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BaP OT 


oF THE L- X 


BNTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF ONTARIO, 
1872, 


INCLUDING A REPORT ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL AND 
COMMON INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


) 


PRE PARED BOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, MA., 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario ; and Editor of the Canadian Entomologist ; 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontaio; and 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 


Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


Lrinted by Order of the Legislative Assembly. 


Il Torontes: 
, PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 86 & 88 KING STREET WEST. 
1873. 


hae 

pag \ 

ES\" Annval REPORT 
EN’ oF THE 


- ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF ONTARIO, 
1872, 


INCLUDING A REPORT ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL AND 
COMMON INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REV.,C. J. S. BETHUNE,. MA., 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario ; and Editor of the Canadian Entomologist ; 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


Vice-President of tle Entomological Society of Ontuin; and 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 


Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly. 


Toronto: 


PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 86 & 88 KING STREET WEST. 
1873. 


| Croce l OE N eS, 


PEMA T COUN DANIO DOLG, :sic'< teeesg. tenvsleinssantsveeres +s «coMMeevearspents erent evsvale Figcudberetnrysc : 
President’s Address Ardea Sues Rtas esos sae pt dens ss seers esc cuate dah mactarerak selctamnaskes antate 
SSITCENIMPOL ANIC wicectceicio s)cccecesosmean tas eanketeronac pins +«< caMMMEnecatante tata tunics aeetacts ckaueye etaeeey 
BPSPMATNONSEO LDIANY? sic-cetuccsceuansanntyeuiuertensecsser es «+ sMepatmennticct tenet ve tel dectad see stelueteclat se 
Tosects injurious tothe Grape. By W. Saumnders,......5.secccks «ccna ccessteosecevedss os vessvenoes 
Ansects Injurious to the Strawberry. By W. Saunders, ................ccc. cccseeceseceee ceeseeuces 
Insects Affecting the Hop. By Rev. 0. J.S. Bethune .................csecsesses cece e ceecceeeeenes 
Thsects ITFER IOP EVLA DIENLLeGs. | PD YEE MreeCdin.s...... meeRacaws cartes ascuaecnsantes siurs atcisateaenes 
Insects Affecting the Peach. By E. B. Reed cay More. Seach Sane Once Or 
“Insects Injurious to the Potato. By HE. B. Reed .......cccscscscccesseseseccencceusecenesene cenee . 


inssomelnnoxious Lnstcts. By We Saunders......5. . < Seercssces « cvcstebecesdoececevecovienvesteves 
Beneficial Ineects. By Rey. C. J. S. Bethune..... ...... 


ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


1872, 


INCLUDING A REPORT ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL AND 
COMMON INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
; Ontario ; and Editor of the Canadian Entomologist ; 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontario; and 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 


Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE PROVINCE OF 
ONTARIO, FOR THE YEAR 1872. 


To the Honourable the Commissioner of Agriculture,— 


Srr,—In compliance with our Statute of Incorporation, I have the honour to submit 
the Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario for the year 1872. 

The annual meeting of the Society was this year held at the City of Hamilton, when 
the various reports were read, and the officers for 1873 duly elected. ; : 

I also beg leave to submit herewith a Report on some of the Noxious, Beneficial, and 
Common Insects of this Province, which has been prepared by the Rey. C. J. S. Bethune, 
Mr. William Saunders and myself, on behalf of the Society. 

The publication of the Canapran EnToMoLoaIsT is still regularly continued, and the 
value of its pages has been greatly enhanced by the contributions of Entomologists both on 
this continent and in England, whose learned researches have rendered them authorities in 
their several branches of this science. 


9 
Z 


I have much pleasure in being able to report an increase in our membership, which has 
now reached 300, and that under the fostering care of your Department a more general interest 
in practical Entomology seems to be making its way steadily among the agricultural com- 
munity. 

To Canadians generally it must be gratifying to know that the course pursued by your 
Department in encouraging the efforts of the fruit-grower, and in disseminating a knowledge 
of the various insect friends and foes, has called forth warm commendations from seyeral of 
the English scientific papers, and strong suggestions have been made that a similar course 
should be pursued by the Home Department. 


I have the honour to remain, 
Your obedient servant, 
Epmunp Baynes REED, 


Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 
London, Ont., Nov., 1872. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The second annual general meeting of the Society was held at the Court-House, Hamil- 
ton, Ontario, on Thursday Hyening, September 27, 1872. 

The President, the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A.. in the chair. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. 

The President's address, the report of the Council, and the financial statement of the 
Secretary-Treasurer were then read, and on motion duly received and adopted. 


ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 1873. 


The following Officers were then elected: 

President.—Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., Trinity. College School, Port Hope, Ont. 

Vice-President.—W. Saunders, Esq., London, Ont. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—H. B. Reed, Esq., London, Ont. 

Council.—Prof. J. Macoun, Belleville; R. V. Rogers, Esq., Kingston; J. M. Denton, 
Esq., London; J. Pettit, Esq., Grimsby, A. Macallum, Esq., Hamilton. 

Auditors.—J. H. Griffiths and Chas. Chapman, London. 

: On motion duly carried, it was resolved that the sum of $100 be paid respectively to the 
President as Editor of the Enromoxoaist, and the Secretary-Treasurer, for their services 
during the year 1872. 

The state of the Library was discussed, and suggestions made with reference te its 
management. 

The subject of the Report on Insects was laid before the meeting, and information 
elicited from the members respecting the prevalence of any special damage caused in their re- 
spective districts by the attacks of insects on field or garden crops. A vote of thanks was 
passed to Judge Logie for his courtesy in granting the use of his room for the annual 
meeting. 

The meeting then adjourned. 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


In presenting the Second Annual Report, the Council feel highly gratified at the mea- 
sure of success which has attended the Society during the past year. Confined, as its mem- 
bership naturally is, to a small numerical portion of the public, it is yet very evident from 
the increased number of new members that the Society’s efforts are appreciated, and that 
the science of practical Entomology is being gradually forced upon the notice of our most 
intelligent agriculturists and horticulturists. Fifty-four new members have entered our 
ranks this season, several of them being entomologists of some reputation. Our total num- 
ber is now 300, made up as below :—- 


Qntarios peneral.. [ocses-\uves suet vivertneteamues 70 
Tondon sBranchs, . Saseuwecsecis sack -/<.ated as e's 51 
SINE SEN, t350,....ccessmedauscas decade cotemantese 15 
136 in Ontario 
Quebec Province .......s:0e:se+ee- see sloctaat acne 14 
INOVENS COLA 5 4: cc nectemncnemsssoct teens Jmneeees 3 
British) Columbia smewciesesditestaseeenseeen 1 
154 in Canada. 
WnitediStates:...... cee weecascesss oetorersnecess 138 
Min Glandec sac isch. .qheteneee tee eeeena tei eean aces 8 
Total Mascctcosetccc scar ecicaee ties 300 Members, 


The Quebec Branch has ceased for the present to exist; but we hope shortly to see it 
reorganized. : ~ 

Our membership in the United States is steadily increasing, and from this source we 
derive much substantial assistance both to our funds and our magazine. The publication of 
the Canapian Enromocoatst is still continued; the fourth volume is now nearly com- 
pleted. The ENTomo.oaist is at present the only regularly-issued periodical on this Con- 
tinent devoted to the science of Entomology. We must not omit to return our hearty 
thanks to those friends who have so kindly sent material to the editors, and by whose active 
assistance the latter have been able to keep up the good reputation of our periodical. Espe- 
cially would we make honourable mention of Mr. V. T Chambers, of Covington, Kentucky, 
whose admirable papers on the Micro Lepidoptera have attracted much attention both here 
and in England. 

Some of onr members have expressed an opinion that the ENromMoLoaisT is too exclu- 
sively scientific, and that its pages have not been made sufficiently interesting to those 
amongst us who are at present only beginners in the study of the science. The Council feel 
that there is some justice in this remark, and we wouid suggest to our successors that perhaps 
it may be feasible to publish, in the pages of the ENromMoxoaisr, the descriptions of our na- 
tive Lepidoptera, taken from the original sources, as far as practicable, and thus give some 
assistance to those whose want of proper books, or inability to get even a reference to them, 
is an insuperable barrier to their working out for themselves the names of the various species 
in their collections. 

The great drawback to the Society’s efforts is a want of sufficient funds to procure the 
requisite scientific works on Entomology, many of which are very rare and costly, and also a 
proper supply of engravings and electrotypes of the various insects treated of. It is very 
difficult to meet the latter demand, owing to the want ofa good artist who is well versed in 
the science, and able to give a correct representation of the originals; at the present time we 
have to send to the United States for the greater part of our wood-cuts and electrotypes. 

The Council appointed a delegation to confer with the Commissioner of Agriculture om 
the subject of an increased grant, and there is every reason to hope that the result will be 
successful. In their application they will be strongly supported by the Fruit Growers’ As- 
sociation, who are making a similar appeal. 

We have much pleasure in referring to the very generous donation of fifty dollars to- 
wards our library fund by the Fruit Growers’ Association. It becomes indeed more manifest, 
as each succeeding year rolls on, that the cordial feeling existing between these two sister 
Societies is a strong element in their suceess, and furnishes fresh proof of the necessity of 
their continuing the work in the same friendly manner. We sincerely hope that this feeling 
will always continue. 

The financial statement will, we think, be found satisfactory to the members. 

The Council have thought it advisable to rent rooms at London for three years from 
July 1, 1872, at $80 per annum ; of this the London Branch pays $30. We would here 
suggest and recommend thut the expenses of fitting it up in a suitable manner be borne by 
the Society. The estimated cost is about $100. It must not be forgotten that hitherto the 
Society has had no proper place for keeping the stock of books, cabinets, pins, corks, ete, 


—r 


The library has been largely augmented during the year, and is now the nucleus of a 
very fair collection of entomological books. 

The property of the Society is insured for $850. 

Arrangements have been made for the continuation of our Annual Reports, to be pub- 
lished as hitherto under the direction of the Department of Agriculture. If successful in 
obtaining the increased grant that we are now applying for, it is ; contemplated to issue with 
the Reports a coloured plate of insects, believing that by this means we shall be able to 
present to the public a much more definite and correct idea of the various insects treated of. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Epmunp Baynes REeEp, 
On behalf of the Councit. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER. 


ve Receipts. 

