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“SOME INSECTS
—— INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
TICLES DEALING WITH INSECTS —
A SERIES OF AR : -— OF THIS CLASS. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, BY Be FP 2 CLT? EN DENY oo ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST. : | J
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BULLETIN No. 19, New SERIES.
eS] DEP VEN OF AGRICULTURE,
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.
SOME aNokCLls
INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
A SERIES OF ARTICLES DEALING WITH INSECTS OF THIS CLASS. 3
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, BY
ee CHITTENDEN. ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1eeid Wr
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, Washington, D. C., January 21, 1899. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith manuscript of a bulletin containing certain articles upon insects injurious to garden and orchard crops, which has been prepared by F. H. Chittenden, of this office. The articles all concern insects of very considerable economic impor- tance and derive an especial value from the fact that they are, with few exceptions, based upon original observations made in the vicinity
of Washington. The worker on economic entomology will find very
many hitherto unreported facts concerning the life histories of the species treated, and the vegetable grower and orchardist will find many valuable practical points based upon this more intimate knowledge of
the life histories of the insects. Seventeen of the twenty figures are
here published for the first time. I recommend the publication of this manuscript as Bulletin No. 19, New Series. : Respectfully, L. O. HOWARD,
Entomologist. Hon. JAMES WILSON,
Secretary of Agriculture.
CONAN ES:
LEER OT DUNC DY Set SESE ae eS a 9 Ps Ee ge eR a THE SQUASH LADYBIRD; ITS LITERATURE AND BIOLOGY (illustrated). -....-.--- LiFe HISTORY OF THE COMMON SqQuasH BuG (Anasa tristis DeG.) (illustrated) - THE HORNED SQuASH BuG (Anasa armigera Say) (illustrated)..........-.---- SOME OBSERVATIONS IN THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE SQUASH-VINE BORER @Miehiitiansaupnunionnis: Lubn.) Gllustrated) = 2.225 = com ssoeee ceo mee nese eee NOTES ON THE PICKLE WORM AND MELON CATERPILLAR........---.---------- ihe pickle: worm! CWargaronta ntidalis: Oram.) 2222... 2222-25042 5 555 eons The melon caterpillar (Margaronia hyalinata Linn.) ...-.....-...--.------ LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUGS WHICH ATTACK CUCURBITS (illustrated).......---. The Northern leaf-footed plant-bug (Leptoglossus oppositus Say).--------- The banded leaf-footed plant-bug ( Leptoglossus phyllopus Linn.).....----- NOTES ON THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE (Diabrotica vittata Fab.) (llus- trated) Seas soe. SSE ee S 000So0 SUDRESES CURE Dads odes Ueecaesa oeaseg DUO sao Seance A NEW WEBWORM ENEMY OF CABBAGE AND OTHER CRUCIFEROUS PLANTS Gillustrated))=2 52-23 so. 5 oe é “Pardee hey He NOTES ON THE GARDEN FLEA-HOPPER Ae (Hotes an lent iciarah Gilaseraieaye Sen THE IMBRICATED SNOUT-BEETLE (Epicerus imbricatus Say) (illustrated). ..---- THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER (Euphoria inda Linn.) (illustrated). ..........--- BioLocic NOTES ON THE MAy BEETLE (Lachnosterna arcuata Sm.) (illustrated). The arcuate May beetle (Lachnosterna arcuata Sm.).-.-..----------------- IMSECtENeIMICSLOt wh LbOsORWDS 25S. wo 2 oo ec os aco emesis wie eects ees THE SPINACH FLEA-BEETLE (Disonycha xanthomelena Dalm.) (illustrated). ---- BIOLOGIC AND OTHER NOTES ON THE FLEA-BEETLES WHICH ATTACK SOLANACE- OUS PLANTS (illustrated) ....--- SI ge ae serane a ate kT iaiekar wisi ler eae ate eae eet The tobacco flea-beetle (Zpitrix parvula Fab.)..--...----.---------------- The eggplant flea-beetle (Hpitrix fuscula Cr.) ......-..------------------- The cucumber flea-beetle (Hpitrix cucwmeris Harr.) ...-...---------------- Otherspecies of Hpitrix...2.. 22.2 s..22 2: --- Be Er cna sraccmna jeSeakace THE CHERRY LEAF-BEETLE (Galerucella cavicollis Lec.) ---.------------------ INOTHSION THE PLUM AND ROSE LBAF-BEETLES..i-.....2- 225.2204) 2525 eae The plum leaf-beetle (Nodonota tristis Ol.) ...-.--..----.----------------- The rose leaf-beetle (Nodonota puncticollis Say) ..----..---.--------------- NOTES ON THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE AND OTHER BORERS AFFECTING JERE ARIST ESS 7 oes Se rt eee ee AS ee ra Os Sb Oo reac S ace The fruit-tree bark-beetle (Scolytus rugulosus Ratz.)..---.---------------- The banded hickory borer (Chion cinctus Dru.)....-...----..------------- The grape cane-borer (Amphicerus bicaudatus Say)-.----------------------- The eye-spotted apple-twig borer (Oberea ocellata Hald.) ..----.----------
42
62
74
—
. Epilachna borealis: larva, pupa, beetle, and egg PAVOTOtSH PILIChiva: DOTCOlIS:. is oot ese nee Beja ce ee ae eee 5 ISIS OL ACROSS Be AOS ECE a ee an ee eS eons OsS
ILLUSTRATIONS.
INGyAtt IO SRO fe AN ASOSITISU8 22 a ye ccics bao cee aoe eins cee miele we See eee Anasa trishs: adult sexual characters, ete ..-.-..-..---.-----sse----- ANASHIATINAIGEl Ace GtMeTON StLAaCeS ~.oo2 2 soo 2 ete eee tee
. Melittia satyriniformis: eggs and immature larve .........--.-------- . Melittia satyriniformis: moth, larva, pupa, etc ....--....-...----.---- eeLEplOglossusnOppositus:. AGUIL..222 5. 5osc-s452 oe ceo) jo See eee ees Veplroguossus puyllopuss adult 08522 0 Seo. Sse ewe osc e eee coelsoeee o eeee . Keg of Diabrotica vitiata and sculpture ..--.....--.------.----------: mellelintiaundaalis:-moth, larva, and pupa......+2-2-- 5.522. -2s-eaesc eee 5 LENIRISHS CHUL IS CO OREO Ie ee ee ee ee EASA . Epicerus imbricatus: beetle, young larve, and eggs..---...---.--+--- . Luphoria inda: beetle and preparatory stages....-...---.------------ . Lachnosterna arcuata: beetle and preparatory stages -......---.-.----- . Lachnosterna arcuata: sexual characters ....--...---.-----.---------: PmILACKnOSternna fusca sexual Characters =. 22° -25-5.25 222... -2224- eae . Disonycha xanthomelena: beetle and preparatory stages...----------- ME DULY ECILCUINEL03 ss ACUI T DECbICs a Sos go ec toes sce wie ass sae
PREFACE.
Under the comprehensive title, Some Insects Injurious to Garden and Orchard Crops, the writer has brought together a series of arti- cles bearing upon insects of this class. These are in continuation of work begun in previous years, the results of which have found expres- sion in Bulletin No. 10, in the Yearbooks for 1896 and 1898, and else- where, and are based upon observations conducted, for the most part, during the year 1898. At the same time there has been added, from the notes that have accumulated by correspondence and otherwise in this office, as matters of record, much that is new or unpublished con- cerning the fuod and other habits as well as the distribution of the species of insects considered.
In connection with the topics that are dealt with somewhat at length, the matter of remedies and other methods of control has received due consideration. The fact that this bulletin is to a certain extent a pop- ular-scientific one has suggested the wisdom, as a means of enhancing its value to the practical worker, of the addition of a brief summary of remedies to articles that take the form of notes or incomplete accounts.
Late in the season of 1897 the subject of the insects affecting cucur- bit crops was taken up as a specialty, and seven of the topies here dis- cussed treat of this class of insects. In the course of investigations conducted in Maryland and Virginia and in the District of Columbia in the vicinity of Washington, the squash ladybird often came under observation, and it was found that a number of points of interest were omitted by earlier writers, and these, together with some descriptive and other notes necessary to the completion of the account, are brought together in connection with the illustrations as the initial subject of the bulletin. The life history of the common squash bug, Anasa tristis, although a well-known pest nearly everywhere, has not previously, to the writer’s knowledge, been studied at all fully. The allied Anasa armigera has for the first time come under observation during the past two years as a species of economic importance, and has received atten- tion in the same manner as its more common congener. The remaining four articles on cucurbit pests contain more or less information that has not previously been made public.
One of the most interesting of the injurious occurrences of the year 1898 was the discovery of an insect that is apt to prove of great economic importance in the course of time. This is an imported webworm, Hel- lula undalis, and it is at present troublesome to cabbage, turnip, and other cruciferous crops in the neighborhood of Augusta, Ga. The cultivation of these crops has been for many years a matter of extreme
9
10 PREFACE.
difficulty in many sections, and in very recent years a complete failure
in the District of Columbia and in many parts of Maryland, and the ~
addition of a new pest from abroad is most unwelcome.
The study of Halticus uhlert is an outgrowth of investigations on insects affecting beans and peas. This species, though scarcely more than a second-rate pest, is deserving of further study as regards its life habits and the methods to be used in its control.
Some observations were made bearing upon the early life history of —
the imbricated snout-beetle, Hpicerus imbricatus, but attempts to rear the larve were not successful. The observations which are here recorded, however, are of considerable interest, especially as regards the egg-laying of this species.
Rather remarkable success was attained in the study of ie fruit- chafer, Huphoria mda, which was carried successfully through all its stages. The results demonstrate for all practical purposes that this Species is not injurious except in the adult condition; a fact that has previously been surmised, but which had not been brought out with sufficient clearness in earlier investigations.
Nothing of a biologic nature has hitherto been published concerning one of our two commonest May beetles, Lachnosterna arcuata, which is here deseribed and illustrated in its immature stages for the first time. Its life history is also given somewhat in detail, as well as notes bearing on its life habits and economy.
The unusual abundance of Disonycha xcanthomelena, the spinach flea- beetle, the past year led to a special study of this species, resulting in the discovery of a new food plant and the completion of its life history.
The article on the flea-beetles which attack tobacco, the potato and other solanaceous plants is a continuation of observations begun in 1897 and published in Bulletin No. 10.
The cherry leaf-beetle, Galerucella cavicollis, is one of the species which has been prominent as a pest during the last year, and has received in consequence some study. Until the past season it has not been injurious to the peach.
The article on the plum and rose leaf-beetles is in continuation of studies begun in previous years; which is true of the notes which are here presented on the fruit-tree bark-beetle and other fruit-tree borers.
It should be added, for the benefit of the bibliographer, that the title of this bulletin is simply assumed for convenience, and that, although each separate account is not signed by the author, each should prop- erly be indexed separately, as each article is in itself complete, having no special bearing on either what precedes or follows it in the order of publication.
The illustrations were for the most part prepared from selected fresh material and, with a single exception, especially drawn or other- wise adapted for this work.
BS EL.@3
f q ‘ 3
SOME. INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
THE SQUASH LADYBIRD; ITS LITERATURE AND BIOLOGY.
In the course of the investigations of the insect enemies of cucurbit crops, the squash ladybird (Hpilachna borealis Fab.) has come under observation on numerous occasions. All of the different stages of the species have been described more or less fuliy by different writers; some few slight details in the life economy of the insect remained to be more fully studied, however, and in looking through the early litera- ture of the species so much has been found of interest that has obvi-
Fic. 1.—E£pilachna borealis: a,larva; b, pupa; c, adult beetle ; d, egg; e, surface of same—a, 8, c, three times natural size; d, four times; e, highly magnified (original).
ously escaped the attention of some of the later writers, that mention is here made of it. Illustrations of the insect inits various stages and of its work are also presented, together with brief mention of its chief characteristics, its habits, and its distribution. As the bibliography has not hitherto been brought together, a list of the principal eco- nomic writings has been compiled and is appended.
GENERAL APPEARANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
For the benefit of those who are not perfectly familiar with this insect and to facilitate its recognition with the aid of the illustrations, a brief description of its several stages is given as a preliminary.
The beetle is of the characteristic hemispherical form of ladybirds,
ochraceous in color, with the dorsal surface marked with rounded black 11
1? INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
spots, as Shown in the illustration (fig. 1, c). The prothorax bears nor- mally four spots, and each elytron has seven. The eyes, tips of man- dibles, and metasternum are also black. The beetle measures about a third of an inch (8™™), its length being about a fifth longer than its width (5.5™"), The eggis yellow, about three-tenths of an inch (1.5™™) long and of the elongate subcylindrical form illustrated at d. Its sur- tace is somewhat pulverulent and sculptured as shown, highly magnified, ate. Eggs are deposited, usually in irregular clusters of from half a dozen to fifty or more, on the under surface of a leaf. In two large bunches observed 51 and 52 eggs were counted. The larva is yellow, like the eggs, and even when first hatched is covered with spines, arranged in six rows except on the first thoracic segment, where there are only four. A mature larva with its spiny armament is figured at a. The pupa, also yellow, is shown at b.
The species is indigenous to America and ranges from Maine and Canada in the north to the Gulf States. Itis essentially an eastern form, occurring in the United States most abundantly along the Atlan- tic seaboard, and does not appear to be injurious west of the Missis- sippi River, although its occurrence has been reported in Kansas and Minnesota. It is also recorded by different writers from Mexico, Cuba, and the Antilles; Guatemala, Honduras and British Honduras; Nica- ragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil.
The genus is tropical, all of the three species which are found in the United States being also native to Mexico, where the present species is widely distributed. In the latter country and Central America, the center of greatest abundance of the genus, many more species are known. The genus is remarkable as being the only one known in the great family Coccinellide, which is strictly herbivorous in all stages.
Judging by published accounts, personal inquiry and experience, this species is most troublesome in the following States, mentioned in approximate order of importance: New Jersey, New York (Long Island), Maryland, Alabama, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia. It is also destructive, according to Mr. G. ©. Champion, in Central America.
During the season of 1897 this species was observed to be present in destructive abundance only in one locality visited, at Glen Echo, Md., where it was found upon cucumber and melon as well as on squash, but by far more injurious upon the latter plant. In 1898 it was very generally injurious in Maryland and Virginia in the vicinity of the Dis- trict of Columbia. It occurred in destructive numbers in nearly every field of cucurbits visited. The list of localities where it was observed includes the District of Columbia, on our experimental plat where the species probably survived the winter from specimens used in rearing experiments the year before; at Kensington, College Station, Pooles- ville, and Marshall Hall, Md.; Colonial Beach, and Norfolk, Va. In the Jast-mentioned locality it was reported very injurious by Dr. E. F. Smith, of this Department. It was destructive in the entire neighbor- hood of Norfolk.
THE SQUASH LADYBIRD. ie COMMON NAMES AND SYNONYMY.,
Quite a variety of English names have been applied to this species, each writer having seemingly bestowed upon it an appellation of his own coinage. Thus we have: Northern ladybird, boreal ladybird, boreal ladybird beetle, herbivorous lady bug, squash coccinella, spotted squash bug, and pumpkin beetle. The name of squash ladybird is adopted as more suitable than boreal or northern ladybird, either of which is peculiarly inappropriate, considering the fact that the species abounds in the tropics, belonging to a neo-tropical genus, and that there are several Coccinellids with a more northern range than this.
In our American literature this species is always mentioned under the specific name of borealis, either as Coccinella or Epilachna. It has also been described, from Central and South America, under other names, of which the following are rezognized by Rev. H. 8. Gorham as synonyms (Biol. Centr. Amer., Col., vol. vil, p. 241, Jan., 1898). C. immaculicolis Chevr., H. ceqwinoctialis Muls., #. particollis Muls., C. 13-notata Latr., HE. distincta Weise. Of these cequinoctialis, immacu- licollis, and distincta are well-marked color variations.
FOOD PLANTS.
The squash ladybird, as might be gathered from its pame, is particu- larly fond of squash, upon which it feeds as larva and beetle. It may be found often in some abundance on the leaves of pumpkin, whence one of its vernacular names, pumpkin beetle, also on cantaloupe, water- melon, and cucumber, and it has two natural or wild food plants in the prickly cucumber or wild balsam apple (Hchinocystis lobata) and the one- seeded bur-cucumber (Sicyos angulatus). The larva feeds almost exclu- sively on the lower surface of a leaf, consuming the lower epidermis and parenchyma and leaving the upper integument, veins, and nervures more or less intact. The beetles feed by preference on the upper sur- face, although they may often be found on the under side, and devour all parts of a leaf except the veins.
The habit of this species of feeding in free exposure on the upper surface of leaves has been noticed by all who have studied it. This is its feeding habit, but during tie heat of midday the beetles seek con- cealment under the shade of the leaves on the stems, and in other places where they are not so readily noticed. As the sun gets low, however, and a portion of their food plant is protected by shade, they come out in numbers. During the middle of July they have been noticed in the ereatest abundance from between 5 and 6 in the afternoon until dark.
Late in the season the beetles sometimes eat the epidermis of the fruit of cucurbits. The injury to a plant is effected by the work of the larval and adult stages about equally, due to the Jong period of the latter stage.
Both larve and adults are slow of movement, the latter being seldom seen in flight.
14 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS. HISTORY AND LITERATURE.
‘Epilachna borealis was first described by Fabricius in 1775 (Systema Entomologiz, p. 82, fide Gemminger & Harold), and the first public mention of its habits that has come to the writer’s notice is a short note in the American Farmer’s Encyclopedia, edited by Gouverneur Emerson and published by A. O. Moore in 1858, It is there stated in | brief that the leaves of squash are preyed upon by ‘Coccinella borealis.” ‘Although the genus of insects to which this belongs destroys aphides, there are, as Professor Halde[r|man, of Pennsylvania, observes, a few exceptions, among which is the species named, which may be found in the larva and perfect state, eating the leaves of the squash.” Halde- man’s note, if published, can not be found in any literature at my disposal. This notice was followed by a very good article by Moore in the Country Gentleman for April | of the same year. This latter covers
two columns and is illustrated with seven crude but fairly good original figures. — |
The first detailed description of the early stages of the species appears to have been published ten years later by Dr. S. H. Scudder (Amer. Jour. Hort., vol. 111, pp. 80-82, etc.). Shorter notes, however, bearing upon its biol- ogy appeared in earlier years. In
1883 Prof. G. H. French also published
ie a ME eee ae ae “ descriptions of the insect in its differ-
ent stages, and in 1886 Mr. 8.8. Rath-
von contributed an interesting article containing some original observa-
tions. In more recent years the species was made the subject of special
study by Prof. J. B. Smith, of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
A list of the principal writings is given as an appendix to the present paper, to which reference may be made for further information.
The curious and perhaps characteristic habit of this genus of lady- birds of feeding within a circumscribed space on a leaf is interesting, but for some reason has not received very general notice by entomolo- gists who have had occasion to write of this insect in recent years. On this head Mr. Moore wrote: “It has a singular habit which I have noticed in no other insect. In feeding, the first act is to mark out with its forceps a circle or semicircle, sometimes of great regularity, inclos- ing the portion of the leaf on which it is about to feed. The leaf is then eaten within this mark and nowhere else.”
The object of the insect in thus “staking out a claim,” aS some one has termed it, is obviously to secure the wilting of the tissues ef the leaf previous to its consumption. <A portion of a squash leaf showing the work of this insect is reproduced in figure 2.
THE SQUASH LADYBIRD. 15
Rathvon cites an interesting instance of the capture of ‘‘ between
- four and five hundred of these beetles, in the month of March, under the
bark of an old tree that stood in a field where corn and pumpkins had been cropped the preceding year. * * * Perhaps fifty of them had crawled out and were basking in the sun.”
NOTES ON THE LIFE HISTORY.
The first adults observed in the vicinity of the District of Columbia during the season of 1897 were seen June 25, but there is no doubt that they oceur earlier, as beetles are stated to appear near New York City early in June.. Newly hatched larve were found July 1.
Eggs deposited in confinement June 26 hatched July 3, or in seven days; temperature, 80°. F.
To ascertain the other periods of the insect, adults were placed June 26 upon squash vines on our experimental plat, that were free from this insect, and it is presumed that eggs were laid the first day. Of this lot some larve had attained full growth by the 18th of July, or in twenty two days. One individual was noticed to cease feeding at this date and attach itself to a leaf, and the following day it transformed to pupa. From this pupa the first adult of the first brood issued July 25, six days from the time it had transformed to pupa; weather reason- ably warm, 84° to 88° F. This gives a period of development as follows: Egg, seven days; larva, sixteen days; pupa, six days—a total of twenty-nine days from egg to beetle.
Writing in 1883, Prof. G. H. French estimated that in Carbondale, II1., this species has a period from the egg to the imago of thirty-five days. As this insect occurs in colder climates and the minimum midsummer periods of development were not observed, we have for the species an approximate development: For the egg, six to nine days; larva, six- teen to twenty-four days; pupa, six to nine days.
French does not state definitely how many times the larva molts, but as he speaks of four larval periods it is to be-presumed that three are assumed. Rathvon, some of whose statements, it must be said, have to be taken cum grano salis, as the data furnished are really insufficient for the establishment of the facts, says: ‘‘The larva molts five times (perhaps more).”
NUMBER OF GENERATIONS ANNUALLY.
Experience has shown that if we would have the proper regard for accuracy the statements of many of the earlier writers (and some of the later ones) must not always be interpreted literally. Too often an account of an insect is written in florid style and too frequently con- clusions are based upon the most superficial observation. Thus it hap- pens that Moore was led astray when he stated that this insect “‘inay be found upon the squash vine of all ages at once from the first of July to the middle of October, showing that many successive broods are
16 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
hatched irregularly through the summer,” and Rathvon also in his con- .
clusion that there were not less than ‘‘three generations annually, although there appeared to be a dozen.”
From frequently finding the insect in different stages, early and late, the conclusion that two or more generations were produced each year is only natural. Dr. Smith makes mention of the number of genera- tions in the following words: ‘Exceptionally, specimens matured early in August may mate and oviposit; but such cases are rare, I believe.”
Twenty beetles of the new generation were placed by the writer on a squash plant at Washington, August 7, and covered with netting. After a time, during a severe rain, the covering was removed, and when next examined the beetles had disappeared and no eggs were to be found. Indications are therefore that the species is single-brooded.
EARLY AND LATE OCCURRENCES.
A season’s observations met only partial success in the ascertainment of what might naturally be considered matter of easy accomplishment. This exemplifies the futility of drawing conclusions on the entire life history of an insect from a single season’s observation in a somewhat limited locality, and yet little better should be anticipated from a spe- cies so local and periodical in its attack. ~
In the first place, a sharp lookout for the first appearing adults resulted in their discovery June 25, within two or three days of their first appearance; yet this date is not so early as that already recorded for New Jersey and southern New York.
Dr. Smith observed in one season in New Jersey that “by the begin- ning of September all traces of the species had disappeared from the fields.” In the season of 1886 the writer saw this insect in great abun- dance, September 5, on squash near Springlake Beach, N. J., from one to a dozen beetles on a single leaf. Larve were also present, and pupz were observed as late as September 15.
Here, near Washington, the past season the beetles were noticeably less abundant in September, practically disappearing with the death of their food plants, about the middle of the month. Two stragglers, however, were seen as late as October 6 on a belated watermelon vine.
NATURAL ENEMIES.
In Moore’s article an insect is figured and described as in several instances having been found preying upon the larva of this Coccinellid ‘by inserting its proboscis in the body of the latter and sucking out its contents.” The illustration which is given of this insect in the act of destroying its victim is perfectly recognizable as the spined soldier- bug, Podisus spinosus, or a closely related species of the same genus, which includes some well-known enemies of leaf-feeding coleopterous larve. The tachina fly, Huphorocera claripennis Macq., has been reared as a parasite of this species, having issued from the larva in August and September,
rT.
THE SQUASH LADYBIRD. JUrl
The beetle exudes the disagreeable and characteristic odor of the ladybird family, and this undoubtedly serves as a measure of defense against predatory birds and other enemies.
SUMMARY OF THE LIFE HISTORY.
The life history of this species as at present known, from the District of Columbia northward, may be summarized as follows:
The insect hibernates in the adult condition under bark or other con- venient shelter and appears abroad some time in May or June, the date being subject to considerable variation in different seasons as well as in | locality. Egg deposition has been observed in the latter part of June, and there is evidence that eggs are deposited also much later. They hatch in from six to nine days and the larve begin to feed at once upon the leaves, causing them to wither and die. The exact number of molts of the larva has not been ascertained, but there are evidently either four or five larval periods. The larva attains full development in from two to four weeks, ceases feeding, and attaches itself by its anal extremity to a leaf, and next day sheds its larval skin, which is pushed down toward the end of the body, when the pupa stage is assumed. The larva matures any time from the middle of July to near the middle of September. In the pupa state the insect remains from six to nine days, when the pupal skin separates down the back and the perfect beetle emerges, the new brood appearing as early as the last week of July. After feeding for some time the beetles disap- pear for hibernation, the date of disappearance beginning about the middle of September, although individuals are occasionally found later.
ECONOMIC STATUS.
Compared with three-score or more of other species of our noxious insects, the squash: ladybird is hardly entitled to more than secondary rank. That it is capable, when present in sufficient numbers, of inflicting severe injuries can not be gainsaid, but published records and, nore especially, recent investigations go to show that it is only in exceptional seasons and in rather limited areas that the inroads of the larvee and beetles upon the foliage of cucurbits result in material loss. Some reasons for this may be adduced: First and foremost, the species is not particularly prolific. Most injurious insects produce several generations a year. With the present species there is no indication of more than a single brood annually. Second, all stages of the insect occur freely exposed on the plant, and as all are large and conspicuous, they are subject to the attack of other insects and other natural enemies. In spite of the so-called “warning colors” of this insect and of the obnoxious fluid it exudes when disturbed, we know that it has two insect enemies, and probably has several more. Third, the genus is, or at least was, a tropical one, and the species probably reaches its highest development in or near the Torrid zone, and, like other tropical
13892—No. 19———2
18 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
insects, its hibernation, as already shown by the observations of Rath- von, previously quoted, is not as complete as in the case of boreal species. : |
There can be little doubt that this beetle sometimes acts as a trans- mitter of the bacterial wilt of cucurbits the same as is known to be the ease with the cucumber beetles and common squash bug, which fact is to its discredit.
The presence of the squash ladybird, although a pest of secondary importance, is certainly not desirable in a field of melons, squashes, or other cucurbits. With the beetles and their larve devouring the leaves, the larvee of Diabrotica at the roots, or the vine-boring Melittia larvee in the stem, and the plant-louse or odoriferous squash bug sap- ping the vitality of leaves and leaf stalks, this ladybird can not be otherwise than harmful. Only too often several or all of these insects work in unison to the detriment of a plant, hence the suppression of even one of these enemies may sometimes be sufficient to enable the plant to recuperate.
REMEDIES.
