2 | 3 | 4 | Sin | teh ees! 


enertht fe) 2:2! [ey 94.8] 224 |172 ‘| 137 |°103\ 90 48 


Described from two females. Holotype from Cayey, Porto Rico, on 
leaves of Ingavera, 1923. Paratype from Port Cangrejos, Porto Rico, on 
cotton boll. G. N, Wolcott collector of both specimens. 

Named in honor of Mr. G. N. Wolcott, in recognition of his interest in 
collecting this order. 

This species may be readily separated from its congeners by the col- 
oration of the first two antennal segments and by the long setae on the 
front lateral of the anterior ocellus. 


ANOTHER YEAR OF THE CITRUS APHIS 
J. R. WATSON 


(Contribution from the Entomology Laboratory, Fla. Ag. Exp. Sta.) 

Between April 18 and 20 two days of hot, humid weather 
caused such.a severe epidemic of Hmpusa among the green 
aphids of citrus (Aphis spiraecola, probably identical with 
Aphis pomi), as to bring them under practical control. Altho 
the aphids are at this date (May 11) again increasing and may 
injure the “June growth,” the season is getting so far advanced: 
that it is not probable that much more damage will be done this 
year. For several weeks their numbers had been sharply 


10 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


decreasing, due to the maturing of the first flush of growth, but 
after the epidemic of Emusa it required considerable search to 
find enough live aphids to keep our life history work going. It 
was estimated that 99.9% of the aphids perished in the epidemic. 
Last year the destruction was even more complete, but did not 
occur until the middle of June, nearly two months later than 
this year. 

The damage done has been great, in the aggregate much 
greater than last year. In the territory where the aphis 
appeared early in the spring of 1924 (in Pinellas, Hillsborough 
western Polk and southward to Lee County) the general opinion 
of the growers is that this year’s infestation was somewhat less 
severe than last year’s. But the territory severely infested this 
year has been so much more extensive that the sum total of 
damage done has been much greater. Undoubtedly the crop of 
fruit has been much reduced, altho the short crop in prospect 
for next winter’s harvest cannot be entirely laid at the door of 
the aphids. Certainly the aphids are not responsible for the 
short grapefruit crop. But the damage does not stop at this 
vear’s crop. The destruction of the young growth by the aphids 
this spring has undoubtedly shortened next year’s crop, 2. e., the 
crop to be harvested during the season of 1926-27. This is indi- 
cated by the observation that the trees severely injured early in 
the spring of 1924 put out very little bloom this year and are 
carrying very little young fruit. 

In addition to the loss of fruit and of growth on the young 
trees, the growers have been put to a heavy expense for insecti- 
cides and labor expended in the application of the same. Nat- 
uurally, largely due to the inexperience of the growers with this 
new pest, much of this has been largely wasted. Insecticides 
have been applied at the wrong time or with insufficient thoro- 
ness, and, unfortunately, insecticides of poor quality have been 
sold. 

As a result of this year’s experience a number of outstanding 
facts are apparent. 

(1) The aphids do most damage in the earliest stages of the 
flush of growth of the citrus, and, consequently, control meas- 
ures will be most effective at that time. Half grown foliage, 
blossoms and young fruit will stand a rather surprisingly heavy 
infestation of aphids. An experiment carried out at Lake Alfred 
illustrates this. A number of heavily infested branches bearing 
very young fruit, blossoms and buds were selected. Half of these 


SPRING NUMBER ie 


were dipped in a soap and nicotine solution or in a “Derris oil” 
solution and all aphids killed, and the other half left for a check. 
These twigs were carefully selected in pairs of practically the 
same degree of infestation, of similar size and vigor, and carry- 
ing about the same number of blossoms and buds. One member 
of each pair was dipped and the other not dipped. On the dipped 
twigs an average of 74% of the blossoms set fruit, and on the 
undipped 62. This difference, considering the small number of 
twigs, was almost within the limits of probable error. After 
the petals drop most of the aphids attack the calyx rather than 
the young orange, altho in this case enough attacked the young 
fruit to severely roughen it. Experience of last year indicates 
that as these oranges mature they will largely outgrow the 
bumps. 

The aphids do the most damage when they attack the very 
young sprouting buds, the “buttons” or “points,” as they burst 
thru the bark. One or two aphids can completely stop the 
growth of a “button” an eight or a sixteenth of an inch long. 
These embryonic twigs are often covered with aphids. For this 
reason control measures should be instituted upon the first 
appearance of these minute “points” of growth in considerable 
numbers. Spraying, moreover, is much more effective at this 
stage of growth than it is later on when there are curled leaves 
in which the aphids can find protection. Furthermore, in the 
early stages of the “flush” of growth when the amount of suit- 
able food is on the increase, comparatively few of the aphids 
develop wings. Hence, if one cleans up his trees at this time 
they will not be as quickly reinfested. In many cases it has been 
ten days or two weeks before the infestation again became heavy 
enough to cause much damage. It is. the maturing of the foliage 
that acts as a stimulus for the development of winged aphids. 
Moreover, this maturing of growth causes the wingless adults 
and young to become restless and move about. The dipping 
experiments on the blossoms mentioned above brought this for- 
cibly to our attention. The aphids on the twigs were counted 
and a recount a day or two later showed that sometimes as high 
as 50% of the aphids had disappeared, while many well grown 
individuals were found on the twigs which had been dipped but 
a day or two before. 

(2) Whatever measures are taken against the aphids should 
be thoro. Under favorable weather conditions an aphid will bring 
forth six young a day. This means that if the grower kills five- 


1, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


sixths of the aphids on a tree the one-sixth left will have repro- 
duced the original number in twenty-four hours, leaving out of 
consideration the number eaten by predators meanwhile. Of 
course, he has given the aphids more than a twenty-four-hour 
setback because several days must elapse before the young 
aphids can start breeding. But if he can kill 95% of the aphids 
the predators can be depended on to make some impression on 
the remainder. 


The two methods of control which have been most uniformly 
successful under most weather conditions are dipping and dust- 
ing under tents or fumigation. 


Dipping is applicable only to young trees, up to two or three 
years, and then only when the new growth is mostly out on the 
ends of the branches where it can easily be bent over into a 
bucket. Effective and perfectly safe dips are a solution of 
“derris oil,” a tablespoonful to a gallon of water, or the same 
amount of nicotine sulphate plus an ounce or less of soap. If too 
much soap is used burning may result. 


Dusting under tents has been very effective and practical, and 
an average kill of 99.7% has been obtained. A crew of three 
men with a battery of from six to ten tents can fumigate an acre 
an hour if the trees are not over 9 or 10 feet high. Using 3 per- 
cent nicotine sulphate lime dust, trees averaging 7 feet in height. 
cost 8 mills per tree for dust, less than a cent. The saving of 
dust on young trees, as compared with dusting in the open, 
almost compensates for the increase in labor cost, and the per- 
centage of kill is much higher. Different types of tents have 
been designed to accommedate different sized trees. For trees 
less than a year old, sheeting stretched over a framework made 
of telephone wire has been satisfactory. A vegetable hamper 
covered with sheeting would answer. For trees up to a height 
of five feet, 6-foot “rabbit” wire fencing rolled into a cone makes 
a satisfactory framework. These tents are set over a tree, which 
is then dusted throu a hole in the tent. For larger trees, up to 
9 feet, a tent made in the form of half a cone, with a framework 
of 54-inch gas pipe, has been found most satisfactory. It does 
not have to be lifted over a tree, only set up against it. A sheet 
of cloth with one side only sewed to the framework serves as a 
flap to close the open end after the tree is dusted. For larger 
trees tents made after the model of those used in California are 
best. For smaller trees tents made in the form of a bag stiffened 


SPRING NUMBER 13 


by an application of parrafin and an iron hoop around the bottom 
have been very satisfactory and have the advantage of being 
easily transported. 

A dust of calcium cyanide has been successfully used under 
tents. If, however, too large a dosage is used or the humidity is 
high, burning may result. Experiments are now in progress, in 
cooperation with the American Cyanamid Company, to test out 
the practicability of killing scale insects as well as aphids by this 
method. Nicotine sulphate dusts can be safely used in any 
weather and are effective except during a rain or cold, cloudy 
weather. An exposure of from one to five minutes is sufficient, 
half a day does no harm. These dusts will also kill rust mites 
and scale crawlers. Red spiders require a longer exposure. Lady 
beetles in all stages and syrphus fly larvae usually go thru with- 
out injury. 


(To be Continued) 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the | 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 101% to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E. 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


14 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


Advanced 


RK REG.U.S.PAT. OFF. 
5 TR. 


ADE MARK REGISTERED 


The last word in a Scientific Modern Compound to control 
insects and fungous diseases. 

Here is a new Pyrox, an advanced Pyrox. The result of 27 years 
of manufacturing experience, plus scores of laboratory experiments. 
Science cooperating with experience! Practice constantly checked 
for efficiency and economy by theory! A soft, plastic paste which 
it is a pleasure to use. And an effectiveness in protecting plant life 
which only perfection, both physical and chemical, can give. 

BOWKER CHEMICAL COMPANY 
40 West Street, New York, N. Y. 
Manufacturers of 
PYROX, Arsenate of Lead, Caicide, Bordeaux Copper Lime Dusts 
You can always tell a Bowker product by the red and yellow 


Bulls Eye Label. 


AXFIXO 


Trade Mark Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. 
(A Superior Nicotine Dust) 
For Dusting Against 
APHIS AND CUCUMBER BEETLE 


SOLD BY ALL THE BETTER DEALERS. 
Manufactured By 
Chemical Division 


HIGHTSTOWN HARDWARE COMPANY 


SPRING NUMBER 15 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 


For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 
etc. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 
Always dependable and efficient. 

“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable” 


PRICES 
Sore Se Tees seers Seen kc s. Te ae nee eee Seleco 
ail) O52 {SUG Lt en aR ee ah ee 3.50 
TUCO }4 cs: ie Lape eae nw ee Oe CERT 5 gee 13.50 


“BLACK LEAF”-FI-NIGOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Made from our own high-strength (“Free’’) Nicotine. 
Thoroughly standardized as to strength and texture. Rec- 
ommended for dusting vegetables to destroy aphis. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Hel Wen tlle eer ROR eee ee ee 85 TLalle 
Oa een CLV UTYBea en ee Se Tee oe ee oe Sob 
Fy (Dh Saree chancery sees Pee on se SE ck ae eee 6.75 

TUCO oy, oats brag eae en ge Beer era oe ee ee PAA) 


“BLAGK LEAF”-F2-NiGOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 2% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Is stronger in nicotine than our—F1—Dust, but other- 
wise, is the same. Recommended against the more resistant 
insects, suck. as cucumber beetle, pea aphis, ete. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 
ello vemetimieseoaee eee oe ND ee Se eis $ 1.30 
Scan CUS UDYY Ns tates oe 2 ee ee Sd ee ee 4.75 
ES OUTS See CLUS UT cn ne ee es 8.75 
TOO eye VOhabhe dee tees oe eee Beery ee ee 16.75 


“Black Leaf” products are sold by seedsmen, hardware 
stores, drum stores, general merchants, and dealers in hor- 
ticultural supplies. 

ASK YOUR DEALER 


TOBAGGO BY-PRODUCTS & CHEMICAL 
CORPORATION 


(Incorporated) 
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 


16 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


CALCIUM CYANIDE 


The newly produced chemical dust is being used 
the world over to control insect and rodent pests. New 
uses are being reported .continually. 


Calcium Cyanide has the unique property of giving 
off the killing agent—hydrocyanic acid gas—on contact 
with-the moisture in the air. Hydrocyanic acid gas 
is a powerful insecticide. The dust is simply applied 
and the moisture in the air finishes the job. 


Calcium Cyanide is recommended to _ control 
gophers, salamanders, turtles, land crabs, ants, chinch 
bugs, rats, nematodes, grubs, moles, citrus aphis, be- 
sides numerous other pests in many parts of the world. 


Leaflets gladly furnished upon request. 


AMERICAN GYANAMID COMPANY 
OF DELAWARE 


Main Office: 511 Fifth Avenue, New York City 


Florida Branch: 


301 State Bank Building, Orlando, Florida 


Plants Warehouses 
Brewster, Florida Brewster, Florida 
Niagara Falls, Canada East St. Louis, Til. 
Warners, New Jersey Kansas City, Mo. 


Azusa, California Spokane, Washington 


Ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


Vol. 1X SUMMER NUMBER No. 
AUGUST, 1925 


iw) 


EDEN RECLAIMED. “Deep Spring” in the Background 


RECLAIMING EDEN 


Dr. HENRY G. BRANHAM, 
Okahumpka, Fla. 