By; BalancepinyBankjot Montreal: Un. sos seen eas eee eaten ler. Watton ea $ 233 73 
“ Members’ Fees, including arrears...........s.+e..0 sconces eae one" we aaaesss song) ae) WGA 
« Government grant for 1872. ...... COUREBOIC? - latee reas antec Abase omen ceabe 500 00 
“ Enevaving, from Department for Annual "Report, he GE Rae aA 150 00 
« QANADIAN HIN TOMOLOGISTH Sal elOfi fs. 1cnec<c/ap sn ceeeeee ares mac's obo snes ceeseaeae ese 40 98 
ker Panis | SAL Offs soeai: dues no feces a ttac EAM Lites « iE Mee ERES atin <'seicalresaucartetat 15 20 
& Cork, Ce PAN ote a NC cs Uo a cc RR NR 2 apd nso oS talons 13 87 
a Library acet—Sale of Duplicate Pamphlets... aapepens besa deceeme ns 4 75 54 75 
se a Donation from Fruit Growers’ Association............ 50 00 ; re 
« Expense acct, xchange, &XC..........-.....0000e- BP = OS ARA EE Sea SOR Beam ic 22 58 
fr ndiwid all accts.. kewce- sense scr Ba saa ti acts « ie ne RMU EROE EB SSeS or aay URD ke 18 06 

$1299 76 
Disbursements... 

To Expense acct., including Hditor’s salary for 1871.........-....2-02e00s $267 O1 
« Engraving for Annual “Report.. SOB ALHSHE ACO CHERMES ES 3 aco 6 oRAaBaE 152 55 
“ GanapIAN ENTomo.oaist, printing Nos. 7— 12, ‘vols , and 

Nosh 8s vols cine ise Ue es ae Th ee RI ND eed 428 16 
seouTribraryiaccbs,.: 2. .aosit-sass see eet eset Hass Peles ee a ates coat 181 24 
COMP civic wal aAccbs...c\).cuele ste ee cc ed meek oils w ds c's aeanMctan ee ee st oe 15 61 
Balance im) Bank of Montreal*t.:..-+<css54.0”. seamen ec eee =) 2b RS 


$1299 76 $1299 76 
* This will be exhausted in meeting liabilities due up to December 31, 1872. 


“We certify that the above is a correct statement of accounts for the year ending Sept 
19, 1872, as shown by the Treasurer’s books, with vouchers for all disbursements. 


Cuas. CHAPMAN, Mogae 
J. H. Grirritus, si 


Lonpon, Ont., Sept. 22, 1872. 


. ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
oF ONTARIO, 1872. 


To the Members of the Entomological Society of Ontario: 

GENTLEMEN,—It is my happy privilege once again to congratulate you upon the 
completion of another year of progress in the annals of our Society. As you have already 
learnt from the very satisfactory Report of our excellent Seeretary-Treasurer, the list of 
members of the Society has been largely added to during the past twelve months; the 
Library has been increased by the purchase of a number of valuable Entomological works ; 
a cabinet and microscope have been bequeathed to us by our late lamented member, the Rev. 
Professor Hubbert, and our collections haye been much improved; a comfurtable and com- 


modious suite of rooms has been procured in a central locality in London, Ont.—the present 
headquarters of the Society; the CanapiAN Enromo.oaist has been regularly issued 
with, we trust, no diminution in the value and interesting character of its contents; our 
Second Annual Report on Noxious and Beneficial Insects, prepared by Messrs. Saunders and 
Reed, and myself, and containing notices of the insects affecting the Apple, Grape, Plum, 
Currant and Gooseberry, Wheat crops, Potato, Cabbage, Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin and 
Squash, has been duly published by the Legislature of Ontario, and no doudt has long since 
been in the hands of you all. Such, gentlemen, is our record for the year that is now 
brought to a close, and, having in addition, a satisfactory balance-sheet from the Treasurer, 
we feel that mutual congratulations are not out of place, and that we who have been honoured 
with official positions in the Society, can look back upon our efforts in its behalf with at 
least the agreeable feeling that they have not been altogether in vain. 

If we turn, moreover, from our own especial interests to the condition and prospects of 
American Entomology in general, we find much to afford us satisfaction and encourage- 
ment. No large work, indeed, on any particular order of insects has appeared during the 
past year, but many valuable reports of State Entomologists and portions of serial publica- 
tions have been issued from the press,—among the latter, J may be pardoned, I am sure, 
for especially drawing attention to the exquisite illustrations of North American Butterflies 
contained in Mr. W. 0. Edwards’ invaluable work, which has now reached its Tenth Part. 
It speaks well, too, for the growing popularity of this branch of Natural Science, that Dr. 
Packard’s useful ‘‘ Guide to the Study of Insects’’ has already reached a third edition, A 
pleasing recognition of American Entomological work has recently, I may add, been mani- 
fested in England by the publication there, in a collected form, of the writings of the late 
Dr. Brackenridge Clemens, on the Z'incina of North America, under the editorial supervision 
of Mr. H. T. Stainton, the well-known authority in that department of Lepidopterology. 

Apart, however, from the position attained by the growth of our Entomological litera- 
ture, the Science has this year received a recognition that cannot fail to be of great and 
permanent benefit to it. I allude to the formation of a special sub-section of Entomology at 
the recent meeting of the American Association for the advancement of Science. It will 
now be practicable for American Entomologists —to whatever part of the continent they may 
belong, whether to a Province of the Dominion or a State of the Union, from the Atlantie to 
the Pacific —to meet together for mutual conference on matters Entomological. Questions 
affecting the Science in general can hardly fail to arise from time to time, and demand the 
consideration, and, possibly, the decision of some such united council. Certainly, the pro- 
ceedings of such a gathering will be of great interest and value to all who take part in them, 
if not, indeed to the whole circle of Canadian and American Entomologists. 

At the informal meeting at Dubuque, in August last, one subject was specially brought 
forward for discussion, which I cannot forbear alluding to more particularly here, especially 
asit may justly be considered the great question of the day in the Entomological world. I 
refer to the subject of the Specific and Generic Nomenclature of Insects. For some few 
years past indications have not been wanting of a growing inclination amongst the mass of 
Entomologists to resist the efforts made by some few able and distinguished writers to impose, 
year after year, new sets of names upon our common insects. This has been done partly by 
the revival of the long-forgotten names published at the close of the last century, or the 
beginning of the present one; and partly by the perpetual formation of new genera, and the 
re-distribution of species. The ability of the writers and the good work they have done in 
other respects, have caused these annoying changes to be acquiesced in for the most part, 
even though the object in view appeared to be rather the exhibition of their powers of re- 
search among antiquated tomes, or the supposed immortalization of themselves by the attach- 
ment of their own names to those of our familiar insects. I do not say that these men were 
actuated entirely by such motives, but assuredly one can hardly be accused of ill-natured 
criticism in ascribing much of the work to such causes. All must admit, I think, that 
nomenclature is but a means to an end, and that end is surely best attained by the preserva- 
tion of all names that have been in universal azceptation for a period of years, and that can- 
not be set aside without disturbing the cabinets of every Entomologist in the land. 

Matters in this respect have been brought to a climax by the recent publication of Mr. 
Seudder’s “ Systematic Revision of some of the North American Butterflies.’ I esteem Mr. 
Scudder so highly as a friend, and value so greatly the good scientifie work that he has done, 


that it pains me exceedingly to say a single word against anything that he may put forth. 

His projected ‘ revision,” however, is so sweeping and so revolutionary that I cannot for- 
bear to make some remarks upon it. I know that his scientific labours are perfectly unselfish, 
and that he is entirely destitute of any of the conceit that I have just now referred to; I feel 
sure, too, that he is actuated only by the desire to benefit the science: yet I do deeply de- 
plore the mode that he has adopted, and am convinced that if his views are pressed, a very 
great obstacle will be thrown in the way of the advancement and popularization of this de- 
partment of Natural History. We all, I am sure, look forward with eager anticipation to 
the publication of his great work upon North American Butterflies, and have no doubt that 
it will be the most complete, the most scientific, and the most conscientious work of the kind 
in America; but assuredly its value will be very greatly marred and its general acceptance 
impaired, if he continues to insist upon all these radical changes. 

To show you what these changes are, I will briefly state that in the pamphlet already 
published, and which is intended as a forerunner of the author's great work on the Butterflies, 
the following alterations are made in the received nomenclature:—The 228 species enurie- 
rated are distributed among 96 genera—almost a genus for every two species; of these 96 
genera, 42 are entirely new, and 39 others are obsolete names of Hubner and others that 
have never been generally adopted; there are thus 15 familiar generic names left, but of these 
several are transferred from their present position to entirely different groups of species; for 
instance, the name of Papilio is removed from the genus of ‘ Swallow-tailed Butterflies.’ and 
handed over to tke sole use of the insect at present known as Vanessa antiopa! Further, 
among the 96 genera, there are no less than 45 that include but a single species apiece; and 
among the 228 species there are only 16 left with their present names unchanged! These fig- 
ures are surely quite enough to show that [have not misapplied the terms “ sweeping,” “ reyolu- 
tionary,” and “ radical,”’ as characterizing this work of revision. I would, then, most earnestly 
entreat Mr. Scudder, for the sake of the science itself, to reconsider his projected changes, — 
to discard all antiquated names in favour of those that have been for years in general accep- 
tation and to reduce his list of new genera to as small a number as he conscientiously can. 
If he dees not, if he persists in his revision, I fear that his great work—most valuable as it 
will undoubtedly be in all other respects—will introduce more confusion, trouble and dis- 
cord into American Entomology than a generation can get rid of. If these difficulties can “be 
avoided in no other mode, it will remain for us all to unite together and agree to ignore all 
old forgotten names that may be brought forward, and retain all remaining of familiar species, 
until a general settlement of the question can be satisfactorily arrived at. 

I fear, gentlemen, that I have now completely exhausted your patience; J shall there- 
fore hasten to a close. But before doing so, let me remind you that, since our last annual 
meeting, our Society has lost by death one of its most valued members, Mr. B. Billings, of 
Ottawa, Ont. He was one of those devoted lovers of science who do good service by their 
honest, hearty work, but who, from their innate modesty and retiring disposition, shrink from 
all publicity. At times he contributed valuable papers to our little periodical, but he could 
never be induced to make any display of the knowledge he had {acquired by his patient dili- 
gence both at home and in the field. 

Permit me now, gentlemen, to resign into your hands the office that you have done me 
the honour of inyesting me with. [| thank you for your kindness and courtesy towards my- 
self and my colleagues, and with every wish for the continued success and prosperity of your 
Society. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, 
Your obedient servant, 
Cuarues J. S. Beruunr. 
Trinity College School, Port Hope, 
September, 1872. 