Remedial measures that.are adopted for other cucurbit pests will at the same time effect the destruction of this ladybird. Its habit of teeding both as larva and adult freely exposed on the leaves renders it peculiarly vulnerable to poisonous applications, and of these the arsenites, either dry or in solution, are the best. Hand-picking of the beetles and egg masses, considering their large and conspicuous appearance, is an easy manner of riddance of the nuisance if employed on the insect’s first appearance, and is the only measure necessary under any except unusual circumstances. Both larvee and beetles are decidedly sluggish in habit and hence are easily captured.
PRINCIPAL ECONOMIC WRITINGS.
1. FABRICIUS, JOH. C. <Systema entomologie, p. 82 (fide Gemm. & Har.), 1775. Original description of the species as Coccinella borealis.
2. EMERSON, GOUVERNEUR <American Farmer’s Encyclopedia, 1858, p. 1012.
A brief statement that the larva of Coccinella borealis preys upon the leaves of squash.-
3. Moork, A.O. <Country Gentleman, April 1, 1858, p. 210, figs. 1-7. A two-column popular account with seven original figures.
4. OSTEN SACKEN, C.R. <Proceedings Entomological Society Phila., Valepi2o, 1862. Larva briefly compared with congeneric species described by Chapuis and
Candeze; stated to agree in all essential characters except that there are only three distinct ocelli, the fourth being extremely minute.
°
‘ mb ete: ee Rare
=~]
10.
1G
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
THE SQUASH LADYBIRD. 19
. SANBORN, FRANCIS G. <10th Annl. Rept. Secy. Mass. Bd. Agri-
culture for 1862 (1863), p. 146, fig.
Popular half-page account, with apparently origina] illustration of beetle. Observed in ‘‘interior of partially decayed squash” at Barnstable, Mass.
. WALSH, B.D. < Practical Entomologist, v.1, p.111. Aug. 27,1866.
Answer to correspondent in Pennsylvania; larva on squash.
. WALSH, B. D. < Practical Entomologist, v. 11, p. 42, fig. 1867.
Brief mention, introducing an apparently original figure of the adult.
. SCUDDER, 8S. H.- <American Journal Horticulture, Feb., 1868,
v. 111, pp. 80-82, fig. <23d Annl. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario for 1892 (1893), pp. 78-79, fig.
Description of the larva, pupa, and beetle, with brief notes on the habits of the species in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
. WALSH, B. D., and RitEy, C. V. <American Entomologist, v. 1,
p. 39. Oct., 1868. Fig.
Briefly stated to be ‘‘ very injurious in the Eastern States to the fruit and foliage of the squash.”
RILEY,.C. V. <American Entomologist, v. I, p. 375. 1870. Answer to correspondent who sent larvee on squash from Philadelphia, Pa.
FitcH, ASA. <Illustrated Annual Register of Rural Affairs for 1867-68-69 (1873), v. V, pp. 202-204. Figs. A short account based upon No. 3; the species stated to be common in south- ern New York and Connecticut.
PACKARD, A.S. <Report U. 8. Geological Survey, 1875 (1877), p. 772. <Amer. Nat., v. Il, pp. 22-29. Jan., 1877. Quotes Osten Sacken. A few-line notice.
FRENCH, G. H. <Canadian Entomologist, v. xv, pp. 189-191. 1883.
Describes the egg, larva in four stages, and pupa; on the prickly cucumber, or wild balsam-apple ( Echinocystis lobata) ; habits and periods briefly mentioned.
RATHVON, S. S. <Gardener’s Monthly. v. xxvil, pp. 372-373. Dec., 1886.
A general, somewhat detailed, account of four columns, recording some inter- esting and original observations concerning the life economy of the species, including a new food plant, Sicyos angulatus.
SmitH, J.B. <Report New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion for 1890 (1891), pp. 4838-484, fig.
_A short account; beetle abundant at Jamesburg, N. J., on pumpkin, etc. ; original illustration of larva and adult.
LINTtNER, J. A. <Seventh Report New York State Entomologist,
pp. 310-311. 1891. Fig. (after Emmons).
Quotation from a correspondent at Dosoris, L. I., with brief notes.
. SMITH, J.B. < Insect Life, v. Iv, p. 44. Oct., 1891.
Abundance in New Jersey; brief note.
. suirH, J.B. < Insect Life, v. v, p. 98. Nov., 1892.
Brief notice of increasing injuriousness in New Jersey; carnivorous tendency of newly hatched larve.
20 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
19. Howarp, L. O. <American Gardening, v. XIV, p. 210. April, 1893.
Short popular account. 20. SmitH, J.B. <Entomological News, v. Iv, pp. 123-125. April, 1893. Figs.
A note discussing the relative differences between the mandibular structures of the herbivorous £. borealis and the carnivorous Coccinella 9-notata, illustrated with two original figures.
21. SmirH, J. B. <Entomological News, v. Iv, pp. 197-199. June, 1893.
An epitome of the life history and habits of the species, with three original photographic illustrations of all stages and work.
22. SmirH, J. B. <Bul. 94, New Jersey Agl. Exper. Station, pp. 410. July 2, 1893. Figs. <Rept. N. J. Agl. Exp. St. for 1892 (1893), pp. 476-482.
A six-page illustrated account.
23. SMITH, J. B. <Insect Life, v. VI, p. 1387. Dec. 8, 1893:
Brief mention of the rarity of the species in New Jersey in 1893.
24, [SIRRINE, F. A.|—Bul. 75, n.s., N. Y. Agl. Expt. Sta., pp. 419-420.
Short popular economic account, with original figure of beetle. The species stated to be ‘* becoming more and more abundant every year” on the western half of Long Island.
25. Ky, T. J.—Southern Agriculturist. July 15, 1895.
Correspondence with T. C. Dawson, who sends specimens ‘‘ that are destroy- ing the melon vines” at Wetumpka, Ala.
In addition to the above, brief popular accounts are given in the following text-books: Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects; Smith’s Economic Ento- mology; Comstock’s Manual for the Study of Insects. In the last-mentioned publication (p. 536) an original illustration is furnished of the insect in three stages. =
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMMON SQUASH BUG,
(Anasa tristis DeG.) THE NUMBER OF STAGES IN HETEROPTERA.
Examination of a lot of Anasa armigera, obtained in all stages in the latter days of September, 1897, failed to discover more than four dis- tinct stages in addition to the egg and adult, although there was more than a suspicion that at least one other stage was present. Owing to the lateness of the season the species could not be followed through all its molts.
The late Dr. Riley, in his Seventh Missouri Report (p. 21), and in the report of this Department for 1887 (p. 59), in treating of the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus, mentions only the newly hatched larva, the larva after the first molt, and after the second molt, and the pupa, or four preparatory stages in addition to the egg. Three of these stages are figured on plate I of the report of this Department for 1887. Prof. S. A. Forbes, in his report as State entomologist for Illinois, for the year
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMMON SQUASH BUG. Dil
1883 (1884, pp. 119, 120), figures and describes four stages of the tar- nished plant-bug, Lygus pratensis. Of the different stages of the cotton stainer, Dysdercus suturellus, Messrs. Riley and Howard remark in Insect Life (vol. 1, p. 236), that among the material sent to the Depart- ment four preparatory stages were distinguished, ‘* which undoubtedly represent separate molts, and, from the gradation in size, probably represent the complete life of the insect.” These four stages are illus- trated, as also what is doubtfully believed to be the newly hatched nymph. Other instances of the recognition of four nymphal stages might be cited, but the above will serve to define the trend of opinion on this topic until recent years.
In none of the works consulted, except those of comparatively recent date, did the writer find mention of the occurrence of more than four Stages in the growth of Heteroptera, except in Mr. M. V. Slingerland’s bulletin on the four-lined leaf-bug (Bul. 58, C. U. Agl. Expt. Sta., Oct., 1893), and in Mr. A. L. Quaintance’s bulletin on strawberry insects (Fla. Agric. Exp. Station, Bul. 42, August, 1897, pp. 566-574). In the former bulletin five stages of the Capsid, Pecilocapsus lineatus, are fig- ured and described, and in the latter, Pamera vincta, a small Lygaeid, is similarly treated.
At the opening of the season of 1898 an attempt was made to find a sufficient number of the adults of Anasa armigera to observe all the different stages and molts. As this effort at first met with failure, it was determined to make the same experiment with A. tristis. As a result, five distinct stages, in addition to the egg and adult, were observed. Later the same five stages were recognized in A. armigera. It is Somewhat surprising that the existence of these five stages were not known to earlier writers. This may be accounted for in most cases perhaps by the failure to recognize a difference between the second and third stages and less frequently between the third and fourth.
Some zoologists, among others Messrs. Comstock and Quaintance, consider all of the immature active stages of Heteroptera as nymphs. On the assumption that the difference between the larve and the nymphs consists in the absence or presence of wing-pads, it is often a matter of considerable difficulty to separate the one from the other. According to this definition, the stage just previous to the last molt before the adult stage is assumed is always a nymph, as is also the stage just previous to this, but the two stages between this last and the first, or so-called larval stage, are difficult to define. Practically all stages in some species have either wing-pads or at least the semblance of them.
It should be remembered that the descriptions and measurements that will be given of Anasa tristis apply to the nymphs immediately after molting, this being the time taken for the descriptions. There is practically no difference between the length of the body just before and immediately after molting.
riyy
7s INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
The life history of this species, as determined by observations of the past summer, is presented herewith.
THE EGG AND OVIPOSITION.
The egg (fig. 3)—The egg is shining and dark coppery or bronzy brown in appearance, being whitish when first laid, but soon changing to light yellowish-brown, and just before hatching to dark bronze. It is flattened on three sides; viewed from either end (0) it is triangular, while the base or side of attachment (a) is strongly concave, rounded at its sides and narrowed at each end, near the middle being provided with a nipple, the evident point of attachment. The surface is appar- ently nearly smooth, but when magnified is seen to be reticulated, being composed of a network of minute and very regular hexagonal areas (¢). The length is nearly a half greater than the width, ‘and the greatest depth is about the same as the 4s width. Length, 1.55"; width, 1.05 to 1.10",
Oviposition.—Eggs are deposited in more or less regular rows, with a tendency toward the alternate regularity of checkers laid on the black
A or white spaces, as in the case of the large mass Fic, 3.—Egg of Anasa tristis: floured at d, but sometimes they are disposed a, from below, showing point ee ee an pemeniside Hauen less nance ly and may be closely crowded showing place of escape of together, as in the small mass also figured at d, or Ene cogs *’ +28; they may be quite widely separated. Egg masses five times natural size; d, are deposited usually on the lower surface of a ae Be eee great: leaf, but very often also on the upper surface and on the stems. When laid on the under surface between two veins the mass is apt to be compact. A mass before the writer consisting of about twenty eggs occupies a space of but little less than one-fourth of an inch square, while another mass of the same num- ber requires a Space nearly 14 inches square. Normal oviposition is in rather large masses of from twenty to forty, or more, but small masses and even eggs laid singly are often found.
The nymph makes its escape by foreing a hole through one and of
the egg, as shown at b of figure 3.
DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE NYMPH.
First stage (fig. 4, a@).—When newly hatched the larva is an attractive little creature; the body is light green, with the legs, antenne, and haustellum a beautiful rose color. The head and the anterior part of the thorax is lighter rose and the eyes darker; in a few hours these parts with the entire thorax turn black. The body is elongate sub- ovate, the head subtriangular, rather bluntly pointed, the apex of the abdomen a little more acute. The antenne and legs are subequal and of nearly the same length as the entire body. The four joints of the
incolor. Immediately before
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMMON SQUASH BUG. 23
antenne are subequal in length. The first and second joints are sub- cylindrical; the first widest, the third and fourth fusiform, the third a little wider than the first, and the fourth widest. The antenni as well as the legs are quite hairy. The dorsal tubercles of the abdomen and the marking of the abdomen are indicated in the illustration.
The length ot the body when the nymph is first hatched is a trifle less than 2.5", which becomes just prior to the first molt about 5™™ or the same length as the next stage immediately after the molt.
Just before each molt the nymph becomes stouter, the abdomen very much rounded as if swollen, and the color lighter.
Second stage (fig. 4, b).—After the first molt the abdomen becomes a light pruinose gray and the tubercles and all markings become more pronounced and conspicuous ; the head loses somewhat its triangu- lar appearance, the eyes show more prominently at the sides, and the third joint of the antenne is noticeably largest. The tho- racic portion is now compar- atively smaller and lighter
molting the abdomen _ be- comes very much enlarged, as though swollen, the color turns nearly uniform lighter pruinose gray, looking almost white, and the sutures of the upper surface of the head are nearly invisible. Length Fie. 4.—Anasa tristis nymphs: a, newly hatched; 6, second when first molted, a little stage; c, third stage; d, fourth stage; e, fifth stage—all more than 3™™, about twice natural size (original).
Third stage (fig. 4, c)—After the second molt the larva has changed but slightly except in size and in the darker color of the body. The legs and antenne have increased in length, maintaining the same relation to the body as at the first day of the preceding stages ; in other words, the third larval stage is a nearly exact counterpart on the day of molt- ing of the second larval stage on the same day in its development. Immediately before molting, however, it undergoes considerable change, presenting the appearance shown in the illustration. Length, about4™™.
Fourth stage (fig. 4, d)—In the stages previously described the scale- like process which represents the wing-pad of the fifth or last nymph stage increases slightly with each molt. With the molt which ushers in this stage this process shows considerable growth, approaching closely to the true wing-pad of the next stage. The next most observable difference between this stage immediately after molting, and the previous stage at the same period of growth, is in the increased width of the thoracic and abdominal portions and the general darker color of the body ; the body is nearly pyriform in shape. Length when first molted, 6 or 7™™.
ZA INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
Fifth stage (fig. 4, e).—The last nymph stage is so distinct from all previous stages that a description is scarcely necessary, as this form is sufficiently shown by the illustration. Itis characterized chiefly by the increased growth of the thorax, which is now longer as well as wider at the base, and more particularly by the lengthening of the wing-pads— ~ two changes which produce an increased semblance to the mature bug. The hairiness of the legs and antenne which was so pronounced in the first stage has gradually become less and less evident with each suc- cessive molt until the hairs now, although plentiful, are little more than fine short bristles. Length when first molted, 9 or 10™™, just twice as long as wide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ADULT.
To complete our knowledge of the different stages of this species the accompanying illustration of the adultis added. Figure 5, a represents a female bug, about twice the natural size. It measures a little less than three-fourths of an inch (14 to 16™™) in length, is dirty dark brown above and mottled yellowish beneath. The hau- stellum, seen in the profile of the head and thorax (b), passes when at rest under the body. The terminal seg- ments of the abdomen of the sexes are shown at ¢ and d, the former repre- senting the male, the latter the female.
THE PERIODS OF THE LIFE CYCLE.
Fic. 5.—Anasa tristis: a, mature female; b, side view of head, showing haustellum; ¢, abdom- : : inal segments of male: d. same of female; The Carrying of this species through
a, twice natural size; 6, ¢, d, slightly more all its stages in the rather close econ- enlarged (original). = : . finement of small rearing jars gave variable results in the periods. Only two of these, the egg and the first Stage of the nymph, were at all constant for the same temperature. |
The egg period was found to vary from eight to thirteen days, this period depending as do other periods on the exposure to heat or cold, dryness, or humidity. The later periods were also influenced perhaps by the food supply. The usual period of the egg is between nine and ten days.
The first nymph stage requires a period of three days, or a little less; the second was passed in eight and nine days; the third in seven and eight days; the fourth consumed six days for this period; and the fifth stage required eight days.
As some of the nymphs died in confinement, a number of this lot that had recently hatched were placed, July 3, on a squash plant on the experimental plat connected with this Division on the Department grounds. From these, three adults, the first observed of the season,
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMMON SQUASH BUG. 25
were obtained July 31, from nymphs taken from the field while in the fifth stage. This lot had completed its life cycle from the hatching of the egg to the emergence of the nymph from the last nymph skin in twenty-eight days, or in exactly four weeks. [From the lot kept in con- finement, from thirty-two to thirty-four days were required. We may then set the aggregate of its nymph periods down as between four and five weeks for this latitude. The egg period was ten days, which would give thirty-eight as the total ascertained period in days of the complete life cycle.
The first eggs of the season of 1898 were taken at Marshall Hall, Md., June 18. The first nymphs hatched June 27. Eggs that were laid June 19 hatched July 1, or in twelve days. As the weather was very hot during several days of this period, the time of first egg-laying in this locality that year may be safely placed at June 13.
After the first week of August adults of the old generation had practically disappeared, none being found when sought for, yet during the second week a number of egg masses newly laid were observed which must have been deposited by the adult bugs, as none of the many bugs reared in confinement laid eggs, and there is positively no evidence of more than a single generation produced each year. This is the condition in the District of Coluinbia and northward, and it is not -unlikely that the same conditions prevail in the South, notwithstanding a statement which has been made by an entomologist of one of the Southern States that ‘“‘severaJ successive broods are raised during the season.” It is not impossible, however, that an attempt is sometimes made in exceptional seasons like that which has just passed to produce a second generation but there is no possibility of such developing through the fact that there is no food supply, and further because of the frosty weather which always ensues during the latter part of Octo- ber and during the month of November. A single instance of either protracted development or a futile effort to produce a second generation was observed the past year. A nymph in the third stage of its growth was taken on a squash vine October 13 and kept in a considerably warmer indoor atmosphere until November 9, at which time it had reached only the fourth stage of development. It would eventually have perished if it had been left upon the vines where found.
NATURAL ENEMIBS.
In spite of the somber color of this insect, its quiet and secluded habits, and its offensive odor, it is not without its natural enemies. The majority of predaceous animals, however, including insects, are gener- ally believed to avoid it.
The number of nymphs of this species on our experimental plats the past season being entirely out of proportion to the large number of egg masses previously observed, the writer became suspicious that some outside agency was at work in depleting the numbers of this insect.
26 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
Toads being rather frequently met with, fell under suspicion, and accord- Wt ingly one was captured and was dissected by Dr. Sylvester Judd, of | the Biological Survey of this Department, with the result that only a | single specimen of this‘species in its adult condition was found. The toad has been previously recorded as an enemy of this insect by Mr. A. H. Kirkland (Bul. 46, Mass. Agric. Coll., p. 26). The squash bug is evidently not relished by toads, although it sometimes forms a portion of the food of this Batrachian.
A tame lizard (Sceloporous undulatus) when fed upon squash bugs devoured them readily in spite of the powerful odor which the bugs exhaled. One bug, however, sufficed for a meal.
None of the eggs that came under observation early in the season were parasitized, but toward the end of the season of the hibernated || bugs, two species of parasites were observed. None of the egg clusters gathered for the purpose of rearing the parasites gave out these insects except where the parasites themselves were captured with the eggs. The parasites reared were referred to Mr. W. H. Ashmead who identi- fied them as Hadronotus anasw Ashm. and QOoencyrtus anase Ashm. The first of these was described under the genus Telemomus, and the latter under Encyrtus (see Bulletin No. 14, old series, p. 23). Accord- ing to Mr. Ashmead, 30 per cent of the eggs of this bug collected by him in Florida were parasitized by the Hadronotus. They were reared there in June and July. None of the parasites observed in the neigh- borhood of the District of Columbia issued earlier than the last day of July, and the majority appeared considerably later in August, the last individual issuing August 23. The two parasites appear to have the same seasons, and their arrival on the field, judging from past seasons’ observation, is too late to be of any great service.
The same is true as regards Trichopoda pennipes, the well-known dip- terous parasite of the adult squash bug. Although these flies appeared soon after the advent of the bugs and in considerable abundance, they | seemed to accomplish little in the direction of reducing the numbers | of their host. The writer’s attention was called to the fact that a majority of the parasitized bugs were female, but too late, unfortu- nately, to determine what effect this had upon egg-laying. The para- sitized individuals were not noticed to die much earlier than those which succumbed to natural causes.
Anasa tristis is credited with having cannibalistic tendencies, but | although the writer has had under observation several hundred indi-. | viduals of this species, this habit has never been noticed. A single | individual was observed, however, with a dead nymph of Leptoglossus oppositus suspended from its beak.
August 6, 1895, the writer noticed an individual of Anasa tristis affected by an entomogenous fungus which appeared upon the upper surface of one of the antenne. It was referred to the Division of Veg- etable Physiology and Pathology, and Mrs. Flora W. Patterson stated
OD See el
SR es
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMMON SQUASH BUG. 2
that the interior of almost the entire body and all of its appendages were pervaded by the mycelium of the fungus, which, however, was not in condition for satisfactory identification. It was stated to be “ prob- ably a conidial stage of some Cordyceps, a Sporotrichum sp.”
This squash bug is also subject to the bacterial disease, Bacillus ento- motoxicon Dugegar.
NORTHERN LIMIT OF THE SPECIES.
A letter from Dr. C. H. Fernald, dated January 19,1899, is of unusual interest as bearing upon the northward progress of this species. He writes that during the fifteen years he was at the University of Maine, at Orono, the squash bug did not occur there nor at Mount Desert, nor in any part of eastern or northern Maine, so far as he could learn. He received specimens from Auburn, Me., where the species was said to be common, also from Waterville, which was the most northern and eastern place in Maine where it occurred in his experience.
Prof. F. L. Harvey, who has had opportunity of observing this spe cies in more recent years in Maine, has written us of its occurrence in Orono, which is about 25 miles farther north and considerably farther east than Waterville.
ECONOMIC STATUS.
It seems not improbable that injury by this squash bug is somewhat exaggerated in many reported cases, the damage observed being often due to other insects which are less apt to be noticed. We seldom find less than three or four forms of injurious insects present at the same time upon an infested plant, and this squash bug, on account of its large size, is more apt to attract attention than are the much smaller but more destructive striped cucumber beetle and melon louse; the Squash-vine borer, by reason of its concealed manner of living within the vines, is not so readily detected, and the result is that the squash bug receives the blame for the depredations of the others.
An instance of the nature described was ‘reported by a correspond. ent at Sioux Falls, S. Dak., who wrote November 25, 1898, that this species, specimens of which were sent, was the cause of the loss of about two hundred vines of squash and pumpkins. The mature bug was reported to bore in the vine, sucking out the sap. ‘A vine would appear all right one day and the next would be flat on the ground, wilted asif killed by frost,” evidence of the presence of the vine borer.
METHODS OF CONTROL.
This squash bug, particularly the adult, is unusually resistant to insecticides. A wash strong enough to kill the mature insect will at the same time destroy the vines. This renders it necessary to employ hand and cultural methods.
A number of the remedies in use against the striped cucumber bee- tle, as already outlined in Circular No. 31, second series, will assist in
98 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
the destruction or control of the common squash bug. Among these are: Protection of young plants with coverings; repellents, such as land plaster or gypsum saturated with kerosene or turpentine; plant- ing an excess of seed to distribute attack; stimulating the growth of the plants by manure or other fertilizers, and, lastly, clean cultural practice.
If the precaution be observed of gathering the vines as soon as the crop is harvested and burning them, many bugs in their different stages will be destroyed and the crop of insects reduced for the ensuing year.
Of other methods in general use against this species are hand-pick- ing early in the season and the trapping of the bugs by means of boards, pieces of bark, or similar material, piaced about on the ground in the garden.
Protection to cucurbits other than squash and perhaps pumpkin can be secured, aS was demonstrated during the past two years in the writer’s experience, by growing these plants with the others to serve as trap crops. Attack will thus be centered upon a few plants, where
the insects can be more readily controlled by the measures already
mentioned. As corroborative of the above statement, it may be men- tioned that Mr. E. L. Horton, jr., Kast Steamburg, Schuyler County, N. Y., wrote May 24, 1898, that this species would not touch cucum- bers if there were any squashes in the neighborhood. In our corre- spondent’s experience this species showed a preference for squashes over pumpkins, and of pumpkins over cucumbers and melons.
THE HORNED SQUASH BUG. (Anasa armigera Say.) RECENT OCCURRENCE.
July 12 and 13,1897, Anasa armigera Say was observed by the writer near Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Va., on cucumbers. A lookout was kept for the species from that time, with the result of its being taken by the writer and Mr. F. C. Pratt, who assisted in field work, on August 2 at Poolesville, Md., on squash; August 10 at Seat Pleasant, Md., on cantaloupe; and later at Ballston, Va., on cucumber. August 25 it was found on cucumbers also, on the Conduit road, Dis- trict of Columbia, and a few days later it was taken in all stages at Tennallytown, D.C., at which place it occurred in great numbers, doing
perceptible damage to a late crop of cucumbers. On the 29th of Sep-
Tember this insect was again observed at the latter place on water- melon in all stages, from egg to adult, hundreds being found on a single vine. All of the other cucurbits on this and neighboring farms had been harvested and the vines pulled up, which fact will, in a measure, account for the numbers of the insect at this time. In every instance where observed these bugs were associated with Diabrotica vittata and
EP =
5 a
ey
THE HORNED SQUASH BUG. 29
other well-known enemies of Cucurbitace, and they undoubtedly con- tributed their quota that year toward injuring these crops. On the 4 last date mentioned they outnumbered all of the other insects, although the cucumber beetle was present in such numbers as to have left large holes in every leaf that could be seen. After the end of September no more specimens could be found, as cucumbers were mostly turned under and the stems and leaves of squashes and similar plants were dried up. | The first observed date of the occurrence of this species in the neigh- borhood of the District of Columbia was Jnly 8. On this day of 1898 the writer found specimens on the experimental plats of cucurbits on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Pratt took one at Poolesville, Md. Subsequently other individuals were found on the experimental plats, and it is probable that these were the offspring of a number that were left on the Department grounds in September of the previous year. It is quite positive now that this species is widely and generally distributed in Maryland and Virginia within a few miles of Washington, and to be found here almost wherever cucurbits grow. Since the first capture of this species in 1897 it has been found on cucurbits wherever sought for.
July 16 it was observed in abundance at Marshall Hall, more indi- viduals of this species being seen than of A. tristis. It was apparently | more abundant than the latter species, but this was probably not the t case, as the latter, although nearly always to be found at the same time with it, is less active than armigera and not usually seen in the-heat of the day. The greater activity of armigera was quite noticeable on this | day, numerous individuals being seen in flight and freely exposed on the upper surface of the leaves, while tristis, when seen at all, was usually on the edge of a leaf concealed beneath the leaves or under débris in the immediate vicinity of cucurbit plants. The greater abundance of tristis as a whole in localities inhabited by both, the writer believes, may be accounted for, partially at least, by its darker | color and less active diurnal habits. Armigera is particularly conspic- uous when flying, as the upper surface of the abdomen exclusive of the connexivum or sides is bright orange, and this gives the principal col- oring to the insect itself when in flight. | The dorsal surface of the abdomen of tristis is blacks but oceasion- ally this part is colored, as one individual captured hone a bright red | interior. | | July 29 nymphs of this species were found on cucumber at Cabin k
John, Md., as also on cantaloupe, but were rare on both plants. No Squash grew in the vicinity. | ! This squash bug was never received through correspondence till | | August 3, 1898, when Mr. Henry J. Gerling sent specimens from St. | Charles, Mo., with the accompanying information that they travel along ( the cucurbit vines, ‘“ taking an inactive position on either leaves or vines for some time.” ‘They were not detected in the act of feeding, as 1
|
30 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
presume that our correspondent was not aware of the fact that they obtain their food by suction.
It is now fairly certain that this species has practically the same food habits as tristis. Where squash was available the insects were very
rarely to be seen on melons or cucumbers. Such were the conditions
at Marshall Hall and in Washington.
DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION.
This species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 (Proce. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., vol. Iv, p. 319, Lec. ed., p. 244), but nothing concerning its biology has been published, so far as can be learned, prior to a short preliminary note by the writer, entitled “A new squash bug,” which appeared in the September (1898) number of the Canadian Entomologist (vol. Xxx, pp. 239-240).
The mature bug is of nearly the same size as Anasa tristis, from which species it may readily be distinguished by its broader prothorax with prominent angles, the reflexed connexivum or sides of the abdomen, which show each side of the hemelytra four prominent white marks, and its unispinose femora. This spine.is borne by each leg near its apex. The surface above is brown, and the legs and first joint of the antenn are whitish, spotted and irrorated with black. The terminal antennal joint is light-yellowish, as is also the articulation of the first joint with the second and the second with the third. In front of each eye, just behind the insertion of the antenna, is an acute porrect spine or horn. The adult is illustrated by figure 6, a. ?
The full-grown bug when first transformed is yellowish-cream color, the eyes showing brownish-red and the last antennal joint bright sanguinecus. Ina few minutes, however, the normal markings appear, the insect itself growing perceptibly darker as it is watched.
. Say’s specimens were from Missouri and there is a Series in the National Museum from western Iowa and Florida. The species is essentially a southern one and evidently Lower Austral and perhaps Tropical, although some of the localities mentioned are Upper Austral. From the fact that the species is so well adapted to the climate of the District it seems probable that it is not a recent introduction from the South, but has been established here for many years. I fail to find mention of the occurrence of this species in Central America. It is not included in Biologia Centrali- Americana with A. tristis, but it doubtless occurs there, as we have in the National Museum collection a specimen from Port of Spain, Trinidad.
In the collection of Mr. Heidemann are three specimens of a species that at first glance would readily be mistaken for armigera. They are from the District of Columbia and Glen Echo, Md., and are labeled Anasa repitata Uhler MS. The most observable difference between this species and armigera is the absence of the porrect spines or horns on
eas
THE HORNED SQUASH BUG. oe
the head. Its habits are unknown, but it doubtless also lives on cucurbits.
Still another species is likely to be mistaken for it. This is Archi- merus calearator Fab. It is a little larger than Anasa armigera, but from that species it may at once be known by its much thickened and multispinose femora.
THE EGG.
. The egg closely resembles that of A. tristis, so nearly in fact that it
-is difficult. to distinguish them otherwise than by color. It is beau-
tiful, bright, shining coppery, lighter and with a less bronzy appear- ance than in tristis. It is also just perceptibly narrower at each end as viewed from below. Length, 1.50 to 1.60"; width, 1.15™™,
The egg is shown at b and bb, much enlarged, and the reticulation of the surface is indicated by a much enlarged section at ¢.
NYMPHS.
Throughout the five stages of the nymph, armigera is so different from tristis that there is no danger of anyone mistaking one for the other. This applies to color, structure, and form about equally. The following most observable differences may be briefly indicated in tabular form for convenience.
NYMPHS COMPARED.
Armigera. Tristis. First stage.
White, with red eyes, antenne and red- Black, with green abdomen. Antenne
banded legs and abdomen. Antenne shorter than body, joints subequal. longer than body, penultimate joint Legs nearly uniform black. widest.
Second stage. Much like first stage; penultimate an- Much as in first stage, abdomen gray, tennal joint still wider. Legs banded thorax lighter. with brown. ‘ Third stage.
Three segments of thorax scale-like, pro- Three segments of thorax not produced,
longed posteriorly, and overlapping; reflexed, or dentate. Connexivum fee- sides reflexed, strongly dentate and bly subdenticulate or subspinose. denticulate. Connexivum also strong-
ly dentate.
Fourth stage.
Asabove, the thorax becoming wider and Pronotum feebly overlapping. Meso- the reflection and denticulation more and metanotum produced. pronounced.
Fifth stage.
Thorax produced at sides and otherwise ‘Thorax not produced. Body colors gray,
much as in adult. Body variegated dotted with black. Legs black at first,
with brown and yellow. Legs with becoming spotted betore last molt. round black dots. Spines of head ap- pear.
332) INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
STAGES OF NYMPH DESCRIBED.
First stage (tig. 6, d) —Immediately after hatching, the nymph is clear white with the bands on the legs yellow, the antenne, eyes, and the spots on the body red. In a few minutes, however, these parts begin to take on darker shades. <A similar condition is observable also imme- diately following the shedding of the other nymph skins.
Just before the first molt the body is proportionately more rounded and robust than in the adult, and the appendages, including the head, are more prominent. The general color is clear white. The antennez are a little longer than the body and considerably flattened, the penulti- mate joint particularly so. They are finely hairy, very dark red in color, and narrowly white at the sutures. The head is large, hexagonal, white, and the eyes are ced. The body is white, widest about the middle of the abdomen, the wing- pads infuscated, and the abdomen marked with red, as Shown in the dark shad- ing in the illustration. The legs are white and orna- mented with infuscate bands in the manner indi- cated in the figure, which sufficiently illustrates this Fic. 6.—Anasa armigera: a, mature form; 0b, egg in profile, Stage as to render further
from side; bb, same, from above; c, sculpture of egg; d, newly description unnecessary. hatched nymph; é, nymph after first molt; 7, nymph, fourth : oun stage; g, nymph, fifth stage.—a, twice natural size; d, e, f, 9, Length, about 2 : nearly the same; b, bb, more enlarged; c, greatly magnified Second stage (fig. 6, €).—
(erigmual: This stage very closely re- sembles the first. The antenne, particularly the penultimate joint, become still more prominent and the head grows darker in color. The legs are banded with brown. Length, about 3™™, |
Third stage.-—The third stage differs from the second principally jin the larger size of the body, which has assumed a pyriform shape, the darker color of the body and bands on the legs, and in the greater prominence of the tubercles at the sides of the body. The three tho- racic segments are also more prominent, prolonged posteriorly, and overlapping at the sides. Its sides are reflexed, strongly dentate and denticulate. Connexivum also strongly dentate. Length, about 5™™. This stage is not illustrated.
Fourth stage (fig. 6, f)—With this stage, as in tristis, the wing-pads become evident, the thorax widens, the abdomen increases in girth, and the third joint of the antenne decreases in width. The reflexion and denticulation is still more pronounced. Length, about 7™™.
Fifth stage (fig. 6, g)—In the fifth or last stage this species more closely resembles the mature form than is the case with tristis. This
THE HORNED SQUASH BUG. oo
effect is produced by the prominent angle of the prothorax and the similar markings of the legs. In addition to the increased length of the wing-pads and other observable characters, shown in the illustra- tion, the spines in front of the head which have now made their appear- ance are noticeable. The central portion of the abdominal tubercles are yellow, and yellow alternates with black on the lateral tubercles of the abdomen. The entire body, including the ventral surface, is darker in color. The last antennal joint is black, at least in its posterior moiety, the tip being yellow. Length, about 9™™.
LIFE HISTORY.
The eggs of this species are deposited in much the same manner as are those of the common squash bug, the young making their escape in the same way. Thus far, however, egg masses that have been found are all smaller, numbering not more than about 20, aS compared with 30 or 40 which are often observed in tristis.
July 30, in examining watermelons for evidence of insect attack, two masses of eggs of this squash bug were found on different melons, deposited on the under side near the ground.
Often this species is to be found with its congener, living in different stages in apparent harmony. Colonization is rather less obvious than in the case of tristis. |
A pair of adults was obtained July 14. On the following day they were observed mated and next day 10 eggs were deposited.
The precise period of the egg from deposition to hatching was not noted. It was presumably about eight days, however.
The different stages of the nymph of the horned squash bug, with the exception of the first and fifth, occupied five days between each mot, as observed during the hottest weather, represented by an average of about 85° F,
The first molt occurred two days after hatching; the fifth stage occu- pied six and eight days in different lots. These periods, including the egg, may be tabulated as follows:
Stage. Date. Periods. IO. Co shad oc anon Sas Casa eee ne oS: See SaaS aEee Pre ae | Not observed .--.-..-. Eight days (estimated). First Ti fJuly 28 to 30..-.....-- T ee irst NyMph.-.-----.------------------------------ Nekulys29:to.s eee |p two days. Secon demymrp ieee sen =. 58 an SE ae awe ee see - | July 30 to Aug. 4.-.-..| Five days. ANY? BuO aceoncocac la; PRhinCemy Map Meese sia ee locas clei cs = eiesiavcieicleeicw'e « [ane Story: eee e: pK days: VAtira=29 toe Gr sire sa ee | Seven days. QUT TST a ee Ane 164021 22012, |}Five days. HPAES tO 22am. aaa! x TOURAE Tapeh Sone ae ee (ane. i to28 ee pSeven days. | PACU Oe Seb lileyarte tiesto Hight days.
The minimum period of the entire life cycle was thus thirty-two days. In another experiment in which a lot of adults were placed in a large rearing cage together so as to be under more natural conditions than
13892—No, 19 3
34 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
was the case where each stage was observed separately, this species passed its life cycle in the same time, the period being from the date of the beginning of the experiment to the finding of the first newly trans- formed bug, thirty-two days, August 2 to September 3.
The finding of eggs during the last days of September as observed in 1897 would certainly seem to indicate a tendency toward the produc- tion of a second brood. In 1898 the adults of the hibernated genera- tion were nearly all dead in the field by the 2nd of August, but a few individuals remained some days longer in our rearing cages after this time. There was practically no overlapping of generations and there is no evidence to show more than a single generation annually since the eggs laid in September could not, in the writer’s opinion, by any possibility have produced mature insects that year, for the lack of a food supply if for no other reason. Disappearance for hibernation began in September, and soon after the first of October the species had practically disappeared. One individual was found with its back inerusted with earth under a pumpkin in November.
NATURAL ENEMIES.
Undoubtedly this insect is exposed to the same enemies as the com-
mon squash bug. One individual of the adult captured in 1897 bore eges of a Tachinid and another contained a hole through which the adult fly, probably Trichopoda pennipes Fab., the well-known enemy of the adult of Anasa tristis had made its escape.
REMEDIES.
In addition to the remedial measures specified as of value against the common squash bug and which will undoubtedly prove equally suc- cessful against the present species, it is probable that we may be able to control it at least in the latitude of the District of Columbia by tak- ing advantage of its late presence in the field. This may be accom- plished by setting out a few late cucurbits as a trap crop. After the old vines have been destroyed the bugs will congregate on the later plants and here can be more successfully dealt with. A good way would be to distribute these trap plants about the garden patches and then set fire to them when the bugs have congregated upon them in sufficient numbers. This could readily be done by throwing upon the plants dry straw or similar material and adding a little kerosene.
SOME OBSERVATIONS IN THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE SQUASH-VINE BORER.
(Melittia satyriniformis Hbn.).
In the gathering of material that would illustrate the life history of the squash-vine borer a number of observations were made that may be of interest in connection with the illustrations which are here presented.
LIFE HISTORY OF THE SQUASH-VINE BORER. 35
As no technical description of the egg appears to have been published, the notes which follow may properly begin with such description.
THE EGG AND OVIPOSITION.
Form oval, convex above, with a rather well-defined broad and more or less impressed disc (see fig. 7, a). Surface of attachment flattened to the object upon which the egg is deposited (see). Color, dark, dull reddish | brown. Surface finely reticulate, divided into minute areas which usually take the form of hexagons, as shown at ¢, but which are not infrequently pentagons, heptagons, and even octagons. Each area under a high power of the microscope is seen to be composed of many smaller areas or pits. Length, 1 to 1.12™™; width, 0.76 to 0.90™™.
A group of three eggs is illustrated as deposited, about one-third | larger than natural size, at c of figure 8.
Eggs that were laid July | 15 hatched on the 21st, or | in six days. Those depos- ited July 16 hatched July 22, beginning about 9 a.m., in a little less than six days.
The female from which | these eggs were obtained was confined in a cool, dark room, except when in use
as a model for the illustra- Fic. 7.—Melittia satyriniformis: a, egg as seen from above; : Teel ani b, same from the side showing sculpture; c, sculpture of egg tion which is presente In greatly enlarged; d, newly-hatched larva; e, half-grown
this article, and deposited larva; f, head of same from side; g, head of mature larva | during the short time that from above; a, 6, and d, much enlarged; e, f, and g, less | 8 enlarged (original). | she was kept under observ- ation 3 eggs July 15 and 54 the day following, the latter mostly just | before noon, and this while in close continement under unfavorable con- | ditions. Prof. J. B. Smith, who has given the study of this species considerable attention in New Jersey, records as high as 212 eggs dis- | sected from a single female. He also makes the statement that the || - larve appear in from twelve to fiiteen days after the eggs are laid.
i THE LARVA.
In the summer of 1897 it was noticed that the larve of an apparently second species were also at work within the stems of squash. These were much smaller and more slender than those of what were known to be Melittia satyriniformis, but as they were not known to be differ- ent species, no effort was made to preserve specimens or to rear them at that time.
The following year the same larve were observed. Those who saw them believed them to be a distinct species, but the writer was extremely doubtful as to the possibility of two species being present on
a |
36 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
cucurbit vines, as no other adult Sesiid has ever been found on cucur- bits by those who have studied this class of insects. This opinion was strengthened by rearing at about the same time the young larve from the eggs. To verify the writer’s belief in the matter, a number of young larvee that appeared to be ready to molt were separated, and July 25 two molted, and upon the next molt the ordinary form of satyriniformis was obtained. The species was not carried through all its molts, as this would require close application, and press of other matters already under way did not permit the undertaking, but enough was learned to show that the larva differs greatly from the time it hatches from the egg until it is ready for pupation.
Fic. 8.—Melittia satyriniformis: a,male moth; b, female, with wings folded in natural position when at rest; c, eggs shown on bit of squash stem; 4, full-grown larva, in situ in vine; e, pupa; f, pupal cell—all one-third larger than natural size (original).
Reference to Dr. 8S. H. Scudder’s “Notes on Melittia cucurbite and a related species,” published in Psyche (vol. Iv, pp. 303, 304), in 1835— but as that writer states recorded in notes more than twenty-five years before that time—shows that he had these two forms of this vine borer as subjects for his descriptions and notes. On this head the late Dr. Kellicott wrote (Can. Ent., vol. xx1v, p. 209; Insect Life, vol. v, p. 82): ‘‘Among the smaller ones [larve] there was an abundance of that sec- ond form described by Dr. Scudder, in Psyche, vol. Iv, p. 303. Some of these were isolated, and after a few days, they molted, giving the typical form. This seems to prove that there is but one species.”
The accompanying illustrations show the great differences between the newly hatched larva, the half-grown larva, and the mature form.
The larva when first hatched is of the appearance shown in figure 7 at d. The head as with other newly hatched larve is much larger in pro- portion to the body than later on in its development; the body tapers toward the anal extremity, the thoracic shield is considerably different, and the entire surface is much more hairy than in later stages. The length is 1.8"; the width at the widest portion of the body, the first thoracic segment, is 0.66™™, while the head measures 0,58™™ across.
LIFE HISTORY OF THE SQUASH-VINE BORER. 37
The half-grown larva is described by Dr. Scudder in the article quoted, and this description need not be repeated in detail. The head is jet black and the dorsal surface of the first thoracic segment is nearly black, in both of which respects—as well as in the black anal process, which sometimes ends in a well-defined hook—it differs from the full. grown larva. Length, 13™™; width, 2.5™™.
A dorsal view of the half- Le cag is presented at e, fig. 7, / show- ing the head and thoracic segments in profile.
The full-grown larva, figured in profile within an opened squash stem at d, fig. 8, is also fully described in the paper quoted. The head, it will be noted (fig. 7, g), is ornamented with a median white space, being usually dark brown at the sides, and the first thoracic segment is marked dorsally by two curved oblique brown bands which converge posteriorly. The full length is 25™™; width a little more than 6™™,
THE COCOON AND CHRYSALIS.
After attaining maturity the larve desert the stems and enter the earth, burying themselves to the depth of one or two inches, and form their cocoons in which they transform to pupe.
In its chrysalis case or cocoon the larva contracts to about 15™™, the
case itself being a little shorter than the larva before eanetr etter, averaging about 22™ in length by 7™™ or 8™™ in width. The cocoon, shown at /, fig. 8, is composed of silk and is stout of texture, though rather thin when divested of the outer coat of grains of sand or earth which adhere to it by means of some gummy secretion of the larva. When thus treated it is found to be nearly black in color, both within and without.
The pupa or chrysalis, shown in profile at e of figure 8, measures about five-eighths of an inch in length (16™™). It is shining mahogany brown in color and its head is ornamented in front just above and between the eyes with a horn-like process. By means of this the pupa cuts its way out of one end of its cocoon, and by the aid of the abdominal hook-like spines forces itself to the surface of the earth before transforming to imago.
THE MOTH BRIEFLY DESCRIBED.
As & complement to the illustrations and the descriptions of the life stages of this insect the mature moth may be briefly described.
, The male moth is illustrated at a of figure 8. It is a most beautiful creature, a member of the family Sesiide, otherwise known as clear- winged moths. Its fore-wings are opaque, lustrous, olive brown in color, with metallic green reflections, and the expanse is from less than an inch to nearly an inch and a half. The hind-wings, from which this family of moths derives its vernacular name, are clear and trans- parent and veined as shown in the figure. The abdomen is conspicu- ously marked with orange or red and black or bronze, and the hind legs
38 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
are fringed with long hairs, red or orange on the outer surface and black inside.
The female moth is illustrated in the figure at b, this representing the natural position when at rest.
SYNONYMY.
A few words of explanation are due in regard to the specific name Melittia satyriniformis used in the title head. This name was given by Huebner, who described the species in 1825, Three years afterwards Harris redescribed it as Ageria cucurbite (New England Farmer, vol. VII, p. 33), and later Westwood gave the name Trochilium ceto, and as Melittia ceto it has for some reason been generally known in literature and collections up to a recent date. For a discussion of the synonymy and a full bibliography, see Mr. William Beutenmuller’s paper (Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc., vol. v, pp. 34, 35).
MANNER OF WORK OF LARVA.
Ordinarily the larva works in the woody parts of the stem, boring in both directions and appearing to prefer the portion near the roots. When many larve, however, occur in a single vine in such abundance as to exhaust their food supply, they eat outward toward the bases of the leaf stalks. In one vine that was examined July 23, 1898, nearly every leaf stalk had been eaten into at the base, but not entirely through except in a few cases. In these instances the larve, which were nearly all approaching maturity, had worked through the leaf stalk up to the leaf itself. The larve, practically throughout their entire existence, are perfectly capable of traveling from one vine to another, and in confinement were able to crawl up the sides of glass jars and to suspend themselves by means of their webs.
From what has already been stated, it is obvious that the younger larvee are more often found within the leaf stalks, and the older larve within the main stem. While the larve confine their work to the stalks, injury is hardly noticeable, but as they grow older and penetrate to the main stems near the roots damage becomes more apparent. One day the plant wi'l look thrifty, and unless one examines the stem very closely for the excrement of the larve, infestation would readily escape notice, but within the short space of a single day all this may be found changed. The leaves wilt and die down and examination will now show a place where the stem has been cut off so closely from the roots that the drying effect of the sun has completed the work. A light pull at the stem and it will part at this point.
NUMBER OF GENERATIONS.
The question of the number of generations produced annually was practically solved by the late Dr. Kellicott in central Ohio, and Mr. J.D. V. Walker on Long Island. The finding of larve still at work in
LIFE HISTORY OF THE SQUASH-VINE BORER. ao
the stems as late as the middle of October in Columbus, Ohio, and
still later in the District of Columbia, would suggest this and careful observations show that the species is partially double-brooded in this latitude, practically single-brooded on Long Island and northward, and fully and normally two-brooded in the Gulf States. Imagos were reared many years ago by John Abbott in Georgia, August 11, from larvie which spun up July 16; by Kellicott at Columbus, August 20 and after- ward; and indications are that a moiety, probably less than half, nor- mally develop the first year in the latitude of Columbus, while the remainder winter over as larve and complete transformation the follow- ing year. In New Jersey, according to Dr. J. B. Smith, the species in exceptional cases completes its transformations “late in August or in September.”
From larve obtained in 1898 and kept feeding in our rearing jars at this office a moth was obtained August 25. A pupa from which the moth had already issued was also found the same day under a cover placed over a borer-infested squash plant on the grounds of the Depart- ment. Larvee, which undoubtedly belong to the second brood, are always to be found in the vines in the District during October, and some are still to be seen in November as late as the second week, as hap- pened the past year. The plants, cymlings and pumpkins, upon which these larvee were observed were all planted in July, one lot in which a larva not quite full grown was found October 16, having been planted July 16. Moths of the first generation were observed that day and as late as July 22.
TIME OF APPEARANCE OF THE MOTH; NUMBER OF GENERATIONS.
For lack of opportunity of frequent observation the earliest appear- ance of the moths in the District of Columbia and vicinity has not yet been ascertained. At the times when moths have been sought for in June and early July they have hitherto escaped observation. Yet the larvee have been found full grown (25™" long) in squash stems on our experimental plat as early as July 16. This happened in 1897, a year in which the season was estimated to be at least two weeks late; and from this it appears probable that the larve mature here in normal seasons as early perhaps as the first week of July. The seed in this case was planted June 5. Larve are to be found in the latitude of the District of Columbia from some time in June until as late as the second week in November, provided that food be obtainable for them, and this even though several frosts may have occurred and the plants be dead.
It is evident from the facts observed that there are three lots of moths occurring during the year, each lot following or even being ‘‘over- lapped” by the preceding one. The first lot appears late in May or early in June and July, and probably is the offspring of the larve of the first brood, which have wintered over instead of issuing as imagos the first year. The second lot appears later in July and early in
40 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
August, and is probably the product of the second brood of larve pro- duced during the previous year. The third lot, which forms the normal second brood, appears late in August and probably later. This pecul-
larity in reproduction and the subsequent appearance of the parent
moths is of course, somewhat hypothetical and evidently a survival of the times when this species lived in the Tropics, where breeding was almost continuous except during rainy seasons. The instinct of the insects is still to appear early and remain late, provided the appropriate plants are available for their food.
ECONOMIC STATUS.
in the District of Columbia and in nearby localities in Maryland the squash-vine borer has been during the past two years the species most to be feared as an enemy to the culture of squashes. Of its status in other regions Dr. Smith, writing in 1891, says that it is “the mosé dan- gerous enemy to squash culture in New Jersey.” In New England, according to another writer, it is ‘‘the most obstinate enemy to this crop in the settled sections.” In other localities this species has to yield the first place as a cucurbit pest to the striped cucumber beetle, particularly where cucumbers are the staple crop; and in others, where melons are the chief product, the melon louse is the principal pest.
PREVENTIVES AND REMEDIES.
Ordinary insecticides are of no value against this insect when once it has entered the vines, and repellents are also practically useless. The measures that have been found of greatest value are, in brief: Not to plant in or near infested ground; to plant early varieties for the protection of late squashes; to harrow infested fields late in fall and plow deeply in spring, or reverse the process, to prevent the moths from issuing; to encourage the growth of secondary roots by covering the vines at the joints with earth; to destroy dead vines and old plants as soon as the crop is made; to keep the plants in vigorous condition, free from other insects and diseases; to cut out such borers as may suc- ceed in entering the vines, which they will sometimes do in spite of the observance of precautionary measures; and to capture the moths early in the morning or toward dusk when they are less active than in the heat of the day. The employment of all the methods of control men- tioned is not necessary, but if the grower would make certain of secur- ing a good crop in localities where this and other enemies of the squash occur in their most troublesome numbers it will be wise to observe most of these precautions, and if possible it will be well to secure the coopera- tion of neighboring farmers in their observance.
NOTES ON THE PICKLE WORM AND MELON CATERPILLAR.
THE PICKLE WORM. (Margaronia nitidalis Cram.) OBSERVATIONS IN 1897.
September 4, 1897, it was noticed at Cabin John, Md., that such cym- lings as had escaped the ravages of the vine borer, Jlelittia satyrini- forms, and did not yet bear developed fruit, were attacked by the pickle worm boring holes into them from without. One cymling contained nearly a dozen holes, and one of the larve emerged from the largest hole, which appeared to be the only one that was then occupied, and started to make another. Afterwards it returned through the large hole, but finally perished, evidently of a bacterial disease. Another, that was nearly mature, refused to emerge from the interior of the cymling which it inhabited. When last observed, September 9, it was in per- fect condition, but when sought for on the 10th it had entirely disap- peared, evidently dying of the same disease that had attacked the first specimen mentioned. |
Holes were also noticed in muskmelons in the same garden, and September 11 a larva was cut from one and kept until the 16th, feed- ing on bits of eymling. On the morning of this date it left the piece upon which it was feeding and in the afternoon began to spin up. On the following day it completed a very fragile cocoon and remained motionless, hanging downward. The cocoon was formed that night.
An infested cantaloupe brought to the office from Ballston, Va., Sep- tember 15, and confined like the other, showed the work of this larva, which cast out large quantities of frass and excremental fluid for three days. On the 20th, however, it had ceased, and when the fruit was cut open nothing could be found. It had evidently fallen a prey to the disease which had killed the other, as there was no possibility of escape.
A larva was taken upon a leaf of cymling on the experimental plat of the Department September 30.
October 1 and 2 the work of this species was observed on the office plat of cymling squashes, in buds, in ovaries, and in immature and nearly ripened fruit. Larvee were found at work in all of these parts of the plants, and openings quite different from those of the vine borer, were also found in the stems; and, although the larvee were not observed, it is more than probable that all of them were due to the work of the caterpillar of this species, as they had plainly been made by a cater- pillar boring into them from without.
A larva taken from a cymling October 1 began to spin up its cocoon the day following, and transformed to a chrysalis ou the 5th. On the 25th it issued as an adult, having remained three or four days in its
cocoon before transforming and twenty days as a chrysalis. 41
42 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN. AND ORCHARD CROPS.
OBSERVATIONS IN 1898.
For some reason Margaronia nitidalis was not to be found in the vicinity of the District.of Columbia during 1898, in spite of frequent and eareful search. It seems not improbable that the species was unable to survive the rigor of the winter season of 1897-8 or at least suecumbed to some atmospheric condition unfavorable to its hibernation. Should this hypothesis prove correct it will be interesting to learn how long the species will be in establishing itself by migration from farther south. Specimens, however, were received from the South and under such eir- cumstances as to show that work is needed upon the earlier stages of our two cucurbit-feeding Margaronias.
Mr. Charles Deckner, Atlanta, Ga., wrote that this species, specimens of which he sent, attacks the crop in his locality from the middle of July to the first of August, continuing its destructive work until frost.
A larva received from Mr. Deckner spun its cocoon August 16 and transformed to pupa the same night. It was found as imago early on the morning of the 26th, from its appearance having issued the pre- vious night. This would give the pupa period as nine days, weather very hot, Bycriee about 85° indoors where this specimen was kept.