It is believed that man originated and dwelt for aeons in the 
tropics before venturing into the colder regions of the earth. 
Did they migrate because of over population, or were they 
driven out by the advent of the disease bearing mosquito? 
According to the late Surgeon General Gorgas, it was more prob- 
ably the latter. 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


18 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Fleeing the mosquito, man came to colder places where vege- 
tation grew only at certain seasons of the year—there the cold 
of winter made him live in caves, wear clothing, and keep near 
the constantly burning fire. Unable to hunt profitably at this 
time of the year, he gradually learned to capture and to keep 
alive in his cave certain herbivorous animals for his winter’s 
meat. They required food. Their descendants, born in cap- 
tivity, were the forbears of our domestic animals. Nuts and 
grasses were propagated for them as close by as possible. In 
times of meat scarcity these were eaten by man. Thus the begin- 
nings of agriculture. Controlled fire has given us machines, 
cement, electricity. But all this depended on the brain-develop- 
ing process we call reason. Community life beginning around 
the home fire probably did more to foster this than any other 
one thing. Thus, according to this interesting speculation of 
Dr. Gorgas, the mosquito was responsible for our civilization. 

Whether or not it was thus responsible, the mosquito’s occu- 
pancy up to this time of the choicest land on earth may well 
be made a direct cause of an indefinite retarding of our prog- 
ress. Man’s crying need is for rich land on which cheap food 
can be produced with an ample return to the farmer. The 
“malaria land” of the South capable of producing crop after 
crop practically the whole vear round is such land. Quantity 
production and continuous profitable productive occupation is 
of as great value to the farmer as it is to the manufacturer. 

The shaded map of U. 8S. Public Health Reports (“Distribu- 
tion of Malaria in the United States as indicated by Mortality 
Reports’, by Assistant Surgeon Kenneth F. Maxey, U.S.P.H.S.), 
shows the tremendous amount of such land in this country, 
all of which can be redeemed. 

Dr. Henry R. Carter, Assistant Surgeon General of the U. S. 
Public Health Service, the man who with Gorgas made possible 
the building of the Panama Canal, says “The loss of efficiency 
caused by malaria in the country of the malarious section of 
the South is beyond comparison greater than that caused by any 
other disease, or even by any two or three diseases combined, 
including typhoid fever and tuberculosis.” 

The land is here, the removal of malaria will make the native 
labor efficient and attract ample outside capital and labor to 
make this part of our country capable of producing enough 
food stuffs to make war for conquest on the part of this country 
totally unnecessary. Properly divided, there is enough similar 


SUMMER NUMBER 19 


land elsewhere to more than satisfy all nations. Best of all, 
the land could now be easily apportioned because it is cheap 
and only potentially desirable. Civilization can hardly survive 
another general war for “a place in the sun’. If we, instead 
of fighting one another for land already fully occupied by man- 
kind, will only fight the pestilence carrying mosquito, and till 
the lands from which she now excludes us, there need not only 
be no more wars of conquest, but there will be no necessity for 
birth control or for plagues to keep down the numbers of over- 
crowded and underfed. 

There are millions of acres of such land right here in our 
own country. This land has not been reclaimed, among other 
reasons because of the hitherto prohibitively large cash outlay 
necessary. The purpose of this article is to show how this can 
be done at a cost of practically nothing over and above the 
amount that always has to be spent in clearing land to make it 
fit for farming. Here is how it actually was done on our farm 
in Florida. The land in question is a typical specimen of ma- 
larial land in the southeastern part of this country. The meth- 
ods successfully used here will, with but little modification, 
answer anywhere in the South. 

We have a beautiful spring nearly two hundred feet deep, 
covering about three acres, with an outlet creek about four 
feet deep and thirty wide. On the south of the spring is a 
six foot bank with high land behind it. On the other sides of 
the spring, and along both banks of the stream, is a strip of cut 
over cypress swamp and marshland averaging about fifty feet 
in width. Beyond the marsh the land gradually rises to about 
twelve feet above lake level. The creek was choked with water 
lettuce and other aquatic plants and there was a border about 
fifteen feet wide of the same material all around the spring. 

A large fish-free pond about fifty yards to the west of where 
our house was to be not only bred mosquitoes, but in wet 
weather overflowed our proposed garden site. A ditch sixty 
yards long was dug from the pond through the end of a half 
acre hummock marsh one hundred feet away, and from there 
into the spring. The marsh land was grid-ironed with shal- 
low ditches, all connected with the main ditch. The muck from 
the ditches was piled on the hummocks for banana plants and 
put into barrels for strawberries. The ditches were dug around 
the hummocks so that the marsh, instead of a series of puddles, 
became one body of water all of the year. 


20 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


When bought, the dry land was a jungle of trees, brush, and 
thorn filled vines. The swamp and marsh, all of this, plus muck 
and water. The trees were filled with Spanish moss. In warm 
weather the whole place swarmed with mosquitoes. 

Some fourteen acres to the south and west of the spring 
were cleared, and ten of it set out for a citrus grove, and one 
for a vinevard. The rest was used as a site for the necessary 
buildings, for a pig pen, a chicken run, an orchard, a garden, 
and a lawn. As far as was practicable, vines, moss, and under- 
brush were removed from the rest of the place. The larger 
trees were left and make a beautiful woodland park. A six 
room white bungalow with two screened porches and sixteen 
large French windows—the 16 mesh galvanized wire screen- 
ing attached directly to the outside of the window casings by 
14 x1 inch black wood strips—was built. Our outside build- 
ings, electric and water plant and septic tank sewerage installed, 
farm implements and stock purchased, we now had a complete 
farm. A well screened house will remain a necessity until such 
a large area of land is treated that the home lies beyond the 
flight range of all mosquitoes. 

Having a place to live, I now proceeded with my ‘anti-mos- 
quito campaign”’. 

In order that the reader may really understand this fight, 
it is necessary that he first know some few things about the 
mosquito, its friends, its natural enemies, and its enemies’ 
friends and foes. 

The accepted fiight range of the malaria carrying mosquito 
is about a mile. She is only a carrier of malaria, and cannot 
infect one until she has first bitten a person who has malaria. 
Five grains of quinine a day will keep one from getting ma- 
laria, while he gets rid of his mosquitoes. This usually holds 
true no matter how often one may be bitten by infected mos- 
quitoes. In order to reproduce, the mosquito must have a blood 
meal from any warm blooded animal, and water on which to 
lay her eggs. Tin cans, old automobile casings, faulty rain gut- 
ters, water troughs, small puddles, etc., will answer instead of 
ponds and lakes for some mosquitoes. The malaria carrying 
mosquito cannot stand sunlight. Wind modifies greatly the fly- 
ing of all mosquitoes. So dark places and wind breaks of any 
kind are great aids to the pests in their journey to and from 
their blood meal. The male mosquito does not need any blood 
meal, and therefore is not anatomically especially fitted to bite. 


SUMMER NUMBER Pil 


The immature malaria mosquito spends its life in water. It 
can breathe only when at the surface, and stays there nearly 
all of the time. Water vegetation helns it greatly in its efforts 
to escape the minnows that pursue it. 

Certain plants may, and creosote does, repel the mosquito. 

A top swimming minnow, whose favorite food is the imma- 
ture water dwelling forms of the mosquito, is present in fresh 
and sometimes in slightly brackish water, from the Gulf of 
Mexico to New Jersey. The young of this minnow are born 
alive—as many as two hundred at a time—and ready to eat the 
smaller water living mosquitoes. When food is scarce, these 
minnows eat their young. Shallow, weedy waters where they 
are reasonably safe from larger fish and where young mos- 
quitoes are plentiful, are their favorite natural haunts. 

Larger fish, water birds, and at least one water insect prey 
on this top minnow. Other minnows and some of the larger 
fish eat the water living forms of the mosquito, but the top 
minnow is by far our most reliable ally in this respect. Some 
other insects, insectivorous birds, bats, lizards, and frogs hunt 
the winged mosquito. In turn, these are hunted, principally 
by birds, snakes, and large fish. 

As direct and indirect aids to the mosquito, we thus have ex- 
posed standing water, unscreened sources for her “blood meal’, 
brush, Spanish moss, aquatic plants, hollow trees, unscreened 
buildings, and other hiding places, for either the immature or 
the winged mosquito; finally the things which interfere with the 
multiplication of the mosquito’s enemies. 

It is obvious that a sufficient number of the mosquito’s 
enemies, plus the removal of enough of its aids, would result in 
its eventual extermination over an area thus protected. 

It remained for actual experiment to show that this condi- 
tion could be brought about in a reasonable length of time and 
for a very moderate cost. 

The cleaning done for agricultural purposes removed a large 
proportion of its day hiding places. This was continued in the 
parking done at a cost of about five dollars an acre. The land 
parked could have been profitably cleared for agriculture. 

High grass, weeds, ets., were mowed. The cost of doing this 
comes properly under the head of common orderliness on any 
farm. Hollow trees, unscreened buildings, wooden steps, etc., 
were painted inside with creosote paint, at a cost of twenty 


dollars. 


22, THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Finding the aquatic plants, especially water lettuce, excel- 
lent food for chickens and stock, and also of great value as fer- 
tilizer, they contained small water animals making its phos- 
phorus value high, the cost of keeping this down was not esti- 
mated. It would not be fair to charge stock food and fertilizer 
to the mosquito. 

From the nature of things, the removal of hiding places for 
the mosquito, especially weeds, is not a job that is finished and 
done with, it is one of any farmer’s constant tasks anywhere. 

This day after day job keeps down materially the number of 
the places where the mosquito can hide and be more or less 
safe. 

The potential breeding places of the pest were destroyed 
where possible (tin cans, very small puddles, etc.). Wells and 
mud puddles were stocked with the hardy cat fish. Larger iso- 
lated ponds were stocked with the top minnow. One large pond 
and many isolated marsh puddles were connected with one an- 
other and the lake by ditches, too shallow for the large fish 
that eat the top minnows to negotiate, and denied to the young 
predaceous fish by one half inch hardware cloth. These ditches 
make excellent breeding places for the top minnow, and from 
them are obtained not only stock for outlaying ponds, but the 
constant migration, due to over population of minnows, into the 
spring and stream, keeps them filled with sufficient minnows to 
satisfy the larger fish and still leaves a margin sufficient to 
cope with the mosquitoes hatched there; this in spite of the 
large amount of water plants present. Another fish preferred 
to the top minnow by the larger fish and much sought after for 
bait was protected from the fisherman, and multiplied rapidly. 
Fishing birds were shot when caught near these breeding places. 
Other ponds within a radius of a mile were stocked with top 
minnows. Breeding sanctuaries (smaller models of the hum- 
mock marsh ditches) for the top minnow were built for the 
nearer and larger of these. 

Our top minnows cost us nothing. The ditching cost less than 
fifty dollars. In this way the breeding places were made very 
unsafe for the young mosquito. The number of top minnows 
in a fish filled pond is usually small, and they are to be found 
only in the shallow places and hiding among the plants. Natu- 
rally quite a few mosquitoes escape and reach the flying stage. 
My plan, however, results differently. Not only is there a 
constantly arriving fresh supply of top minnows, but the larger 


SUMMER NUMBER Pigs’ 


fish are furnished a supply of small fish (“Shiners’’) preferred 
by them, as a food, to the top minnows. Many forms of aquatic 
animals subsist on the water plants left, and help greatly in 
keeping our minnow eating fish away from the top minnow. 

The top minnow being too numerous to obtain sufficient food 
near the shore, and being but little bothered by the larger fish, 
spreads over the surface, and naturally eats many more young 
mosquitoes. ; 

Notwithstanding the tremendous superiority of this over 
the older methods, relatively small numbers of mosquitoes reach 
the final or winged stage of life. These then attempt to per- 
petuate their species. As said before, they must have a blood 
meal and protection from light and wind. These we have done 
our best to place beyond their reach. However, trees, grass, 
wild and domestic animals, will always be here. So we have 
tried to make his hiding places not only scarce but disagree- 
able, and even dangerous. Frogs and toads search out and eat 
mosquqitoes, on the banks of ponds, streams, and in inland 
grass. Protected from man, owls, hawks, and snakes, they have 
multiplied so that one has to watch one’s step. The hornless 
chameleon has the same enemies and performs the same func- 
tion in bushes, trees, under uneven logs, etc. Spiders are encour- 
aged in dark corners, hollow trees, etc. We soon had as many of 
all of these as we needed without resorting to breeding. The 
small tree frog, however, not only hunts mosquitoes, but is very 
useful in fruit and citrus trees as a destroyer of certain insect 
pests. It was found that a small box of hardware cloth placed 
over these tadpoles in a puddle allowed an unusual number of 
them to reach maturity. Hunted even by chickens, small tin 
tobacco boxes attached to trees make them excellent citadels. 


What few mosquitoes escape all of this and start to fly are 
confronted by an unusual number of insectivorus birds. Bird 
houses for their young, the killing of their enemies, and the 
abolition of the “sport” of killing them has been all that was 
necessary in this respect. 