Tur Lonpon BRANCH. 


. 


The following officers were elected for 1872 :— 


President ............Mr. E. B. Reed, Secretary-Treasurer.....- Mr. H. Beck, 
Vice-President......Mr. J. M. Denton, | Curator. .....0.....0+.00 Mr. Joseph Williams. 


LT 


The Branch numbers some 50 members 

Since the establishment of the head quarters of the Parent Society, weekly meetings are 
held every Monday evening, at the Society’s Rooms, on the corner of Dundas and Clarence 
Streets ; and every effort is made to increase the interest felt in the Society's work, 

The Monthly Business Meetings are also kept up, and fairly attended. 

The Cabinet belonging to the Branch is being gradually arranged, and the various orders 
are now well represented both by Canadian and Foreign Specimens. 

A resolution was passed at the annual meeting, That a local collection of Insects should 
be made of specimens obtained within walking distance of the city. 

It was also resolyed that Books should be received in the Library on Deposit, proper 
means being taken for their safe keeping. 

Prizes were taken by the members of the Branch at the Western Fair held in October, 
the proceeds of which were devoted by the recipients to the general work of the London 
Branch, 

It isin contemplation to establish a small Museum of Natural History Specimens tm 
connection with the Branch, 

, > es 


Kin@ston BRANCH. 


The Officers for 1872 were :— 


PRESUAONE. sc0eese 4+ se Prof. N. F. Dupuis, | Secretary-Treasurer.........Mr. R. V. Rogers, 
Vice-President...... Mr. E. H. Collins, Jun. 


It numbers about 20 members. 
Meetings have been regularly held during the year. 


ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY. 


Drury seexone Hintomolocy, Aton sn. .0s. ss ecadsecercsresto dhe scence odecectaes sa ... 3 Volumes. 
British Beetles: by Janson. 1863)...........:.sseceaccaesccoscotaacnereenrressees res 1 Me 
MaxmillmEeats, : iby; ip Cuntisrevsessvcsceasecss <s «vs WMNrereniods svalsceSerenseceas Pinerene 1 ae 
British Moths: by EH. Newman’. ...2.<- ....s--cesteersecces Reet cocoet cope. i! me 
PACRASIA Hake Operon LOOU me. cwcs adsess'seccctiMecaseracevecacusewasencall Neceres 1 
Transactions of American Entomological Society, vols. 1-2 ......::.cseeeeeseeree se 
Illustrations of British Entomology : by J. Stephens......... 02.0. seeeeeeeeer ees 12 $e 
Histoire Generale des Lepidoteres de |’Amerique Septentrionale: par Le Dr. 
IBoIRduyalneny Mie Conte, Aris, (S33 Jseceeess ees cilsssientc sees aeam'evissicteien 1 fe 
Newman’s History of Insects: 1841 ............000 ceceesescec ene AS SeSBB CREEL 1 = 
Fitch’s Reports un Noxious Insects in State of New York: 1-2.............05 1 
Packard's Guide tothe Stud yron sinsecte.g ....memeerndesccasssssesthicesemasiasene’ 1 a 
Hintomological Correspondence: Harris ................cceececnseceeescesceeensesens 1 a 
RRS wAmerIGAnN atUrALSt sh L-Duntudtehseccsssa-s.+0tenicensace! kcakaweye) neectontectes 5 4 
The Canadian Journal, vol 3, ©. S.; vols. 1-6, N.S.... .csceccssscvcecscseos vase 7 ae 
Systema! Natura. Winmeous, TDG. 0... 0. ...-asetesceceesonsaeccsie~-a+m ecebataces 1 U 
ahenGan Adxan) Nsiralistys GOREN, tes aveccees.c<sceeehg etay rents lvieecnsvicuacsecenta cals 1 Ht 
Life of North American Insecta’: Jeever,......cdacesacscovcevesevecensece areas: des il ae 
Stainton’s Manual of British Butterflies and Moths .........-..:-cseseeeeeeeeee es 2 “ 
find Hi spay: On) WHEAUMNRECSrecsccesccuccciees CemMibbnescsiscescsascdesucest«scensions l ae 
Stephen’s Manual of British Beetles: 1839 ..........:sccseccsieesecseee eoscesee 1 iS 
The Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer .............cceesceeeseeeeeeee aeeaesNanaes £ ee 
Insects At Home: by Rey.-J. C: Wood. 1872 .........0..csesscsscenensenssvses ove ge 
Reports of Commissioner of Agriculture and Arts, Ontario. 1870-1 .......... 1 a 
Worcester’s English Dictionary, Library edition..............csesseceeeeereeee seen l fe 


Geological Survey of Camada, 1853-56 ...............ccseccecercecareesees covecsees 1 - 


Geolopy, of Canada. 18662) cseecccecmena-0on «epeamedabn eee seileen sre. ek een 1 Volume. 
Ke a Atlas! 1868) 23.1. caemerettessesces eens cneas<-3.. eee 4% 
Geologi eal Survey of Indiana. IESG) sacaddopbedectscs 243 .cockstichiesdeatopdacmeunisaess 1 ac 
Maps pects | a 
TD eeiestionn of Indiana att Horticultural Society . Bie a ee u “ 


Booxs Lent on Deposit. 


By JosepH WILLIAMsS— 


The Canadian Naturalist and Geologist; O. S., 1-5 ............020ecceeeeeeeee ee 5 ac 

“ BS ‘WINS TS13 Glee eae: cence 8 uf 
Binney)s) Mollusks:syolseel A vas. cane spree anl-)- sae eeteeetnad seein ce eedek pri deianesas 2 sc 

By E. B. Reep— 

Noel Humphrey's British Buttertlies <c..-.... sentiucsussceveesesro= ¢iq wceeer) cower’ 1 € 
Elements of Entomology: by Dallas. ................000. 0. BB crgancsaeocteceas 1 ee 
Origintol Speckess: yyy Cp WAlWAN aaeesn se vas - Paeeeence suse fe ae on/aent eeeemeeNe tr Ae 1 fe 
A Natu ralist’s Voyage Round the World : by OMe recede cess atscteceneccormalicess 1 a 
Animals and Plants under Domestication: by do. ...........s.ceseeeeeeeerseeeeeee By! ‘ 
SiebaldionTrne/Panthenocenesis 2... -.ce-:--«ccemebeoecechitee ss ese cechaaleleraessieacte 1 ce 
Wariationjol Species: byavia Wollaston!” :. “aeencsesesartn-o- sce deereeeerecs ce: 1 G: 
The Waturalists) NoteBook: USGS cv... csemeeerrrisceiat is: sve-cseseregiiser dae 1 Ks 
The! Naturalists’ Wibrary : (Jardine). Insectsamemsss.n-..+---c---+.+ccesenoee seces 4 cS 
The Entomolocist’s Annual, 1856, 1860-1 . 222.0... .......ceceecseseveeeees oeneee 3 “« 
Coleman's ‘British Butterflies’ <202) os. scce +0. -ccembinee oe teak ese cen eedaes'csnenacl/eaewne 1 as 
Dheidnsects Hunteriot-s by NCwInall aca-csec.:..ssemeneteessaiessc- as e-seeeteseccee as 1 ec 


BE.P ORT 
ON SOME OF THE 
NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL, AND COMMON INSECTS 


OF THE 


PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


LIE BOD WIG OuR Wt 


It has been a source of no small gratification to the writers of these Reports to receive 
so many kind expressions of appreciation of their labours. The favourable notices too, that 
have appeared in many English and American publications, afford them much encouragement 
in the pursuit of their Entomological labours, to which they regret they are unable to de- 
vote more than a small proportion of their time: each of them being necessarily engaged in 
other deeply engrossing pursuits, and having but little leisure at his command, The writers 
would again remind their readers that they are responsible only for their individual portions 
of the Report. 

, BE. B. Reep. 
London, Ont., November, 1872. 


10) 


INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE GRAPE. 


ADDENDA TO REPORTS FOR 1870-71. 


BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 


No. 17. The Rose beetle, Macrodactylus No. 19. The Abbot Sphinx, Thyreus 


subspinosus, Fab. A bbotii, Swainson. 
18. The Achemon Sphinx, Philampelus The Grape Seed Insect, 
achemon, Drury. Isosoma vitis Saunders. 


| 20. A Cut-worm, Agrotis—? 


in addition to the insects already referred to as injurious to the grape in Ontario in the 
Entomological Reports for 1870 and 1871, we have the following to submit to our readers. 


No. 17. THE ROSE BEETLE (Macrodactylus Subspinosus, Fab). 


This insect commonly known as the Rose-bug, which for some years past has been re- 
ported as doing damage to grape vines in the United States, has always been present with us ; 
but it has not, heretofore, as far as we know, been much complained of by grape growers in 
any part of Ontario. In the latter part of May, 1872, we received a note from “Mr. John 
Ferguson, of Union, near Port Stanley, Ont., accompanied by a box of these insects, asking 
for information as to what he should do to get rid of them as they were destroying his grape 
vines. In a subsequent note he says, ‘‘ they eat the leaves especially of the Clinton. I found 
a few on my Concords, but the number was small in comparison to those found on the 
Clinton; they seem to prefer it, and if left alone, they soon eat all the outer tissue of the 
leaf, and leave nothing but the net-work.” 

The fact of this insect showing a preference for the Clinton vine has been remarked 
before by the late Mr. Benj. D. Walsh, State Entomologist of Illinois, who suggested the 
taking advantage of this preference onthe part of the insect, as a means of lessening the 
labour attending their destruction. In his first annual report on the “ Noxious Inseets of 
Illinois”, page 24, he says “In particular seasons, as is well known, and in particular locali- 
ties this insect occurs in prodigious swarms, and gathers upon grape vines so as to strip 
them almost entirely of their leaves. The only known remedy that is practically available, 
is to jar them off the vines and kill them; and of course if we can induce them to concen- 
trate their forces upon one particular vine, and leave the rest alone, the labour of destroying 
them will be very greatly diminished.” 

Luckily for the grape grower this can be done. There is concurrent evidence from a 
great number of different sources, that the Rose-bug prefers the Clinton to all other culti- 
vated varieties, and will gather upon that and leave the others unmolested. 