August 22, 1898, Mr. James H. Hevey, of Ingomar, Miss., sent leaves of squash plant on which were two larvie so consiienonele spotted as not to be recognized as belonging to either species of Margaronia. One was just hatched, and the other was perhaps half grown, being about half an inch long at the time when received. A larva of the Same species was sent in on the same day by Mr. Deckner, also found on squash. When first received these larvee fed upon the leaves. A few days later they could not be found, but after careful search were discovered in the leaf stalks, into which they had bored. ‘This is evi- dently their normal habit, as after they have once crawled into a stalk they cease to feed upon the leaves. In the confinement of a rearing jar they crawl through the open ends of the leaf stalks to the narrow portion nearest the leaf, and after hollowing this out they force their way up into the larger ribs of the leaf.
During the closing of the office September 4 and 5 these larve shed their spotted skin, appearing dull brownish green, with a dorsal row of shining round spaces of the same color, from which it was inferred that they belonged to this species; but as we failed to rear them to the adult condition this could not be ascertained with certainty.
Messrs. Deckner and Hevey both sent more material, but, unfortu- nately, owing to bad weather, none of the larve received were in con- dition for breeding.
THE MELON CATERPILLAR. (Margaronia hyalinata Linn.)
August 13, 1898, Mr. Charles Deckner, of Atlanta, Ga., sent specimens of the larve of this species, mostly full grown, in cucumbers and melons; also a specimen of the moth. The moth was taken on the cucumber
THE MELON CATERPILLAR. 43
vine. He described the moths as very shy and difficult of capture. They remain in hiding all day and appear only after dark, when, by aid of a lantern or other light, they may be seen darting among the vines.
The species was not so destructive this year, owing, it was believed, to the excessively damp weather in that locality. Our correspondent was of opinion that these larve do not feed on the foliage of melons or cucumbers, but that when fruit is scarce they frequently attack the tip of the vines where these are tender. In this respect this species resembles nitidalis, which, as we have previously observed, will attack buds and ovaries in the event of scarcity of fruit. They leave the vines, our correspondent further states, and go into the fruit whenever they have the opportunity. The vines also are attacked, the larve boring into them a few inches from the tip and working their way inside the vine to the extreme end.
Our correspondent expressed the opinion that there may be some chance of attracting the moths to lights.
September 3 Mr. Deckner again sent specimens of the adult moth, with the information that his cucumber patch was at that time swarm- ing with them. During the rainy season they appeared to be unable to conceal themselves and were easily dislodged. They were moving about then in large numbers. A1II of the specimens reared from larve sent by Mr. Deckner proved to be nitidalis, and all those kept by him and reared at Atlanta were the same species, a matter which greatly puzzled our correspondent as well as the writer.
What was believed to be the immature larva of this insect was received in precisely the same manner and at the same time as was that of the pickle worm. It was found by Messrs. Deckner and Hevey on the fuoliage of squash, and, as with the immature pickle worm, was not identified nor reared. The supposed immature larva was striped very much like that of the greenhouse leaf-tyer, Phlyctenia ferrugalis. This striate appearance was observable in the larve while quite young and until after they had attained a length of an inch.
Until the past year the writer had not been aware of the presence of this species in the vicinity of the District of Columbia. During the fall the adult was taken on two occasions, late in September and in the early part of October, by Mr. F. C. Pratt, captures being made in the city of Washington at light.
The known distribution of this moth includes Cuba and Jamaica, and as it is much more abundant in the most Southern States it is prob- able that it is of tropical origin. Our divisional records of localities include the Atlantic and Gulf States from the District of Columbia southward and westward to and including Texas. It has also been reported from Ames, I1l., Manhattan, Kans., Columbus, Ohio, Agricul- tural College, Mich., Buffalo, N. Y., and Hamilton, Canada. The larva has never been detected in the District of Columbia, and some doubt
A4 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
attaches to the permanency of the species in this latitude. Injuries are much more pronounced in the South, and are probably not appre- ciable, if they occur at all, in the more northern localities mentioned.
REMEDIES.
There is little doubt that the first-hatching larve feed for some time upon the foliage or upon the outside of the stems before entering them or the fruit. This renders them vulnerable to insecticides, and of these nothing is better than Paris green, which has already been advised against these two species. After the larvee have entered the stalks or the fruit they can not be reached with poisons.
LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUGS WHICH ATTACK CUCURBITS.
THE NORTHERN LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUG. (Leptoglossus oppositus Say)
RECENT OCCURRENCE AND INJURY.
This plant-bug, which is a near relative of Leptoglossus phyllopus, the injurious leaf-footed plant-bug of the orange and other tropical fruits, has recently come under observation in such manner as to stamp it aS an enemy to the growth of cucurbits, although not one of prime im- portance.
September 11, 1897, adults of this bug were noticed by the writer on canteloupes at Cabin John, Md., but no special sig- nificance was attached to the occurrence. Al Ne Reha. us Two days later, however, on the 13th,
0) ““ivalsize (rigina, SS ML. We Di Eimghess of Weedysyillessiie
sent us a large series of specimens, with the statement that the insect was very destructive on melon vines in his vicinity during the season.
On the 16th of the same month two colonies of this bug were found on cucumber vines near Tennallytown, D.C. It was present at this time in all stages except the egg. Later, on the 29th of September, larve and nymphs were observed in the same locality on watermelon vines. .
August 25, 1898, a colony of nymphs, mostly of the second stage, was found on squash growing on the experimental plat of this Depart- ment. The following week another colony was observed on these grounds, and during the second week of September the fourth stage of the nymphs was observed. By the 14th, or the beginning of the third week, most of the nymphs were in the fourth stage; one, however, transformed to the fifth stage on this date. The same day a colony was discovered at Tennallytown, D. C., in the same place where the Species had been observed the previous year.
THE NORTHERN LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUG. 45 PUBLISHED AND DIVISIONAL RECORDS.
The first mention which I find of this species in literature is that of Dr. C. H. Hedges and the late Dr. Lintner, the former of whom men- tions its occurrence in large clusters of twenty or thirty individuals upon grape and corn stalk at Charlottesville, Va., September 15, 1886 (Country Gent., Oct. 7, 1886, p. 753). Dr. Lintner states that the species was supposed to have carnivorous habits. Mr. W. H. Ash- mead includes it in his enumeration of the enemies of the cotton plant (Insect Life, vol. Vir, p. 320).
In addition to the correspondence previously mentioned we have received complaints of injury from Messrs. A. H. Mundt, Fairbury, Il., and Charles L. Snyder, Oakton, Va. The former sent eggs and young nymphs found on a hedge plant during June, 1894. From the latter, material was received that had been taken on Russian apricot trees and which were puncturing the fruit and sucking the juice, the fruit presenting a withered appearance and bearing scars and marks of injury on the skin. Nymphs of this species of the earlier stages were found at this time (July, 1895) in considerable numbers on the leaves and fruit of the same tree.
IWABITS OF THE SPECIES.
The natural wild food plant of this species remains to be discovered. Evidently it is a general feeder, and its observed feeding habits indi- cate a probable wide range of food plants.
Aside from their omnivorousness, these creatures agree in their habits rather closely with the squash bugs, their time of first appear- ance being later than that of either of the others. The nymphs have the same habit of collecting during the heat of the day under, or on the edges of leaves of their food plant which have become curled and dried, perbaps from their own work upon the stems, all stages being found sometimes rather closely crowded together in single colonies. In shady places and on cloudy days, and probably also at dusk, the nymphs seatter about somewhat upon the plants in the immediate vicinity of their permanent resting place, but they appear to adopt a particular leaf as a permanent abiding place and, even though disturbed, return to that leaf day by day. These insects are quite rapid in their movements, and when disturbed soon scatter in all directions, to return only when the apparent danger no longer threatens.
DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION.
This is a large chocolate-brown heteropterous bug of the family Coreide, somewhat resembling the squash bugs, to which it is nearly related, but from which it may readily be distinguished by its more slender form, acutely pointed head, and longer haustellum, antenne, and legs, but more particularly by the peculiar leaf-like expansion of the hind legs (see fig.9). The hind femora are much thickened and
46 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
bear two rows of strong, thorn-like teeth on the inner surface and several less prominent teeth and tubercles on the outer side. The hind tibiz are strongly dilated (sometimes considerably more than in the specimen figured) near the middle into flat expansions or plates and bear two prominent, and usually one and sometimes two less promi- nent, teeth on the lateral surface and several minute teeth or serra- tions on the medial surface. The antenne are lighter than the head, erowing rather gradually lighter toward the apices, where they are yellowish-red. The apex of the scutellum is marked with a white point where the hemelytra meet, and each hemelytron is dotted near the middle and behind the scutellar spot with a similar whitish sub- medial point. The inner dilated surface of the tibie is also marked just in front of the middle with a similar spot, and the connexivum or reflexed sides of the abdomen shows each side of the hemelytra a row of three or four similar small white marks. Length of body, 18 to 21™™; width across thorax, d 0-65":
The sexes may be determined by the genital structure, which resembles that of Anasa. The males are more slender than the other sex.
This species may at once be separated from any other similar insect occurring on cucurbits as far north as Maryland and Virginia by the large teeth of the inflated tibie. L. corculus, which occurs
’ in the same region and southward, has
Fic. LO Se Uevenglossus Diy lon us, twice nat- the tibiz less dilated and without large
ural size (after Hubbard).
teeth. The southern JL. phyllopus has
somewhat wider expansions of the tibize, and the hemelytra marked just
above the middle by a conspicuous transverse white band broken at its
center, which marking takes the place of the two dots on the hemelytra
of oppositus. LL. phyllopus is also a little smaller and slenderer, and has the lateral angles of the prothorax more acutely pointed.
This plant-bug was described by Thomas Say in his “ Descriptions of | new species of Heteropterous Hemiptera of North America” in 1831 (Lec. ed., p. 327) as Anisoscelis oppositus, from Indiana. Stal records its occurrence in Georgia and Texas, Uhler also in Indian Territory, North Carolina, Maryland, and Kentucky. It occurs as well in the District of Columbia, as previously mentioned, and in Virginia.
THE BANDED LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUG. (Loptoglossus phyllopus Linn.)
During August, 1898, this species came under notice as an enemy to cucurbits through correspondence with Messrs. W. H. McLeod & Sons, Seabrook, 8. C. August 15, specimens of the insect, which is known
THE BANDED LEAF-FOOTED PLANT-BUG. 47
locally as the “‘ blood sucker,” were received with the information that they injure potato tops in the spring and devour as well fruits of all kinds, and especially watermelon by sucking the stems close to the melon. Sometimes half a dozen of these bugs may be seen at work ona single stem. They were described as a general nuisance, but had never been observed in such great numbers in previous years as to do the Serious damage noticed in 1898. These bugs were also stated to attack the pecans, which were injured by lepidopterous larve, and they were believed to be at least responsible for a portion of the damage done to these trees. Attack was first noticed about the first of May, when a great many of the bugs were observed in the tops of the trees.
May 22, 1897, we received from Mr. Thomas H. Maxwell, Keller, Ga., Specimens of this bug, with the statement in an accompanying letter that the species injured young pear trees, stinging the fruit.
June 23, 1898, Mr. J. B. Rudulph, statistical correspondent of this Department, sent specimens from Pleasant Hill, Ala., with the state- ment that the species had been injurious that year and the two preced- ing years. There seemed to be thousands of them. On nearly every ripening peach there were from two to four individuals. The bugs were first noticed the 20th of May. Our correspondent was satisfied that all of his early peaches had been cut short by the work of this insect.
This plant-bug, which is common and injurious to various plants throughout the South, has been reported by Mr. A. L. Quaintance (Fla. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 34, p. 300) as an enemy of melons in Florida. He states that frequently it ‘“‘is the cause of serious trouble, by puncturing the stems of plants and sucking their sap, causing them to wilt, and, not unfrequently, bringing about their death.” The same writer records attack by this species to strawberry, the fruit and tender shoots of which it injures. Nymphs were also observed on the Irish potato, and this may hence be considered a probable food plant (L. ¢., Bul. 42, pp. 581, 582).
This species first came into prominence as a pest through its injuries to the orange in the South, and an account of it was given, together with an illustration which is here reproduced (fig. 10), by the late H. G. Hubbard in his bulletin entitled ‘‘ Insects affecting the orange,” ‘published by this Department in 1885 (pp. 168, 169). As with the pre- vious species the dilatation of the hind tibie exhibits considerable vari- ation, many individuals showing more dilated tibiz than those figured. Oranges are attacked while in fruit, and injury is also reported to the strawberry, peach, plum, currant, eggplant, cotton bolls, and “even potatoes.”
The normal food plant of this bug is the yellow thistle (Carduus spinosissimus), and it is recommended that thistles and like plants which might serve as breeding places for this species should be cut down and destroyed where they are found growing in the vicinity of truck or garden crops, or orchards.
The most obvious differences between this species and oppositus have been pointed out in the consideration of the latter.
48 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
The distribution of this plant-bug comprises the entire Gulf region, where it is very abundant, and includes most of the neighboring States if we may judge by its recorded distribution in Arizona, Missouri, South Carolina, and Indian Territory.
REMEDIES.
Both of these plant-bugs can be controlled by hand-picking or by capturing them in inverted umbrellas. bags, or specially prepared nets saturated with kerosene, the best time for their capture being in the early morning or late in the evening, as they are apt to be active, taking wing readily, in the heat of the day.
A certain measure of relief should be obtained by the free use of kerosene emulsion, which will at least kill the younger nymphs.
The Southern or banded leaf-footed plant-bug could be captured by the use of thistles planted about the infested gardens, fields or orchards, as these -plants would attract the insects where they could be more readily dealt with than.if scattered. The thistles should be cut down before the seeds mature, and the heads at least should be destroyed by burning, as a single large patch of thistles has been known to infect a wide area. It is possible that immunity from attack might be secured by the destruction of all the thistles within a large area in the neigh- borhood of groves of oranges or gardens, and that no further measures would be needful for the suppression of the pest than constant watch- fulness that no thistles be allowed to grow in the vicinity.
NOTES ON THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE. (Diabrotica ritiata Fab.) THE EGG AND OVIPOSITION.
In Cireular No. 31, on our common striped cucumber beetle, attention was called to the absence of any published observations on the egg and oviposition. Of the normal method of the latter nothing has 22 been positively learned, but eggs were obtained from which * the following description and accompanying illustration were Fic.11.—Egg made:
of Diabros The egg.—The egg, as would naturally be surmised, resem- oe ih paeg bles that of other congeneric species which have already much en- been described. It is smaller and more slender proportion- larged, ately than D. 12-punctata, longicornis, and soror, measuring eataete but 0.60 to 0.62" in length by 0.32 to 0.36™™ in width, being, larged at therefore, only a little less than twice as long as wide. Its right (orig- color is bright-lemon yellow, but this may vary somewhat taza with age as well as individually, as some are under observa. tion that are orange color. The surface is finely sculptured, the hexa- gonal pits arranged as in longicornis as figured by Dr. Forbes (12th Rept. St. Ent. Ills. for 1882, p. 18). There appear to be by estimate about 35 pits in the entire length of the egg. ,
=
a a EF
NOTES ON THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE. 49
METHODS OF CONTROL.
The methods of dealing with this insect that have been employed with greatest success in the past have been considered in Circular No. 31, second series, of this Division. A considerable correspondence during the year (1898) adds somewhat to our knowledge of remedial measures. With an insect so difficult to control, the testimony of our correspond- ents as to the efficacy of the remedies described in the circular, as well as of others employed by them, is worth recording.
DETERRENTS.
Sulphur.—May 13, Mr. Charles N. Ainslie wrote that this species is extremely numerous and injurious at Rochester, Minn., sometimes skeletonizing the leaves of mature plants (cucurbits). He states that he has successfuily used for years the remedy of dusting the plants while the dew is on them with flowers of sulphur. ‘ Thisadheres to the leaves, both above and below, if properly applied, and is very distasteful to the insects. I have never known this remedy to fail.”
Plaster.—Mr. H. L. Frost writes that the market gardeners in the vicinity of Boston, Mass., find no trouble in protecting their plants by the simple use of plaster three or four times during the season.
Ashes and road dust.—Mr. M. J. Furlong, Fisher, Minn., writing August 14, stated that the farmers of his vicinity have no difficulty in keeping this insect in check by dusting the plants with sifted ashes or road dust while the dew is on them or after arain. Ashes are preferred.
Mr. George Caswell, Dayton, Ohio, writes June 17, that during an active experience of about forty years he has found, all things con- sidered, that there is nothing that will equal dry wood ashes sprinkled on the vines when damp for ridding cucurbits of insects of all kinds. A sharp lookout, he adds, is necessary, however, to prevent the insect
from getting the best of the plants as soon as they appear above ground.
INSECTICIDES, ETC.
Mr. J. C. Andrus wrote May 15, that this species is injurious in Manchester, Scott County, Ill., and destructive on all species of Cucur- bita, Citrulas, and Cucumis; that the beetles appear from the first to the middle of May on cotyledons and seed stems, and that they remain until the cold weather and until after the frost has killed the vines.
Paris green.—He states that a weak solution of Paris green is effective in destroying this insect when on the surface of the leaf.
Young plants are usually killed by eating below the cotyledons, and to avoid this and kill the insect the usual custom of melon |
growers in his district is to plant in squares once aweek. 1 | 2 Thus the planting numbered “1” is usually killed, and sometimes also the second and third plantings. Aslong 4 | 3
as the insects show on No. 1 they are poisoned, and so on ! until a stand of plants is obtained, All four plantings are seldom killed.
13892—No. 19 4
50 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
Mr. Ernest Walker, of Clemson College, S. C., writing May 18, also states that good success in the treatment of this species accrued from the use of Paris green, particularly when applied dry, diluted with flour.
Tobacco.—Both Mr. Andrus and Mr. W.S. Stauffer contribute their testimony to the value of tobacco as a means of keeping this insect in subjection. The former states that when there is an abundant supply of tobacco waste (stems), a liberal plowing under of 1 or 2 tons to the acre is effective. Mr. Stauffer writes that during the year 1898 many of his neighbors were bothered with this insect, but that he had experi- enced no trouble, which immunity he attributes to the use of tobacco. In preparing soil he used tobacco ribs in lieu of manure, and as soon as the plants appeared above ground they were treated with tobacco dust, the application being repeated at intervals of a week. Plants not having the same treatment were destroyed. The ribs in the ground about the roots appeared to be more effective than the application of dust to the plant itself.
Kerosene emulsion.—Prof. W. B. Alwood, Blacksburg, Va., in a letter dated May 18, states that he uses kerosene emulsion very successfully against this species, it being simply necessary to watch the plant and observe when the first beetles appear and spray the hills early in the
morning while the beetles are stupid and lie hidden under clods and ~
around the stems in the hill, and that if this is repeated several times it enables the grower to defeat the pest. The emulsion is diluted ten times, and applied so as to thoroughly drench the soil.
’ Mr. A. W. Butler, Brookville, Ind., writing May 12, also states that ~
‘‘kerosene emulsion, prepared with sour milk or buttermilk, and applied with a whisk broom two or three times, usually gives relief” from this beetle. :
“Slug shot..—Mr. George Mudgett, Johnstown, Pa., writing under date of July 27, states that he has success in repelling this species from young squash plants by the use of Hammond’s slug shot. Mr. Henry Holzapfel, jr., a florist of Hagerstown, Md., is also authority for the statement that this species can be overcome by the use of slug shot.
Pyrethrum.—Mr. C. P. Gillette, in a recently published bulletin (Bul. 47, Col. St. Ag. Expt. Sta., p. 40), states that he has killed this species very successfully by dusting upon them pyrethrum from a cheese-cloth sack. To be successful, however, the treatment must be made early in the morning before sunrise.
Trap crops.—Mr. J. H. Hevey, in a letter dated November 5, informed us that late squashes on his place at Ingomar, Miss., were entirely free from this beetle, a condition which he attributed to gourd vines planted in the vicinity.
In the writer’s experience this species prefers cucumbers to other plants, and it seems probable that the other cucurbits could be pro- tected by planting, as practiced by Mr. Hevey, cucumbers or gourds as a trap crop, using insecticides freely on the latter. If this should not suffice, immunity from attack should result if the main crop were dusted with sifted ashes, road dust, or plaster, as already advised in the eir- cular on this species.
A NEW WEBWORM ENEMY OF CRUCIFEROUS PLANTS. 51
The wild cucumber, Hchinocystis lobata, is also a favorite with this beetle and it would be worth trying as a trap crop.
THE WESTERN STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE.
Two of our correspondents write concerning what they designate as the striped cucumber beetle and by which they probably mean Diabro- tica trivittata Mann., a species or subspecies which replaces vittata, which it very closely resembles, on the Pacific coast.
Mr. N. W. Motheral states that this species occurs at Hanford, Cal., but not in sufficient numbers to do any great amount of damage. He noticed particularly its occurrence upon ripe apricots.
Mr. EK. J. Wickson, Berkeley, Cal., writing under date of May 19, 1898, states that this species is abundant in California on all cucurbits, associated with D. soror, which may be considered to be merely a geo- graphical or racial variety of D. 12-punctata. The latter, as is well known, does great injury to fruit blossoms and to ripe fruits, but in this it is not, according to our correspondent, followed by vittata. The Same is true of the destruction of the petals of many garden flowers.
A NEW WEBWORM ENEMY OF CABBAGE AND OTHER CRUCIF- EROUS PLANTS.
The farmer and market gardener who grow cabbages, turnips, horse- radish, and other cruciferous crops, in the more Northern and Western States may consider themselves fortunate in having only such species as the cabbage louse, “cabbage worms,” flea-beetles, and the diamond- back moth to contend with. In the District of Columbia and nearby localities in Maryland and Virginia the cultivation of these crops has been in a most precarious condition for several years past, the most injurious species here being the harlequin cabbage bug and the cab- bage looper, Plusia brassice. If the cabbages are not completely stripped to the midrib and larger sideribs by the looper, as happened during the season of 1898, they are almost certain to fall a prey to the harlequin bug. Practically all of the cruciferous pests of the north also occur here, as well as farther south, and a host of other insects are usually present in fields of cabbage, horse-radish and the like and assist in the destruction of these crops.
To add to this there is now the threatened danger of the introduc- tion from the South of a new and pernicious cruciferous pest, the cater- pillar of a small moth, which last season caused great injury in Georgia in the vicinity of Augusta.
INJURY BY THIS WEBWORM AT AUGUSTA, GA.
Our first advice concerning injuries by this insect was received Sep- tember 6, 1898, from Mr. W. M. Scott, State entomologist of Georgia, located at Atlanta. Specimens of the larve and adults were received in alcohol with the statement that the species was doing considerabie damage in the vicinity of Augusta, “a., to cabbage, turnips, beets, ete.
52 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO CARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
According to the report received by Mr. Scott through correspond- ence with persons at Augusta, the mature insect or moth lays its eggs in the heart of cabbage and other vegetables, and the larvz soon after hatching spin a web and twist the leaves in toward the center inclosing themselves so that it is impossible to reach them with dry insecticides.
Their first appearance was noticed in August, 1897, and the species at present appears to be confined to that vicinity, although report of this or a similar species has reached Mr. Scott from Waycross, Ga.
On the 28th of September, Mr. N. L. Willet, of Augusta, sent speci- mens of the same larva, which is known locally as the webworm, with the accompanying statement that it had destroyed hundreds of acres of turnips. collards, and cabbages. 3
October 14 Mr. Willet sent additional specimens of the larve and made the statement that this insect had cost the county of Richmond £15,000 to $20,000 during that year. Writing-November 26, Mr. Scott stated that the damage had been estimated by some sufferers at $50,000 for that county.
About a day or two later we received from Augusta another lot of specimens from Mr. Scott, who wrote on the 19th of the month that one grower at Augusta claimed to have lost $1,500 through the ravages of this insect. Soon after the plant comes up, he writes, these cater- pillars begin their work by eating out the bud and cutting off the leaves near the base. In the case of turnips they sometimes gnaw holes in the top of the root. Three or four days after their work is first noticed an entire crop may be destroyed. The moths are obviously nocturnal in habit since they may be attracted by light at night, as our corre- spondent ascertained by taking a lantern into an infested turnip field and in a few minutes capturing dozens which flew about it.
In an article written by Mr. Willet for the Augusta Chronicle of October 9, 1598, some new facts are added which are not mentioned in his letter. Under the subheading ** The garden webworm,” he says, in substance, that the larva after hatching spins a web over itself, leaving a hole for egress. From the protection afforded by this web house it feeds, retiring into the web when its hunger is appeased. Asthe larva grows it forms a larger web. This it spins either on the upper or the lower surface of a leaf. Three or four days suftice for the larve to kill out a turnip patch.
One of Mr. Willet’s friends was of the opinion that this species had been seen at work in some other years previous to 1898, but that it did little harm until that year. This is undoubtedly the truth, but that correspondents who are not familiar with the diamond-back moth and the true garden webworm (Lowostege similalis) may not confuse these insects, it should be said that their larvz as well as adults are easily distinguished though both larve have the habit of living in webs on their host plants.
The parent moth lays her eggs in the bud and it requires from ten to fourteen days for them to hatch. In ordinary years the tender leaves
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A NEW WEBWORM ENEMY OF CRUCIFEROUS PLANTS. 53
from the bud have grown three inches or more by hatching time, and the young larva finds itself not in the bud where it can do great harm but three inches out on the leaf. There it spins its web, and as it remains there for some time before forming a second web the harm it does to the growing leaf is trifling.
One reason advanced by Mr. Willet’s friend for the severe injuries committed by this species in 1898, was that during the summer there were four or five weeks of almost daily rain. Young garden vegetables in that time made little growth and many young roots rotted. Asa consequence that summer the hatching larva was not three inches out on the growing leaf but directly in the bud, which it at once devoured, thus destroying the plant. Injury was worse on turnips than on cab- bage, this being due to the slower growth of the former crop. Such vegetables aS grew rapidly in spite of the rains were not seriously harmed by this webworm. The gentleman whose theory we have just propounded believes that in years of forward good-growing plant weather there need be no great fear of injury by this insect.
THE SPECIES IDENTIFIED.
Some of the captured as well as bred moths were received at this time, and later some of the moths issued in our rearing cages, begin- ing November 21. They have been compared with material in the National Museum and found to be identical with Hellula undalis Fab., as identified by both Professor Fernald and M. Ragonot. The National Museum collection includes two specimens labeled ‘‘Texas, Belfrage,” and the species was described from a single female, also from Texas, by Dr. Hulst (Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., vol. x11, p. 149) under the name Botis rogatalis. The type specimens were perhaps from the same source as those in the museum. In any case these are all the available data regarding the occurrence of the species in Texas, and some slight doubt attaches to its actual capture in that State, or at least to its permanent occurrence there.
In the museum collection is a third specimen collected by Mr. D. W. Coquillett in Los Angeles County, Cal., in October of 1891 or 1892. This was supposedly taken at light in the city of Los Angeles, and it seems probable that the species is also introduced at that point.
One of the Texas-labeled specimens in the National Museum bears a Slip in M. Ragonot’s writing: ‘‘Does not appear to differ from European type.”
This is obviously a European importation and from the fact that we have never heard of its injuries until the present time, it would seem likely that it is a comparatively recent introduction. Its occurrence in two States, Georgia and California, may be due to separate introduction. Its known range includes southern Europe and Asia.