These frogs, birds, etc., form an excellent outside “screen’’, 
far preferable to the old method of placing domestic animals 
between the house and the pond, in the pious hope that the 
mosquito would obtain her blood meal from the poor beasts. 
The object of my screen is to prevent the mosquito getting her 
“blood meal’, not to furnish her one. 


‘ 


24 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Having ample top minnows to fully stock, when danger 
threatened, any pond that had previously unexpectedly ‘gone 
dry”, no necessity arose to use dirty, expensive, soil destroying 
oil, or for extensive drainage by ditch or by digging through 
the underlying water-impervious sub soil. A small well dug 
below permanent water level will leave, in dry weather, a place 
where some top minnows will survive until the pond fills again. 
The small amount of work of this kind was done either to 
beautify the place or for agricultural reasons. Nevertheless, 
the cost will be included in the anti-mosquito budget. 

Every species has its natural enemies, and from time to time, 
as these enemies have triumphed, whole species have disap- 
peared. In the case of the mosquito, these enemies are well 
known, and, as I have shown, can be readily increased to the 
point where they will wipe out the mosquito. The cost is 
negligible. The work here was done on a small tract of land 
where the mosquito had every advantage nature could supply 
it. The larger the land area the smaller the cost per acre, and 
the more nearly perfect the result. The upkeep will diminish 
with time and the enlargement of the area treated. 

Anti-mosquito work requires the active cooperation of every 
one concerned. That is the reason why we still have malaria. 
When it is generally known that nature’s balance maintaining 
the mosquito may be altered with a pennyweight sufficiently 
to put dollars in the pockets of the man doing the work, then we 
will get this cooperation. 

The total outlay required to make our home mosquito free 
and to keep malaria off the place was less than two hundred 
and fifty dollars. At the very most, a yearly expenditure of 
fifty dollars will maintain this condition. Mosquito land is usu- 
ally fallow muck, and very valuable when malaria is absent. 
Such land can be bought very cheaply in all of the southern 
states. Practically unlimited quantities of this land can be 
purchased, put in condition for planting, and cleared of mos- 
quitoes, for less than one-crop land costs elsewhere. The farm- 
er can raise ““money crops” over a large part of the year; twelve 
months in Florida. This naturally tends to raise land prices, 
and to remove farming from the list of seasonal occupations. 

There is a tremendous lot of this land on every continent. 
May man occupy it and live in peace and plenty. 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 
Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
Maid eic TCO NEO en on 2 ee ee 
Ws TNEONGE NESW Plakias. 222) 2 Associate Editor 
Jie 51 Bs 18) 0p 1 {ee ee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


In connection with Dr. Branham’s article in this number of 
the Entomologist we wish to eall attention to U.S. Public 
Health Bulletin No. 114—“‘Top Minnows in Relation to Malaria 
Control, with Notes on their Habits and Distribution” by Sam- 
uel F. Hildebrand. 


DESTRUCTION OF MOLE CRICKETS 


In many of the cities of Florida the West Indian mole cricket 
or “Changa” is getting to be a great nuisance in gardens. In 
damper soils also the native species are often troublesome. The 
poisoned bran baits have been found useful in controlling the 
pests and frequent cultivation and plowing have been recom- 
mended. Mr. S. C. Whidden of Jacksonville reports the follow- 
ing method to be highly efficient. He plows the garden and, 
if dry, wets it thoroly. He then rolls it thoroly and leaves it 
until the next morning. During the night the mole crickets in 
the ground throw up little mounds of dirt. In the morning Mr. 
Whidden goes out with a cane and a bottle of carbon-bisulphide 
and treats each burrow. Doubtless a solution of sodium cyan- 
ide and perhaps a few crystals of calcium cyanide would work 
as well and be considerably cheaper. 


PERSONALS 


Dr. E. D. Ball, elected to take charge of the Celery Leaf-tyer 
investigations of the State Plant Board provided for by the last 


26 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


session of the legislature, has taken up his residence in San- 
ford. He gave an address on controlling truck crop insects dur- 
ing Farmers’ Week at Gainesville. The truckers of Florida are 
to be congratulated upon securing the services of a man of Dr. 
Ball’s wide experience and ability. 


Mr. Archie N. Tissot has been elected assistant Entomologist 
of the Experiment Station in the place of Mr. A. H. Beyer, who 
has resigned to devote his time to his numerous grove interests. 
Mr. Tissot received his Master’s Degree in June from Ohio 
State University. He is now teaching in the summer school 
there, and will take up his duties in Florida on September first. 


Mr. W. W. Yothers, of the Bureau of Entomology at Orlando, 
is travelling in the Pacific Coast states, investigating the use 
of oil emulsion sprays there. 


Dr. H. L. Dozier has resigned his position with the Insular 
Experiment Station at Rio de Piedras, Porto Rico, to accept a 
position as entomologist for the Delaware Station at Newark. 


Mr. A. C. Brown has resigned from the State Plant Board to 
take up grove development work at Ft. Lauderdale. 


ANOTHER YEAR OF THE CITRUS APHIS 
(Continued from page 13.) 


Dusting in the open with nicotine sulphate lime dusts is 
effective if there is no wind, but this condition is seldom met 
during the aphid season. To be highly effective the cloud of dust 
should hover over the tree a full minute. Much of the dusting 
done this season has given unsatisfactory results because of 
wind or poor dust. Some of the dusting done with a power 
duster on auiet nights has been very effective, an hour’s search 
in the grove the following day failing to yield a single live aphid. 

Spraying, too, is effective if thoroly done and done in time, 
i. e., before the aphids have curled the leaves. It is difficult to 
get a spray into the curled leaves. The oil emulsions, lime sul- 
phur, and soap sprays are effective, but the kill is much more 
thoro if nicotine sulphate is added. But to get a satisfactory 
control by spraying one must do much more thoro work than has 


SUMMER NUMBER 27 


been customary with crews spraying for whitefly or purple scale. 
A great advantage of spraying is the possibility of combining 
the control of aphids with that of whitefly, scale, thrips, rust 
mite, or red spiders. 

(8) Begin the fight in the fall. Aphids can be fought most 
economically during the winter. The first step in preparation 
for next year’s fight (we can see no valid reason on which to base 
a hope that they will not again appear in destructive numbers 
next season) is to employ every means consistent with good 
grove practice to throw the trees into complete dormancy in the 
late fall, about November in most sections. Then during 
December and January watch the trees carefully and destroy 
every aphid found. It would probably be an excellent idea to 
cut off those occasional sporadic sprouts that start out on young 
trees. Make every effort to have the groves free of aphids by 
the first of February. In the spring, as early as is considered 
reasonably safe from the standpoint of danger from frost, do 
everything consistent with good grove practice to rush the 
growth along and get a good crop of new foliage out before the 
aphids become numerous. 

(4) With the exception of the fungus Empusa, the natural 
enemies of the aphid are generally incapable of checking an out- 
_ break. The lady beetles and syrphus fly larvae destroy many 
aphids, but their multiplication is checked by numerous super- 
parasites. The hymenopterous parasite, which is usually the 
most effective check on the increase of the melon aphis:on citrus, 
has been repeatedly bred out on the green aphis, but its occur- 
rence on this species in the groves is still so uncommon that the 
presence of any considerable number of dead, swollen aphids 
with emergence holes is a sure indication of the presence of the 
melon aphis. 

OTHER Hosts. In addition to spiraea and citrus the aphid 
occurs occasionally on a number of hosts. Three of them are 
quite common in citrus groves and are often quite heavily in- 
fested. Perhaps the most dangerous of these is the “Jerusalem 
oak” (Chenopodium sp.). Even more heavily infested is fireweed 
(Erechtites hieracifolia (L) Raf.) but it is not as common in 
citrus groves, being found mostly on lower more moist land es- 
pecially when newly cleared. These two plants should be cut down 
before a grove is dusted or sprayed. Cudweed (Gnaphalium 
sp.) is a very common winter and early spring annual in citrus 


28 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


groves, but the aphids attack only the heads and consequently 
this plant is not an important host in the early part of the win- 
ter when few heads have appeared. In many cases grapefruit 
has been heavily infested this year. In most cases, however, it 
was near heavily infested oranges from which the aphids were 
being driven by the maturing of the foliage. 

In May and June the Experiment Station received from the 
California Experiment Station two shipments of a lady-beetle 
(Leis sp.) which was originally brought from China. This lady- 
beetle is much larger than any native species. The adult fe- 
male is 5/16 of an inch wide and nearly %% inches long. The 
ground color is red. There are thirteen round black spots on 
the elatra and a larger one on the thorax. The beetle’s appe- 
tite for aphids is in proportion to her size. Sometimes as many 
as two hundred aphids are eaten in a day. But our hopes for 
this beetle were chiefly that it might be less susceptible to the 
fungous and bacterial diseases which are such a large factor in 
checking the multiplication of our native species. Experience 
in breeding these beetles in the laboratory at Lake Alfred 
would seem to justify this hope. Altho many have died of dis- 
eases, the proportion is distinctly smaller than in the case of 
the blood red lady-beetle, the most common of our native species 
in aphid colonies. 

The original small number of these beetles brought to Flor- 
ida has increased until we now have several hundred on hand 
and have liberated as many more in groves scattered over the 
state. While some of the early colonies liberated seem to have 
died out, (due apparently to scarcity of food) others seem to be 
prospering, and in at least one grove the beetles have completed 
a full generation in the field, thus demonstrating their ability 
to live out of doors in Florida, at least during the summer time. 
From the standpoint of the food supply the summer is the most 
unfavorable season, as avhids are scarce. 

As to the outlook for the future, the aphids are much more 
numerous in our groves than they were a year ago at this time. 
Much will depend upon the weather during the next five months. 
Unless their numbers are greatly diminished by dry or cold 
weather throwing the trees into complete dormancy during 
the fall or winter, the prospect is for another heavy infestation 
next spring. 


SUMMER NUMBER 29 


A NEW Species of Symphyothrips (Thysanoptera) from 
Argentina 
J. R. WATSON 


Symphyothrips reticulatus sp. nov. 


Whole body including legs uniform chestnut brown; only tarsi and 
antennal segment 4 a little lighter brown, and antennal segment 3 yellow- 
ish brown. 


Head about .2 longer than broad. Cheeks straight, converging only 
slightly posteriorly. Dorsum with anastomosing reticulations forming a 
network. Hyes rather small, dorsal length considerably less than a third 
of the head; non-protruding; facets large. Ocelli large, yellowish, bor- 
dered by dark crescents; posterior pair situated opposite the middle of the 
eyes; anterior directed forward. Post-ocular bristles conspicuous, consid- 
erably longer than the eyes, widely dilated at the tip, colorless. A small 
bristle behind each posterior ocellus, a pair in front of the anterior ocellus, 
and one at the anterior angle of each eye, and an irregular row of eight 
across the middle of the dorsum. 


Mouth cone large, reaching the mesosternum. Antennae somewhat less 
than twice as long as the head. Segments 1, 2, and 5-7 concolorous with 
the head, 3 yellow with apex almost colorless, 4 yellowish brown. 1 cy- 
lindrical, considerably wider at the base than at the apex; 2 urn-shaped 
with a broad pedicel; 3 clavate, 2.6 times as long as broad, scarcely pedi- 
cellate; 4-6 barrel-shaped, with a long broad pedicel; 7 spindle-form. 
Spines and sense cones colorless. Sense cones on segment 4 especially 
heavy. 

Prothorax considerably shorter than the head and, including the coxae, 
about twice as wide as long. A heavy, colorless spine with a dilated tip 
on each angle; those on the posterior angles less than half as long as the 
prothorax (71 microns); the ones on the anterior angles and coxae a little 
shorter. A pair of conspicuous ones along each lateral margin. Dorsum 
with a number of smaller bristles; the surface covered with faint anasto- 
mosing lines which are more conspicuous along the anterior margin. 

Fore femora short and considerably thickened (about half as wide as 
long). Fore tibiae also short, about five ninths as long as the femora, a 
short thick tooth on the inside of the apex. Fore tarsus with a heavy, 
Trade Mark Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. 


(A Superior Nicotine Dust) 
For Dusting Against 


APHIS AND CUCUMBER BEETLE 


SOLD BY ALL THE BETTER DEALERS. 
Manufactured By 
Chemical Division 


HIGHTSTOWN HARDWARE COMPANY 


30 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


shightly curved spine. Middle and hind legs rather slender. Pterothorax 
a little wider than prothorax, sides slightly convex. 