In the Canada Farmer for 1867 , page 327, the Rose Beetle is referred to as occasionally 
injurious to the vine, as well as many other shrubs and trees, and mention is made of its 
great abundance every year in one locality at Oakville ; it is also spoken of in Harris’ “ In- 
sects Injurious to Vegetation” as hurtful to the vine. 


lal 


In Figure 1, we have a representation of the perfect Beetle. It is called the 
Rose-bug on account of its appearing annually at the time of the blossoming of the 
rose, and of its having been first noticed as injurious to that flower. The body of this 
beetle measures a little more than one-third of an inch in length; it is slender in 
4 form and tapers a little towards each extremity. Its colour is dull yellowish when 
h fresh, arising from its being covered with a greyish yellow down or bloom; and its 
long sprawling legs are of adull pale reddish hue, with the joints of the feet tipped with 
black, the feet are also armed with very long claws. The down on its body is easily rubbed 
- off, and when this is done there is quite a change in the appearance of the insect, the head, 
thorax, and the under side of the body becoming of a shining black. ‘The following excel- 
lent account of its history is given by Dr. Harris. 

r «The unexpected arrival of these insects in swarms, at their first coming, and their sud- 
den disappearance at the close of their career, are remarkable facts in their history. They 
come forth from the ground during the second week in June, or about the time of the blos- 

“soming of the damask rose, and remain from thirty to forty days. At the end of this period 
the males become exhausted, fall to the ground and perish, while the females enter the earth, 

their eges, return to the surface, and after lingering a few days die also.” 

«The eggs laid by each female are about thirty in number, and are deposited from one 
to four inches beneath the surface of the soil; they are nearly globular, whitish, and about 
-one-thirtieth of an inch in diameter, and are hatched twenty days after they are laid. The 
_ young laryze begin to feed on such tender roots as are within their reach; and when not eat- 

i they lie upon the side, with the body curved so that the head and tail are nearly in 
contact ; they move with difficulty on a level surface, and are continually falling over on 
one side or the other. They attain their full size in the autumn, being then nearly three- 

‘quarters of an inch long, and about an eighth of an inch in diameter. They are of a yel- 
lowish white colour, with a tinge of blueStowards the hinder extremity, which is thick and 
‘obtuse, and rounded ; a few short hairs are scattered on the surface of the body; there are 

short legs, namely, a pair to each of the first three rings behind the head, and the latter 
covered with a horny shell of a pale rust colour, In October they descend below the reach 
of frost, and pass the winter in a torpid state. In the spring they approach towards the sur- 
face and each one forms for itself a little cell of an oval shape by turning round a great many 
times, so as to compress the earth and render the inside cf the cavity hard and smooth. 
Within this cell the grub is transformed to a pupa during the month of May by casting of its 
skin, which is pushed forward in folds from the head to the tail. The pupa has somewhat 
the form of the perfect beetle; but it is of a yellowish white colour, and its short stump- 
like wings, its antenn and its legs are folded upon the breast: and its whole body is en- 
closed in a thin film that wraps each part separately. During the month of June this filmy 
skin is rent, the included beetle withdraws its body and its limbs, bursts open its earthen 
], and digs its way to the surface of the ground. Thus the various changes, from the egg 
‘0 the full development of the perfect beetle, are completed within the space of one year.” 
Although these insects have many natural foes, such as carnivorous ground beetles, 
dragon flies, toads, insectivorous birds, domestic fowls, &e., yet they often need the inter- 
yening hand of man to keep them within due bounds. The best means of disposing of them 
is to jar them from the vines on which they are resting with a sudden and violent jar, to 
sheets spread below to receive them. They are naturally sluggish, and do not fly readily, 
and are fond of congregating in masses on the foliage they are consuming; and hence, in the 
morning, before the day becomes warm, they can be easily shaken from their resting places, 
and disposed of, either by burning them, or by throwing them into scalding water. 


No. 18. THE ACHEMON SPHINX. (Philampelus Achemon, Drury.) 


ee 


aig ca ea a 


egies 


12 


The caterpillar of this species (see figure 2) is a formidable looking creature, measuring, 
when full grown, if at rest, about three inches, and, when crawling, about three anda half — 
inches. While young, as this larva feeds singly, it does not attract much attention, but, as 
it approaches maturity, it consumes, in a short time, large quantities of leaves, renderiag long 
branches of the vine quite leafless. It is usually met with of full size late in August, and — 
feeds on the American ivy (Ampelopsisquingue folia ) as well as on the grape vine. ‘The fol. 3 
lowing descriptions of the larva and perfect insect are compiled chiefly from Mr. Riley’s — 
second report on the insects of Missouri. : 

The largest segment in the body of the larva is the third behind the head; the second — 
is but half its size, and the first still smaller; and, when at rest, it usually withdraws the 
head and the two next segments within the third, as shown in the figure. This caterpillar 
varies much in colour; when young, it is usually green, with a long slender reddish horn, 
rising from the last segment but one, and curving backwards. When full grown, the general : 
colour is sometimes green, but more frequently a pale straw, or reddish brown, and the loag i 
recurved horn has disappeared, its place being occupied by a polished tubercle. The pale — 
straw colour, or reddish brown deepens at the sides, and finally merges into a rich brown. : 


Se 


A broken line of brown runs along the back, and another unbroken, with its upper edgé fid- 

ing gradually, extends along each side. It has six scalloped cream-coloured spots on each © 
side, and is covered more or less with minute spots, which are dark on the back, but light and 
annulated at the sides. There are also from six to eight transverse wrinkles on all but tHe — 
thoracic and caudal segments. The head, front segments and breathing holes incline to flesh — 
colour, while the prolegs and caudal plate are deep brown 


3 

When full grown, and about to transform to a 

», chrysalis, the colour of the worm often changes 4 
E to that of a beautiful pink or crimson. It a 


descends to the ground, and burrows under 
neath, and undergoes its change there within a 
smooth cavity. The chrysalis (see fig 3) is of a dark shining mahogany brown colour, — 
roughened, especially on the anterior edge of the segments in the back. 


Fie. 4. 


"The moth (figure 4) is of a brownish grey colour, variegated with light brown, and with 
the dark spots shown in the figure deep brown. ‘The hind wings are pink, with a dark shade 
across the middle, still darker spots below this shade, and a broad grey border behind. It is 
usually single brooded, the chrysalis remaining in the ground through the fall, winter and 
spring months, and producing the moth towards the latter part of June. ; 

This insect has rarely presented itself in sufficient numbers to prove alarming to the 
vine grower, either here or in the United States. Indeed, with us, it has hitherto been a 
rare insect ; nevertheless, since some usually rare insects occasionally appear in comparative 
abundance, we have thought it best to present our readers with a history of the species, so 


that all may be able to recognize it. Slould it at any time prove troublesome, its large size 
makes it so conspicucus, that it might be easily controlled by hand picking. 


No. 19. THE ABBOT SPHINX. (Thyreus Abbotii, Swainson.) 


We have never yet met with the larva of this insect, but haye seen specimens of the 

moth, which were captured in the neighbourhcod of Hamilton; Ont. Doubtless, some of our 

readers will have met with it. Figure 5 :hews both larva and moth. The following 

Fig. 5. description of this species occurs in Mr. 

Riley’s second report, already alluded 

to, which we shall take the liberty of 
copying :— 

“This is another of the large grape 
feeding insects occurring on the culti- 
vated and indigenous vines, and on the 
Virginia Creeper, and heving, in a full 
grown larva state, a polished tubercle, 
instead of a horn at the tail. Its habitat 
is given by Dr. Clemens as New York, 
Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, 
and Ohio; but, though not so common 
as the Sphinx moths previously described, 
yet it is often met with both in Illinois 
and Missouri. The larva, which is repre- 
. sented in the upper part of figure 5, 

yaries considerably in appearance. Indeed, the ground colour seems to depend in a measure 

on the sex, for Dr. Morris describes this larva as reddish brown, with numerous patches of 
{light green, and expressly states that the female is of @ uniform reddish-brown, with an inter- 
rupted dark brown dorsal line, and transverse strie. I have reared two individuals, which 
came to their growth about the last of July, at which time they were both without a vestige 
of green. The ground colour was dirty yellowish, especially at the sides. Each segment 
was marked transversely with six or seven slightly impressed fine black lines, and longitudi- 
nally with wider non-impressed dark brown patches, alternating with each other, and giving 
the worm a checkered appearance. These patches become more dense along the subdorsal 
region, where they form two irregular dark lines, which, on the thoracic segments, become 
single, with a similar line between them. There was also a dark stigmatal line, with a 
lighter shade above it, and a dark stripe running obliquely downwards from the posterior to 
the anterior portion of each segment. The belly was yellow, with a tinge of pink between 
‘the prolegs, and the shiny tubercle at the tail was black, with a yellowish ring around the 
‘pase. The head, which is characteristically marked, and by which this worm can always be 
distinguished from its allies—no matter what the ground colour of the body may be—is 
slightly roughened and dark, with a lighter broad band on each side, and a central mark down 
the middle, which often takes the form of an x. This worm does not assume the common 
sphinx attitude of holding up the head, but rests stretched at full length ; though, if dis- 
turbed, it will throw its head from side to side thereby producing a crepitating noise. 

“The chrysalis is formed in a superficial cell on the ground ; its surface is black and 
roughened by confluent punctures, but, between the joints, it 1s smooth, and inclines to 
brown ; the head case is broad and rounded, and the tongue case Is level with the breast ; the 
tail termiaates in a rough flattened wedge-shaped point, which gives out two extremely small 
thorns from the end.” ‘ : 

“The moth appears in the following March or April, there being but one brood each 
ear, It is of a dull chocolate or greyish brown colour, the front wings becoming lighter 
eyond the middle, and being variegated with dark brown, as. in the figure. The hind wings 

are sulphur-yellow, with a broad dark brown border, breaking into a series of short lines, on 

a flesh-coloured ground, near the body. The wings are deeply scalloped, especially acm 

ones, and the body is furnished with lateral tufts. When at rest, the abdomen is curiously 

eurved up in the air.” ‘ bn 

Should this worm at any time become sufficiently numerous to prove destructive— 


Hits 
Nis ts 


ne hiv si tN 


i 


14 


which is scarcely probable—we could not suggest a better remedy than that given for the 
preceding species, namely, hand picking. 


THE GRAPE SEED INSECT. (Jsosoma Vitis, Saunders.) 


This insect, which was fully described in the report of the Entomological Society for 
1870, has not, as far as we have been able to ascertain, affected the grape to any extent in 
Canada during the past year. It seems, however, to be much more widely distributed than 
we at first supposed. During the latter part of August, we spent a few days at Dubuque, 
Towa, and while there paid a visit to the market, where there were offered for sale large 
quantities of a species of wild grape, which was fully ripe at that early period in the season, 
and which, we were told, was much used for wine making. On opening the seeds of these 
grapes we found a large proportion inhabited by the larvae of this insect, a small, fat. white 

Fic. 6. erub. . See figure 6, where it is shown much magnified. An outline ot 
2 the little creature of the natural size is given below. The Jarve at that 
time were more than two-thirds grown. 