This moth is a member of the pyralid family, Pyraustide, and the only American representative of its genus. It is, however, somewhat nearly related to the common garden webworm, Lowvostege similalis Gn.,
SSS
54 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
and the sugar-beet webworm, UL. sticticalis Linn., injurious species of similar habits which have been treated in reports of this Department in rather recent years. |
DESCRIPTIVE.
The moth.—The moth is illustrated at a of figure12. Itis gray in color with the fore-wings marked and mottled as shown. The wing expanse is about five-eighths of an inch (18 to 21™™), The following technical description is copied from Dr. Hulst’s paper (1. ¢. ):
Palpi, head, thorax, and abdomen fuscous; fore wings broken fuscous and fuscous cinereous; the basal space with a black spot medially, two white lines cross the wings, the first extra basal edged with dark fuscous, the outer after the typical Botis pattern; a dark brown spot annulate with white at reniform; a dark brown sub- triangular apical patch, and a subterminal white line; marginal line black, broken; hind wings, even fuscous; beneath, lighter, lines obsolete, reniform indistinct.
Thelarva.—The full-grown larva, figured at b and ¢ of the accompanying illustra- tion, measures a little up- ward of half an inch in length, being about six times as long as wide. The form is subcylindrical, tapering toward each extremity, wid- est near the middle—the ~ third, fourth and fifth ab- dominal segments, which are nearly equal. The general color is dull opaque grayish Fic. 12.—Hellula undalis: a, mature moth; b, larva, lateral yellow or yellowish gray,
waew 5; larva, dorsal view; d, pupa—all three times nat- striped with broad, some-
ural size (original). : : what irregular brownish- purple, longitudinal bands, which extend from the second thoracic to the terminal or anal, segment. These are bright and conspicuous on the dorsal, and more feebly indicated on the ventral, surface. The dorsal Stripes are five—a moderately wide medial one, a broader medio-lateral on each side, and a dorso lateral one, of about equal width with the median one, also on each side. On each side below are two lateral lines, faint, and interrupted toward the ends of each segment; a similar ventro-lateral line and a much fainter interrupted median line.
The head is black and shining, the V-mark well indicated, the cervical or thoracic shield is shining light, somewhat purplish, gray, and is rather variably marked with brown, which forms each side of the median stripe of the second thoracic segment, two irreguiar longitudinal dark brown patches, darkest and widest toward the posterior margin. On each side above the spiracle of that joint is a shorter dark patch. Near this there are sometimes two or three small dark rounded spots. The
A NEW WEBWORM ENEMY OF CRUCIFEROUS PLANTS. 55
spiracle of this segment is dark brown, the remainder being concolorous with the body. The thoracic legs are more or less infuscated, and the prolegs are nearly concolorous with the venter. The entire surface of the body is sparsely covered with moderately long yellow and light brown hairs, proceeding from small and shining piliferous tubercles.
The anal shield bears from ten to a dozen round purplish spots, the most posterior one the largest and standing alone, the remainder form- ing a subcrescentic pattern.
The length when in natural position at rest is about 13™™ and when extended 15™™, the width being a trifle more than 2™ at the widest part.
The pupa.—The pupa is moderately shining light yellowish brown in color and the surface is covered with a light pruinose bloom. The eyes are dark brown, varying to black and the dorsum is marked by a median stripe. The contracted antepenultimate segment is noticeable. The anal segment terminates in two pairs of straight brown hairs. It is of rather robust cylindrical form, measuring about three-tenths of an inch (7.5™™) in length and one-twelfth (2™™) in width. The somewhat pecu- liar outline of the abdominal segments is shown ait d of figure 12.
Transformation to pupa and thence to imago takes place in a rather compact cocoon composed of white silk, which in the field is presumably spun between or upon the leaves of its host plant. Those before the writer measure about three-eighths of an inch (9™™) long and a little less than half that in width.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS DESIRABLE.
The egg is unknown and considerable remains to be learned of the life history of this insect, its full cycle of development, the number of generations produced each year, the stage and the place of hibernation, a full list of crop and other plants attacked by it, its predaceous as well as parasitic enemies, and other data of minor import.
Reasoning from analogy we may surmise that the moths make their appearance early in the season and that when the first brood of larve is hatched is the best time to attack the insect with insecticides, as there are probably several, perhaps as many as four generations, pro- duced in the latitude where it is now located. Hence it is of prime importance that this time be ascertained.
PROBABILITY OF FUTURE SPREAD.
From the ease with which this pest may be transported as larva, pupa, or egg in heads of cabbage shipped from one place to another, as well as by flight of the moth, we can predict with a fair degree of cer- tainty that its further dissemination is only a matter of time. The present seat of its depredations will undoubtedly become a center of diffusion, from which it will soon spread by flight to neighboring locall- ties and eventually, by flight from these points or by commercial
56 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
carriage, to other Gulf and neighboring States, and it is not impossible that in due time it will gradually work its way northward from the Lower Austral region, in which it is now established, to the Upper Aus- tral. From the proximity of Augusta to the State line of South Caro- lina its establishment in that State is already practically assured.
It seems probable that this pest has come to stay, yet on the other hand there exists a possibility that it may succumb, at least in a measure, to its parasitic and predaceous enemies and to climatic condi- tions unfavorable to its further increase. Until we know more of the distribution of the species in its supposed native home in the Old World*we can not speak with positiveness of its probable future dis- tribution in America. In any case, it is an insect that will bear close watching, and it is to be hoped that all who have the opportunity to assist in these observations will not fail to do so and to keep this Department apprised of developments. j
NATURAL ENEMIES.
The natural enemies of cruciferous insect pests are of considerable value in keeping their hosts in check, and some dependence must be placed upon these agencies in restraining the undue multiplication of this webworm.
In spite of the short time that we know of its occurrence in this country, we are already certain that at least one natural enemy and probably two are at work in decimating this pest. One of these is the Tachina fly, Exorista piste Walk., which has been reared from the caterpillar of Hellula undalis at this office. The first example of this parasitic fly-issued October 27.
A very abundant parasite reared with this species is the Ichneu- monid, Limneria tibiator Cr. It was reared from the latter part of October until the last week of December. It has not been positively ascertained to prey upon this larva as it is a well-known enemy of the diamond-back moth, Plutella cruciferarum, which was also present in smaller numbers, but as it is also known to attack the cabbage looper, Plusia brassice, ‘and Mineola indiginella, it seems probable that it is in reality an enemy of this webworm.
REMEDIAL MEASURES.
The logical remedy for this webworm is one of the arsenites, prefer- ably Paris green, applied in the form of a spray, at the rate of about 1 pound to 120 to 160 gallons of water, upon the first appearance of the larve in the season and as often thereafter as the occasion may justify.
From what we already know of the life economy of this insect it is obviously a difficult species to successfully combat. The fact that the larve live in more or less complete concealment in webs which they form upon their food plants, and from the further fact that there are undoubtedly several generations produced during the season, it follows
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NOTES ON THE GARDEN FLEA-HOPPER. 57
that the closest observation will be necessary to keep it in subjection, that the application of poisons may be made at the proper time and not when too late to be of substantial value.
In addition, it will be a wise precaution, as we have advised our correspondents, to destroy every bit of vegetation which remains in the gardens or fields which this insect infests after the crops are harvested. This would include the complete and prompt destruction of cabbage stalks and similar refuse material, and the raking up into piles of all other débris, including weeds, and setting fire to them at once and without waiting for them to dry, by adding straw, dried leaves, or other material which will aid in their ignition.
It is not improbable that if the earnest cooperation of farmers and truck gardeners of Augusta and vicinity with the State authorities could have been obtained this pest might have been stamped out, but under the present circumstances it is likely that this insect will be troublesome again next year and in the future, and that it will spread to neighboring localities and thence throughout the South.
NOTES ON THE GARDEN FLEA-HOPPER. (Halticus uhleri Giard). RECENT OCCURRENCES.
In very recent years a minute black bug of the family Capside,
known in collections generally as Halticus bractatus, has been the occa- sion of more or less reported injury to beans and other vegetables, as
well as to a variety of other plants.
June 29, 1895, Mr. James A. Turner, a florist of Salem, Ohio, wrote that this species, specimens of which were sent, was very destructive to smilax in his greenhouse.
August 5 of the following year Mr. G. M. Dodge, Louisiana, Mo., sent specimens with the accompanying information in a letter of that date that this species was troublesome that year, when it for the first time came under observation. It was first noticed on late potatoes, where individuals were present in great plenty. The effect of its work was to turn the leaves a pale sickly color. It was also observed to be working in clover, a small piece adjoining the potato patch being so drained of its juices that the new growth after being first cut looked white at a little distance. It was also stated to have injured tomatoes and corn. A number of other vegetables were attacked to a less extent, but by way of partial compensation the bugs also fed abun- dantly upon the wild horse nettle, Solanwm carolinense, and on Ipomea purpurea, or an allied species of wild morning-glory. By later mail our correspondent sent leaves of red and white clover, Ipomcea and pump- kin, showing work of this species, but the statements made in the previous letter that corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and horse nettle were also affected needs confirmation. This is especially true of corn, as it
58 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
would be an easy matter to mistake one of the flea-beetles of the genus
Cheetocnema for this bug. Personally the writer is inclined to believe
that the other plants mentioned are true food plants of this species, as he has found it in considerable abundance on egg-plant in the vicinity of the District of Columbia, and Mr. ©. W. Mally has observed it also feeding on ground cherry, Physalis pubescens, plants of the same botan- ical family, the Solanacez.
During the season of 1897, from the middle of July until about the middle of September, this species was noticed in abundance by the writer at Kensington and Marshail Hall, Md., on beans, peas, and cow- peas, but most abundantly on beans. At this latter date specimens were brought to this office by Mr. R. Balluff from the flower garden attached to the Executive Mansion at Washington, with the repert that these bugs were injurious to several plants, particularly chrysan- themums.
During 1898 word was received from Mr. J. F. Collins, curator of the herbarium at Brown University, Providence, R. I., under date of August 14 that these bugs were found in numbers on a lawn at that place. The grass was apparently dead, and brown patches, in some cases nearly two feet across, were conspicuous and believed to be the result of the work of this insect.
LITERATURE.
The economic literature of this insect is limited. The species was originally given the name Halticus minutus MS. by Dr. Ph. R. Uhler (E. A. Popenoe, Rep. Dept. of Hort. and Ent. Exp. Station Kansas, Sec. Ann. Rep. 1889 [also Bul. 10, Dee., 1890], p. 212, Pl. 1x, figs. 10, 11, and 12); and although the species was figured and briefly described by Professor Popenoe under that name, the technical description does not appear to have ever been published. Unfortunately, the specific name minutus is preoccupied, a species having been described as Halticus minutus Reut. from three winged females found at Singapore, Malay Archipelago (see Giard’s article, Soc. de Biol., Compt. Rend., 1892, 9 ser., vol. IV, pp. 79-82). In accordance with a well-established rule in the case of preoccupied names, M. Giard proposed the name Halticus uhleri for the American species.
Dr. Uhler, in a paper published in the Proceedings of the Entomo- logical Society of Washington (vol. 1, p. 378, June, 1893), contributes some notes on this insect, mentioned as Halticus uhlert Giard. From this the following paragraph is quoted:
This species is now known to be widely distributed in the United States, and in many localities of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania it is extremely abundant upon cabbages in the gardens. It has been found a few times by the writer upon burdock, Lappa major, in the neighborhood of Baltimore. The leaves of this plant were almost covered by the great number of these little flea-like hoppers, which jumped off into the surrounding soil upon the lightest approach of the collecting net. It occurs fully winged in July, but the greater number of the females appear
in the unfinished state, which preserves the more robust and convex figure, with the short and completely coriaceous wing covers.
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NOTES ON THE GARDEN FLEA-HOPPER. 59
Our first economic account appears to be that, previously referred to, by Professor Popenoe, in which he mentions this species and Agalliastes bractatus Say, in connection with their injury to beans in Kansas. They were observed during the season of 1890— living in great numbers on the underside of the leaves of the garden bean, punc- turing the tissues and sucking the sap, and by these punctures causing the death of the tissues in small, irregular patches that appear upon the upper surface of the leaf as white spots. These two species are so nearly alike, so far as habits are con- cerned, that they may be noticed together. They operate mostly near the ground and upon weak, low-growing sorts. They sometimes do appreciable injury to the plant. The insects of both species are able to jump many times their own length, and when disturbed they hop from the leaves like flea-beetles. They have also
been observed to feed upon red clover in the manner and with the effect described above.
During the season of 1896 this species was the occasion of consider- able injury to red clover and some other plants in the State of Ohio, and was so reported by Mr. F. M. Webster (see Bul. 6, n. s., Div. Ent., Dept. Agric., p. 68; Ent. News, vol. v1m1, pp. 209, 210).
In the Annual erate of the Entomologienl Society of Ontario for 1896 (pp. 83, 84) Mr. Webster also has some remarks on this species and its supposed mimicry of Chetocnema parcepunctata, which also occurs on red clover.
In the article first quoted the species is stated, on the authority of Mr. C. W. Mally, to have been found also feeding on cucumber near Cleveland, and to occur in Iowa. Particular attention is called to the fact that farmers, ‘‘ without a single exception,” call these insects flea- beetles, an error which is excusable when we consider the close resem- blance of the saltatorial and wingless females to species of Chatocnema and Epitrix. In the second article, which bears the title ‘“ Halticus bractatus Say,” and which is illustrated by a plate of two figures of wingless and winged females, some additional facts are given, includ- ing a long list of food plants. Unfortunately, Mr. Webster has desig- nated his fig. 1 as the male, an error which becomes readily obvious when comparison is made with the illustrations accompanying this article.
The illustrations furnished by Professor Popenoe in all probability represent the two sexes, male and wingless female of one species, an opinion which has already been expressed by Mr. Webster, and one in which Mr. Otto Heidemann of this Division, who has made a specialty of the Capside, fully concurs.
DESCRIPTIVE.
Say’s species, originally described by him as Capsus bractatus, and evidently drawn from the winged female (Complete Writings, Lec. ed., vol. I, p. 348, 1859), differs from the form under consideration so far as has been pointed out only in size, the former being the larger. In spec- imens before the writer of the brachypterous female of both species, bractatus measures about 2 to 24™™ in length, while uwhleri is but little
60 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
more than half that. The color of all forms is shining black, the lighter portions of the antenne and legs shown in the illustration being pale yellow. The hemelytra are ornamented with rather sparse scale-like tufts of yellow hair, arranged as in the illustration. These are readily detached, and hence apt fo be wanting in old dried material. The dimorphic brachypterous or wingless female of whlert is shown at a, the winged female at ),and the male at c. The true male, as identified by Messrs. Uhler and Heidemann and verified by specimens captured in coitu, is much narrower and shorter than the fall-winged female, and the hemlytra are subparailel, not roundly oval as in the female. The front and middle femora are yellow, whereas the female has the femora with only the knees yellow or dull whitish.
Fia. 13.—Halticus uhleri: a, brachypterous female; 6, full-winged female ; c, male; d, head of male in outline—all much enlarged (original).
DISTRIBUTION.
The following localities are known for this species: Grimsby, Ontario, Canada; Holderness, N. H.(Heidemann); Providence, Rk. I.; York County, Pa.; Vineland and Egg Harbor, N. J.; Newark, Del. (Beck- with); Washington, D. C.; Baltimore, Kensington, and Marshall Hall, Md.; Salem, Cleveiand, and elsewhere in Ohio; Cobbs Island, (Heide- mann), Berkeley Springs, Va.; Rock Island, Ill.; Iowa; St. Louis and Louisiana, Mo.; mountains of North Carvin: Omnee pny Fla. ; Oy Sounly, Kans.; American Fork Canon, Utah.!
AGG Bieler Practne 8 fae is recorded ‘Pann Noniten snd Gaurnic Sprines: Colo. (Gillette and Baker, Bull. 31, Agr. Expt. Sta. Colo., p. 46).
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NOTES ON THE GARDEN FLEA-HOPPER. 61
Of the localities above given, all except those personally credited or represented by specimens have been previously recorded and credited by Dr. Ubler (I. c.) and others or have been mentioned in the preceding pages. The above localities show a distribution which ranges from what is known as the Gulf strip of the Lower Austral life zone to the Boreal zone. There are no reasons for the belief that this species is other than native to this country.
ADDITIONAL FOOD PLANTS.
In addition to the food plants already recorded, the following are given by Mr. Webster (1. c), based on Mr. Mally’s observations: Prickly lettuce, Lactuca scariola; ragweed, Ambrosia artemisicefolia; white vervain, Verbena urticefolia; narrow plantain, Plantago lanceolata; P. rugelu; selfheal, Prunella vulgaris; smartweed, Polygonum hydro- piperoides; mares tail, Hrigeron canadense; thistle, Carduus lanceolatus; sticktights, Bidens sp.; low mallow, Malva rotundifolia; yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis; sour grass, Oxalis stricta; Aster sp.; crab grass, Panicum sanguinale.
THE LIFE HISTORY NOT WELL KNOWN.
This species, like many other injurious forms, is subject to consider- able fluctuation in numbers in different seasons. During 1898 it
was extremely rare in the vicinity of the District of Columbia, only a
few specimens being found when sought for on clover, which appears to be one of its favored host plants. It practically disappeared late in September, as no bugs could be found when sought for in early October.
Mr. Heidemann has observed this species (principally on red clover) in the District of Columbia as early as May, butit may occur somewhat earlier, and he has expressed the opinion to the writer that there are probably two generations in this latitude. He also inclines to the belief that injury to potato and similar garden crops is usually in the vicinity of clover fields and apt to be the direct outcome of the cutting of the clover, which resuJts in some instances in the practical withdrawal of the insects’ natural food supply, thus forcing them to attack the nearest or most available crops. Mr. Webster has said that this species might hibernate in the adult stage, although it would seem that it usually passes the winter in the egg; but this is practically mere conjecture, as no positive observations on these points which can lead us to generalize with accuracy have been made. He has noticed its occurrence in green- houses and kept specimens of the adults living in the insectary at Wooster, Ohio, during the winter. From this it is not improbable that still another generation, if we can prove that two are produced out of doors, might be developed in a warm indoor temperature. _
As no common name appears to have become attached to this insect,
the writer proposes that it be known as the garden flea-hopper,
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62 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
REMEDIES.
The most feasible method of treatment that suggests itself is the use of kerosene in some of its forms. A spray of kerosene emulsion, as strong as the plant will bear without injury, would doubtless be effective in the destruction of the bugs in al] stages, or they might be jarred from the plants upon which they are feeding onto sheets saturated with kerosene or into pans of water on which a thin scum of kerosene is floating.
For the mechanical method of treatment it would be preferable to go over the infested plants early in the morning or late in the day before dusk, when the insects are less active than in the bright sunlight.
THE IMBRICATED SNOUT-BEETLE. (Epicerus imbricatus Say.) RECENT INJURY.
Specimens of this snout-beetle were received May 10, 1898, from Mr. David Font, Garfield, Ark., with the information that they were very
Fic. 14.—Epicerus imbricatus: a, female beetle; 6, same from side; c, newly hatched larva; d, same from side; e, egg; f, egg mass.—a, b, about three times natural size; f, two times; ec, d, e, more enlarged (original).
destructive to strawberry plants, eating the leaves and afterwards the entire stem. They appeared in that vicinity about April 10. From material received at this time eggs and larve were obtained, from which certain studies were made and the accompanying illustrations prepared.
There is at least one other record of this beetle being injurious to straw berry—that published by Messrs. Osborn and Mally (Bul. 32, lowa Agr. Coll. Expt. Sta., p.395). Although the species, in its adult state, at least,is what is termed a general feeder, these two instances will serve to secure it a permanent place in the list of enemies to this fruit. From its wide distribution and its omnivorousness it has received frequent mention in literature in spite of its being only periodically destructive, and only in the adult condition so far as known, since the
time of its first notice as an injurious insect thirty-five years before the time of the present writing.
THE IMBRICATED SNOUT-BEETLE. 63 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES; DISTRIBUTION.
The imbricated snout-beetle, as its name indicates to the student of entomology, is a member of the superfamily Rhynchophora, the weevils or snout-beetles, and of the family Otiorhynchide, or short-snouted weevils.
The beetle.—The beetle was first described by Thomas Say in the year 1824 (Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., vol. 111, p. 317), from Arkansas, as LTiparus umbricatus. Itis one of our largest weevils, measuring from about three-eighths to nearly half an inch in length, and is of the gen- eral appearance indicated in the figure at aand b. The body is covered with minute imbricated scales (whence the insect’s name), the lighter portions appearing as brownish gray, the darker as light brown, the latter arranged on the elytra in bands, as shown. The head is pro- . longed into a rather short, broad snout, with elbowed antennz, and the elytra into a point, as shown at b.
Distribution.—This is a widely distributed species, occurring in most of the States, except the more northern ones, east of the Rocky Moun- tain range. In the Boreal zone it does not appear to be represented, and in the transition rarely, if it occurs there at all.
The following list of localities is taken from divisional and published records, from material in the National Museum (which inciudes the Hubbard and Schwarz collection) and in the writer’s collections: New York City (vicinity); Camden and elsewhere in New Jersey; Newark, Smyrna, Felton, Del.; District of Columbia; Baltimore, Locust Grove, Md.; Strasburg, Oaktown, Herndon, Rosslyn, Falls Church, Va.; Madisonville, Stillwater, Tenn.; Horse Cave, Ky.; Garfield and else- where in Arkansas; Agricultural College, Mich.; Cramer, Ill.; Lowa; Louisiana; Sedalia, Hallsville, and elsewhere in Missouri; Tonganoxie, Clay County, Kans.; Stillwater, Okla.; Catoosa County, Ga.; Cypress Mills, Columbus, New Braunfels, San Diego, and elsewhere in Texas; New Mexico; Colorado; Wasatch, Utah.
The egg.—Elongate, more than three times as long as wide, somewhat variable in outline owing to close deposition, subcylindrical, sometimes slightly curved on one side, broadly rounded at each end; surface smooth, shining, with no apparant sculpture; color light dull yellow, becoming subtranslucent, first at base and afterwards at apex; con- sistency rather firm, being readily detached from the surfaces of deposit. . Length: 1.50 to 1.60™"; width 0.48™™.
The egg is figured in outline at e of the accompanying illustration, f showing an egg mass.
The newly hatched larva.—The young larva when first hatched is uniform whitish yellow and no ocelli are visible, but the color deepens in a day or two, the head becomes honey yellow, the thoracic shield becomes evident and a pair of ocelli placed as shown in the illustration (c and d) may be plainly seen on each side. The mouth-parts also become darker, the tips of the large, prominent mandibles showing
64 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
dark brown in color. The entire body, including the anterior portion of the head, is sparsely covered with whitish pubescence. The head is retractile and there are no signs of legs, but in their place each thor- acic segment bears on its ventral surface a pair of rather strong bristles which are evidently of assistance to the larva in crawling. In the contracted position assumed upon death the larva measures about 1.5™™, the diameter being about one-third as much. The mature larva and the pupa are unknown.
LITERATURE.
The first notice of this species published was by the veteran economic entomologist, Benjamin D. Walsh, who gave an illustrated account of it in the Prairie Farmer of July 18, 1863 (p. 37), based on the state-
- ment of an Iowa correspondent, who wrote that the beetles were “doing great injury to apple and cherry trees, as well as gooseberry bushes.”
In the year 1871 the late Dr. Riley published in his third Missouri Report (p. 58) a short note on this species, drawing attention to the fact that the beetle is quite frequently met with on different fruit trees, doing considerable injury to the plants mentioned by Walsh, in gnaw- ing the twigs and fruit. He stated that the species is a native of the more Western States and found much more commonly in the western part of Missouri, in lowa, Kansas, and toward the mountains, than on the ‘‘ eastern side of the great Father of Waters.”
The species next attracted attention in 1879, receiving mention in Professor Comstock’s annual report as entomologist of the Depart- ment of Agriculture in that year (p. 249). Beetles were received June 1, 1879, from Madisonville, Monroe County, Tenn., with the remark that they were injuring onions. Onion stalks accompanying the communication were riddled with holes gnawed by the beetles. Later, a report was received from Sweetwater, in the same county, that these beetles had injured a field of 2 acres of onions, one-fourth of the crop having been destroyed. The beetles were stated on the authority of Mr. Thos. G. Boyd to have made their appearance on early vegetables as fast as the crops cameup. They were noticed upon onions in Febru- ary and were reported to have destroyed radishes, cabbages, beans, watermelons, muskmelons, cucumbers, squashes, corn, and beets.
The following year the species was reported by Dr. Riley to have been received from Felton, Del., with the statement that it was ‘“de- Stroying early cabbages, eating the leaves and sucking the juice from the stems.” The fact was also brought forward that this species was quite injurious to corn in 1873 (Amer. Ent., vol. 111, p. 200). In the annual report of this Department for 1884 (pp. 300, 301) the same writer also treated of this beetle somewhat at length, but without adding any new facts worthy of mention to what has been previously reported.
In 1882 Prof. 8S. A. Forbes found this species feeding on red clover blossoms (12th Rept. St. Ent. Ill., p. 104), and in 1886, in a paper before
THE IMBRICATED SNOUT BEETLE. 65
the American Association for the Advancement of Science, mentions its feeding on pear leaves. He also ascertained that the insect laid its eggs (in confinement) on leaves, concealing them by gumming the leaves together. Later, in 1890 (16th Rept. State Ent. Ill., p. 76), he demonstrated by experiment and dissection that the species feeds freely on grasses.
Brief mention of attack on the foliage of fruit trees at Herndon, Va., in 1887 was given in Insect Life (vol. 1, p. 59).
In 1889 Dr. Clarence M. Weed gave an account of this insect (Ann. Rept. Ohio Ag]. Expt. Sta. for 18838, pp. 167, 168), together with an abstract of a letter from Mr. J. P. Coulter, of Cramer, Ill., who reported its abundance on potatoes, and that it was ‘“‘fully as destructive as the Colorado potato beetle, from its habit of cutting off the stalks, with their soft, undeveloped leaves.”
Injury to young apple trees was reported in 1891 from Stillwater, Payne County, Okla. (Insect Life, vol. Iv, p. 77).
In the Eighth Annual Report of the Kentucky Agricultural Experi- ment Station for 1895, Mr. H. Garman mentions reported occurrence of this species on strawberry at Horse Cave, Ky., April 30, of that year.
In Colman’s Rural World of June 6, 1895-(p. 177), is a short notice, consisting of a letter of inquiry from a correspondent in Hallsville, Mo., and answer by Miss M. HK. Murtfeldt. Specimens of the beetles were - received by the latter and identified as this species, and the report was given that they were found in some numbers on young pear and apple trees.
Several other notices than those above mentioned have appeared in regard to injuries by this insect, but as they add but little to our knowledge of the insect’s habits, they need not be quoted here.
DIVISIONAL AND PERSONAL NOTES.
Among divisional notes other than those published and previously mentioned are records of the receipt of this species from various cor- respondents, among which may be mentioned the following (all com- munications were accompanied by specimens of the beetle):
May 6, 1891, from Mr. H. J. Lamb, Stillwater, Okla., destroying young growth of apple trees. April 24, 1893, Mr. Theo. Pergande found between the terminal leaves of Cassia marilandica growing on the flats between the canal and the Potomac River above Georgetown, D. C., two batches of eggs belonging to this species. The leaves were glued tightly together with the eggs between them in the same manner as is always observed when eggs have been obtained in confinement, being placed more or less regularly in rows. April 25, 1895, the beetles were reported in a raspberry patch near Strasburg, Va. May 18, 1895, from Stark Brothers, Louisiana, Mo., found on apple. May 19, 1896, Mr. M. H. Beckwith, Newark, Del., reported that the beetles were feeding on plum and peach near Smyrna, Del. June 1,1897,from Mr. T. J.