Abdomen rather short and thick, abruptly rounded posteriorly; bristles 
rather short, only one pair almost as long as the tube, pointed. Tube .8 
as long as the head and about half as wide as long, heavily chitinized, 
sides roughened with little warts which bear minute spines; terminal 
bristles considerably shorter than the tube, pointed. (To be continued.) 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s © 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E. 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 
Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


SUMMER NUMBER 3h! 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 


For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 
etc. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 


Always dependable and efficient. 
“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable” 


PRICES 
CUS yes | OY a8 0a ay Aaa ee Ce Pee ee eile settee $ 1.25 
aN os A ce ea eer ere eae ere oe 3.50 
TCDA OS ee Cee eee Be ee eee ern eee ep eee eee 13.50 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Made from our own high-strength (‘“Free”) Nicotine. 
Thoroughly standardized as to strength and texture. Rec- 
ommended for dusting vegetables to destroy aphis. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Lime Hoyo Tea ale eg pier ts OE gre Pa ag $ 1.10 
QoS Si oye, COME BHO gly et tp ene een eS le ene meer cS Pee By iay 
Fs (VE Ly GLA UL Vt eee See eS Eee ee eee 6.75 
HN (HOS Nf ae CANS ULV eo eee ee eer Bee eset LD 


Contains Over 2% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Is stronger in nicotine than our—F1—Dust, but other- 
wise, is the same. Recommended against the more resistant 
insects, suck. as cucumber beetle, pea aphis, etc. 

PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 


Seip Sues tee eee ee a ee eee $ 1.380 
SOE yee LYE U TITY eee ace ec Se noes Pececeees 4.75 
IOV oy, Coli B 000 Uke ee eee eRe se ee een ree seer Sao 

16.75 


TALS (p= Aik Se CAV U0 eee en eee eeeereees 
“Black Leaf” products are sold by seedsmen, hardware 
stores, drum stores, general merchants, and dealers in hor- 


ticultural supplies. 
ASK YOUR DEALER 


TOBACCO BY-PRODUSTS & CHEMICAL 
CORPORATION 


(Incorporated) 
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 


ae THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


CALCIUM CYANIDE 


The newly produced chemical dust is being used 
the world over to control insect and rodent pests. New 
uses are being reported continually. 


Calcium Cyanide has the unique property of giving 
off the killing agent—hydrocyanic acid gas—on contact 
with the moisture in the air. Hydrocyanic acid gas 
is a powerful insecticide. The dust is simply applied 
and the moisture in the air finishes the job. 


Calcium Cyanide is recommended to control 
gophers, salamanders, turtles, land crabs, ants, chinch 
bugs, rats, nematodes, grubs, moles, citrus aphis, be- 
sides numerous other pests in many parts of the world. 


Leaflets gladly furnished upon request. 


AMERICAN GYANAMID COMPANY 
OF DELAWARE 


Main Office: 511 Fifth Avenue, New York City 


Florida Branch: 
301 State Bank Building, Orlando, Florida 


Plants Warehouses 


Brewster, Florida Brewster, Florida 
Niagara Falls, Canada East St. Louis, III. 
Warners, New Jersey Kansas City, Mo. 
Azusa, California Spokane, Washington 


ohe 
Florida Entomologist 


Official Organ of the Florida Entomological Society 


Vol. [1X AUTUMN NUMBER No. 3 
OCTOBER, 1925 


A NEW GENUS AND TWO NEW SPECIES OF SPIDERS 
COLLECTED BY BUFO QUERCICUS (HOLBROOK) 
By C. R. CRosBY AND SHERMAN C. BISHOP. 

Family LINYPHIIDAE 
FLORICOMUS n. gen. 


Type F. floricomus n. sp. 

The male only is known. Abdcmen with a well developed 
dorsal sclerite. Head without impressions and armed with a 
single horn or protuberance arising just below the anterior me- 
dian eyes. Embolic division of the genital bulb without the tail- 
piece present in Ceraticelus, Ceratinopsis and related genera. 
Hind coxae separated by less than the diameter. 

Floricomus floricomus n. sp. 

Male. Length, 1.25 mm. without the cephalic horn. Cephalo- 
thorax grayish yellow, narrowly margined with dark gray; 
viewed from above evenly rounded on the sides behind the 
middle; in front of the middle, the sides are nearly straight 
and strongly convergent, bluntly rounded in front; viewed 
frem the side, the outline is gently arched over the posterior 
part, slightly depressed at the cervical groove and then arched 
rather steeply to the posterior eyes. Head only moderately 
elevated. Clypeus high, nearly vertical and slightly concave. 
Close under the anterior median eyes there arises a long, stout 
horn directed forward and upward, pointed at the tip (fig. 1). 
The upper surface of the horn is clothed with numerous capitate 
hairs increasing in length towards the tip of the horn. Each 
hair bears a large, recurved barb at the tip (fig. 4). 

Posterior eyes in a straight line, the median separated from 


We recommend the goods advertised in The Florida Ento- 
mologist. Please mention Entomologist when you write our 
advertisers. 


if 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 


Floricomus floricomus. 
Floricomus floricomus. 
Floricomus floricomus. 
of the hairs. 

Floricomus pythonicus. 
Floricomus pythonicus. 
Floricomus pythonicus. 


Right palpus, ventral view. 
Right palpus, dorsal view. 
The horn enlarged to show the structure 


Left palpus,. ventral view. 
Left palpus, dorsal view. 
Male, side view of body with legs removed. 


AUTUMN NUMBER Bs 


each other by three-fourths the diameter and from the lateral 
by one half as much. Anterior eyes in a procurved line, the 
median placed close above the base of the horn, smaller than 
the lateral, separated by the diameter and from the lateral by 
the diameter of .the latter. 

Sternum broad, dark, widest between first and second coxae. 
Hind coxae separated by less than the diameter. Labium dark 
gray, endites lighter. Chelicerae short and thick, grayish yel- 
low. Legs and palpus yellowish. 

Abdomen with a large, strongly chitinized dorsal sclerite. 
Soft parts of abdomen dark gray. Ventral sclerites not in good 
condition for study, apparently not very well developed. 

Femur of palpus straight, cylindrical; patella of the same 
thickness. Ratio of length of femur to that of patella 13 to 8. 
Tibia short, bearing a short, bluntly pointed dorsal process and 
on the outer side opposite the paracymbium there is a large 
rounded lobe bearing two strong spines, the inner the larger - 
(fig. 3). Paracymbium small and very strongly curved, so as 
to almost form a circle. Tegulum large, the bezel strongly 
developed and produced ventrally into a long slender point. Em- 
bolic division without a tail-piece. The embolus arises from be- 
hind the bezel, makes a large free turn over the end of bulb, 
curves back on the dorsal side and then back so that the tip 
‘lies under the edge of the bezel, (fig. 2). 

Holotype: male. 

Georgia: Okefinokee Swamp, May 28, 1922. 1 ¢ (A. H. 
Wright). 

Stomach of Bufo quercicus Holbrook. 


Floricomus pythonicus n. sp. 

Male. Length, 1.2 mm. Cephalothorax grayish yellow, mar- 
gined with dark gray; viewed from above, broad and evenly 
rounded on the sides, narrowed towards the front and pointed 
in front of the eyes; viewed from the side, evenly arched be- 
hind the cervical groove, then rising steeply to the posterior 
median eyes, then rounded and descending to the tip of the 
clypeal protuberance. (fig. 7.) Below this the clypeus is very 
strongly concave. The protuberance appears triangular from 
above and beak-shaped from the side. It is thickly clothed above 
with short stiff erect hairs. 

Posterior eyes in a straight line, equal, the median separated 
from each other by half the diameter and from the lateral by 


36 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


the diameter. Anterior eyes in a slightly procurved line, smaller 
than the lateral, separated from each other by about half the 
diameter from the lateral by a radius of the latter. 
~ Sternum and labium dark, endites gray. Hind coxae sepa- 
rated by less than the diameter. Chelicerae short and stout, 
dusky yellowish. Legs and palpi brownish yellow. 

Abdomen with a large strongly chitinized dorsal sclerite which 
is reddish brown, finely punctate and sparsely clothed with short, 
stiff, appressed hairs. Ventral sclerites not in good condition 
for study. 

Femur of palpus nearly straight, cylindrical; patella short, 
wider distally. Ratio of length of femur to patella, 11 to 7. 
Tibia short with the dorsal apophysis strongly compressed lat- 
erally. This precess viewed from above appears narrow and 
pointed but from the side it is broad, rounded above over the 
end, with a nearly square corner below; on the middle of the 
outer markin there is a large quadrate tooth or branch (fig. 
6). The paracymbium small, thin and strongly curved. The 
genital bulb is of the same type as in floricomus but the bezel 
is not produced into such a long point ventrally. The course 
of the embolus is similar to that species but the first outward 
curve is not so prominent. (fig. 5). 

Holotype, male. 

Florida: Palm Beach, March .1919...1,6 (Thomas..Barbour) 
Stomach of Bufo quercicus Holbrook. 


CONCERNING SOME TINGITIDAE FROM THE 
GULF STATES (HETEROPTERA) 


By CARL J. DRAKE, Ames, Iowa. 


Corythucha associata Osborn & Drake. 

Common on wild or rum cherry, Prunus serotina Ehrh., at 
Starkville, Miss., July-August, 1921, collected by. Mr. M. R. 
Smith and the writer. | i 
Corythucha pallida Osborn & Drake. 

Belmont, Miss., July 5, 1921, taken on wild mulberry by the 
writer. The Mississippi specimens agree with the type series 
and other specimens from the north in size, structure and color. 
Corythucha celtidis mississippiensis, n. var. 

Differs from typical form, C. celtidis O. & D., by the aes 
hood, more arched median carina and darker markings. The 


AUTUMN NUMBER SH 


posterior portion of the hood is considerably larger, and more 
inflated posteriorly. The color markings are much broader, 
darker and more prominent. The other characters are quite 
similar to the typical form. Length, 4 mm.; width, 2.2 mm. 


This variety feeds on the southern hackberry, Celtis mississip- 
piensis Bosc. The type series, adults, nymphs and eggs, were 
taken by the writer at Columbus, Miss., June 22-24, 1921. Holo- 
type (male) and allotype (female) are in the writer’s collection; 
paratypes in collections of Mississippi Agriculture College, Iowa 
State College and writer. Other specimens are at hand from 
Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. 


C. celtidis Osborn & Drake feeds on the sugarberry hackberry, 
Celtis occidentalis L., and is widely distributed in eastern United 
States. It may be easily separated from the new variety by its 
smaller size, lighter color and the hood and median carina. 


Gargaphia amorphae Walsh. 

Common on False Indigo, Amorpha fruticosa L. Aberdeen, 
June 26, 1921; Columbus, July 23-25, 1921; Prairie, July 27, 
1921: Leland, Miss., Sept. 21, 1921, by the writer. Gelchossa 
oblonga Say was also taken in rather large numbers on the same 
food plant. 

Gargaphia binotata Parshley. 

Dunedin, Florida, Oct. 25, 1914, collected by Mr. W. S. Blatch- 
ley. 

Stephanitis blatchleyi, n. sp. 


Separated from S. (Leptobyrsa) rhododendri Horvath by its 
much smaller size much less inflated but longer hood, and nar- 
rower costal area of the elytra. It may be distinguished from 
S. pyroides Scott by the longer lateral carinae, the more strong- 
ly raised median carina, and the much smaller and less inflated 
hood. Length 3.2 mm.; width 1.7 mm. 


Hood long, moderately large, extending a little in front of the head, 
the length nearly two and a half times its width. Head, except eyes 
and lateral margins, concealed by the hood, the spines very short. Rostrum 
stout, long, extending slightly beyond the rostral channel. Rostral laminae 
considerably raised, gradually widening posteriorly on the meso—and 
metasternum. Median carina distinctly arched in front of the middle (arch 
nearly as high as the hood), subequal to the hood in length, and connected to 
the median nervure of hood near the base, about the middle of the 
posterior portion. Lateral carina long, uniseriate, slightly sinuate. Para- 
nota moderately expanded, mostly biseriate, elytra gradually expanded 
posteriorly, the tips rather widely separated and rounded; tumid elevation 


38 THE FLORIDA KH. NTOMOLOGIST 


high and narrow, occupying almost all of subcostal and discoidal areas; 
costal area broad. with two rows of areolae at the base and with five at 
its widest part. Nervures sparsely clothed with a few, fine, long hairs; 
lateral margins of varancta and elytra finely and rather regularly serrate 
(two rows). Antennae rather long, moderately slender; first segment 
a little thicker and nearly twice as long as the second; third segment 
nearly two and a half times as long as the fourth. Bucculae contiguous 
in front. 

General color yellowish brown with brown or fuscous markings. Tarsi 
and fourth antennal segment, except small basal portion fuscous. Median 
nervure of hood, a spot on median carina, three narrow, transverse streaks 
(mostly nervures) on costal area and a couple small marks on tumid 
elevation brown or fuscous. Body beneath brownish. 


Type (male), Dunedin, Fla., Jan. 17, 1919, Mr. W. S. Blatchley 
collector, in writer’s collection. Paratypes in collection of 
Blatchley. This species is very distinct and not easilv confused 
with the North and South American species of Stephanitis and 
Leptobyrsa. 

The generic characters of Stephanitis and Leptobyrsa need to 
be studied carefully. The hood, lateral carinae and length of 
elytra vary in different species. One North American svecies of 
Leptobyra has no lateral carina; in some species the hood is 
present and in others it is wanting. . 
Leptodictya tabida Herrich-Schaffer. 