For the benefit of those who may not have access to the report for 
1870, we give a figure also of a perfect fly, almost identical in appear- 


= 


ance with that from which this larva is produced, and well serves the purpose of illustrating 
Fia. 7. 


. 


it. See ficure 7. a@ Represents the female; ¢ and ¢, her antennse and abdomen; 4, d, and f 


give similar details of the male. The larva lives within the seed, and consumes the kernel - 


during the summer; undergoes its change to chrysalis also within the seed, and eats its way 
out of it in the early part of the summer following, when in the perfect or winged state. 


No. 20. A CUTWORM. (Agrotis—?) 


This destructive pest, which is referred to at length in this report, when treating of the 
insects affecting the strawberry, has also proved very destructive to thé vine. For details of 


the history and habits of this insect, the reader is referred to No. 7, Injurious to the straw- 
berry. 


INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE STRAWBERRY. 


By W. Saunpers, Lonpon, ON’. 


1. The Strawberry Root or Crown Borer ; 6. Other Strawberry Leaf-Rollers. 
(Anarsia lineatella, Zeller). | 7. A Cut Worm (4 qrotis). 

2. The White Grub (Lachnosterna quercina, | 8. The Measuring Worm (Angerona 
Knoch). crocaotaria). 

3. A Strawberry Leaf-Roller (Anchylopera | 9. The Smeared Dagger (Acronycta oblinita, 
fragaria, Riley). | Sm. & Abb.). ' 

4. A second Strawberry Leaf-Roller (Hzar- | 10. The Strawberry False Worm (Emphytus 
tema permundana, Clemens). maculatus, Norton). 

3. A third Strawberry Leaf-Roller (Zozole- | 11. Osmia Canadensis, Cresson. 
nia fragariana, Packard). 12. A Strawberry Bug (Corimelaena —t) 


Fortunately, there are not many insects injurious to this useful and now extensively 
cultivated fruit. It has, however, several special foes, which have in some localities at 
times proved troublesome, and there are a few other general feeding insects, which take 
to strawberry, if it lie in their path, as readily as they will to any other green thing they 
may meet with. Still, in any case, the strawberry grower must not look upon insects as 
an unmixed evil, admitting of no toleration, for he would find it very difficult indeed te 
secure a good crop without their aid. In some varicties of strawberries, the flowers are 
more or less imperfect, the male organs being more fully developed in some, the female 
organs in others, so that fertilization ean rarely take place, excepting through the agency 
of insects, who visit flower after flower, and carry and scatter the fertilizing pollen with 
them wherever they go ; and even with the perfect flowers their presence and unconscious 
labour is required to ensure a liberal crop of well formed fruit. 


AFFECTING THE ROOT. 
THe STRAWBERRY Root oR CROWN BoreER (Anarsia lineatella, ZELLER). 


This is a very troublesome insect where it occurs plentifully, and takes a liking te 
the strawberry ; but, happily, this is not often the case. We have never seen it affecting 
this fruit anywhere excepting on the grounds of Mr. Luke Bishop, of St. Thomas, Ont., 
who first called our attention to it about the middle of May, 1869, when he brought us a 
few specimens. During 1868 and 1869, they played sad havoc with his plants, destroying 
a large proportion of them. We believe they have been less troublesome since. The 
borer is a small grub or caterpillar, nearly half-an-inch long, and of a reddish colour, which 
eats irregular channels in various directions, through the crown and larger roots of the 
plant, causing it either to wither and die, or else to send up weakened and almost barren 
shoots. . 


16 


The following description of this larva was taken on the 20th of May, 1869 -— 
Length, -42 inch. Head rather small, flattened, bilobed, pale brownish yellow, darker in 
colour about the mouth, and with a dark brown dot on each side. x 

The body above is semitransparent, of a reddish pink colour, fading into lull yel- 
low on the second and third segments ; anterior portion of second segment smooth and 
horny-looking, and similar in colour to head. On each segment are a few shining reddish 
dots—yellowish on the anterior segments—or faintly elevated tubercles, from each of 
which arises a single, very fine, short, yellowish hair, invisible without a magnifying 
power. These dots are arranged in imperfect rows, a single one across the third, fourth, 
and terminal segments, and a more or less perfect double row on the remaining seg- 
ments. 

The under surface is of a dull whitish colour, becoming faintly reddish on the hin- 
der segments, with a few shining whitish dots; those on the fifth, sixth, eleventh, and 
twelfth segments, being arranged in transverse rows, in continuation of those above. 
Feet and prolegs yellowish white, the former faintly tipped with dark browu. It spins a 
slight silken thread, by means of which it can suspend itself for a time at a short distance 
from its place of attachment. The specimen described produced the moth on the 8th of 
July following. 

On the &th of June, we visited the grounds of Mr. Bishop, and found his strawberry 
beds badly infested—indeed, almost destroyed—by this pest, along with a leaf-roller, to 
be presently described. We believe there are two broods of this borer during the year. 
That which we call the first brood is the one in which the larva passes the winter in a 
young or half-grown state, in the crowns and roots of the plants ; while the second brood 
infests the young runners, soon after the fruiting season is over. The borer eats irregular 
channels through the crown, sometimes excavating large chambers, at other times merely 
girdling it in various directions, here and there eating its way to the surface. Whether 
these various chambers and channels are due to the presence of more worms than one in a 
single root we were unable to determine with certainty. Most of the cavities contained a 
moderate-sized soft silky case, which, when opened, appeared nearly full of exuviz. 
these cases had served as a place of retreat during winter. Most of the larve 
found at this date had eaten their way to the upper part of the crown of the plant, just 
under the surface, and were found about the centre, with a hole eaten through the sur- 
face. From the fact that a large number of roots were examined, and although almost 
every one was more or less injured, but very few larvee were to be found, we inferred that 
the probabilities were that the larve, when mature, usually leave the root, and undergo 
the change to chrysalis, either under the surface of the ground, or amongst rubbish at the 
surface. One chrysalis only was found, and that was in the cavity of a root. As soon 
as Mr. Bishop had discovered the destructive character of this pest, he, with commendable 
caution, refused to sell any more plants until the insect was subdued, for fear of spreading 
the evil. He is of opinion that the insect came to him from some part of the United 
States, with some plants of the Hooker strawberry, as it was in a patch of these, so ob- 
tained, that he first noticed the insect working. 

Specimens of the larvee got late in the season wintered over, and were examined on 
the 12th of January following, when they did not appear so plump in body as those 
examined in July. They appear to spend most of the winter in a torpid state within the 
silken cases before mentioned. Several were found thus sheltered at this time, and one, 
whose original abode had been disturbed in the fall, had prepared for itself a similar casing 
within the fold of a strawberry leaf. In this latter instance, the larva seemed quite active, 
moving itself briskly about whenever touched. 

The chrysalis of this insect is very small, and of the usual dark reddish brown colour. 
That one which was found on the 8th of June produced the moth on the 12th of July. 

The perfect insect is a very small dark grey moth, which was accurately deseribed by 
the late Dr. Clemens, in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, 
for 1860, page 69, under the name of Anarsia pruniella, as he at that time supposed it to 
be distinct from the European insect. We quote his description :—“ Head and face pale 
grey ; thorax dark grey. Labial palpi dark fuscous, externally, and pale grey at the end ; 
terminal joint grey, dusted with dark fuscous. Antenne grayish, annulated with dark 
brown. Fore wings grey, dusted with blackish brown, with a few blackish brown spots 


17 


along the costa, the largest in the middle, and short blackish brown streaks on the mediam 
nervuge, subcostal, in the fold, and one or two at the tip of the wing; cilia fuscous-grey.. 
Hind wings fuscous-grey; cilia grey, tinted with yellowish.” 

“ The larva was taken, June 16, full-grown, and about to transform on the limbs 
of the plum. Its head is black, body uniform reddish brown, with indistinct papula, each 
giving rise to a hair, and with pale brown patches on the sides of the third and fourth 
segments ; shield and terminal prolegs black. One specimen had secreted itself under a 
turned-up portion of the old bark of the trunk. The cocoon is exceedingly slight, and the 
tail of the pup is attached to a little button of silk.” 

Mr. C. V. Riley, who has kindly determined this moth for me, draws attention to 
the coarse nature of the scales on the wings, appearing something like minute granulations. 
He also observes that, in some specimens of the moth, the dark marks are more or less 
obsolete. Mr. Riley has bred this moth from larve boring into tender peach twigs, and 
remarks that “the larva, when young, is paler, with a paler head, the body being yellow, 
each joint with a crimson band superiorly, narrow on the thoracie joints, and broad, and 
divided transversely by a fine pale line on the feet.” Mr, J. Pettit, of Grimsby, Ont., has 
bred it from the twigs of the peach, and it breeds in peach twigs, also, in Europe ; and 
Professoc Townend Glover, of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, has found it 
feeding on the buds of the peach. 

Since this moth is found in Europe as well as in this country, it isin all probability 
an imported insect, and one that is widely disseminated. We are not aware that it has 
been recorded as injurious to the strawberry before, and we sincerely hope’ that this 
apparently ‘lately developed liking for this food plant will be limited to the specimens 
residing in the district. reterred to. Should it ever become general, it would prove a most 
grievous pest to the strawberry grower. 

Remedies.—Happily even this small creature is not without its enemies. Among 
some larva sent to Mr. Riley, several, he says, contained parasites s probably these tiny 
friends have been doing much in the past, and are still doing much, to limit their increase. 
Nature’s operations, although often silent, are usually sure. Possibly severe cold or ex- 
treme heat may also affect them. Man can do little in this instance, unless he digs up 
his strawberry roots and burns them. 