13892—No. 19 5
66 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
Shallerop, Locust Grove, Md., who stated that the beetles were injuring tomato plants at that place. The beetles were taken May 17.
The writer has noticed on various occasions the abundance of this beetle on the leaves of young locust and blackberry, but particularly on the former. Attempts to rear the species were unsuccessful, though undertaken on two different occasions. Both Mr. Pergande and the writer are of the opinion that the larvee will be found eventually to feed chiefly at the roots of some leguminous plant and quite possibly on Cassia and perhaps locust, as the eggs were found in nature on the former and the beetles occur commonly on the latter wild food plant.
The beetle possesses the habit of ‘‘playing ’possum” or feigning death, so prevalent in the rhynchophorous group, to a remarkable degree, dropping off its food plant upon the slightest disturbance, and remaining with its legs and antenne tightly appressed to its body tor some time before resuming activity. The writer has observed this insect in rather more abundance upon plants growing on sandy soil, and its colors harmonize with the same upon which it drops.
EGG LAYING.
A pair of this species received May 14,1898, from Garfield, Ark., and sent us under date of May 10, were placed in a small rearing jar with leaves of strawberry May 16, and egg deposit ensued, as will be shown by the accompanying figures, each numeral representing a sep- arate batch of eggs. No eggs were found after May 24 until June 3, the beetles continuing paired and evidently copulating until that time. It is not impossible, however, though hardly probable, that eggs were deposited during this time and escaped observation, as it was noticed that after the death of the male, which occurred June 11, the female frequently turned over one of the serrated points of a leaf and cemented it so neatly to the leaf that it would not readily be noticed. In one case a nidus thus formed was cut by the weevil from the leaf.
———
| Number of Number of Date. batches. Date. batches.
Wiley I sscqoonobobcdoooaboooDabSSs HYG MM Onl Bice tera cletelete slela\elerataelalsierataree aaa 19 Miaiynl9220 esc cannon oan 427 WJ Gal Sex Bee sein ae eee 9 Maye 222 See eerie ereeasien algae appa BS Palle Rb ie) Al coogua coounecocoudesesce tose 8,3 WIEKY. CBE PL sono ponesonboneendaccooT 1120245) June Aas e eee : 10 WIEKY PREAUN) sosscoupenceGecauoase Oui Dume 22 rears ee oie ee 13 UM OMS hie anee Se etciee Eee eee oe mere 19) || Sune 123) =e ses eae eeeeee eee 0 SLUT OMe Arey ee eis cas aioe ee SV ied Ib owed: hee ee ee el ne By Th UM ORO Reenter meen oer 1S || Diumei25=2 0 eee ee eee eee eee eee Deion SUTLO WOR Metoaecsicicecis ciscine es concen CO Need ft 8 0 = 2 Ale en peat Be SOS 0 MUibiit® “PeousHcooossacbusanceenndapass 15,9))|| dium e286 3ir Sees See ae eee eres 15 UNS, GosbSsaCa sane ee ne eee eee 9. | June 29 5ohe Saha ae Eee nee 2, 22 MUN ONO Bien ieoas wielerciincions se tGsc ewe Qi | Ista SSO CRs Se ee Re SE ee 11 slifii® UO. seb oosdbGydooboucobonnUeneee Ui) Sullyio deca. See oe pete ee eee 19 SUUUTi pl ergot oe stages ster eie nrarsiete a) ia arc Sill uly) Qe see chs Br ee eee 18, 6 ALES) 110) Ae Ae ea ee eee 19,4: || July 324 2.5.22 oe serene 8, 10, 4 LUG3) UG) ssmedocueoossosbeccssosuneege Le NV Sally nosso) Seah oe ee eeeeeee ener
SU GULTI Cea sae See ee eR aay ade pees an 20» || “Saaly: M6 sas See ee eee SCORE ee 0 Ahinn allay oso saan eer C ROS CEOS aotoeenae 12 ——————— PON Geta ee eae meee eerie auisens 9 Total ess Se ae eee > 540 UNO Hee tees tee caincetem eels cen 7,6
THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER. 67
Up to June 29 the writer had been under the impression that ovipo- sition occurred chiefly toward the close of day and in early morning, and as a consequence no effort was made to observe egg deposit. The rearing jar was usually inspected early each morning, although some- times later, and the female almost invariably dropped from the leaf and feigned death in the usual manner. On this morning, however, she held her ground, and it was seen that she had just begun egg deposition, a single egg having been laid. She had first joined the leaves together, and when found had her ovipositor and terminal seg- ments extended between them.!
This individual died July 7, having lived, to our certain knowledge, an active life of fifty-seven days, in addition to the time before and during hibernation. In this time she deposited eggs almost daily. It will be seen by the above figures that a total of 540 eggs were laid in this time, and it is probable that the entire quota might reach as high as 600, as there is little doubt that egg laying had at least begun before the receipt of this individual and her partner, and dissection showed at least a dozen more eggs unlaid. Small masses of eggs, it will be observed, are rather the exception, the largest mass deposited being twenty-four.
Eggs that were laid May 19 hatched June 3, or in fifteen days; another lot, laid at this latter date, hatched June 15, or in twelve days; and a third lot, deposited July 1, hatched on the 11th of that month, or in ten days. The difference in time is, of course, to be accounted for by the difference in temperature, the last period being warmest. All the eggs deposited were fertile.
REMEDIES.
This weevil will yield to the same remedies employed against the Colorado potato beetle—arsenicals applied either dry or in spray at the rate of a pound to 100 gallons of water; or the beetles may be jarred from the plants onto specially. prepared cloths or other receptacles freely saturated with kerosene. .
THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER.
(Euphoria inda Linn. )
This species was first observed during the season of 1898, on April 1. Two individuals, one a female, were captured soon afterwards and placed in a rearing jar with moistened sand, in the hope that a suffi- cient number of the beetles would afterwards be obtained to warrant
‘In the deposition of its eggs this species resembles the-parent of the apple-root borer, Leptops hopei, an Australian weevil of destructive propensities. ‘This species is described by Mr. C. French (Handbook of the Destructive Insects of Victoria, pt. I, p. 94) as ascending the branches of the apple tree at night and with her legs folding the leaves together, fastening them with a glutinous secretion; then after depositing her eggs she holds the folds of the leaf together until they stick.
68 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
experiments. One beetle died in a few days, and aS no more were captured no further attention was paid the matter until May 31, when examination of the sand showed the presence of both eggs and larve— six of the former and three of the latter. All of the remaining eggs had hatched by June 2, when another had been deposited. From this lot the accompanying observations were made and the descriptions which immediately follow were drawn.
DESCRIPTIVE.
The egg.—The egg is nearly spherical, resembling in miniature those of certain of the smaller owls. It is of quite firm consistency and elastic. The color, when newly laid, is perfectly white, and rather moderately polished, but with age this becomes darker gray and
opaque. There is no visible sculpture. The size, when freshly depos- —
ited, is about 1.75"™ by 1.50", but by absorption this becomes, imme-
Fie. 15.—Euphoria inda: a, beetle; b, egg in profile; ¢, larva newly hatched; d, full-grown larva; e, pupa—all about twice natu_.1 size (original).
diately before hatching, about 2.65™™ by 2.18™™, or at least a third larger. An egg is shown in outline at b of figure 15.
The newly-hatched larva.—The larva, when first hatched, is nearly white in color and moderately hairy. The head is dull yellowish, as are also the terminal joints of the legs. The mandibles are brown, becoming dark toward the extreme toothed tips, and, by comparison with those of Lachnosterna, are small. The general appearance of this stage is represented in the illustration at ec. When extended at length, it measures about 4.5™™ by 1.77".
The mature larva.—The larva when fully matured presents the appear- ance of d of the accompanying figure. It is far more robust than Lach- nosterna, the abdomen particularly being much swollen, while the legs aremuch shorter, the head smaller, and the mandibles less prominent, in which respects it resembles Allorhina. The spiracles are prominent, and in ¢ront of the spiracle of the first thoracic segment there is a yellow corneous plate of subtriangular outline. Upon attaining full maturity the larva reaches a great size; the skin becomes distended with the contents of the abdomen, which imparts to the lower moiety of the body a dull deep leaden hue not indicated in the illustration. A larva
Se
hs TITS Ah i Vi wt ah Nl hd lt sas ie lh) a
THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER. 69
which was measured when exactly 2 months old was when extended 26.5"" long and 9.5™™ wide, but when it had increased to its maximum size it was somewhat over 30™™ in length and 10™™ in width, being a little more than a third wider than long. Before transformation to pupa the larva shrinks to about half its former size, and with the absorption and discharge of the contents of the abdominal canal becomes light yellow in color. The head is moderately shining deep honey yellow, with the lower portions darker, deep brown at the sutures, the mandibles nearly black. The legs are lighter, as also the prothoracic shield.
The pupa.—The pupa is sufficiently well shown by the accompanying illustration (fig. 15, e) to obviate the necessity of a detailed description. It is light yellow in color and takes on a brownish tint before transfor- mation to adult, the elytral pads, legs, and mouth-parts being a shade
darker than the other portions of the body. It measures about 15™™ in leneth and 9"™ in width at the widest part, which is near the middle.
Transformation to pupa takes place in a substantial cocoon, which is smooth and regularly oval within and rough and irregular on the outer surface. The cocoon has a protuberant spot on one side, probably the under surface, and due perhaps to the excess of fluid which is voided by the larva during its construction. The cocoons before me measure from 17 to 20"™ in length and 14 to 16™™ in width on the outer surface. In transforming the larva pushes its shed skin down into a bunch at the anal extremity.
The adult —The general appearance of the adult beetle is shown at a of the illustration. Itis of robust form, with a triangular thorax. The ground color is brown; the thorax is nearly black, with a few yellowish
markings toward the base of the elytra; the elytra and scutellum are
light yellowish brown mottled with black markings arranged in a variable pattern, but usually approaching that shown in the illustration. Nearly the entire surface, except the elytra, is covered with a coating of yellowish gray pubescence, which is long and thick on the under sur- face, particularly on the thorax and legs. Its length is from one-half inch to considerably more (12 to 14™™), and the width is about five- eighths of an inch (7 to 8™™). .
This species occurs practically everywhere in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, as also in Canada. It is most abundant in the North, its place in the South being filled by other more numerous congeneric insects of several species.
OVIPOSITION.
The record of egg laying as observed is as follows :
April, probably none ; May, nine; June 2, one; 3, four; 4, two; 6, five; 7, ?; 8 to 10, ?; 11 and 12, seven; 13, four; 14, three; 15, one, when egg laying ceased, the beetle dying about the 19th.
During three days from the 8th to the 10th this beetle was free in the office rooin, having escaped from the rearing jar in which she had been
isa as
1h
70 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
eonfined. On the 9th a peculiar buzzing sound, as loud as that of the largest bumble bee, was heard near the window, and again on the 10th, when the beetle was discovered and returned to the jar.
This individual had been supplied with strawberries, the only fruit available, but had not partaken of these or of any food whatever. The sand with which her rearing jar was supplied was kept moist, and a certain degree of nourishment may have been furnished by this. Practically speaking, she lived eighty days without food, during which time 36 eggs were deposited. Upon dissection of the beetle a large number of eggs in different stages of development were found, upward of a hundred by estimate, but as decomposition had set in the exact number was not ascertained.
HABITS OF THE LARVA.
The value of recording fragmentary observations, if careful and con- clusive, is well exemplified in the case of the present species. The writer’s first notes on the larva were the first to shed any light on its true habits, and were totally at variance with those previously con- ceived by entomologists. LeBaron, who wrote of this species in 1874 (Fourth Dl. Rept., p. 91), was of the opinion that the larvee lived in rotten wood. The general impression of naturalists was, I believe, that the larva fed upon rootlets of grass and other herbaceous plants, while certain few expressed the opinion that the larva was in some manner dependent upon the friendly assistance of ants, this belief being based upon their known occurrence in ants’ nests.
The larva, as was first pointed out by the writer in volume vit of Insect Life (p. 272), feeds, like that of the allied Allorhina nitida, or green June beetle, in manure and in rich soil containing an abundance of humus, and not upon the roots of grass and other herbaceous plants, as was previously supposed. The observations of the writer on the species referred to were made in July and August of 1890, and were interrupted as previously explained by an unlooked-for absence.
Mr. M. V. Slingerland during the year 1896 obtained larvee in manure, and succeeded in rearing the species and in making certain observations and descriptions of the same, the details of which have been brought together in an illustrated article published in the Canadian Entomolo- gist for March, 1897 (vol. xx1x, pp. 50-52).
Mr. Simeeniand wrote that “the dull leaden hue of the hae due to the contents of the food canal, indicated that its food consisted of dead vegetable matter rather than living roots.” There was no evidence of the larva having fed on the roots of living plants.
Dr. J. A. Lintner, in his twelfth report as State entomologist of New York for 1896 (1897), page 314, states that according to the observations of Botanist Peck larvie in manure were placed on a few hills of corn in a garden, and that on the following day one of the hills was noticed to have been cut down as if by cutworms. Upon digging around the stalks two larvee of Euphoria but no cutworms were discovered—
THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER. 71
evidence, it was thought, that these grubs committed the injury. Even though this were true, which is not probable, it would not con- flict with the statement that the normal food of the larva is manure and humus and the plant-feeding habit exceptional.
Among the unpublished notes of the late Dr. Riley, made many years ago and on file in this Division, are some remarks which if pub- lished earlier might have thrown some light upon the life habits of this species, or at least suggested what the natural habits of the larva were. July 10, 1874, larvee which were afterwards reared to the adult were found to have eaten the balls of manure made by the commen tumble dung beetle, Canthon levis, which happened to have been placed in the same tin box. Later balls of manure of the tumble dung were furnished to these larvee, which fed upon them.
The other notes will be briefly mentioned in their proper place later on in this article.
About a score of the larve of nearly the same age (some having increased somewhat in size from the small amount of nutriment which they had been able to obtain from the sand in which they had devel- oped) remained after a sufficiency was preserved for permanent deposit. in the National Museum collection. These were used in experiments to determine the food habits and injuries that might be effected by them. The experiments began June 27. One lot was placed in a small pot with a smail strawberry plant, another with a strawberry plant which did not look particularly thrifty, and a third was placed in a rather large pot with manure and earth, and a fourth was placed on a patch of strawberries on the experimental plat.
The sickly plant did not wholly recover, but the healthy one, when examined July 22, was tound to be still sound in every particular. In both of these pots the larve had reached a length of a little over half an inch (14™™), In the manure the larvee were much larger, having attained a length of nearly an inch (23™™"). -No evidence of the pres- ence of the larve in the strawberry patch could be detected.
Previous experience, together with these experiments, although on so small a seale, very conclusively prove that the larva of this species is not injurious except perhaps under the most exceptional circum- stances, and that it feeds practically exclusively on humus and not upon roots, thus agreeing in its habits with the observations of Dr. Howard and others on the allied Allorhina nitida.
The larve travel on their backs with equal facility to those of the latter species, but appear to possess rather less speed; still, with the assistance of the rows of short stiff bristles on the dorsum, they crawl by undulating motions with considerable rapidity.
Of other points in the life history of this species Mr. Slingerland wrote:
Doubtless the beetles hibernate, but whether egg-laying takes place in fall or
spring isnot known. The fact that manure piled in August and October contains many nearly full-grown grubs the next June indicates that the eggs are laid and
72 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
hatched in the fall. Otherwise the grubs must develop very rapidly after hatching from eggs laid in the spring. There seems to be one brood of the insect in the course of a year. ;
All of this is true except the surmise in regard to the eggs being laid and hatched in the fall. Egg-laying probably begins as early as the first of May, and perhaps earlier, which will account for the larve being observed so well developed in June. The period of egg-laying is, of course, variable. Eggs that were laid June 2 hatched on the 13th, or in eleven days. :
From larve that hatched from the egg during the third week of June ‘@ pupa was obtained which would have transformed to beetle about September 8. The period of the larve under observation was between eight and nine weeks from hatching to transformation to pupa, and the pupa stage, according to Mr. Slingerland’s observations, is about sixteen days; larve that transformed to pup July 28, he says, issued as beetles August 15. These figures would give a period of the life cycle from the deposition of the egg to the maturity of the beetle of about twelve weeks.
Experience shows that the beetles normally, if not always, leave their pupal cells in the fall to feed, and that the species hibernates in the adult condition.
FOOD HABITS OF THE BEETLE.
Although this species is not injurious in its larval state, it is quite the contrary with the adult, but even here injury is probably often very much exaggerated, as the mouth-parts of the beetle, as well as those of other species of the same group of Scarabeide, the Cetoniini, are formed rather for sipping or lapping of vegetable juices than for boring or chewing. The beetles feed indifferently upon the sap which exudes from wounds in trees and upon the juices of over-ripe or injured fruits or other succulent vegetable growth and upon polien. Their active life as beetles is comparatively short in the fall of the year. They appear toward the end of August and the first of September, the date of appearance varying with locality; butin a short time, a matter of about two or three weeks, they cease feeding and enter the earth for hibernation.
Owing to the large size of the beetles and their habits of congre- gating in immense numbers they are often the occasion of considerable alarm, and very frequent complaints of injury are received and are recorded of them. More often it is apprehension of danger rather than the actual injury which induces the fruit grower or farmer to write for information as to the probabilities of damage.
The beetles have an especial fondness for the ears of ripening corn, particularly sweet corn, and are often accused of boring into the husk to get at the kernels within. Peaches and apples are very subject to attack, and persimmons, tomatoes, and cotton bolls have been reported as being injured.
THE BROWN FRUIT-CHAFER. 73
In some cases, according to Dr. Otto Lugger (Second Annual Rep. Ent., Stat. Expt. Sta. Univ. Minn. tor 1896, p. 27), the beetles have eaten off the flowers of apple, plum, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and other fruits, and have destroyed the male flowers of corn. Still another form of damage reported by Dr. Luge reris to apples and berries exposed for drying.
The beetles also frequently attract attention through their great numbers on fruit trees and choice shade trees. Often the beetles settle upon the flower heads of golden-rod and thistle, but their occurrence on flowers is not so noticeable as upon fruits.
Messrs. Osborn and Gossard have recorded some imienresine obser- vations and the results of experiments to ascertain the possibility of the beetles attacking ears of corn that are uninjured by birds or other insects. Beetles were taken in abundance on Ambrosiq trifida, to which they appeared to be attracted by the ripening seeds, and con- fined in different lots with ears of corn, the conclusion being reached that the beeties are capable of entering uninjured ears of corn for the purpose of feeding, but that the habit was exceptional and not liable to occur except.in the event of a deficiency of more available and appropriate food. (Bul. 15, Iowa Agr. Expt. Sta., Nov., 1891, pp. 255-258.) :
Until recently this species has been known in literature as the Indian ectonia. It has also been called the “bumble flower-beetle” and the ‘common hairy rose-beetle.” In the note by the writer, previously mentioned, the insect for want of a better name was called ‘“ brown sap-chafer.” It has been a somewhat difficult matter to decide upon an appropriate name. The writer believes that, everything considered, ‘‘fruit-chafer ” would be more fitting for this class of insects, as it is by their injury to fruits that attention is most often called to them. The name of “brown fruit-chafer” is therefore suggested for the species.
NATURAL ENEMIES.
The larve are peculiarly hardy and evidently able to take care of themselves without trouble; still, although their life is so short, they are liable to infestation by the same insect and other enemies which destroy the larve of other sorts of white grubs. Of this number isan undetermined species of Tyroglyphus, which was found in a cocoon upon a pupa of the lot reared. Among the notes of Dr. Riley I find mention of a similar instance of the occurrence of Tyroglyphus, found also upon the pupa. The note is dated July 10, 1874.
July 4, 1896, Mr. E. A. Schwarz, of this Division, brought a few larve, which were afterwards reared to this beetle, found under a stone at Berkeley Springs, W. Va., with which he noticed several specimens of the larva of a species of Typhia, perhaps 7. ornata, a well-known hymenopterous enemy of Lachnosterna larve. A Typhia larva is also recorded in Dr. Riley’s notes as having been observed July 25, 1874, attached to a young larva of this Kuphoria.
74 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
REMEDIES.
Hand metbods are about the only available remedies for the beetles when they occur in sufficient abundance to be troublesome. The use of insecticides on ripening fruit that is soon to be eaten is practically out of the question. During the heat of the day, particularly in the bright sunlight, the beetles are active, but in the shade when feeding they can readily be captured by jarring them from_the trees or other plants upon which they occur into bags or nets. A simple screen of mosquito netting applied over drying fruit will afford ample protection against these insects and others liable to be attracted.
Fortunately, the species is one of many that are only periodically
numerous enough to be troublesome, and therefore it is not an insect that need often be the cause of serious alarm.
BIOLOGIC NOTES ON THE MAY BEETLE, LACHNOSTERNA ARCUATA SM.
It is a matter of common knowledge that until within the last decade the common white grub of the Northern and Middle States was very generally believed to be the offspring of that species of May or June
Fic. 16.—Lachnosternaarcuata: a, beetle; b, pupa; ¢, egg; d, newly-hatched larva; e, mature larva; /, anal segment of same from below. 4a, 0, e, enlarged one-fourth; c, d, f, more en- larged (original).
beetle known as Lachnosterna fusca Froh]. About ten years ago, how- ever, chiefly through the studies of Dr. J. B. Smith,'it was ascertained that only the common Northern species of white grub belonged to L. fusca, while that found most abundantly in the Middle States, and particularly in and about the District of Columbia, was an unde- scribed species, to which was given the name arcuata, from the areuate process on the penultimate segment of the abdomen of the male beetle.
A tew years later a very careful and elaborate study of white grubs of
certain species of Lachnosterna and of Cyclocephla immaculata was carried on at Champaign, Ill., by Dr. S. A. Forbes,’ official entomolo- gist of that State. Through the researches of the two entomologists mentioned and some others much has been gained that Jeads toward a more complete knowledge of these insects and their modes of life.
'See Insect Life, vol. 1, pp. 180-185; Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. x1, pp. 481-525. ?Kighteenth Rep. State Entom. II]]. for 1891 and 1892 (1894), pp. 109-145.
A AB ps Mi
REIS HO
THE ARCUATE MAY BEETLE. 75
THE ARCUATE MAY BEETLE. (Lachnosterna arcuata Sm.)
Since the publication of Dr. Forbes’s reports on these insects the larvee of our common L. arcuata have frequently been sent to this office, and we have been able to identify the species, at least approxi- mately, which, of course, was impossible before that time.
To obtain fresh specimens of the early stages of this species for illustration and study, a num- ber of beetles were captured at the electric lights of Washington City, placed in a jar of earth May 25, 1898, and kept supplied with oak leaves for food. Eggs were not deposited at once, and in fact not until about the beginning of the second week in June, the exact date not having been ascertained. The parent beetles € A died thefollowing week. Thefirst larve hatched Fic. 17.—Lachnosterna orevata: onmhoenioht of June 23.cand eves were still mae cMsper, fom front or
5 i above; b, right clasper, from hatching on the mornings of the 24th and 25th. side; c.leftclasper; d, ventral
characters of male; e, genital
DESCRIPTIVE. structure of female—all en-
The following brief descriptions will assist es ae Smithay with the illustrations in the recognition of the ete species in its different stages. It should be remarked, however, that, with the possible exception of that portion of figure 16 lettered /, this illustration will apply almost equally well to ali or nearly all of the seven species of Lachnosterna, formerly grouped in collections as fusca, and now included in what is termed, for con- venience, the fusca group. The specific differ- ences between arcuata and fusca are brought out in the illustrations of their sexual charac- ters (figs. 17 and 18).
The egg —The eggs of Lachnosterna are oval when first deposited, but in their growth swell by absorption, as has been pointed out by e Dr. Forbes, to a larger size, becoming just be- Fic. 18.—Lachnosterna fusca: a. fore hatching more broadly oval or nearly
male claspers, from front; %, snherical. The eggs are subject to consider- right clasper; c, left clasper; d, ay i . nc = ventral characters of male, e, able variation in form and outline. Eggs of genital structure of female—all J), aycuata, just about to hatch, vary in width ee fromSmithin from 2 to 24™™, and in length from 23 to 3™™. When newly laid they are nearly white and rather moderately polished, but with their growth they become darker and subopaque. The surface is apparently smooth and without sculp- ture. In consistency the eggs are quite firm, strong, and elastic. An egg is shown in outline, about three times the natural size, at ¢, fig. 16. Comparison of the eggs of Lachnosterna of different species with
- those of Euphoria and Ligyrus shows a very close agreement in shape,
color, and general appearance. —
76 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
The newly-hatched larva.—The larvee when first hatched have the appearance shown in the illustration at d. From the first they rest in the curved position assumed by the embryo in the egg, and when they attempt to move they do so chiefly by crawling in a clumsy manner upon their venters, and not upon their backs as is the case with Allo- rhina and certain other Scarabeide. The newly-hatched larve, as would readily be surmised from the variability in the size of the fully developed eggs, vary in size even before they have partaken of food, measuring, if extended, from 6 to 7™™ in length and about 2™™ across the thoracic segments, which are widest. The head is of course very large in proportion to that of the mature larva, being slightly narrower than the thoracic joints. It is white at first but soon turns to the nor-
mal color—dark yellowish. The body is at first entirely white, the
yellowish red pubesence or short hairs and the finer and longer hairs of the dorsum showing plainly on the body and toward the extremities of the legs. The mandibles are large and prominent, dark brown in color, becoming nearly black on the inner or cutting surfaces. Larve under observation absorbed some nutriment from the earth in which they were confined, which showed in a few hours through the thin skin of the abdomen.
The mature larva.—The full-grown larva differs but little in essential characters from the younger larva, save in the relative proportions of the head and legs to the body proper. It is best described by the figure (see ¢). The absence of a large series of larvee of other related Species renders inadvisable at this time an attempt at specific descrip- tion. The arrangement of the hairs on the ventral surface of the last or anal segment, as indicated at /, presents but little difference between this species and fusca as figured by Forbes, which is naturally to be expected when we consider their close relationship.
The pupa.— What is true of the resemblance of the larva of this and related species is even more pronounced in the case of the pupa. No differences between the pup of the fusca group are known. The pupa of arcuata, illustrated at b, is of the same white color as the larva.
The beetle.—The beetles can not be separated from those of fusca, nor in fact with positive certainty from several other related species, by any tangible and constant characters at present known without examina- tion of the sexual organs or genitalia. The best-marked individuals of fusca have the elytra with the longitudinal ridges more strongly defined than is usual in arcuata; but this character is so variable as to be of no value whatever for specific identification. The external or corneous portions of the genital organs, particularly of the male, present excel- lent and constant characters. This will readily be appreciated by anyone who has not already had experience with this genus by a com- parison of the male claspers of arcuata, shown at a, b, and ¢ of fig. 17, with those of fusca at a, b, and c of fig. 18, together with the male abdominal and female ponieal structure delineated by d and e, respec- tively, of the same figures.