Brownsville, Texas, Dec. 19, 1910. This is the first record 
of the sugar-cane tingitid in United States. It is a fairly common 
species in Mexico and the West Indies and at times is of con- 
siderable economic importance. . 
Leptodictya plana Heidemann. 

Columbus, Miss., June 24, 1921, and’ Starkville, Miss., Aug. 
1921, collected by the writer. The specimens were swept from 
grasses but I was not able to locate the food plant. 


Leptoypha costata Parshley. 

This species was taken in large numbers on an ash tree, Frav- 
inus sp., at Aberdeen, Miss., June 26, 1921, by H. L. Dozier and 
the writer. 

Leptoypha meatella Drake. 

Dunedin, Fla., April 8, 1921, W. S. Blatchely collector. This 
species feeds on wild olive, Osmanthus americanus, and the 
types were taken at Gainesville, Fla. 

Teleonemia cylindricornis Champion. 
Caledonia, Miss., June 25, 1921, M. R. Smith collector. Palaski, 


AUTUMN NUMBER 39 


Ill., June 28, 1909, taken in an old cypress swamp. This is the 
first record of this lace bug in the United: States. The speci- 
mens agree with Champion’s description and: figure, and with 
my specimens from Mexico, except that the subcostal area is 
slightly wider and contains two and a partial third row of 
areolae. This difference is not very marked and does not seem 
to warrant a varietal name. 


Athaes angustroriparius Heidemann. 


Taken in company with A. mimeticus Heid. and A. insignis 
Heid. at Tupele, July 1, Belmont, July 5, Leland, Aug. 15, and 
Columbus, Miss., June 24, 1921, on Desmodium sv. Recorded 
heretofore from Florida and Texas. 


_ THE CAMPHOR THRIPS IN FORMOSA 


Ever since the. Camphor Thrips (Liothrips floridensis 
(Wats.) ) was discovered in 1912 there has been more or less 
speculation as to its origin. A survey of the state during the 
following two years showed that it was widely but not universal- 
ly distributed wherever camphor was grown. It has never been 
_taken on-the Lower East Coast and camphor in that section, 
scuth of Cocoa, shows no injury. It also seemed to be absent 
from many localities in other parts of the state. Nevertheless 
its wide distribution indicated that it had been long in the state. 
Its spotted distribution and the severe injury it inflicted sug- 
gested an introduced insect (Annual Rep. Fla. Agric. Exp. Sta., 
1913,p.lxiv.). For some time it was confused with the Bay 
Thrips (Liothrips perseae (Mason) ), which led to the conclu- 
sion that it was a native insect. 

The writer has recently received three adults from Prof. R. 
Takahashi of the Agricultural Research Institute at Taihoku, 
Formosa, Japan. Altho these specimens have somewhat. larger 
and darker bristles than Florida specimens, there can be no 
doubt of their specific identity. 

It would thus seem that the camphor thrips was introduced 
into Florida from. Formesa with the camphor tree itself. Prof. 
Takahashi states that the insect is scarce in Formosa and the 
damage it does is consequently of little importance. 


J. R.. WATSON. 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
CR ee WATSON: te ce eon Ne a ee ee ee Oe Editor 
VV ATI SIONS HINGES Wi sae os ee a eee Associate Editor 
PROF. JOHN GRAY:.2 22. 2-02. eee eee Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 35 cents per copy. 


MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


Nov. 8, The Society met in Science Hall with President J. 
S. Rogers in the chair and the following members present: 
Bates, Bratley, Berger, Cody, Floyd, Hubbell, Merrill, and Wat- 
son. Visitors present were Prof. H. B. Sherman of the Depart- 
ment of Biology, Chardkoff, Limebaugh, and Miller. 

The resignation of Mr. Beyer as Secretary and Business Man- 
ager of the Entomologist was presented. The Society voted an 
expression of gratitude to Mr. Beyer for his long, faithful and 
efficient service to the Society. Mr. Homer Bratley was elected 
Secretary of the Society and Professor John Gray Treasurer and 
Business Manager of the Entomologist. 

The paper of the evening was by Prof. T. H. Hubbell on “The 
Biology of the Grouse Locusts’. He gave a detailed and com- 
prehensive discussion of the food, breeding habits, habitats, and 
color variations of these small orthoptera. They feed mostly 
on decaying vegetation in the soil and inhabit moist ground 
along the borders of swamps and streams. They are of little 
economic importance. Unlike most orthoptera these insects 
are good divers and can remain under water for some time. 


Mr. M. T. Inman, a chemist of the Kay Research Company 
of Pittsburgh, Pa., is spending the winter in Gainesville carry- 
ing on investigations with an insecticide called ‘“aldehol,” a 
mixture of comparatively high boiling point alcohols, aldehy- 
dides, and other oxidized hydrocarbons. 


AUTUMN NUMBER 41 


DISTRIBUTIONAL NOTES ON NORTH AMERICAN 
ORTHOPTERA—I. 
By Turoporm H. HUBBELL, 
(Gainesville, Florida’) 


The following records are of interest because they present addi- 
tional data concering some rare or local species which have been 
seldom recorded, or because they mark extensions of the known 
ranges of better-known forms. Unless otherwise indicated, the 
material is in the collection of the Museum of Zoology of the 
University of Michigan. 


Mantoida maya (Saussure & Zehntner). 

FLORIDA: Manatee, Manatee Co., viii.22.1925 (T.H.H.) 1 °; 
Orlando, Orange Co.,; ix.20.1924 (T.H.H.) 1°? Archer, 
muachoa Co. vill.11,1925 (T. H.H:) 1 ¢, I ?; Columbia Coz, 
approx. 314 miles north of the Santa Fe River, on the High 
Springs-Lake City road, vii.22.1925 (T.H.H.) 4 4, 2 °. 

This little Mantid has been thought to be characteristic of 
the tropical element in the Floridian fauna, having hitherto been 
taken in the United States only in south Florida. Its discovery 
in some numbers as far north as Columbia County indicates 
that it probably occurs throughout peninsular Florida, and per- 
haps even in southeastern Georgia. 

All of the specimens taken by the writer were found at night, 
while collecting with the aid of an electric headlight. A number 
of other supposedly rare species have been taken commonly in 
this way, and it seems probable that Mantoida maya, as well as 
many other interesting Orthoptera, has escaped attention chief- 
ly on account of its nocturnal habits. No specimens were taken 
on lighted sheets set up near its habitat. 

At Manatee a single female was swept from palmetto and 
dwarf oak scrub on cut-over sandy pine land. The Orlando 
specimen was taken on a bush of Ceratiola ericoides (“‘rose- 
mary’’)—one of a patch growing beside the margins of a small 
pond in the “sand scrub” area 5 miles west of the town. This lo- 
cality, now rapidly being subdivided, was also the habitat of a 
number of other interesting forms, including four new species 
of Cyrtacanthacrinae. 

In Alachua and Columbia Counties M. maya was found in open 
groves of Quercus catesbaei on sandy soil—“high oak” as the 
habitat is locally known. At Archer this oak growth is more 
open, with tall grasses, dog fennel, and occasional Ceratiola 


42 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


bushes among the trees. The oak grove in Columbian County is 
dense enough to be called woods; under the trees oak seed- 
lings, dwarf oaks, chinquepin and various bushes and herbaceous 
plants form a low but rather thick undergrowth. 

Most of the specimens were taken by sweeping the oak and 
chinquepin undergrowth. Two pairs were taken in copula in 
Columbia County. The series obtained is the result a several 
hours of careful collecting. 


Acrydium brunneri (Bolivar). 

WISCONSIN: Mamie Lake, Vilas Co., vii.4-16.1919 (T.H.H.) 
Be On De. 

Taken in a drained bog of small extent, bordered by a growth 
of willows, alder, ycung aspens and other shrubbery. The spec- 
imens were found among clumps of withered sphagnum, burned 
logs and stumps, and patches of fireweed and other invading veg- 
etation. 


Neotettix proavus Rehn & Hebard. 


FLORIDA: Tallahassee, Leon Co., iv.24.1924 (T.H.H.) 3 juv.; 
“Camp Torreya’’, 4 miles southwest of Rock Bluff. Postoffice, 
Liberty Co., iv.24-26,:1924 (T.H.H.) 5 juv.; v.29-vi.2, 1924 (T. 
He.) 9 large’ juve: vii:l.-1925: (EH. b's) 3s ee Bluff 
Landing, Liberty Co., vi.l.. 1924 (T.H.H.) 2 ae SGaimessa 
Alachua Co., vii.8. 1924 (F. W. Walker) -1 ° (Collection F. W. 
Walker). 

The Leon County and Liberty County material. was taken in 
heavy ravine fcrests composed largely of beech and magnolia; 
the Alachua County specimen in rich hammock of water oaks, 
live oaks, sweet gum, red bay, and many other trees. 


Paratettix toltecus (Saussure). 

TEXAS: Phantom Lake, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., vi.21.1916 
(F. M. Gaige) 1°°.’ 

LOUISIANA: Winnifield, Winn Parish, vi.30-vii.3.1918 (G. 
R. Pilate) large series.** 

FLORIDA: Chattahoochee, Gadsden Co., vii.28.1925 (T.H.H). 
32 specimens. 

The Louisiana and Florida series each contains about twice 
as many of the short as of the long forms. The Florida speci- 
mens were taken about the wet clay margins of a small pool on 
the flood-plain of the Apalachicola River, on the bare moist clay 
or in the marginal growth of close-cropped grass. Apparently 


AUTUMN NUMBER 43 


P., toltecus has not previously been recorded from Texas or Louis- 
iana, and this constitutes the third Florida record. 
Paxilla obesa (Scudder) . 

FLORIDA: 4 miles west cf Cottondale, Jackson Co., viii:2. 
OAS CLE.) 1S, 

GEORGIA: Thomas, Floyd Co., ix.9.1924 (T.H.H.) 54, 3 ? 
ives = <5). 

The Jackson Co. male was swept from low grass on moist 
mucky soil, at the margin of the Hypericum belt surrounding a 
dry cypress pond in pine woods. The Georgia specimens were 
taken in a patch of open swampy woods of sour gum and other 
trees, bordered by a grove of long-leaf pines. This species has 
been taken in large numbers in various parts of northern Florida 
by Mr. F. W. Walker and the writer; these records are reserved 
for a future publication. 


Tettigidea prorsa Scudder. 


FLORIDA: De Funiak Springs, Walton Co., vi.15.1924 
(SEO) 2.6, 5-2. 

Found in small numbers in the margin of a small swampy 
depression, overgrown with brush and tall herbage. -One male 
and two females macropterous. 


Achurum sumichrasti (Saussure). 


TEXAS: Cherry Canyon, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., vii.9.1916 
(FE. M. Gaige).-1- °*.' 
Alpha apache (Rehn & Hebard). 

TEXAS: Phantom Lake, Davis Mts.. Jeff. Davis Co., vi.1. 
1916 (F. M. Gaige) 1 4, 1 juv.* 
Chloealtis abdominalis (Thomas) 

WISCONSIN: Mamie Lake, Vilas Co., .vii.16.-viii.6.1919 
Gi) 7 5, 4 ?. 

Numerous in the drained bog mentioned under Acrydium 
brunneri, and also taken in the open grassy aspen groves border- 
ing the lake. 


Goniatron planum Bruner. 

TEXAS: Phantom Lake, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., vi.1-5. 
1916 (F. M. Gaige) 3 ®, 1 *. 

Rehn’ has recently recorded this species from numerous -lo- 
calities in western Texas and New Mexico; it was previously 
unknown from the United States. 


44 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Arphia sulphurea (Fabricius). 

LOUISIANA: Winfield, Winn Parrish, v.13.-18.1918 (G. R. 
Pilate) 6, 1 2. 

FLORIDA: Houston, Suwannee Co., iv.28.1924 (T.H.H.) 14. 

The Florida specimen was taken in a sunny clearing in open, 
cut-over woods of sweet-gum, hickory and oaks. Leon County 
is the only other Florida locality. 


Leprus cyaneus Cockerell. 

TEXAS: Phantom Lake, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., viii. 8. 
1916 (F. 'M. Gaige) 1 6.* 

NEW MEXICO: Organ Mts., Dona Ana Co., ix.5.1924 (W. A. 
Archer) 3 °. 

Spharagemon aequale (Say). 

ILLINOIS: ‘Chicagzo;-Cook Co. (C. T) Brues)-al' 3: 
Spharagemon cristatum Scudder. 

LOUISIANA: Winnfield, Winn Parish, v.13.1918 (G. R. 
Pilate). 1 6, 4: -9,* 

Spharagemon inornatum Morse. 

TEXAS: Cherry Canyon, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., vi.28. 
1916 (F.. M. Gaige) 1 °.* é 
Trimerotropis agrestis McNeill. 