2. Tae Waite Grup (Lachnosterna quercina, KNOCH), 


The White Grub, or larva of the May-beetle—Lachnosterna quercina, Knoch—is often 
loudly complained of. Both in the larval and perfect conditions, it is at times very de- 
-structive : now and then the ground in certain localities seems full of the larve, they turn 


up with every spadeful of earth, and the plough will expose them by hundreds. 
Fis. 8, 


In figure 8, we give representations of 
the insect in its different stages :—2 illus- 
trates the full-grown grub ; 1 the chrysalis, 
and 3 and 4 the perfect beetle. Everyone 
inust be familiar with the May-beetle, or 
May-bug, as it is sometimes called—a buzz- 
ing beetle with a rapid, but wild and erratic 
flight, which comes thumping against the 
windows of lighted rooms at night, in May 
and early in June; and where the windows 
are open it dashes in without a moment’s 
consideration, bumping itself against walls 
and ceilings, occasionally dropping to the 
floor ; then suddenly rising again, it some- 
times lands unexpectedly against one’s face 
or neck, or it may be on one’s head, where 
its sharp claws get entangled in the hair, aud 
its further progress is stayed until a forcible 
removal takes place. At such times it is quite a terror to those whose nerves are weak. 


* 


18 


Although thousands of these summer-evening tormentors are yearly, vea, nightly, trodden 
to death during their brief season, yet thousands of others rise to supply their places, and 
sometimes they are reinforced by armies of tens of thousands. Then it is that®ftimes 
serious damage is done to trees whose foliage they consume, their powerful and horny jaws 
being admirably adapted for cutting and grinding the leaves. Cherry trees are frequently 
injured in this way ; indeed, these beetles are not at all particular as to what they eat— 
the oak, the Lombardy poplar, and many other kinds of trees, are just as readily attacked, 
if in their way. 

The Canada Farmer for July, 1866, contains an excellent article on this subject, by 
our esteemed friend, Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, Port Hope, with details of the habits and 
history of this insect, which we cannot do better than re-produce : — 


“A friend in Cobourg has recently mentioned to us, that his strawberries have been 
very much injured by a large white grub which attacks the roots, and thus destroys at 
once the vitality of the plants. From his description of the marauder, we have no doubt 
that it isthe larva of the common May-beetle or Cockchafer—Lachnosterna Quercina, Knoch 
—which is so abundant just now. In the western part of Cobourg, and, indeed, almost 
all over the neighbourhood, these beetles may be seen on any fine evening, in perfect 
myriads flying about the trees, the leaves of which they devour in this stage of their 
existence. 

“This insect has been long and most unfavourably known as very destructive to 
vegetation, both in its larval and winged state. In the former, it is commonly called the 
‘white grub:’ it is then a soft, white worm, with a brownish head, and six legs, becom- 
ing, when fully grown, about as large as one’s little finger. It is usually found partially 
coiled up, near the root of the plant on which it is feeding. Unlike many of our destrue- 
tive insects, the devastations of each individual are not confined to a single year, but it 
continues several years in the grub state, and, finally, changes early in the spring into a 
dark chestnut brewn beetle, nearly an inch long, with rather long legs, and its breast 
covered with yellowish hairs. It flies about at night with a loud buzzing noise, and in a 
most clumsy manner, as if it had very little control over its movements, to the great 
discomfort and perturbation of nervous persons, especially when attracted into houses, 
as it often is, by the light. Its period of flight is usually limited to the months of 
May and June, though it is sometimes met with a little later in the season. The 
grubs are very commonly dug up, early in the spring, in gardens, in various stages 
ot maturity; the plough, too, brings many more to the light of day. It is hardly 
necessary, we suppose, to tell our readers that in such cases they should be destroyed 
at once, and without mercy, by treading under foot. The perfect insects may be 
collected and put an end to, by shaking them from the trees they infest, into a cloth 
spread beneath for their reception, and then throwing them into boiling water; the 
specimens thus cooked will be readily eaten by pigs, which, in fact, root up and devour 
multitudes of the grubs without waiting for any previous culinary operations. The 
best time to shake them from the trees is early in the morning, when they become 
sluggish and stationary, their flight being confined to the hours of darkness.” 

The larva of this May-bug does not by any means confine its attention to strawberry 
roots, but devours potatoes, corn and other vegetables, also the roots of grass, and this to 
such an extent that at times meadows are utterly ruined by them, so that the turf may be 
turned up like a carpet, so utterly are the roots consumed. 

After the pairing of the sexes, the males soon die, while the females burrow into the 
ground some six inches or more, where they deposit their eggs from fifty to a hundred in 
number, after which they come out again from the earth, but their mission having now 
cen accomplished, they soon die. The eggs soon hatch into white grubs, which begin 
at once to feed on the roots of any plants within their reach. During the summer, 
they burrow about and feed not far from the ‘surface ; but as winter approaches, they 
dive deeper into the soil, below the reach of frost, where they remain torpid until spring. 
At the close of the third summer, they cease feeding, and bury,themselves sometimes 
two feet deep in the earth, and there, in an oval cavity, formed by the motions of the 
larva from side to side, the change to chrysalis takes place, the beetle digging its way 
through and appearing at the surface in due season. Sometimes the transformation to 


19 


————— 


the beetle state takes place in the fall, for we have several times found fresh specimens 
at this season, showing by their softness that they had but lately escaped from the 
pupa case. Such perfect insects, secrete themselves under ground during winter, and 
appear with the rest of their troop in spring. 

Remedies. Man can do but little towards checking the ravages of this insect pest, but 
nature has provided many means for keeping them within due bounds. Some birds, such 
as the crow and common fowl, eat them greedily, indeed the crow may often be seen 
following the track of the plough in search of these choice morsels, As already stated 
pigs eat them with avidity, and will root up the ground most thoroughly in their search 
for them, and no doubt many other insect eating animals and birds devour them with equal 
delight. These grubs are also liable in some parts to the attacks of a peculiar disease, which 
manifests itself in the development of a fungous growth, which sprouts out in a curious 
manner from about the head, and the result is the death of the insect so occupied. The 
beetles, as already stated, may be best destroyed by shaking them from the trees and 
throwing them into scalding water. 


. 
AFFECTING THE LEAVES. 


3. A Srrawperry-Lear Rouuer (Anchylopera fragaria, RILEY.) 


. This insect, which is also known in some parts of the United States as the strawberry 
Jeaf-roller, is but one of the several insects which affect the strawberry in this way. It has 
been found very troublesome in some of the adjoining States for several years past, and in 
all probability it occurs in Canada also. In the Canada Farmer for August, 1867, some 
account is given of a leaf-roller found by Mr. Chas. Arnold, of Paris, Ont., eating the 
leaves of his strawberry plants, which has been referred, and probably correctly so to this 
species. Possibly some of our.readers may recognise the insect after reading the following 
description of its appearance and mode of working, condensed chietly from a paper by Mr. 
C. V. Riley, State Entomologist of Missouri, and published in the American Entomologist 
for January, 1869: , 

The larva or caterpillar measures when full grown a little more than one third of an 
inch. It is largest on the front segments, tapering slightly towards the hinder ones. In 
colour it varies from a very light yellowish brown to a dark olive green or brown, with a 
body soft and somewhat semi-transparent. Its head is of a shining yellowish brown 
colour, with a dark eye-spot on each side. The stcond segment has a shield above similar 
in colour and appearance to the head, and on each segment or ring of the body are a few 
pale spots, from each one of which amises a single hair. The hinder segment has two black 
spots, while the under-surface, feet and prolegs are about the same colour as the body above. 
In certain parts of North Illinois and Indiana this insect has been ruining the strawberry 
beds in a most wholesale manner. It crumples and folds ‘he leaves, feeding on their pulpy 
substance, and causing them to appear dry and seared. It most usually lines the inside of 
the fold withsilk. There are two broods during the year, and the worms of the first 
brood, which appear during the month of June, change to the pupa state within the rolled 
up leaf, and become moths during the fore part of July. 

The moth has the head, thorax, and fore wings reddish brown, the latter streaked and 
spotted with black and white ; the hind wingsand abdomen are dusky. The wings when 
spread measure nearly half an inch across. After pairing the females deposit their eggs 
on the plants, from which eggs in due time there hatches a second brood of worms, which 
come to their growth towards the end of September, and changing to pup pass the winter 
in that state. 

Fig. 9. 


In the accompanying figure 9, drawn from 
MP nature by Mr. Riley, a represents the larva 
natural size, b the head and four succeeding 
segments of the body,and d the terminal segment, 
all magnified; ¢ the moth, also enlarged, the 
hair lines at the sides showing the natural size. 


ATES 
7 / ae 
Myx! 


20 


4, A Seconp StrawBeRRY Lear-Roier (Ezartema (Tortrix) permundana, CLEMENS.) 


This species was found in immense numbers attacking Mr. Bishop's strawberry vines: 
in 1868 and 9, along with the “crown borers” already described. All these leaf rollers 
have the habit of rolling up the leaves and fastening them with silken threads, and living 
within the enclosure, but this little creature prefers taking the flowers, expanded and 
unexpanded, and bringing them together with silken threads into a sort of ball, it feasts 
on their substance. This peculiarity makes its attacks much more annoying and 
destructive than any mere consumption of leaves would be. It is small insize, of a green 
colour, and with very active habits, wriggling itself quickly out ofits hiding place when 
disturbed. It is the progeny of a small moth, with its fore wings yellowish varied with 
brown streaks and patches, and darker hind wings, who lays her eggs quite early in the 
spring, placing them upon the developing leaves, where the newly hatched larvee may be 
sure to enjoy an abundance of tender and juicy food, and these attain to nearly their full 
growth, and are just then capable of most mischief, at the time when the plant is coming 
into full flower. During 1869, Mr. Bishop must have lost nearly half his crop of straw- 
berries from this cause alone. We have found this species attaclting the wild strawberry 
in different localities, and have little doubt bus that it is widely disseminated ; but why it 
should so persistently attack the plants in one locality, and multiply so amazingly there, 
while comparatively unknown in other places, we are unable to do more than guess at: 
possibly they may have been kept under in other localities by parasites which feed on 
them. The larve of most moths are liable to attack from one or more of such enemies, 
and we know that this species is not exempt, for several of the larve which we 
succeeded in bringing into the chrysalis ‘state, instead of producing moths, yielded speci- 
mens of these small parasitic flies instead. 

We are indebted to Mr. O. V. Riley for determining this species for us. It was 
described by Dr. Clemens in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, 
Philadelphia, for August, 1860, where the author states that “the larve bind together the 
terminal leaves of Spirza.” Hence it would appear that this insect does not confine 
itself to the strawberry as a food plant, and may possibly be quite a general feeder. 

The chrysalides of this species were of the usual dark brown colour, from which the 
moths made their escape from the eighth to the twelfth of July. 