THE ARCUATE MAY BEETLE. ree
The color of all the Lachnosternas of this group is shining, dark, mahogany brown, and the thoracic segments on their ventral surface are clothed with fine, long, silky pubescence.
REARING EXPERIMENTS.
May 13, 1893, a course of experiments looking toward the rearing of this species and of other observations concerning its habits, and the remedies to be used against it, was undertaken at this Department, the work being in charge of Mr. Theo. Pergande, from whose notes the following data have been gathered. At this time individuals of both sexes were placed in boxes containing growing grass, the beetles being supplied with oak branches bearing leaves for their food. Egg laying began June 8 and continued for several days. June 19 the eggs began hatching, thus giving a period of at least eleven days. At a subsequent time an egg period was observed to be thirteen days. Observations were continued, with the result that on August 8, 1895, one larva transformed to pupa and on the 31st to the imago, which gives a pupal period of twenty-three days, or a total period of two years and fifty-one days from the time of the laying of the egg until the issuance of the adult beetle, or nearly three years from the time the egg was laid until the appearance of the adult above ground.
INJURIOUS AND OTHER HABITS OF THE LARVA.
Under this heading will be mentioned injury inflicted by both larvee and adults of L. arcuata.
May 18, 1892, specimens of larvee of this species were received from Mr. H. Harrison, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Va., with report that they were doing great damage to vegetables, shrubs, and other plants in that vicinity.
October 12, 1893, Mr. Pergande found three imagos at depths of between 12 and 18 inches in dry soil, which he described as ‘almost as hard as rock.” December 21 of the same year large numbers of larvee were found on the Department of Agriculture grounds during the removal of a pile of compost. They were at a depth of about two feet, and were all active and lively at this time, owing, doubtless, to the warmth of the material in which they were living. As has often been observed by those who have had dealings with these creatures, three different sizes of larvee were found, indicating, as our observa- tions above go to prove, a period of three years for the species.
May 3, 1894, several hundred of these beetles were brought to this office by Mr. D. H. Rhodes, landscape gardener of the national ceme- tery at Arlington, with the report that the species was doing very serious injury to maple trees that had just been set out in drives and walks about Fort McPherson, which adjoins the cemetery. They were particularly injurious to sugar maple (Acer saccharwn). The fol- lowing year the writer had occasion to visit the same locality about the same season of the year, and then learned that large numbers of
18 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
trees had been killed and were being destroyed at that time. Fort McPherson stands at a distance of less than a quarter of a mile from the wooded portion of the cemetery, and is surrounded by freshly plowed and graded grass land, affording the most favorable condi- tions for the breeding of Lacbnosterna. In all there were about 400 trees upon the knoll about the fort. Mr. Khodes stated that they were first attacked in 1892, and that that year about 200 trees were injured beyond recovery and had to be replaced. ‘The following year injury was such as to necessitate the resetting of 150 trees. The out- look in 1894 was similarly unfavorable. Many of the infested trees showed plainly the ravages of the May beetles, their work being partic- ularly evident toward the tops of certain trees. In very many instances in addition to gouging out portions of the leaves these beetles had amputated the tenderest leaves from the petioles or footstalks. One form of injury particularly noticeable was the euomme off of the opening leaf buds.
By digging around the soft earth about the base of the worst in- fested saplings, a considerable number of the beetles were secured. Under one little tree of about two years’ growth that was badly defoli- ated no less than twenty individuals were taken. The beetles were most numerous within a fewinches of the base of the tree, and had burrowed beneath the ground to a depth of only a half to an inch in most instances.
June 17, 1896, a number of specimens of the larvee were received
from Mr. B. Clark, Perulack, Va., with the report that the species was ‘destructive to the roots of the grapevine in that vicinity.
In 1897 larvee were received from the Franklin Davis Nursery, of Baltimore, Md., with the statement, made under date of May 13, that they were very destructive to strawberry plants, cutting frequently from six to ten plants in one place. June 11 a larva was received from Mr. 8. H. Derby, Woodside, Del., who stated that the species was doing much damage to the roots of strawberry. July 15 we received another sending of larve from the Franklin Davis Nursery Company, all of about two years’ growth, with the information that they were playing havoe with strawberry plants. August 5 Hon. George B. Keezell, Keezelltown, Va., sent specimens, with the accompanying statement that they were extremely numerous that year and doing great damage to corn. A letter by the writer in reply, containing a somewhat detailed consideration of the remedial treatment used against ‘white grubs,” was published in the Rockingham Register, of Har- risonburg, Va., for August 27, 1897.
During 1898 the beetles of this species were reported, May 3, to be injurious to young birches in the District of Columbia and to young English walnut trees in the suburbs. May 23 Mr. R. 8S. Lacey sent specimens, with the information that 110 of the beetles had been captured on a single English walnut on his place near Washington, D.C. They had not troubled either pecans or native walnut trees.
INSECT ENEMIES OF WHITE GRUBS. 79 INSECT ENEMIES OF WHITE GRUBS.
Of the insect enemies of white grubs the following parasitic and predaceous species have been observed at this office. Although some of these insects were not observed attacking L. arcuata, they are all probable enemies of that species:
Ophion bifoveolatum Say, received July 24, 1890, from Mr. F. M. Webster, Lafayette, Ind., with the report that it had issued from a rearing cage in which he had placed a lot of larve of Lachnosterna, probably fusca. Dr. Forbes mentions the rearing of the same or a related species under similar circumstances at Champaign, III.
Pelecinus polyturator Dru.—Seen in the act of emerging from its pupal envelope, which had been observed in a grub of L. gibbosa, at Champaign, [1l., August 25, 1892, as recorded by Dr. Forbes.
Cryptomeigenia theutis Walk.—In and among the dead bodies of adult Z. inversa a puparium of this tachinid was found at this office October 28, 1892. May 23 of the following year the fly was reared.
Hutrixa masuria Walk. was reared from the adult of LZ. arcuata col- lected at Washington, the parasite issuing March 12-23, 1895.
Microphthalma disjuncta Wied. issued October 15, 1891, found in the skin of a larva of LZ. arcuata August 12 by Mr. Pergande at Washington.
The three species of Tachinidze mentioned are all considered, to- gether with their host relations, in Mr. Coquillett’s Revision of the. Tachinide (Tech. ser. No. 7, Div. Ent.), but it is well to bring these data together in connection with the following observations on egg deposit, which occurs on the external surface of living beetles.
At one of the meetings of the Entomological Society of Washington Dr. Howard exhibited specimens of an adult of L. fusca captured by him in June, 1897, in Greene County, N. Y., on the thorax of which were glued the eggs of some species of tachinid fly, probably one of the above or a related species. A specimen of LU. inversa was received from Dr. H. Shaffer, Keokuk, Iowa, on the thorax of which appeared Similar eggs. On another species, Ll. micans Knoch., a single egg was discovered, placed on the middle of an elytron near the suture. This last specimen was received from Mr. R. E. Spivey, Sharon, Miss.
Drasterius elegans Fab.(?)—An elaterid larva, presumably of this species, was received August 26, 1897, from Mr. A. Moxcey, Penn Yan, N. Y., with the statement that it had been found fastened by its maudibles to a grub of L. arcuata.
Tetramorium cespitum Linn.—There is also mention in our notes of 17 larvee of L. arcuata, which were being used for experimental pur- poses, falling prey to the household ant above mentioned, which killed and devoured them.
80 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
REMEDIES.
As white grubs pass the greater part of their lives underground, often at a considerable depth, it is obviously a matter of difficulty to reach them with insecticides. Gas lime has been suggested for this purpose, and good results have been obtained against certain forms by the use of bisulphide of carbon, kerosene emulsion, and poisoned baits. —
The bisulphide and emulsion remedies are, however, too expensive for employment on a large scale. Of poisoned baits the bran-arsenic mash has been used with success against the white grubs of Allorhina nitida by Col. W. Rives, as reported by Dr. L.O. Howard in Bulletin No. 10 (n. s., Div. Ent., pp. 27-28).
Of other homedia: are fall plowing, rotation of crops, and the free use of mineral fertilizers, such as nitrate of soda or kainit.
Most domestic as well as many wild animals feed freely upon white grubs, and swine, chickens and turkeys are especially valuable as destroyers of these pests.
In connection with remedies to be employed for the destruction of the ~ erubs, it is also advisable to kill the adult beetles. This may be done by attracting them to strong lights, where they may be gathered and destroyed by crushing or by similar means.
THE SPINACH FLEA-BEETLE.
(Disonycha xcanthomelena Dalm.) A NEW FOOD PLANT.
The unusual abundance in the spring of 1898 of the above-mentioned flea-beetle on the-grounds of the Department of Agriculture and else- where in the vicinity of the District of Columbia led to its special study, with the resulting discovery of a new food plant and the comple- tion of its life history, already so ably begun by Miss M. E. Murtfeldt while special agent of the Division of Entomology in 1889 (Bul. 22, Div. Ent., pp. 76-78).
Observations began April 16, when a number of the beetles were taken in the vicinity of the leaves of the chickweed, Stellaria media, on the lawn of the Department grounds. Subsequently upward of a score of beetles were captured under a board placed for the purpose over a patch of chickweed, and still later larvee were taken on the same plant and reared to maturity. Oviposition was first observed on the 17th of April, but it probably began somewhat earlier, aS this species is one of our first spring visitors, appearing even as far north as central New York as early as the last of March in the first warm days of the season.
The following description of the egg and immature larva will com- plete our knowledge of the life stages of this species, the mature larva and pupa having previously been described in the article referred to.
THE SPINACH FLEA-BEETLE. $1
DESCRIPTION.
The egg.—The egg is subeylindrical, and regularly elliptical in out- line, between two and one-half and three times as long as wide, nar- rowest toward the apex, where it is subtruncate, widest above the mid- dle, base rounded. Color when newly laid, pale orange buff, changing to somewhat brighter orange later. The Saran | is rather feebly shin- ing and densely covered with minute pits grouped together so as to form, with the clear spaces between the groups, irregular areas, of which | the prevailing pattern is imperfect hexagonal. Between 28 and 31 appears to be the number of rows of areas in the entire Tenth of the egg. Length, 1.25 to 1.50™™; width, 0.40 to 0.57™™.
The group of eggs shown enlareed in the figure at 0} illustrates also the manner of escape of the larva through a hoje at one side. The sculpture is shown highly mag- nified at ¢.
Eggs that came under ob- servation were deposited usu- ally in groups of from 4 to 30, and in one case as high as 50, on the ground and on bits of leaves resting on the earth, all the eggs being placed on end closely but loosely together in the same hexagonal order ob- served in the arrangement of the areas of the egg, although naturally this order is less . regular. :
The larva. — When first Fie. 19.— Disonycha xanthomelena: a, beetie; b, eg E88 Tay eee eee ne a seen by comparing the figure hatched larva; f, abdominal segment of same—a, ¢, d, at e with C, looks quite unlike five times natural BIZe b,e, more enlarged; bb, f, still
more enlarged (original).
the mature form. The tuber-
cles which cover the body are somewhat more conspicuous, the head and legs are much larger in proportion, and the spines (see /) protrud- ing from the body are very long, measuring nearly one third that of the body, including the tubercles. The spines are black at the base and nearly white toward their apices, which are capitate, like those of some other species of larvee in.the post embryonic stage. The color is nearly uniform light gray, with a slightly pruinose surface, and the head, eyes, sutures of the legs, and certain other portions are darker. The red of some internal portions can be seen through the anterior portion of the body, the thoracic and first abdominal segments. The length, in the somewhat contracted position which the larva assumes in death, 1s about 1.80"; the width, 0.60™™.
13892—No. 19 6
82 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
The mature larva is figured at ¢. In life it is dull nearly uniform leaden gray in color, with darker head and still darker brown mouth- parts. The length is from 8 to 9™™, and the width 3 to 4™,
The pupa.—The pupa is of nearly the same color as the larva, being a little lighter. It is well illustrated at d.
The beetle-—The adult beetle, shown in the illustration at a, is shin- ing black in color, sometimes with a green or bluish luster. The pro- thorax and abdomen are red in living specimens and reddish yellow in dried materia], and portions of the legs and antenne are pale yellowish. This is not apt to be mistaken for any other common species. Fromits nearest relative, D. triangularis, it differs in the absence of the trian- gle of spots on the prothorax, and from mellicollis by the color of its thorax and legs, those of the latter being bright blue or green and yel- low respectively. It measures a little less than a quarter of an inch (5.00).
DISTRIBUTION.
The distribution accorded by Dr. Horn, who furnished a more tech- nical description than the above, together with notes, in volume xVI1 of the Transactions of the American Entomological Society (1889, p. 209), is “from the New England States to Kansas and Florida.”
In the collection of the National Museum and that of the writer the species is represented from the following localities: |
Fitchburg, Mass., South Woodstock, Conn. (October 20); New York, Ithaca, N. Y.; Newark, Hudson County, and elsewhere in New Jersey; District of Columbia; Jonesville, Fortress Monroe, Rosslyn, Va.; Poolesville and Marshall Hall, Md.; Detroit, Mich.; Kirkwood and elsewhere in Missouri; Nebraska; Kansas; Florida; Columbus, Tex., Bear Paw Mountain, Mont., and Swift Current, British America. It is recorded also from Mount Washington, N. H. (Bowditch); Allegheny, Pa. (Hamilton); Buffalo, N. Y.; Lowa City, lowa (Wickham), and else- where. This includes an area from the Lower Austral through the Transition to the Boreal life zone.
LIFE HISTORY.
Writing of this flea-beetle in her original article, Miss Murtfeldt Says:
This species seems to be but single brooded, as no young larve were to be found after the first of June. As, however, the spinach beds were rooted out before midsummer in all the gardens in the vicinity, I can not be quite certain about this point, but could not discover it on beets or any of the native Chenopodiacex.
The beetles reared by the writer were kept feeding in confinement, and in time laid eggs, proving that there are two generations produced annually in climates such as that of the District of Columbia.
The duration of the egg stage was observed during hot weather in August. Eggs that were deposited August 11 hatched on the 18th,
THE SPINACH FLEA-BEETLE. 83
and others laid on the 23d produced larvee on the 30th, giving seven days as the minimum period. It will probably be found that this period in cooler weather will be extended to nine or ten days, accord- ing to atmospheric conditions at the time that deposition and hatching takes place, and variation being natural in a species where oviposition practically extends throughout a season. Oviposition was actually observed between April 17 and the first day of June, and again in July, beginning on the 22d, and continuing through that month and August.
The escape of the larva from the egg takes place through a simple longitudinal slit on one side, extending from near the base to the center of the egg. (See fig. 19,0.)
Larve kept under nearly natural conditions were abliced after hatching to travel 2 inches to the stem of the food plant provided them, a potted Chenopodium, and at least 5 inches farther before reaching a leaf. As the larve grow, the social tendency becomes less noticeable, and individuals may be seen here and there on a plant occupying a single leaf. A larva, as a rule, will remain on a leaf until it is full of holes, the sizes of the holes increasing with the growth of the insect. Generally also the larvee feed on the lower surface of a leaf, but not exclusively.
The gregarious habit of the larva is pronounced from the first. Larve which hatched in close quarters in confinement gathered in a eroup on one side of their rearing dish, and another lot which hatched out on cultivated Chenopodium traveled from one leaf to another, seldom being found singly during the early period of their growth.
One lot of ten larve, which was observed to hatch June 8, was kept rather closely confined and fed at first upon chickweed and afterwards upon spinach leaves. June 18, or in ten days from the hatching of the eggs, about half had attained full growth, and on the 20th all but one had entered the earth for pupation. On the 27th two individuals, which we may call Nos. 1 and 2, were found to have pupated. No.3 pupated June 28 about 4 p. m., and No. 4 transformed about 11 a. m. of June 29. Nos. 1 and 2 were found to have issued as adult July 5, No. 3 died, and No. 4 transformed to a beetle July 5, being still uncol- ored when first observed at 9a. m. This last gives us six days as the duration of the pupal state, probably the minimum period, as the weather was extremely hot, the thermometer out of doors having passed the 100° mark during three days of this time. The first two beetles issued during a two days’ closing of the office, but it is certain that the date of issuance was July 3.
It is more than probable, judging from the present experience with this species, that the duration of the larval stage varies considerably according to environment. An attempt to rear larve, which hatched June 4, on the potted Chenopodium previously mentioned, was not entirely successful, owing to the plant being disturbed. All of the
84 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
larvee were much slower in development, leading a somewhat preca- rious existence in traveling from one leaf to another and in being com- pelled to share their food with the aphides which infested the same plant. It required till June 30, or twenty-six days, for one of these to attain maturity, and even at this time it was stunted when it entered the earth. It issued as imago July 12, having required about forty. six or forty-seven days in its development from egg to beetle.
On another occasion a colony of the larve of this insect was found feeding en lambsquarter at Rosslyn, Va., June 19, 1893, about half of them at this time nearly full grown. One of the larve observed later ceased feeding for a day or two, and July 3 entered the ground, where it remained for several days more before assuming the pupa state. It was still in the larval condition July 7. The imago was formed July 18, but remained in the earth till fully colored and hardened, appearing above ground July 20.
The pupal period in cool weather would probably reach as many as nine days. Thus we would have periods in the life cycle varying as follows: Egg, six to nine days; larva, active period, ten to twenty-six days; inactive period, six to fifteen days; pupa, six to nine days; entire cycle, about thirty to sixty days.
Larve were first observed to enter the earth for pupation as early as June 8, to transform to pup on the 14th, issuing as adults two weeks later. Individual beetles, presumably of the old or hibernated generation, were observed, though sparingly, as late as July 20, but as the earliest of the first new generation did not appear till the end of the month, there was no overlapping of generations.
The beetles of the first generation, as previously observed, laid eggs for a second generation, beginning July 22, continuing through August until September 5.
By the middle of September nearly all of the beetles of the first generation were dead.
A female with swollen abdomen was isolated August 24. The next morning she had laid a mass of 35 eggs; next day she had deposited another mass of 34; August 30, a third mass of 36; August 31, 38; a fifth September 5, and was still living September 19. She had depos- ited in this time about 180 eggs, but it is not known how many she may have laid previous to this.
BIOLOGIC LITERATURE.
The biologic literature of this species is limited. In addition to the record quoted there are two others of the occurrence of this species, that published by Mr. Lawrence Beuner in 1891 (Bul. 23, Div. Ent., p. 15), which reads as follows: ‘‘Common on beets and other chenopodi- aceous plants, the leaves of which it riddles with holes,” and that by the writer the following year in which the occurrence of the beetles on Amarantus spinosus is recorded (Proc. Ent. Sov. Wash., vol. 0, p. 265).
eal
THE TOBACCO FLEA-BEETLE. : 85
NATURAL ENEMIES.
At least one natural enemy is known for this species. It is the tachina fly, Hypostena barbata Coq., which develops within the abdo- men of the adult beetle. It was first recorded by-the writer as a para- site of this species (I. ¢., vol. Iv, p. 78). June 15 the puparium was found, which had developed from a larva just escaped from a beetle. June 26 the fly issued, having passed eleven days as a puparium.
REMEDIES.
The arsenites are suggested as the rational remedies for this species, the only drawback to their use being the low growth of the plants infested. Paris green with Bordeaux mixture applied to the under and upper surface of the leaves would serve as a remedy for both adults and larve. Keeping down the lambsquarter of the vicinity would also
prove a measvre of value; but this would be a difficult matter with
regard to the chickweed.
BIOLOGIC AND OTHER NOTES ON THE FLEA-BEETLES WHICH ATTACK SOLANACEOUS PLANTS.
_ In continuation of observations begun in 1897 on the biology of the tobacco flea-beetle (Hpitrix parvula Fab.), and published in Bulletin 10 of the present series (pp. 79-82), the following notes on that and other species of the genus are presented.
THE TOBACCO FLEA-BEETLE. (Epitrix parvula Fab.)
Recent injuries.—July 15, 1898, Mr. Francis Boaler, Huntsville, Madi- son County, Ark., sent specimens of this species and its work on a leaf of tobacco with the statement that the beetles were destroying tobacco on his plantation. ‘this tobacco was planted on mountain land, sand rock soil, in ground which had. been in pasture six years. The land was plowed and then ridged. Our correspondent noticed that the beetles usually stayed on the under surface of the leaves during the daytime and became active about an hour before sundown. They some- times ate the leaves in such manner as to leave only the ribs and smaller veins. The ground was at this time perfectly free from weeds; but it would scem probable that a large number of solanaceous plants, such as Jamestown weed and nightshade, which we now know to be larval food plants, had grown upon this land or in the immediate vicinity before the tobacco was planted.
Later Mr. Boaler, writing under date of August 10, 1898, stated that the beetles had apparently been destroyed almost totally by heavy and incessant rains. It is not improbable, however, that the weather at this time had driven the beetles into hibernation, perhaps a little prematurely.
86 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
July 20 of the same year, in the course of a day’s collecting of tobacco insects, Mr. F. C. Pratt found this flea-beetle at College Station, Md., where it was by far the most abundant species, no other insects troub- ling tobacco in that vicinity. It was reported as slightly injurious the previous year in the same locality (W. G. aa Bul9s ness, Div. Ent., p. 81).
July 29 Mr. T. G. Allen wrote of this species which, in connection with one of the other common species of Epitrix, either cucwmeris or fuscula, was injuring the tobacco at and in the vicinity of Skipwith, Mecklenburg County, Va. He stated that for.the past five or six years the crop had been very much damaged by these flea-beetles and that they seemed to increase with every year. They were reported to make their appearance from the middle of July to the first of August, attack- ing first the bottom and afterwards the upper portions of the plant to the topmost leaves. After they have fed upon a leaf for a while it becomes full of small dry spots and then of holes about the size of a pin point. When the leaf is cured it is poor and thin. At the time of writing he stated that he counted as many as 37 beetles on a single leaf.
The life cycle—A number of beetles were placed, July 21, upon a potted plant of tobacco that had been kept free from the attacks of this species, which had not at that date, so far as observed, put in an appearance in the vicinity of the Insectary. The potted plant was not examined until August 11, and then two pup and one larva were obtained. The larva transformed to pupa August 12 and to imago on the 18th, which gives twenty-eight days as the full life cycle period, presuming upon the deposition of the eggs upon the first day of the experiment, about which there is no reasonable doubt. The weather was very hot during this period. |
Kggs were obtained but did not hatch in confinement. The minimum period is probably the same as that ascertained of the pupa, six days, which would afford by deduction a larval period of sixteen days.
The following is a description of the egg:
The egg.—The egg is of about the same length as that of HE. fuscula, but is narrower and elliptical-ovate instead of elliptical-oval, measur- ing about two and a half times as long as wide. The color is gray with scarcely a tinge of yellow. Areas similar to fuscula, but apparently much more minute, not being visible except under a high magnifying power. Length: 0.40™; width: 0.18". |
How and where the egg is deposited in nature remains to be dis- covered.
Food planis.—We have now ascertained three larval food plants, tobacco, Solanum nigrum, and Datura stramonium, but it is fairly certain that the larva would thrive on any of the Solanacee. The beetles have been observed to feed on Solanum esculentum and carolinense, and appear to prefer the leaves of the Jamestown weed among weeds, and tobacco among cultivated plants. In our experimental plat in which
THE EGGPLANT FLEA-BEETLE. : 87
grew tobacco, eggplant, and Jamestown weed, potato and tomato did not appear to be attacked at all by this species. In addition to the records of larval rearings given above and in the writer’s previous article, it should be mentioned that larve and pup of this species were taken during the first two weeks of August, and in some numbers, at the roots of Datura stramonium at Marshall Hall, Md., and on the grounds of this Department at Washington.
Distribution.—Of the distribution of this species the late Dr. Horn said that it ‘occurs throughout the entire United States, extending also to the West India Islands.” The writer fears that this statement of the distribution is somewhat too comprehensive, as it is well known that it is a southern species, and although it occurs pretty well northward, especially where tobacco is raised, it does not extend as far as the Boreal life zone, and I doubt if itis often found north of the Upper Aus- tral. For the sake of accuracy it nay be well to place on record the following list of actual localities from which the species has been recorded or in whichit is known to occur:
Chevy Chase, Cabin John, Glen Echo, College Station, Marshall Hall, River View, Poolesville, Md.; Skipwith, Danville, Lynchburg, Wood- stock, Rosslyn, Cherry Dale, Va.; District of Columbia; West Virginia; Michigan; Gatewood, Oxford, N.C.; Kentucky; Boyd (injuring tobacco), Columbus (Alwood), Ross County, Ohio; Huntsville, Ark.; Denver, Colo.; Galiuro Mountains, Mont., Chiricahua Mountains, Tucson, and elsewhere in Arizona; Cypress Mills and Burnett County, Tex.; Hau- lover, Capron, New Smyrna, and elsewhere in Florida, and Montserrat, Wik.
It is also recorded from the Bahama Islands; Guatemala; Panama (Champion); Mexico; and Cuba (Crotch).
The above statement of localities indicates this species to be Austral and Tropical. As further corroborating the stated belief that it seldom if ever occurs above the Upper Austral zone it should be said that the species is not represented in Dr. Hamilton’s list of the Coleoptera of southwestern Pennsylvania, and does not to the writer’s knowledge occur in the State of New York.
A parasitic enemy.—This flea-beetle, as well as H. cucumeris, is para- sitized while in the adult condition by what is evidently, judging by the larve, a species of the hymenopterous family Braconidee. Numbers of beetles were collected in order to rear the parasite. Larve were first observed July 14, but none lived more than a few days after issuing from the beetles. Allof the parasitic larve, as far as could be learned, made their escape from an aperture made at the anal orifice of their host.
THE EGGPLANT FLEA-BEETLE. (Epitrix fuscula Cr.)
This flea-beetle was observed during the season of 1898, May 17, in hothouse frames of eggplant at Tennallytown, D. C. May 21 great numbers, as many as eight or ten to a small plant no higher than 5 or 4 inches, were observed on horse nettle at River View, Md. All these
88 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
plants were much eaten and had evidently been attacked as early as the first week of May, or soon after their first appearance above ground.
Eggs were laid freely overnight, and the following description was made:
The egg.—Elliptical-oval, a little less than twice as long as wide; moderately shining, yellowish gray; surface divided into very minute irregular areas, somewhat symmetrically, but not always regularly, dis- posed in groups of seven inclosed in hexagons. Length, 0.40 to 0.42™™; width, 0.22 to 0.24™™.
This flea-beetle has received little attention at the hands of economie entomologists, for the obvious reason that it nas without doubt been very generally assumed to be identical with the very similar /. cuewm- eris. In our official correspondence it has been reported as injurious but once, and that during the past year. August 3 and 9 Mr. Henry J. Gerling sent specimens of the beetles which were attacking the leaves of eggplant at St. Charles, Mo., the foliage being described as pe, eaten.
In a paper entitled ‘“ Supplementary report on insects aHocane the strawberry,” published by Prof. S. A. Forbes in the Transactions of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural Society for the year 1884 (vol. 1, p. 236), this species, mentioned as Crepidodera fuscula, is included in a list of flea-beetles that infest the strawberry. No particulars, however, are given beyond a brief description of the adult. The same paragraph on flea-beetles affecting strawberries appears in the same writer’s annual report as State entomologist of Illinois for the year 1883 (1884, p. 86).