COLORADO: Sedalia, Douglas Co., viii.7.1921 (A. I. Orten- 
burger 1 °; Morrison, Jefferson Co., viii.6.1921 (A. I. Orten- 
burger) 1 °. 

Trimerotropis albolineata (Bruner). 


CALIFORNIA: Claremont, Los Angeles Co., March 1916 (M. 
He Hatches "6. 1 °?.* 


Trimerotropis huroniana E. M. Walker. 

MICHIGAN: Schooicraft, Mackinac, Emmett, Charlevoix, 
Leelenau and Grand Traverse Counties. 

This species, hitherto known only from Ontario, has been 
found to be the common beach grasshopper on the northern 
shores of. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Detailed notes on 
the species will be published later. 


Trimerotropis rubripes Rehn. 


TEXAS: Phantom Lake, Davis Mts., Jeff Davis Co., vi.4.1916 
(F. M. Gaige) 1 °.* 


AUTUMN NUMBER A5 


Reported from the Rio Grande region in extreme western 
Texas and up the valley to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 


‘Contribution from the Department of Biology, University of Florida. 

*Determined by J. L. Hancock 1918. 

* All records followed by a star were determined by J. A. G. Rehn 1919. 

‘Determined by Rehn 1919 as Achurum acridodes Stal, recently shown 
by Hebard to be synonymous. 

*Rehn, 1919—A Study of the Ligurotettigi. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., 49, 55. 


A NEW SPECIES OF SYMPHYOTHRIPS (RETICULATUS 
FROM ARGENTINA 


(Continued from page 30.) 


Measurements. Body length 1.7 mm. Head, length .26 mm. 
width .22 mm.; prothorax, length .18 mm; width .36 mm; meso- 
thorax, width .41 mm; abdomen, width .46 mm; tube, length .21 
mm, width at base .12 mm., at avex .046 mm. 


Antennal segments’ ...........2...-... PR ee Sede ee ae 
SAGs ee | 36 | 59 | 95 | 86 | 74 | GO | 78 
PrObhine Mesh dived. ox! | 50 | 38 | 36 | 40 |.38 | 85 | 31 microns. 


Total antennal length .46 mm. 
This species, altho plainly a Symphyothrips, has some structures 
which suggest other genera. The reticulated surface of the 
head and prothorax would suggest Glyptothrips, the strongly 
thickened fore femora Nesothrips and the tibial tooth Klado- 
thripinae. 

Described from a single female taken from the skin of a tan- 
gerine from Buenos Ayres at New York by Emile Kostal of the 
Federal Horticultural Board, July 2, 1924. 


NETTLING CATERPILLARS 


Three caterpillars which are provided with nettling hairs are 
common in Florida. They are the Saddle-back (Sibere stimylea 
Clemens), the larva of the Hag Moth (Phobetron pitheciumS & 
A), and the larva of the Puss Moth (Megalopyge opercularis 
S & A). The result of coming into contact with the nettling 
hairs of these caterpillars varies greatly with different individ- 
uals. An instance of very severe pain caused by the Puss Moth 
larva has recently been reported by Mr. E. W. Pettersen, a drug- 


~ 


46 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


gist of Pensacola, who sent the caterpillar to the Experiment 
Station for identification. “The patient (a woman) was brought 
in from the country in a taxi. She had every sympton of suf- 
fering severely. Her arm near the elbow was very much swollen 
and very much inflamed. Almost her entire body was cold. She 
appeared very much depressed. We had to give a narcotic to 
relieve the pain followed by the usual treatment in such cases. 
The party recovered in two days.” 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, etc. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E. 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 
Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


AUTUMN NUMBER AT 


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Vol) 1X WINTER NUMBER No. 4 
eae 1926 © 


A NEW DICRANOMYIA ALLIED. TO DICRANOMYIA IM- 
MODESTA OSTEN SACKEN—TIPULIDAE, DIPTERA 
J. SPEED ROGERS, 
Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Fla. 
During the past few years of ecological and distributional 
studies on the crane-flies, I have had considerable difficulty in 


EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 


Figure I. Male genitalia of D. gladiator O. S., dorsal view. 
Figure II. Male genitalia of D. immodesta O. S., dorsal view. 
Figure Ila. Gonopophysis of D. immodesta O. S., side view. 
Figure III. Male genitalia of D. iowensis sp. nov., dorsal view. 
Figure IV. Wing of D. iowensis sp. nov. 


B—Basistyle IX—Ninth Tergite 

DD—Dorsal dististyle VM—Ventro-mesal lobe of basi- 
VD—Ventral dististyle style 

R—Rostrum G—Gonopophysis. 


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50 ; THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


distinguishing Osten Sacken’s species, Dicranomyia immodesta 
and gladiator. Part of the difficulty has been due to the ex- 
istence of a third species, heretofore undescribed, whose geo- 
graphic range and habitat distribution overlaps that of the 
above species. 

Dicranomyia iowensis sp. nov. 

Resembles in venation, size, and general body appearance 
Dicranomyia immodesta and gladiator. Differs from both of 
these species in that the thoracic notum and pleura are opaque, 
the antennae wholly dark brown, and the male genitalia distinct- 
ly different. 

Rostrum straw yellow, tinged with brown at the apex and 
along the sides. Basal half of the first segment of the palpus 
yellow, the distal half and the remaining joints a dull dark 
brown. The antennae are dark brown thruout; the first basal 
joint long cylindrical, the second hardly half as long, the joints 
of the flagellum elliptical, with a few short setae and a thin 
pubescence. The vertex bright chestnut brown with a silvery 
reflection; occiput dark brown with a narrow silvery line along 
the margin of each eye. 

The thoracic notum is a dull yellowish brown except that the 
lateral margins of the prescutum are a light opaque yellow. A 
single central dull brown stripe is well marked on the pronotum 
and anterior half of the prescutum but fades into the ground 
color on the posterior part of the prescutum. The usual position 
of the lateral stripes is frequently indicated by faint darker areas 
on the posterior half of the prescutum. The lobes of the scutum 
are faintly darkened; the scutellum and postnotum are slightly 
duller and darker than the rest of the thoracic notum. The 
pleura are a dull grayish yellow, somewhat lighter dorsally. 
The coxae and proximal halves of the femora are dull yellow, 
the distal halves of the femora and the tibia somewhat darker 
and the tarsi brown. The base and stem of the halters are 
yellow, the knobs dull, dark brown. The wings are entirely 
clear, save for a very faint, small, ovoid brown stigma. The 
veins are brown, the venation (figure IV) quite like that of 
D. immodesta. 

The tergites of the abdomen are dull brown, the sternites yel- 
low, more or less suffused with brown. The margins of the 
sternites are slightly shining. The genitalia of both male and 
female are yellow; altho dull, this yellow is conspicuous in con- 
trast to the brown abdominal tergites. The ninth tergite of the 


WINTER NUMBER 51 


male genitalia is broad and short with a deep, rounded, caudal 
notch. The rounded lateral lobes produced by the notch are 
chitinized on their caudal margins which bear about fifteen long, 
yellow setae. The basistyles are a little longer than broad, thinly 
covered with long, yellow setae. From their ventro-mesal mar- 
gins large fleshy lobes, about as long as the basistyle itself, 
project caudo-ventrad, almost parallel from the base to apex. 
These lobes are covered with a moderate pubescence and bear 
numerous setae, particularly at their apices. The dorsal dis- 
tistyle is an arcuated, cylindrical, chitinized rod, slightly dilated 
at the base and just before the apex. Beyond the second slight 
dilation it tapers abruptly to a short, stout, straight, apical 
spine. A chord drawn from apex to base of the dorsal dististyle 
is very nearly equal to the length of the basistyle. The ventral 
dististyle is a large, inflated, ovoid lobe covered with a short 
pubescence and bearing rather scattered setae of moderate 
length. At midlength it is a little less in diameter than the 
chord of the dorsal dististyle and is a little less than twice as 
long. On the mesal margin, about one fourth of its length from 
the proximal end, the ventral dististyle bears a prominent, fleshy 
rostrum, curved dorsocephalad. Near the base of the rostrum, 
on its caudo-dorsal face are two short, stout, chitinized spines 
set close together in a common groove. These spines are almost 
exactly equal in length. The cephalic face of the rostrum, near 
its tip bears five or six stout setae. The penis guard is long 
and subcylindrical. It narrows from a dilated base to a slender 
rod but becomes slightly dilated just before the faintly bilobed 
apex. The gonopophyses are prominent flat hooks, whose bases 
form vertical plates on either side of the penis guard and whose 
apices are directed dorsad. Between the base and apex each has 
a semicircular depression like the blade of a sickle, whose dorsal 
and concave edge is gently and slightly serrate. 

The ovipositor is but slightly different from that of ammodesta 
or gladiator, slightly shorter and more slender than in gladiator, 
the tergal valves more arcuated than in immodesta. 

Holotype, male, Poweshiek Co., Iowa, Sept. 18, 1920 (Field 
Cat. No. 52). 

Allotype, female, topotypic. 

Paratopotypes, 4 males; paratypes: Poweshiek Co., Iowa, 3 
males, 2 females, Oct. 10, 1920; 1 female, June 2, 1920; 1 
female, Sept. 5, 1920. Hardin Co., Iowa, 2 females, May 20; 
1920; 4 males, 2 females, May 21, 1920; 3 males, 4 females, 


52 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


May 22,1920. Harrison Co., Ind., 5 males, June 18, 1921; Jeffer- 
son Co., Ind., 1 male, June 11, 1921; Washtenaw Co., Mich., 1 
male, Aug. 6, 1921; 1 male, Aug. 24, 1921= 2° males, July 12; 
1922: 1 male, June 6,°1922 (T. H. Hubbell) 1, males Aus. oe 
1922 (F. M. Gaige). 

Part of the paratypes from Indiana and Iowa are placed in 
the collection of Dr. C. P. Alexander; the holotype, allotype and 
other paratypes are in the collection of the Museum of Zoology 
of the University of Michigan. 

Figured with present species are the genitalia of the males of 
D. immodesta O.S. and D. gladiator O.S. as I have identified 
these species from Osten Sacken’s descriptions and his figure 
of the male genitalia of D. gladiator. The characters shown in 
these figures are constant in the series of each of these species 
that I have before me and the differences in body markings: 
three stripes on the prescutum of gladiator, one stripe on the 
prescutum of immodesta; the mesosternum of gladiator with 
rounded brown spots between the fore and middle coxae, the 
mesosternum of immodesta unmarked, fits in each series with 
the genitalia figured. There is a slight discrepancy between the 
male genitalia figured by Osten Sacken for gladiator and that fig- 
ured for the species I am identifying as gladiator. I believe that 
this discrepancy is not greater than is to be expected when it is 
remembered that Osten Sacken drew his figure from observa- 
tions on the living insect, while the present figure is made from 
a mount cleared in KOH and drawn as seen with a compound 
microscope. 

Dicranomyia iowensis would seem, from the slight data now 
available, to be somewhat more western than immodesta or 
gladiator. Altho taken with these two species in Washtenaw 
Co., Michigan it was far less common than either. In southern 
Indiana, iowensis is far less common than gladiator but not so 
rare as tzmmodesta. However, southern Indiana has other sup- 
posedly western crane-flies, Gonomyia kansensis Al, Tipula 
flavibasis Al. and is close to the southern limits of D. immo- 
desta. In Iowa neither gladiator or immodesta were taken in 
the two localities where iowensis was common. 

The immature stages of iowensis are unknown, the adults 
have been taken in situations much like those from which gladi- 
ator and immodesta have been commonly found, moist flood 
plains of small streams, wet grassy areas near springs, and 
from grassy, slightly shaded ravines. 


WINTER NUMBER 53 


TWO NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM CUBA 
J. R. WATSON 


CEPHALOTHRIPS MERRILL N. SP. 


Measurements—Total body length 0.87 mm. Head, length 0.14 mm, width 
0.11 mm; prothorax, length 0.10 mm, width (including coxae) 0.18 mm; 
pterothorax, width 0.177; abdomen, greatest width 0.16 mm; tube, lengti 
0.08 mm, width at base 0.055 mm, at apex 0.025 mm; Antennae, total 
length 0.25 mm. 