5. A Tuirp Srrawserry-LeaF Router (Lozotenia fragariana PackarD.) 


This insect has been reared by Dr. A. S. Packard, of Salem, Mass., from the wild 
strawberry, and is described in his ‘“‘ Guide to the Study of Insects.” The larva was 
found in Maine early in June, in folds of the leaves; the moth appearing about the 
middle of the same month, The moth i is very pretty, “and measures, when its wings are 
expanded, eight-tenths of an inch. Its fore wings are red, darker on the outer half, 


and with a large triangular waite spot near the middle of the front edge ; the outer edge 


of the spot is hollowed out. The outer edge of the wing is pale especially in the middle, 
and about the same colour as the head and thorax ; the hind wings and abdomen are of a 
whitish buff, underneath they are whitish. It is quite likely that this species occurs also in 
Canada, although it has not yet been observed. 


6. OvHeR StrawBerryY Lear-Rouiers. 


Fic. 10. 


Several other species have been observed by us 
affecting the strawberry, all of them green, with pale or 
dark brown heads, and more or less semi-transparent 
bodies, sometimes tinged in parts with yellowish? One of 
these, the oblique banded leaf-roller Lozontenia rosaceana, 
Harris’ is a very general feeder, and has been already 
referred to in the reports of the Entomological Society 
of Ontario for 1870 and 1871, and to these the reader is 
referred fer its full history. -We shall, however, repro- 
duce the figures relating to this inssct, as they will serve 
somewhat to illustrate all the leaf-rollers spoken of, since 


21 


Fic. 11. they have more or less of a family resemblance in all 
their different stages. Fig. 10 shows the caterpillar and 
chrysalis, and Fig. 11 the perfect moth, with its wings 
expanded as well as folded. 

The life history of the other leaf-rollers referred to 
above has not yet been fully worked out, and as they 
have not thus far attracted much attention, we pass 

them over with this brief notice. 

Remedies. Since all these leaf-rollers feed on the foliage and come out of their hiding 
places for this purpose, an application of hellebore and water on the leaves would proba- 
bly destroy many of them. It has also been recommended to plough deeply either in the 
Autumn or Spring, such beds as may be badly infested, with the view of burying the 
chrysalides sufficiently deep to ensure their destruction. Hand-picking may also be practised 
with advantage, as the curled leaves are easily seen. . 


A CutT-worm (Agrofis). 


This is an insect which has been most unusually injurious during the past season on 
the fruit plantations of Mr. Mountjoy and Mr. Bunning, on the borders of Lake Huron, 
near Sarnia. At first its habits were not understood, and it pursued the “even tenour of 
its way” uninterrupted night after night ; the perplexed fruit growers not knowing why 
it was that every day the foliage on their fruit trees and strawberry patches grew slim- 
mer. But soon it was found that the enemy was a night worker, and this knowledge of 
its habits was at once turned to account, and night watches instituted with the view of 
counteracting this insidious foe, and with good results, as many as 1800 having been killed 
by.Mr. Mountjoy in one night. 

Their manner of life may be thus described. The moths from which the worms are 
produced appear on the wing during the month of August, and soon after pair, and de- 
posit their eggs on the ground or on some plant or other substance near the ground ; they 
probably hatch in the fall, and feed for a time on the leaves of grass and other plants 
then abundant, and after attaining but a small measure of their growth, they burrow into 
the earth, and there remain in a torpid state during the winter ; but the warmth of 
spring revives them and soon they are abroad and active. During the first few weeks 
while they are still small, the quantity of food they consume is not sufficient to attract 
much attention ; but as they approach nearer maturity, that is about the time when the 
trees first put out their tender foliage, the quantity of food they consume is enormous. In 
the day time they rest tolerably secure from harm, by burrowing a short distance under- 
ground, and towards night they sally forth from their hiding places to begin their work 
of destruction. They are extremely active in their movements, and travel over quite a 
space of ground in a very short time, eating almost everything green in their way ; they 
climb the trunks of trees, and consume not only the young foliage, but the buds also, leaving 
the lirabs almost bare, and before the light of another day dawns they retreat to their hiding 
places and rest in quiet. When full grown they burrow deeper into the earth, and form 
for themselves an oval cell or chamber, in which they change to chrysalis, and from which 
the moths are produced early in the autumn to continue the race. 

In this instance these caterpillars took a decided liking for the strawberry vines, and 
in spite of the most vigilant search for them day after day and night after night, they de- 
foliated a large patch of the vines to such an extent that they were utterly ruined. 
Nearly all through the month of June they literally swarmed and scarcely a night passed 
without considerable damage being done by them. It was late in the month when we 
received a package of the larve from Mr. Mountjoy, and from which the following des- 
cription was taken on the second of July :— 

Length one and a half inches, cylindrical, coiling the body up when disturbed, and 
discharging a green liquid freely from the mouth when handled. 

Head small, rather flat, scarcely bilobed, of a dull brownish yellow colour, with a 
triangular looking furrow in front, the base of the triangle being towards the mouth ; 
between the lobes the colour is of a slightly darker shade. On the upper part of each 


22 


lobe is a blackish dot, and two or three more on each side near the base of the palpi ; 
mandibles or jaws tipped with dark brown. 

The body above is greenish grey and semi transparent ; on the second segment or 
ring there is a horny plate above, similar in colour to the head, slightly bordered behind 
with dark brown. There is a dark greenish line down the middle of the back with a whitish 
centre, the green colour becoming fainter and almost disappearing on the anterior portion 
of the body. Along the sides, about half way down is a dull whitish line, and another of 
the same colour just above the stigmata or breathing holes, while close to the under sur- 
face the body is bordered with an irregular band of the same hue. On each side of the 
dorsal or central line above, is a small dark brown dot, on each ring or segment of the 
body. Stigmata nearly round and of a deep black colour. 

The under surface is more transparent than the upper, especially on the anterior 
and terminal segments ; the colour is dull yellowish with a greenish tinge, from the in- 
ternal organs showing through. The feet and legs are yellowish and semi-transparent. 

In colour these caterpillars vary somewhat, some are of a deeper shade, becoming 
greenish brown, with the whitish lines fainter ; in these the green in the band down the 
back, can be seen alternately contracting and expanding when the larva is at rest, the 
greater transparency of the skin showing the working of the internal organs through it. 
Many of them died in confinement, and only sixor seven completed their various stages, 
going into chrysalis early in July, and producing the moths late in August. 

The chrysalis is about 5%,ths of an inch in length, and of a pale brown colour, and is 
contained in a little oval chamber or cell of earth a few inches below the surface. 


The moth, when its wings are expanded measures about an inch and a half across. 
The fore wings are pale brownish, streaked and spotted with grey ; the hind wings are ofa 
uniform pale brownish grey, with a white fringe around the margin. There is a whitish 
grey band across the front just behind the head, the anterior portion of the body is dark 
brownish grey, and the abdomen the same colour as the hind wings. ‘ 

Experience seems to indicate that these insects are much more numerous in light 
sandy soils, than they are where the soil is heavier. 


e 

Remedies.—This is a very difficult insect to cope with. In all probability the moths 
which are attracted by light might be trapped, or poisoned by hanging about pieces of 
cloth or flannel danbed with a mixture of molasses and a strong solution of arsenic, but 
as they fly late in the season, when the sense of pressing danger is past, it would be diffi- 
cult perhaps, to induce people generally to take much pains with them then. Hence the 
battle must be fought with this insect while in the larva or caterpillar state, and then the 
surest way of disposing of them is to catch and kill them. By searching around the 
vines just under the surface of the ground during the day, many may be turned up and 
destroyed, and by inspecting again at night when they are active and busy their ranks 
may be siill further thinned, and by continuing this treatment, day after day, they may no 
doubt be kept under. Probably dusting the vines with hellebore would poison them as 
it does other leaf-feeding insects ; this measure is at least worthy of a trial. 


8. THE MEAsurING Worm (Angerona crocaotaria, GUENEE). 


Fig. 12. This larva, which was described in last year’s report aS 
injurious to the currant and gooseberry, has also been found 
z, attacking the strawberry. The caterpillar is yellowish- 
green, with longitudinal whitish lines, and is about an inch 
and a half long. The moth, see Fig. 12, varies in colour 
from a pale to a deep yellow, with dusky spots and dots, in 
some specimens few, in others quite numerous, and in the 
latter case the larger ones are so arranged as to form an im- 
perfect band across the wings. For further details re- 
pecting the life-history of this insect,the readeris referred to the report of the Entomo- 
logical Society for 1872, page 37. 


23 


—+ 


9. THE SMEARED DAGGER (Acronycta oblinita, Sm. and Abb.). 


Fig, 13. The accompanying figure illustrates this 
insect in its variuus stages. The larva is a 
brightly ornamented, hairy caterpillar, about 
one and a quarterinches long. Its head is 
flat in front, rather below medium size, with 
a few yellow hairs ; its jaws are black.’ 

The body above is of a deep velvety 
black, with a transverse row of prominences 
or tubercles on each segment, those above are 
bright red, and set ina band of the same 
colour, extending far down on each side. 
From each tubercle there arises a tuft of 
short stiff hairs, those on the upper part of 
the body being of a red colour, while below 
they become yellowish or mixed with yellow. 
On each side of a line drawn down the centre 
of the back, is a row of bright yellow spots, 
two or more on each segment, and below 
these and close to the under surface, is a 
bright yellow band deeply indented on gach 
segment, the indentations being on a line with the rows of tubercles. The spiracles or 
breathing holes are pure white, and are placed in the indented portions of the yeilow 
band ; there are also.a few whitish dots scattered irregularly over the surface of the 
body. 

The under side is dull reddish along the middle, and brownish black along the sides; 
the feet are of a shining black, and slightly hairy, while the thick fleshy hinder legs, 
called the prolegs, are reddish tipped with brown, witha cluster of short hairs on the out- 
side of each. 

This caterpillar is conspicuous from* its beauty, and at first one can scarcely believe 
that such a handsome caterpillar could produce so plain and quiet looking a moth. Since 
this larva does not usually feed in company, but is scattered about singly, and as it is such 
a general feeder, there is no probability of its ever becoming very injurious, but its bril- 
liant appearance is sure to attract the attention of every beholder. We have found it 
feeding very commonly on strawberry, also on raspberry, aud occasionally on the Lom- 
bardy poplar. Mr. Riley has found it very common on smartweed, and a correspondent of 
his in Jefferson City, Mo., has found them very numerous on his peach trees, and has 
known them to denude both apple and willow trees. 