The first account of any length which I find concerning this insect is given by Prof. H. Garman in the Second Annual Report of the Ken. tucky Agricultural Experiment Station (1890, p. 26), where the species is mentioned under the title, “‘The Potato Flea-beetle, Crepidodera fus- cula Crotch.” The statement is made: ‘* Wherever examined last sea- son the potato leaves were found to be gnawed fullof small holes, which, from their abundance and from the fact that the edges of the holes became brown after a time, often gave the leaves a diseased brown appearance.” In several fields examined it was impossible to find a leaf entirely free from injury. Nothing of the life history of the species was ascertained, but it was found “that a mixture of lime, sulphate of copper, and water saved the potato from the injuries of this flea- beetle very effectually.”
The same writer under the heading “ Bordeaux mixture as an insecti- cide” (Agricultural Science, vol. VI, p. 126, 1892), again commented upon the efficacy of a spray of Bordeaux mixture as a remedy against this flea-beetle (iInentioned as Orepidodera pubescens).
Mr. Garman also gives a short account of this species under the title “The Southern Flea-beetle of Potatoes, Hpitrix fuscula,” in Bulletin 61 of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, published in 1896 (pp. 15, 16). The ravages of this flea-beetle were observed to be checked by a combination of Paris green and TUG mixture, or by the former applied alone.
THE CUCUMBER FLEA-BEETLE. 89
The above summarizes practically all that has been published on this species, at least in its economic or biological aspect.
Of its distribution Dr. Horn was at, fault in stating that it ‘* seems to be a widely distributed species over the entire country east of the Mississippi, also in Missouri.” It appears to have very much the same distribution as the congeneric parvula. According to Mr. Charles Liebeck, it is generally distributed, though rare, in New Jersey. It does not occur in New York State to my knowledge.
In the neighborhood of the District of Columbia it is rather more abundant than either parvula or cucumeris, and although it probably infests all the Solanacex, it shows. in the writer’s experience, a marked fondness for eggplant when this can be obtained, hence the name “egg- plant flea beetle,” which is here proposed. Itis also common on potato, but rather rare on tobacco. I have not found it at all on tomato.
The following list of recorded localities is from specimens in the National Museum and in local collections, or from published records: New Jersey; River View, Marshall Hall, Cabin John, Md.; Tennally- town, Washington, D. C.; Rosslyn, Cherry Dale, Pennington Gap, Va.; Round Knob, N. €.; Marietta, Ohio; Kentucky; Llinois; St. Charles, St. Louis, Mo.; Savannah, Ga.; Bayou Sara, La.; Jackson, Miss.; Nebraska; Kansas; Columbus, Tex.; Los Angeles, Sonoma, and Pomona, Cal.
It is doubttfully recorded from Guanajuato, Mexico (Jacoby).
THE CUCUMBER FLEA-BEETLE. (Epitrix cucumeris Harr. )
Owing to the scarcity of material at the time when and in the places where sought, nothing of interest was gained from personal experience with this insect the past year. It is desirable, however, to place on record the following facts concerning it, gleaned from one of our corre- spondents, Mr. C. Cronk, New Hamburg, N. Y.:
July 22, 1898, he wrote that- the beetles and their larve were very destructive to tomatoes in his vicinity. In response to a request for larvee our correspondent sent, under date of August 5, two minute larve taken from about the roots of A tomato. Although when they were received they Fic. 20.—£pitriz cuewmeris: were not in fit condition for study, there was no ee much enlarged doubt as to their identity, as this is the only : flea-beetle of the genus Epitrix which is positively known to occur in that latitude, or, in fact, in any portion of New York State.
Adult beetles collected near Washington were parasitized, evidently by the same species mentioned as preyil.g upon FL. parvula.
‘Cucumber flea-beetle” is an obvious misnomer, aS anyone knows who has studied the habits of the genus Epitrix. The present species, cucumeris, so far as we are able to judge, would not live in the larval condition on any other plant than those of the botanical order Solana-
90 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
cee, and the adults, although inclined to be omnivorous at times, are practically confined to this order of plants when such are available. The beetle is illustrated in the accompanying figure.
OTHER SPECIES OF HEPITRIX.
Of the remaining species of Epitrix, H. brevis Sz. has been found by its describer on Solanum nigrum. It closely resembles cucumeris in color and in its comparatively sparsely punctate thorax. It differs chiefly in its shorter form and feeble antebasal thoracic impressions. It is evidently rare, being recorded only from Enterprise, Fla., and Columbus, Tex.
The larval habits of H. lobata Cr., which is known from North Caro- lina and Florida, and LF. subcrinita Lee., which inhabits Oregon, Cali- fornia, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, are unknown. Both probably feed in their larval stages on Solanacee; the latter with little doubt does so, as it has been reported to injure young tomato plants, while in the beetle condition it also injures beans. (Insect Life, vol. Iv, p. 135.)
REMEDIAL TREATMENT.
In addition to the remedies mentioned as of value against the tobacco flea-beetle (Bul. 10, n.s., p. 82), namely, pyrethrum mixed with flour or road dust, Bordeaux mixture, and Paris green, combined or alone, it has been suggested by Dr. Howard that the destruction of weeds of the family Solanacez around the margins of fields and gardens will result in positive benetit in the reduction of the numbers of these flea-beetles as well as of numerous other insects which infest solanaceous crop plants. He suggests, also, the growing of a few clumps of jimson weed or nightshade as trap crops for the beetles, the plants to be thoroughly poisoned in the early summer before the crops are planted or set out. This matter will be treated somewhat at length in a forthcoming article by Dr. Howard, entitled ‘‘The principal insects affecting the tobacco plant,’-in the Yearbook of this Department for 1898. If this is done, and the writer is of the opinion that the jimson weed is the preferable plant, owing to its larger size and apparent greater attract- iveness to the flea-beetles as well as other solanaceous feeders, the precaution should be observed to destroy them before seeding time, that they may not prove a pest rather than a benefit.
THE CHERRY LEAF-BEETLE.
(Galerucella cavicollis Lec.) RECENT INJURY.
June 4, 1898, Mr. P. W. Hombach, St. Ignace, Mackinae County, Mich., wrote that this species, specimens of which were inclosed, was found in great numbers on cherry trees, eating holes in the leaves.
Through the kindness of Dr. Sylvester D. Judd, of the Biological Survey of the Department of Agriculture, specimens of the above
THE CHERRY LEAF-BEETLE. 91
mentioned species were received from Mr. M. 8S. Haslett, who wrote under date of June 5 that this insect was infesting and doing consid- erable damage to the foliage of young peach trees at Spruce Creek, Huntington County, Pa.
Four days later Mr. Charles A. Heilman wrote from Lebanon, Leba- non County, Pa., sending specimens of the beetle with the statement that they were found abundantly on peach trees, the leaves of which they injure by pitting them full of smailholes. Our correspondent had been through a peach orchard 3 miles west of his town and had found only one of the beetles, while in the town the beetles were to be seen by thousands on single trees during the two days previous to his writing.
The past year it was injurious to cherry trees at Corning, N. Y., as reported by Mr. E. P. Felt (Bul. N. Y. St. Mus,, vol. V, p. 235; Bul. 17, n.s., Div. Ent., p. 20), and was said by Dr. J. B. Smith to have been found on peach trees in Pennsylvania (1. ¢., p. 23).
OTHER RECORDS: FOOD HABITS.
The cherry leaf beetle was first noticed causing damage to cultivated cherry trees in 1894 at Bellaire, Mich. (G.C. Davis, Insect Life, vol. VII, p. 200.) The following year it attacked the foliage of cherry trees at Ausable Forks, N. Y. (Lintner, 11th Report, Insects of New York, Dpscl9 7,193)
A short illustrated account of this insect is given by Mr. R. H. Pettit in a bulletin entitled Some Insects of the Year in 1897. (Bul. 160, Mich. St. Ag. Coll. Expt. Sta., p. 427.) Specific mention is not made of attack committed that year, but the title would imply that such injury had been noted. In the original case of injury reported, the presence of the insect was also noted on wild cherry in the immedate vicinity.
In the Third Annual Report of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry, for 1897 (1898), pp. 106, 107, Mr. Charles W. Johnson gives a short account of this species. He says: ‘‘Myriads of this beetle and its larvee were observed during the first week of September devouring the leaves of the ‘fire cherry’ (Prunus pennsylvanica) at Ricketts, Wyoming County, Pa.”
There is little doubt that the species described under the name of Galeruca sanguinea in Dr. Packard’s Fifth Report on Insects Injurious to Forest and Shade Trees (p. 529) as attacking wild cherry is in reality Galerucella cavicollis, as has already been stated. (Insect Life, vol. rv, p. 94.) The species is also mentioned by Dr. Hamilton as occurring on
Prunus. (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., vol. xxi, p. 371.)
The injurious occurrences are of interest as examples of the change of habit of a species of insect from a wild to a cultivated plant of the same genus (Prunus), and from this to a cultivated plant of a closely related genus (Amygdalus). Until 1894 it will be noted no other food plant of the species other than wild cherry was known, and until the
92 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
past season peach was unknown as a host plant. That it prefers the cultivated to the wild plant appears to be assured by recent observa- tions, and there seems little doubt that as fruit growers become more familiar with entomology more instances of injury will come to light.
The beetles are recorded to feed in June and September, the first beetles seen representing the hibernated generation; those appearing in the fall consisting of their progeny, since there is little doubt that the species is single brooded. It is probable, judging from the date of our correspondence, that the beetles appear sometimes in May in their southern range and continue until July at least in more northern localities, since beetles were observed by Dr. Lintner’s correspondent as late as July 10.
The reported occurrence of the species on chestnut is hardly of suffi- cient value to carry much weight as the statement quoted by Lintner from one of his correspondents was not supported by specimens.
Wild cherry it seems probable is a natural food plant. Larve are known to occur on cherry and probably also feed on peach leaves, but were not said to do so by our correspondents.
DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION.
This species, as its generic name indicates, is a near relative of the imported elm leaf beetle. It is smaller than the latter, measuring less than one-quarter of an inch in length (4.5 to 5.5™™); is bright red in- color, with the antenne, eyes, and the exterior portion of the legs black. From G. rufosanguinea, which this species very closely resembles, it may be distinguished by its coarser punctuation, the punctures with dis- tinct intervals and its more shining surface. It was first described by LeConte in 1865 (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, p. 216) under the genus Galeruca, and afterwards and until recently was classified under Adimonia. A technical description will also be found in Dr. Horn’s paper on the Galerucini of Boreal America (Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., vol. Xx, p. 76), published in 1893. It is there stated to occur from Canada to the New England and Middle States westward to Wisconsin, and is stated on the authority of LeConte to be found also in North Carolina, the type locality. The following list includes more exact localities from recorded notes and from specimens in the National Museum and other local collections: Berlin Falls, Mount Washington, Mount Adams, N.H.; Cambridge, Mansfield, Mass.; Corning, Ithaca, Ausable Forks, Catskill, N. Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Spruce Creek, Lebanon, Ricketts, Allegheny (vicinity), and elsewhere in Pennsylvania; Woodstock, Va. (Pratt); St. Ignace, Bellaire, Mich.; Texas; Vancouver, B. C.
From beetles received from Mr. Heilman June 15 eggs were obtained from which the following description has been drawn:
The egg.—The egg at first sight is wholly unlike that of the congenerie¢ imported elm leat-beetle (G. luteola), being of an entirely different form.
THE PLUM LEAF-BEETLE. 93
It is oval, of somewhat variable proportions, the width being about five- sixths of the length. Color bright stramineous. Surface deeply pitted with minute, deep and distinct, rather irregular hexagonal areas, sym- metrically arranged in sevens, inclosed within a hexagonal area. Length, 0.65 to 0.70"; width, 0.50 to 0.60",
The first egg hatched June 26, eleven days from the date of laying, _ a period a day or two longer perhaps than normal.
The following description of the larva was made by Mr. Davis from Specimens received July 10: j
The larva.—About 5™™ long, not very broad, and tapering posteriorly. Head, legs, pronotum, and terminal plate black in all the specimens except one which was larger, and these parts in that one are reddish brown. On the dorsum of each segment are two transverse rectangular parallel dark spots, with two or more smaller ones on the sides at the end of the large ones, and beneath these is a longitudinal block on each segment. The venter of each abdominal segment is marked with five dark-brown spots, the central one being largest.
REMEDIES.
An efficient remedy for the cherry leaf-beetle will be found in the use of an arsenical spray, as described for use against the congeneric imported elm leaf-beetle (see Circular No. 8, 2d ser., Div. Ent., pp. 3 and 4).
NOTES ON THE PLUM AND THE ROSE LEAF-BEETLES.
THE PLUM LBAF-BEBTLE. (Nodonota tristis Ol.)
During the first week of July, 1897, this leaf-beetle was observed at Colonial Beach, Va., in considerable abundance, devouring the leaves of plum trees, particularly young plants that were already suffering from the ravages of the pear slug, Hriocampoides limacina Retz. (Selandria -cerasi Peck.). The beetles were also observed in nearly equal abundance on the foliage of the peach, and in less numbers devouring the leaves of apple. They occurred still less abundantly on cherry and choke-cherry (Amelanchier canadensis). Wild roses, which are the favorite food plant of the congeneric N. puncticollis, were still in bloom at this time, but were not attractive to theinsects. A few beetles were beaten from black- berry and dewberry bushes and from wild grapevine, but it could not _ be ascertained if they were feeding on these plants. By the third week in July the beetles had disappeared at this place. August 2, however, a single straggler was picked up at Marshall Hall, Md. The earliest appearance of the beetle noted was at the latter locality June 18, 1898.
A search through the biologic material in the National Museum col- _ lection shows that the species mentioned by Dr. Riley in the report of this Department for 1884 (p. 336) as “Colaspis tristis” is in all proba- bility Nodonota tristis, as there are specimens in this collection labeled
94 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
‘on willow,” from central Missouri. There is in the same series a specimen from Mr. P. Pedersen, collected at Huntingdon Valley, Pa., on peach, and a series also taken by Mr. W. H. Ashmead at Utica, Miss., in August, with the note that the beetles, together with two other species of Chrysomelide, ‘ gnaw little irregular holes through the outer cover- ing of the blossoms, and frequently gnaw into the epidermis of the bolls, thus exposing them to the weather and causing them to drop.” ? ~ (Inseet Life, vol. VII, p. 247.)
The species mentioned by Walsh i in volume I of the American Ento- mologist (p. 12) under the name of ‘ Colaspis, n. sp.?,” described as “a roundish leaf-beetle, about one-eighth inch long, generally of a steel- blue color, but occasionally verging upon brassy brown,” and which was beaten from the plum at Alton, I1l., June 19, will now, I think, be con- sidered to be not puncticollis, tha the true tristis.
The name “ plum leaf-beetle” is proposed for this species to deters it from puncticollis, the rose leaf-beetle.
From puncticollis this species is to be distinguished byits much shorter, oval form, simple punctation of the thorax, and the absence of a post- umbonal costa. The prevailing color of beetles taken in Virginia and farther north is shining dark metallic blue, with the legs and antennze yellow or castaneous. The same colors are represented in individuals from the Southern States, with the addition of a number of variations of the dorsal surface, which include metallic green, bronze, purplish and very dark brown.
Dr. Horn credits this species with a distribution ‘‘from the Middle States to Kansas, southward to North Caroliua.” In the National Museum collection and that of the writer are specimens from Fitch- burg, Mass.; Detroit, Grand Lodge, Mich.; Washington, D. C.; Mar- shall Hall, Riverside, Md.; Colonial Beach, Rosslyn (June 26), Penning- ton Gap, Va.; Fort Pendleton, W. Va.; Round Knob, Retreat, N. C.; central Missouri; Huntingdon Valley, Pa.; Shreveport, La.; Cypress Mills, Dallas, Columbus, Tex. (May 18 to July 5), La Veta, Colo. and Arizona. It will be seen that it. inhabits alike the Upper and Lower Anstral life zones.
Undoubtedly the larvee live, like other Eumolpini, upon roots, and it is probable that they may be found upon the rootlets of plum and other fruit trees. The beetles, it was noticed, have a habit of concealing themselves in the folds of leaves.
During July of 1897 many beetles were kept yminet. with leaves of peach, upon which they fed freely; but no eggs were deposited, and nothing whatever was positively learned of the early life economy of the species.
In 1898 the same negative experience was had with a lot of beetles until July 16, when three of them—the only ones left—were isolated, with the result that a mass of 36 eggs was obtained, laid side by side in the fold oi a leaf and in irregular rows, in the same manner as observed with certain other Eumolpini when in continement.
THE ROSE LEAF-BEETLE. 95
The egg.—The egg is elongate ovate, one side sometimes strongly curved, the opposite with a tendency to straightness except toward the ends. Color, shining dirty whitish gray, not yellowish; surface with- out sculpture. Length, 0.75 to 0.84™™; width, 0.32 to 0.34™™,
Eggs that were deposited July 18 hatched on the 25th, giving a period of seven days, which represents nearly the minimum, as the tempera- ture averaged about 86° F. at this time.
THE ROSE LEAF-BEBTLE. (Nodonota puncticollis Say.)
June 4, 1897, Mr. Robert McLean, Baltimore, Md., sent specimens of this species which he reported to be ‘causing some destruction to sev- eral trees” in his garden in the country near there. The beetles were said to be “‘consuming all the leaves from the trees.” No particular trees were specified, but they were presumably fruit trees.
This insect was also injurious in at least one locality that year near Washington. It was stated by the late Mr. G. H. Hicks to be very troublesome on roses at Kensington, Md.
June 4, 1898, beetles were found in abundance on the young terminal leaves of ornamental willow at Tennallytown, D.C., being at this time more numerous on this tree than upon blackberry in the immediate vicinity.
Previous efforts to obtain the eggs of this genus, as already mentioned, failed in spite of the best conditions that could be secured.
June 9 Mr. F. C. Pratt obtained, at the writer’s request, a large series of this species on the occasion of a trip to Woodstock, Va., from which eggs were secured later. It was extremely abundant at that place on blackberry as well as on wild rose.
Eggs were deposited June 12, in one instance in a mass of 19, placed side by side in the same manner as in N, tristis. From the eggs of that species they differed in 10 observable way. The average measurement was 0.80" long and 0,30™™ wide.
Among the beetles received from Woodstock, Va., one was noted on the under surface of which was a larval mite which has been identified by Mr. Nathan Banks as Hupalpus echinatus Bks.
REMEDIES.
These leaf-beetles are amenable to the same treatment as the cherry leaf-beetle and imported elm leaf-beetle. As they do not fly quickly, it is easy to capture them by jarring them onto inverted umbrellas or other similar specially prepared appliances saturated with kerosene.
Note.—Nodonota clypealis Horn has been noticed in July and early August in great abundance in Maryland near the District line on the fresh terminal leaves of Actt- nomeris squarrosa growing on high land as well as on Ambrosia trifida on river bottoms, as previously reported.
96 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
NOTES ON THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE AND OTHER BORERS AFFECTING FRUIT TREES.
Since the publication of Circular No. 29, second series, on the fruit-
tree bark-beetle (Scolytus rugulosus Ratz.), a few notes have been gath- | ered from correspondence and from personal observation which will be | here recorded. These notes corroborate statements made in the circular in regard to i | the parent beetles choosing diseased trees by preference for oviposition, i as also statements that beetles will attack healthy trees, add some new food plants to the known list already published, and demonstrate the \| efficacy of kerosene when rubbed upon infested trunks and branches | as a remedy for the beetles. Certain other facts are also mentioned.
Certain other fruit-tree borers have also come under observation and will be briefly mentioned.
THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE. (Scolytus rugulosus Ratz.)
May 16, 1898, Prof. E. A. Popenoe wrote from Topeka, Kans., that in
a search for trees attacked by this species in different portions of
Kansas many rows of trees were examined, and in nearly every tree
affected the top was blighted or a stump remained whence a blighted
branch had been cut. Beetles were also noticed in pear trees whose
- leaves were colored so as to indicate iil health and were found to be
also diseased at the root below the budding point. Many of the dis-
eased trees showed the beetles just beginning work, precluding the
possibility of the appearance of disease resulting from the beetle attack.
The conclusion was reached that the diseased trees were preferred by
! the Scolytus as a place of oviposition. In a few trees, however, the | beetles were found at work where there was no sign whatever of iil i] health in the tree attacked, thus corroborating statements of like nature |
previously made by the writer.
Mr. Ernest Walker, of Clemson College, 8S. C., wrote May 18 that | this species was doing damage on Prunus simini and Japanese plums. | | Mr. J. C. Andrus, Manchester, Scott County, Ill., stated in a letter Hi dated May 15 that in his experience this species attacks mountain ash | | | and Juneberry (Amelanchier canadensis), both new food plants for this | | country, and the lutter unrecorded. | In response to inquiry in regard to remedies, Mr. C. C. Beals, of New | | London, Howard County, Ind., wrote under date of August 23 that this | insect made its appearance at that place about the middle of July,
peppering the bark of the cherry trees with holes and running about | over the bark. In two or three days after the first noticed appearance i a tree was sprayed with kerosene, but this had no apparent effect. 1 }
The kerosene was then rubbed upon the trunk and larger branches
THE FRUIT-TREE BARK-BEETLE. 97
with the result that all the beetles were killed. At the time of writing the tree was doing well. Writing again October 25, Mr. Beals stated that although the kerosene killed all the insects with which it came in contact, the experiment was not an entire success for the reason that the smaller branches ard twigs were not treated.
As still further corroboration of the statements previously made, that this species will attack healthy trees, the writer observed during the season of 1898 in the same orchard mentioned in the footnote on page 3 Of the circular, a perfectly healthy apple tree, which had been attacked evidently several years previously, judging from the nearly obsolete sears on the trunk. Specimens of the beetle, dead in two or three of the burrows, showed beyond doubt that this was the species concerned, were it possible to mistakeits work for that of any other known Scolytid. The apple tree had entirely recovered fror. attack.
The peach tree mentioned in the same footnote as apparently perfectly sound except for the attack of the beetles was again attacked last fall, and will be kept under observation, as it is probable that it will not be able to survive more than one or two years under the circumstances. The particular place selected by the beetles for their principal attack in 1897 showed the presence of ‘‘sun scald” early in the succeeding summer. Later this space, which was on the main part of the trunk, was found to be badly infested with the peach borer (Sannina exitiosa). Some of the smaller branches had attracted another well-known borer of the peach, Phlewotribus liminaris Harr., and the tree now shows the effect of attack, although no beetles have yet bred from any except one dead branch.
The presence of this bark-beetle in trees infested by the San Jose scale, as mentioned on page 2 of the circular, was again noticed the present year, but Messrs. W. G. Johnson and.F. M. Webster have both informed me that this is unusual.
Chiropachys colon Linn., the most abundant and destructive parasitic enemy of this bark-beetle, was noticed abroad the past year as early as April 9.
THE BANDED HICKORY BORER.
(Chion cinctus Dru.)
A Cerambyeid larva, unknown to the writer, was ovserved at Colonial Beach, Va., in 1897, at work in branches of plum infested also by Scolytus rugulosus. It was reared, and proved to be Chion cinctus. This is, I believe, the first instance of this species being found attacking orchard trees. Among divisional notes itis recorded that larve were received at this Department in September, 1880, from Mr. J. T. de Jar- nett, Latonton, Putnam County, Ga., with the report that the species was doing damage to all kinds of oaks.
13892—No. 19———7
98 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO GARDEN AND ORCHARD CROPS.
THE GRAPE CANE-BORER. (Amphicerus bicaudatus Say.)
This well-known species, which is also called the apple twig-borer, has recently come to the front as an enemy of stored lumber, and, although only a single instance of injury appears to be known, the character of the damage, owing to the large size of the insect and the length of its burrows, is most striking, and sufficient to stigmatize this beetle as one of the foremost of troublesome species when once it obtains access to a lumber_yard.
August 27, 1897, Mr. W. A. Wimsatt, of Washington City, brought to this office specimens of the beetles, with the report that they were injur- ing ash wood in his lumber yard. He later brought, by request, a small board in which the beetles were boring. In a space in this board 33 inches long by five-eighths of an inch wide no less than 11 burrows of this beetle appeared. In two instances a beetle had excavated a burrow partly within one board and partly in another, injuring both. One beetle was still alive and active in one piece as Jate as November 15, and the following spring half a dozen more beetles issued. Neither larvee nor pup were found, and it is uncertain as to whether or not the beetles which issued from the wood bred therefrom.
Mr. Thomas A. Williams, of the Division of Agrostology of this Department, and an entomologist of some experience, informs me that in the winter of 1892-93 he received from a farmer in the northern part
of South Dakota some twigs of apple and green ash (Fraxinus viridis)
showing the characteristic borings of this insect, and also some of the mature beetles which had been taken in the holes. To be positive that the same insect was working in both plants Mr. Williams wrote for more material, to be sent in separate packages, as well as for data regarding the extent of injury in each case. In the second lot of mate- rial which he received, an abundance of borers were found, and he satis- fied himself as to the identity of the insect in each case. The borers worked in the ash in exactly the Same manner asin the apple. Accord- ing to the farmer the insects first appearec in a small apple orchard, and after practically ruining the trees transferred their attention to the green ash on his tree claim, and did a great deal of damage. The twigs sent were very badly infested, showing evidence of the presence of great numbers of the insect. During the years mentioned, as also in 1894 and to a less extent in 1895, borers of the same kind did a great deal of damage in the Northwest, the conditions being evidently favor- able for their increase, drought lessening the vitality of the trees and rendering them more susceptible to the ravages of the insect.
THE EBYE-SPOTTED APPLE-TWIG BORER. (Oberea ocellata Hald.)
Since the first recorded injury by this species to fruit trees, in an article by Miss M. EK. Murtfeldt, in the report of this Department for the year 1888 (pp. 137, 138), the insect has attracted more or less atten- tion by its occurrence on fruit trees, and has been the subject of cor-
THE EYE-SPOTTED APPLE-TWIG BORER. 99
respondence every year or two. Singularly enough, however, nothing seems to have been published concerning it except in the article referred to, although mention has been made of this, or what is probably this, species in at least one other publication.
During the season of 1898 we received specimens from Mr. G. A. Schattenberg, Boerne, Tex., with the report that the species was found in great abundance in the tips of branches of peach and plum trees, It had never occurred in pear there and seldom in apple. It was also received from Mr. G. Hillje, from Delhi and String Prairie, Tex., with report that it was injurious to peach trees in tie first-mentioned locality and to peach and plum near the latter place.
Larve of what appeared to be the same insect were received from Mr. W.B. K. Johnson, Allentown, Pa., where they were found in the small limbs of apple. It is nol positively known if this species is injurious so far North as Allentown, hence we are anxious to obtain material from Northern localities, that the species may be reared to the adult.
From earlier correspondence it appears that this species affects, in addition to apple, peach and plum, pear and poison sumac.
REMEDIES.
Nothing new has developed in the line of remedial treatment to be observed against any of these borers. Opportunity has been afforded for the testing of bisulphide of carbon against one species of borer, and the matter will receive mention in some future publication of this Division. |
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