Segment bo Sr pipet a See ig | 2 | a | 4 | 5 | 6 | th. | = 8 ae 
emer te, ee, 18h e36 | 40 | AIG |FA0G 35223 te Oe 
WN alee ere eee ee 200 | 29. | 2d 822) | 227 297] it microns: 


Color an almost uniform light olive gray (Ridgeway’s color standard) ; 
head and tip of abdomen darker, antennal segment 3 and all tibiae and 
tarsi lighter except a black spot near the tips of tarsi; eyes and ocellar 
crescents deep red and very conspicuous. Head a little longer than wide, 
broadly rounded in front except for a projection of the vertex between 
the basal segments of the antennae; cheeks gently arched, slightly con- 
verging posteriorly, vertex smooth without bristles except the rather long 
(about as long as the eyes) but very slender, pointed post-oculars and 
two pairs of minute ones along the margins of the eyes, one directly be- 
hind and one in front of each posterior ocellus. Hyes rather small, not 
protruding, non pilose. Ocelli large, the posterior pair situated opposite 
the anterior third of the eyes, the anterior directed forward. Mouth cone 
short, reaching the middle of the prosternum, and rounded at the tip. 
Antennae nearly twice as long as the head. Segment 2 short barrel-shaped 
with a broad peduncle; 3, top-shaped; 4, obovate; 5, oval; 6, cylindrical; 
7, cylindrical but tapering somewhat apically; 8, conical, broadly united to 
- |; 8-6 with short narrow pedicels, 8 with a somewhat broader one: 1, 
concolorous with the head; 2, lighter at apex; 38, much lighter except ex- 
treme base (but pedicel light); 4, about concolorous with the head; 5-8, 
darker, deep olive gray. Bristles and sense cones short, pale and incon- 
spicuous. 

Prothorax, somewhat wider than the head, shorter than the head; sides 
rather sharply diverging posteriorly. A rather long but pale bristle on 
each posterior angle, an equally long one midway between this and the 
median dorsal line. A pair of minute ones near middle of posterior margin. 

Pterothorax at the anterior margin about as wide as the prothorax (in- 
cluding coxae) but sides converge sharply posteriorly. Wing membrane 
pale gray, constricted in the middle, reaching to about the 8th abdominal 
segment, sparsely provided with rather long hairs, 4 inter-located ones. 

Legs rather short. Fore femora considerably enlarged. Fore tarsi un- 
armed. 

Abdomen rather slender, sides nearly parallel to about 8th segment then 
tapering abruptly to tube. Bristles rather short, pale and inconspicuous; 
those on the last segment larger. Terminal ones but little longer than the 
tube. 

Described from a single male taken from a scale-infested cocoanut from 
Cuba by George B. Merrill of the Florida State Plant Board. 

The color of this insect and the shape of the pterothorax, will enable 
it to be readily told from the other two species of this genus. 


54 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


The following key will enable one to readily separate the species: 
a.—Antennal segment 7 broadly united to 6................. monilicornis Reuter. 
aa.—Antennal segment 7 pedunculate. 

b.—Color dark brown; wings very short or entirely lacking; pterotho- 

rax narrower than prothorax, sides nearly straight and parallel, even; 
Mostoculars LUNE js cece- fete eee secede cneeeen naeeee ee mere ne eecee errans Moulton. 
bb.—Color light gray; wing membrane reaching abdominal segment 
8;  pterothorax wider than prothorax (exclusive of coxae), sides 

sinuate and sharply converging posteriorly; postoculars pointed 
merrilli n. sp. 


FRANKLINELLA CEPHALICA BRUNERI N. VAR. 
Female 
Measurements: Total body length (average of 33 individuals) 1.02 mm. 
(varies from .82 to 1.25 mm.). Head, length 0.11 mm., width 0.16 mm.; 
prothorax, length 0.14 mm., width 0.19 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.27 mm.; 
abdomen, greatest: width .28 mm. 


Antennal segments........1 1] 21 81 41 5| 6| 71 8 
emotions. we ee tS 26 | 42 | 58 | 54 | 41 | 51] 9 | 12 
Wit Gay ice aah 8s hs aes taco 25 | 25 { 23 | 23 | 20 | 20-)%8 6 microns 


Color, almost uniform yellow, thorax and end of abdomen a shade dark- 
er than the basal segments, head considerably lighter, pale yellow. No 
orange or brown color anywhere on the body except the yellowish orarge 
ocellar crescents and a small orange spot on the extreme tip of the abdo- 
men. Eyes black by transmitted light, red by reflected. 

Head nearly half again as broad as long, considerably retracted into pro- 
thorax; cheeks slightly arched, bearing a pale short spine at about the 
middle; vertex smooth; frons depressed. Postoculars and a pair of bristles 
in front of each posterior ocellus nearly as long as the eyes, sharp!y 
curved, brown and conspicuous. A pale, slender, inconspicuous bristle at 
the inner posterior angle of each posterior ocellus, and a pair of even 
smaller bristles in front of the anterior ocellus. Eyes rather large, near- 
ly half as long as the head, not protruding, pilose, facets large. Ocelli 
large, pale, posterior pair situated a little in front of the posterior border 
of the eyes, anterior directed somewhat forward into the frontal depres- 
sion. Mouth cone long and slender, almost reaching the mesosternum. 
Maxillary palpus 3-segmented, the basal segment the longest. 

Antennae 2.5 times as long as the head. Segment 1 short, cylindrical; 
2 barrel-shaped with a wide peduncle, produced dorsally and bearing at 
the apex of the elevation two heavy bristles. These bristles are not as 
heavy as in F’. cephalica masoni and the elevation is much less marked and 
does not project over the base of segment 3; 3 widest at about two-thirds 
its length, thence tapering uniformly with nearly straight sides to a nar- 
row peduncle with several constrictions and to a broad apex. It bears a 
colorless dorsal, forked, trichome and below the base of this a pair of 
bristles which are fully as heavy and considerably longer than the corres- 
ponding ones on segment 2; 4, similar to 3 in shape but peduncle wider 
and shorter and sides not as straight. This segment also bears a forked 
trichome but on the inner side; 5 much the smallest of the intermediate 


WINTER NUMBER 55 


segments with a narrower peduncle than 4; 6 conical, but little constricted 
at the base; 7 cylindrical, considerably shorter than 8; 8 conical. 1 al- 
most colorless, 2 almost uniformly light brown except the paler peduncle; 
3 light Marguerite yellow (Ridgeway’s color chart) clouded with darker 
gray in the apical third; apical half of 4 and 6 mummy brown (Ridgeway) 
basal half of 4 and often all of 5 Marguerite yellow, 5 sometimes clouded 
with brown in apical third, 7 and 8 a little lighter than 6. 

Prothorax wider than iong and wider and longer than the head, sides 
strongly arched. One bristle on each anterior angle and a pair on each 
posterior angle are unusually large and strongly curved. The longest on 
the posterior angle often reaches a length of 80 microns or nearly half 
the width of the prothorax; another stout bristle (but only about a third 
as long) at the anterior angle; on the anterior margin are a pair of 
bristles nearly as stout and four pairs of minute colorless ones. 

Pterothorax much wider than the prothorax, anterior angles evenly 
rounded to the posterior margin of mesothorax. Metathorax narrower, 
sides nearly straight and parallel. Two large bristles and two smaller ones 
between the wings and two large ones and about 12 smaller ones along 
the anterior margin. Legs light brownish yellow, considerably lighter than 
the body. Tibiae provided with a pair of stout spines near the apex. 

Wing membranes reaching to about abdominal segment 9, fore pair very 
light grayish yellow, provided with heavy bristles, about 25 on costa, 
19-21 on anterior vein, and from 14 to 21 (usually 19) on posterior. 

Abdomen, rather short and thick, widest at about segment 8, thence 
rounding rapidly to tenth segment. The posterior segments (5-9) pro- 
vided with heavy, but comparatively short, curved bristles at the posterior 
angles. The 10th segment split open for not over a fourth of its length, 
tipped with orange at the extreme apex. Provided with about a dozen 
large straight brown bristles which extend far beyond the tip. 

Male. Much smaller than the female, about 0.8 mm., pale yellow. Head, 
length 0.11 mm., width 0.15 mm.; prothorax, length 0.15 mm.; width 0.19 
mm.; mesothorax, width 0.20 mm.; abdomen, width 0.15 mm. Antennae, 
Sepmentel, 25> 2,39; 3,49; 4,46; 5, 38; 6, 46; 7, 7; -8, 11 microns: 
Total length 0.26 mm. Wings with about 22 strong bristles on costa, 16 
on anterior vein and 13 on posterior. Second segment of antennae much 
lighter in color than in female; lighter than the first. Testes yellow- 
ish brown by transmitted light, yellow by reflected. 

Larvae brownish yellow, legs and tip of abdomen lighter. Eyes dark. 

Described from thirty females and four males collected by Dr. 8. C. 
Bruner in Santiago de las Vegas and on the Peninsula de Guanahacabibes, 
Cuba, on oranges, avocadoes, hibiscus, Moringa. Type in the author’s col- 
lection. 

Close to F’. cephalica melanommatus Bagnal, of which it is probably only 
a Cuban race, but differs in the color and form of the second antennal 
segment which projects but little dorsally and not at all forward over 
segment 3, in the larger number of spines on the posterior vein of the 
fore wings (in both sexes) and in the split end of the last abdominal 
segment, and especially in the long, stout, curved bristles. 

It can be told at a glance from F’. cephalica masoni by the lighter color 
and the character of the second antennal segment. 


Ghe 
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


Official Organ of The Florida Entomological Society, Gainesville, 


Florida. 
RR WV A TSON 22 tes soe 8c eA ie eee ee Editor 
VVATTNNTOING INE Willig lies oie ee eS ear giae et aemeen! Associate Editor 
ViNWE aN Raed ESIST 0 sear Pe Tame. Sooo tw Aga oe. Business Manager 


Issued once every three months. Free to all members of the 
Society. 

Subscription price to non-members is $1.00 per year in ad- 
vance; 85 cents per copy. 


MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


Dec. 11, 1925.—Meeting called to order by Vice-President 
Bates. Members present: Bates, Berger, Bratley, Hubbell, 
Merrill, Rogers, Watson; visitors: Grossman, Inman, Tissot. 

Dr. M. D. Leonard of Orlando, entomologist of Wilson Toom- 
er Fertilizer Co., was elected a member of the society. 

Mr. Watson gave the paper of the evening on “The Reactions 
of Whiteflies to Light, Heat, Gravity, and Certain Chemicais 
with Some Comparisons with the Behavior of Scale Crawlers 
and Rust Mites to the Same Stimuli.” 


Jan. 8, 1926.—Meeting called to order by Secretary Bratley. 
Members present: Berger, Bratley, Gray, Hubbell, Merrill, Wat- 
son; visitors: Grossman, Inman, Tissot. 

New members elected were E. F. Grossman, an Entomologist 
of the Experiment Station in charge of boll weevil investiga- 
tions; M. T. Inman, of the Kay Research Company, who is ex- 
perimenting with insecticides, and A. N. Tissot, Assistant Ento- 
mologist of the Experiment Station. 

The following officers were elected for the year: President, 
Prof. John Gray; Vice-President, E. F. Grossman; Secretary, H. 
E. Bratley; Treasurer and Business Manager of the Entomolo- 
gist; A> Ne Tissot; Editor, J; R:awWatson: 

The paper of the evening was by Dr. E. W. Berger on ‘‘Some 
Mosquito Controls.” 


WINTER NUMBER 57 


THE CITRUS APHID IN CUBA 


The following letter from Mr. J. B. Anderson of Santa Clara 
in regard to the status of the new citrus aphid in Cuba should 
be of interest to our readers: 

“Here in this province (Santa Clara) I have been pretty well 
over the groves, and find it universal; just this morning I was 
out to see some little recreation farms, owned by friends here 
in town. One place has about 20 trees, and the other, at a dis- 
tance 10 miles removed from the first, has about 100 trees. 
Both are badly infested, although there is not active work go- 
ing on now as there is no new growth. 

“In this province, near the town of Manacas, near the Man- 
tanzas province line, there are six German-American orange 
growers, with a total of about 100 acres of orange groves scat- 
tered over a dozen square miles, and all the groves have the 
aphis, being dormant at present, but having been worked pretty 
thoroly as shown by the hardened curled leaves. 

“When I was in Camaguey a month ago, a Cuban grower 
with about 50 acres told me that all his trees were infected and 
also that all the other groves around were in the same shape; 
these are within 5 miles of Camaguey city. 

“The La Gloria district, where my groves are, was gone over 
very thoroly by me just before I wrote you the first of the year; 
practically every grove is infected and much damage done. 

“Thus I know personally that it has taken full charge of our 
groves in these central provinces. 

“As to how long it has been a pest, I can say that I have 
noticed the characteristic tight curling of the leaves for the 
past three years, and they tell me in La Gloria that it has been 
there for four years, but never abundant enough to excite com- 
ment even. We just supposed thet it was curling by dry weath- 
er or something like that. Just this year it shot out like wild- 
fire all at once in all groves.” 


Mr. A. C. Mason, of the Bureau of Entomology, U. 8S. Dept. 
of Agric., who has been stationed at Lindsey, Calif., where he 
has been studying the California orange thrips, has been trans- 
ferred to Hawaii, where he has taken up the study of the Medi- 
terranean fruitfly. 


58 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


NEW THYSANOPTERA FROM FLORIDA—XIII 
J. R. WATSON 


92. Podothrips semiflavus Hood. 


Mr. George B. Merrill on October 1, 1924 collected a number 
of thrips of this species from a swamp grass collected at Davie 
by Bowers and Link of the State Plant Board. It has been re- 
ported from Cuba and Porto Rico on sugar cane. The writer 
has received it from the Virgin Islands when it was collected 
on Para grass by Mr. C. E. Wilson. The present find extends 
its known range to Florida and adds a new host. 


93. Chirothrips obesus var. hubbeili n. var. 

Female. Abdomen, pale brownish yellow (warm buff—Ridgeway’s color 
standard) tip, darker (segment 10 raw umber); head raw umber; thorax 
yellowish brown (prothorax buckthorn brown, pterothorax mummy brown) ; 
legs empire yellow, all femora and middle and hind tibiae shaded with 
brown on outer side; antennal segments 1 and 2 lemon chrome, 3 pinard 
yellow, 4 buffy brown, 5 raw umber, 6 to 8 blackish brown. 

Measurements: Total body length 0.7 mm.; head, length 0.09 mm., 
width 0.114 mm.; prothorax, length 0.125 mm., width (including coxae) 
0.25 mm.; mesothorax, width 0.28 mm.; metathorax, width 0.25 mm.; ab- 
domen, greatest width 0.28 mm. / 


Antennae 
Seale. 32) ee ee eee ere 
B0r | 48 | 85 i 80s eer) a4) Sl teeincrons 


Total length 0.23 mm. 


Head, considerably wider than long, broadest across the posterior mar- 
gin of the eyes, cheeks well arched, short, about a third the length of the 
eyes, front produced into a triangle in front of the eyes, the two front 
sides of this triangle (across the bases of the antennae) almost straight 
but slightly produced between bases of antennae, tip with minute notch; 
surface with several rather prominent longitudinal striations and a sin- 
gle pair of bristles near the anterior angles of the eyes. 

Eyes rather large, dark, pilose. Ocelli situated more anteriorly than 
in most species of the genus, posterior pair about opposite the middle of 
eyes, bordered by wide dark red crescents. Mouth cone reaching rather 
more than half way across prosternum. 

Antennae 2.5 times as long as head. Segment 1 rounded, about three- 
fourths as long as wide; 2 inverted foot-shaped, but the ‘‘toe” very short, 
the axis and the width along apical margin about equal; 3 pyriform with 
a short peduncle; 4 and 5 suboval. Very thick, curved, colorless, sense 
cones on inner margins of segments 3 and 4, a few short, inconspicuous 
bristles on segments 5 to 8. 

Prothorax trapezoidal in shape, sides diverging sharply posteriorly, quite 
deeply indented above fore coxae. Both anterior and posterior angles 


WINTER NUMBER 59 


sharp, destitute of conspicuous bristles. Pronotum with anastomozing 
striae and about 12 pairs of small bristles. ; 

Sides of mesothorax very convex, of metathorax only slightly so and di- 
verging posteriorly. 

Fore legs short and much thickened. 

Wings very long (length ten times the greatest width), much exceeding 
the tip of the abdomen, curved, shaded with gray, fore pair deeply so 
but with a clear area just above the base, sparsely fringed with long 

irs for its entire length. Posterior veins of iore wings branch off from 
the anterior at the apex of the clear area (about a fifth of the length) 
bearing but two spines, one near the middle and another towards apex. 
Anterior vein with four spines, two near the base and two near apex. 

Abdomen short and thick. Segment 10 split open above. Segment 9 
also narrow. Spines on segments 8 to 10 moderately long. Receptaculum 
seminis over base of ovipositor bright reddish orange. 

Male unknown. 

Described from a single female taken in Dixie County, Florida, from 
grass and roots at margin of a cypress pond, by T. H. Hubbell, Nov. 28, 
1925. Type in the author’s collection. 

Close to #. obesus Hinds, but differs in the shorter head, the more an- 
terior position of the ocelli, the longer antennae, the less compressed first 
antennal segment, the shorter projection on the second segment, the di- 
verging sides of the metathorax, the wings with a complete fringe of hairs 
and fewer bristles on the veins, and the absence of a long spine on the 
posterior angle of the prothorax. From C. spinceps Hood it differs in size, 
the fewer spines on the front of the head, the longer prothorax and the 
shape of the fore tibiae. 


KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF CHIROTHRIPS 


1, -A) single longitudinal vein in each fore wing...-.....-.,..<--<.--.2:- mexicanus. 
2. Two longitudinal veins in each fore wing; fore wings brown. 
a. Two long, stout spines at each posterior angle of the prothorax. 


b. Antennal segment 6 about as long as 4 and 5 together. 
—insolitus. 


bb. Segment 6 shorter than 4 and 5 together.................... manicatus. 

aa. A single long, stout spine at each posterior angle..........spiniceps. 

aaa. Spines at the posterior angles of the prothorax only moderately 
long. 


b. Body uniformly brown. 
ce. Only one moderately heavy bristle on each posterior angle 
of prothorax; antennal segment 5 nearly as thick as 4. - 
—floridensis. 
ec. Two shorter bristles on each posterior angle of prothorax, 


antennal segment 5 much smaller than 4. 
—floridensis catchingsi. 


60 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


bb. Abdomen lighter. 
ce. Abdomen gray brown or yellowish brown; length 0.78 mm. 
—crassus. 
ce. Abdomen yellow. 
d. Thorax yellow ochre shaded with gray; length about 
1.1 mm.; front of head with numerous’ small 
spines. —vestis. 
dd. Thorax yellowish brown; length 0.7 to 0.8 mm.; front 
of head with one or two pairs of spines. 
e. Posterior ocelli opposite posterior border of eyes; 
each vein of fore wing with 4 to 6 spines.— 
—obesus. 
ee. Posterior ocelli opposite middle of eyes; anterior 
vein with 4, posterior with 2 spines. 
—obesus hubbelii. 
94. Liothrips muscorum n. sp. 
Male. 


Color, including even the tarsi of the legs, a uniform dark brown, tho- 
rax and abdomen with much blood red hypodermal pigment, antennal seg- 
ments 3-6 mostly yellow. 

Measurements: Total body length 1.17 mm. Head, length 0.22 mm., 
width, 0.185 mm.; prothorax, length 0.127 mm.; width (including coxae) 0.29 
mm.; pterothorax, greatest width 0.33 mm.; abdomen, greatest width 0.34 
mm.; tube, length 0.15 mm., width at base 0.06 mm., at apex 0.037 mm. 

Antennae, segment. 1, 30; 2, 43> 3) 805 4, 74; 5, 63376, Gls" 7, bias ae 
microns. 

Total length, 0.44 mm. 

Head but little longer than wide, widest some distance behind the eyes, 
cheeks arched, converging quite sharply posteriorly, dorsal surface fine- 
ly striated. Postocular bristles about .6 the length of eyes, blunt. Eyes 
rather large but diameter somewhat less than the distance between them, 
- dark, not pilose. Ocelli straw colored, posterior ones contiguous to the 
inner margins of the eyes in front of their middle, the anterior one fac- 
ing forward, inconspicuous, on a line with the anterior border of the eyes. 

(To be continued.) 


The State Plant Board has at the Lake Alfred Station nearly 
a thousand of the Chinese lady beetles (Leis sp.) for distribu- 
tion to the growers as soon as the citrus aphid becomes suffi- 
ciently abundant to insure a constant food supply. These lady 
beetles have been bred by Mr. W. L. Thompson. There are also 
a few hundred of these beetles at the Experiment Station at 
Gainesville where they have been bred by Mr. H. E. Bratley. 
At both places they have been mostly dormant during Decem- 
ber and January. 


WINTER NUMBER 61 


The New Spray for Aphis 


No Odor 
Non Poisonous 
Pleasant to Use 
Does Not Require Soap 
Mixes with Other Sprays 
Can be used with Hard or Sott Water 


Corts Les then Ber 
i ey 
Made Only by 


Wittiam Cooper & NEPHEWS 
Cc 


HICAGO 
Distributed by 


PENINSULAR CHEMICAL CO., Orlando, Fla. 
GULF FERTILIZER CO., Tampa, Fia. 


62 THE FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST 


The State Plant Board has secured the services of Mr. R. L. 
Miller to take charge of the experiments in control of the new 
citrus aphid which are being conducted at the Citrus Substa- 
tion at Lake Alfred. Mr. Miller secured his master’s degree 
at Ohio State at the close of the fall quarter there. 


Now is the time to spray trees affected with rust mite, 
scab or melanose. We handle the 


DRY LIME SULPHUR 


It saves freight on water and expense of handling. Ship- 
ped in air-tight packages with removable top. Will keep 
indefinitely if top is replaced after using. Dissolves readily 
in any water. Add Dry Lime Sulphur to water and stir. 
Five pounds to one hundred gallons water for rust mite, 
equivalent to two gallons 33° Lime Sulphur Solution to 
one hundred gallons of water. Prices range from 1014 to 
25c per pound according to quantity order. 


Arsenate of Lead Carbolic Acid, Crude 

Bluestone Copperas 

Bordeaux Mixture Fish Oil Soap 

Genuine Protexol Soluble Sulphur Compound 

Caustic Soda Sulphur Flowers, ete. 

Schnarr’s Spray Formula Target Brand White Fly De- 
stroyer. 


Fresh stock of goods always on hand. 

IN OUR SPRAYING DEPARTMENT 
we carry only the best and most reliable, such as Leggett’s 
Champion Duster, Lowell Compressed Air Sprayers and 
Gould Sprayers. Write for booklet and prices. 


E. 0. PAINTER FERTILIZER CO., Jacksonville, Fla. 


Printing for All Purposes 


Carefully Executed 
Delivered on Time 


Pepper Printing Company 


Gainesville, Florida 


WINTER NUMBER 63 


ee a a a 


“BLACK LEAF 40” 


(Sulphate of Nicotine—40% of Nicotine) 


For liquid spraying against aphis, thrips, leaf-hoppers, 
ete. May be combined with other standard spray-chemicals. 
Always dependable and efficient. 

“Black Leaf 40” is, in Very Truth, “The Old Reliable” 


PRICES 
Seg ea © 1 0 ecoaa mM ai NE ere tere A RY Ne $ 1.25 
lo EMT, | Wemneg eee iae feapieeipene se Ree Do, 3.50 
OFM: thant eS ea ee / 13.50 


"BLACK LEAP”-FI-NIGOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 114% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Made from our own high-strength (“Free”) Nicotine. 
Thoroughly standardized as to strength and texture. Rec- 
ommended for dusting vegetables to destroy aphis. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 

Ey STI MR GLP Noe cee te Sree ee ee eee ee $ 1.10 
PASAT] ha XO SD Bo algae eee stem Gwe ele een ny ee) ear 3.75 
EXD SNleaoh abhor mewn Mees caret Ci eine Be Ris Aue 6.75 

MOOR eee Chri see ee a ee eee IPT ES 


"BLACK LEAP” -F2-NIGOTINE DUST 


Contains Over 2% of Actual (“Free”) Nicotine 


Is stronger in nicotine than our—F1—Dust, but other- 
wise, is the same. Recommended against the more resistant 
insects, suck as cucumber beetle, pea aphis, ete. 


PRICES 
F. O. B. Richmond, Va. 
L534) Il ove a ri 9 pe SE Pee beeck SOs ee $ 1.80 
PAS) || OFS Baro bb bag Peewee ey eprom eae Re eet TPES es is 4.75 
S(O EIN ose (oe alt ha 7 eevee ennai a ry cee a a Fs eee 8.75 
OOS Dwr drum St ee 25 2s ee eee Peer eee ee 16.75 


“Black Leaf” products are sold by seedsmen, hardware 
stores, drum stores, general merchants, and dealers in hor- 


ticultural supplies. 
ASK YOUR DEALER 


TOBACCO BY-PRODUCTS & CHEMICAL 
CORPORATION 


(Incorporated) 
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 


THE FLORIDA KNTOMOLOGIST 


CALCIUM CYANIDE 


The newly produced chemical dust is being used 
the world over to control insect and rodent pests. New 
uses are being reported continually. 


Calcium Cyanide has the unique property of giving 
off the killing agent—hydrocyanic acid gas—on contact 
with the moisture in the air. Hydrocyanic acid gas 
is a powerful insecticide. The dust is simply applied 
and the moisture in the air finishes the job. 


Calcium Cyanide is recommended to control 
gophers, salamanders, turtles, land crabs, ants, chinch 
bugs, rats, nematodes, grubs, moles, citrus aphis, be- 
sides numerous other pests in many parts of the world. 


Leaflets gladly furnished upon request. 


AMERICAN CYANAMID COMPANY 
OF DELAWARE 


Main Office: 511 Fifth Avenue, New York City 


Florida Branch: 
301 State Bank Building, Orlando, Florida 


Plants Warehouses 
Brewster, Florida Brewster, Florida 
Niagara Falls, Canada East St. Louis, Tl: 
Warners, New Jersey Kansas City, Mo. 


Azusa, California Spokane, Washington