As soon as this larva is full grown it draws together a few leaves or other loose 
material and constructs a rude case, within which it changes to a dark brown chrysalis. 
In this enclosure it remains a considerable time; those that we have bred have changed 
to chrysalis early in September, and did not produce the moths till June following. 
Mr. Riley says that in Missouri there are two broods each year,and it is possible they may 
be double-brooded with us also, in which case the summer brood must pass through the 
various stages of its existence in a much shorter time. 

The moth, Fig. 13, ¢., is shown of the natural size. Its fore wings are grey, with a 
row of blackish dots along the hind border. There is a broken, blackish, zigzag line 
—sometimes indistinet— crossing the wing beyond the middle, and s ome darker greyish 
spots abont the middle of the wings. The hind wings are nearly pure white. 

In Mr. Riley’s third “ Report on the Insects of Missouri,” he says, “ there are at least 
three natural enemies which serve to keep this insect in check. The largest of these is 
the Uni-banded Ichneumon fly (Jchnewmon unifasciatorus, Say) a large black fly, 0-60 inch 
long, and characterized by a white annulus about the middle of the antenna, a large 
white spot about the middle of the thorax, and a white band on the first joint of the 


abdomen.” 
“This fly oviposits in the larva of the Smeared Dagger, but the latter never suc- 


24 


cumbs till after it has spun up and become a chrysalis, for I have always obtained the 
ichneumon from the chrysalis. ‘The other parasites are smaller and work differently. 
They cause the larva of the Smeared Dagger to die when about full grown, and its con- 
tracted and hardened skin,which may often be seen during winter, with the head attached, 
fastened to the twigs of apple and willow trees, forms a snug little house, where the para- 
site undergoes his transformations, and through which it gnaws a round hole to escape 
the latter part of April. One of these flies (Aleiodes Rileyi, Cresson) is of a uniform red- 
dish yellow colour. The other is a black fly of abouf the same size, but belonging to an 
entirely different genus, Polysphincta.” , 
The only artificial remedy which has been recommended is that of hand-picking. 


10. THE STAWBERRY FALSEWoRM, (Emplytus maculatus, NORTON). 


This insect, although it has not yet been observed in Canada, will very probably be 
with us before long. Ithas been common in the aljoining Western States for some time — 
past, and as the perfect insect is winged, and during the hotter portion of the day quite 
active, and since the strawberry now isso widely cultivated, there is nothing to hinder 
the spread of this destructive insect, the habits of which it will be well for us to fully under- 
stand, so that we may know how to treat the enemy on its first appearance. We know 
that a near relative of this insect, the gooseberry saw-fly (Nematus ventricosus) has spread 
in a short time over a large section of our Province. Since we have had no personal ex- 
perience with this foe to the strawberry grower, we shall avail ourselves of an excellent 
description of its life, history and habits, written by Mr. C. V. Riley, of St. Louis, Mo., 
and pdblished in the first volume of the “ American Entomologist,” p. 90. 

The adjoining Figure 14, drawn from 
nature by Mr. Riley, admirably illustrates 
this insect in its various stages. 1 shows 
the under side of the pupa or chrysalis. 
2, a side view of the same. 3, an enlarged. 
view of the perfect fly, showing the ar- 
rangement of the veins of its wings. 4, 
© the larva or worm crawling. 5, the perfect 
fly of natural size. 6, the larva at rest. 
7, the cocoon. 8, one of the antenne of the 
insect enlarged, showing the joints. 9, an 
enlarged egg of this insect. The fly belongs 
to the order Hymenoptera, and is known in 
popular language as one of the saw-flies. 
The larva is a soft dirty yellow worm, 
which feeds externally on the leaf of the 
strawberry. It is alittle more than six- 
tenths of an inch long when full grown. Its head is of a more decided yellow colour 
than the rest of its body, and usually has a dark brown spot above, one nearly of the 
same size at the upper front, and two rather smaller ones at each side, joined by a brown 
line. It has twenty-two legs. ; 

“The parent flies may be seen hanging to and flying around strawberry vines about 
the beginning of May, in North Hlinois, Iowa and Michigan, in all three of which States 
we know them to occur. They are dull and inactive in the cool of the morning and 
evening, and at these hours are seldom noticed. They are of a pitchy black colour, with 
two rows of large transverse dull whitish spots upon the abdomen. The female, with 
the saw-like instrument peculiar to the insects of the great family (Zenthredinid@) to 
which she belongs, deposits her eggs by a most curious and interesting process, in the 
stems of the plants, clinging the while to the hairy substance with which these stems are 
covered. The eggs are white, opaque and 0:03 of an inch long, and may be readily per- 
ceived upon splitting the stalk, though the outside orifice at which they were introduced 
is scarcely visible. They soon increase somewhat in bulk, causing a swelling of the stalk, 
and hatch in two weeks—more or less, according to the temperature—and from thé mid- 


Fig. 14. 


25 


dle of May to the beginning of June the worms attract attention by the innumerable 
small holes which they make in the leaves. The colours of these worms are dirty yellow 
and grey green, and when not feeding they rest on the under side of the leaf, curled up 
in a spiral manner, the tail occupying the centre, and fall to the ground on the slightest 
disturbance. After changing their skin four times they become full grown, when they 
measure about three fourths of an inch.” 

“ At this season they descend into the ground, and form a very weak cocoon of earth, 
the inside being made smooth by a sort of gum. In this they soon change to pup, from 
which are produced a second brood of flies by the end of June or beginning of July. 
Under the influence of July weather the whole progress of egg-depositing, &c., is rapidly 
repeated and the second brood of worms descend into the earth during the fore part of 
August, and form their cocoons, in which they remain in the caterpillar state through the 
fall, winter and early spring months, till the middle of April following, when they be- 
come pupe and flies again, as related. This fly has received the name of Hmphytus 
Maculatus, by Norton, in allusion, doubtless, to the whitish transverse lines on the ab- 
domen.” 

“ With the facts here given, it will be no difficult matter for anyone interested to 
make war in his own way. The worm’s habit of falling to the ground enables us to 
destroy them with a solution of cresylic acid soap, or any other decoction, without neces- 
sarily sprinkling the vines ; while knowing that they are in the earth during the fall and 
early spring, when there is no fruit, the ground may be stirred and poultry turned in 
with good advantage.” 

Doubtless, also, our well-known panacea for the gooseberry sawfly, powered hellebore 
mixed with water, would do as good service here as it is known to do with that pest, as 
they both belong to the same family and have similar habits. 


Note.—Since the above was in type, I have heard of the occurrence of this insect 
in Warwick, Ontario, and also in Brantford, Ontario, where they are said to be so numer- 
ous, that thay soon strip a bed entirely of its foliage.] 


11. Osm1A CANADENSIS—Cresson. 


This is the name of a small hymeropterous insect, a sort of wild bee, which has 
proved destructive to the foliage of some strawberry plants during the past season, in the 
Township of Oxford. It was observed by Mr. Johnson Pettit, of Grimsby, who kindly 
furnished me with specimens of the insect. For the accompanying Figure 15, which 
; represents the female, I am indebted to my esteemed 
friend, Mr. E. T. Cresson, of Philadelphia, who very 
kindly made the drawing from which the eut was en- 
grayed. JI am also indebted to him for the determination 
of the species. Mr. Cresson first described this species 
in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Phila- 
delphia, vol. 3, p. 33. In the figure the fly is represented 
on an enlarged scale: the hair line at the side shows its 
natural length. In both sexes, the head, thorax and 
abdomen is green and more or less densely covered with 
whitish down or short hairs, those on the thorax being 
longest. The wings are nearly transparent, with blackish 
veins. The female is larger than the male. 

Mr. Pettit says, ‘ The insects were taken in East Oxford, July 2nd, on a few straw- 
berry plants in my brother’s garden. The plants, perhaps nearly 100 in number, had 
been nearly all denuded of their leaves, and a search in the evening having failed to re- 
veal the authors of the mischief, 1 examined them again in the heat of the day, and 
found the little culprits actively engaged in nibbling away the remaining shreds of the 
leaves. They appeared to chew the fragments into a pulp and carry it away, but the 
little time I spent in observing them was insufficient to determine anything further 
respecting their habits.” 


26 


Doubtless in this instance the leaves so consumed were used in the construction of 
suitable nests, in which to deposit the eggs and rear the young of those insects. 


A STRAWBERRY BuG (Corimelena—?). 


The insect above referred to belongs to an entirely different order from any of those 
already treated of, its place being among the Hemiptera or true bugs, but in its general 
appearance it very much resembles a small beetle, and indeed it is often mistaken for one. 
This bug is about one-tenth of an inch long, nearly round, and of a deep shining black 
colour. Its habit is to puncture the stem of the fruit and thus cause it to wither. In 
the Canada Farmer for 1857, page 328, and also in that for 1868, page 189, references 
are made to this insect, and it would seem that about that time it was very troublesome 
to the strawberries in the grounds of Mr. Chas. Arnold, of Paris, Ont., but it does not 
appear to have continued its devastations sufficiently since then to attract much attention. 
Mr. Riley refers to it as occurring in the west quite abundantly in some localities —See 
Amer. Entomologist, vol. 1, page 207. Besides being injurious to the strawberry, it is 
said to have affected the raspberry, the cherry and the quince. 


INSECTS AFFECTING THE HOP. 


By THE Rev. ©. J. S. Beruune, M.A. 


1. The Hop Aphis (Aphis hwmuli, Curtis). | 4. The Hop-vine Plusia (Plusia balluca, 
Geyer). 
2, The Hop-vine Snout-moth (Hypena humuli, 
Harris). 5. The Io Emperor Moth (Hyperchiria varia 
Walker). 


$. The Semicolon Butterfly (Grapta interroga- 
tionis, Godt). 


The cultivation of the hop has never attained to any very large dimensions in Ca- 
nada, though at times, when prices have been high, it has attracted no little attention 
amongst the farming community. Just now the acreage occupied by this plant in 
Ontario is probably considerably below what it was some four or five years ago, but even 
yet many a lovely trellised field may be seen here and there as one travels through the 
country. As, however, there is nothing in our climate or soil that is unsuited to the suecess- 
ful growth of the plant, we have litile doubt that its culture will one day become an object 
of great and extended importance, unless, indeed, the Canadian entirely relinquishes his 
English taste for malt liquor in favour of the far more baneful spirits that are now acurse to 
somany. The present production of malt liquor in the Dominion of Canada averages nearly 
eight millions of gallons a year ; in the manufacture of even this amount a very considera- 
ble quantity of hops is consumed, and if'we add to it the quantity that is exported to Eng- 
land and the United States, it is apparent that the culture of this plant cannot be consi- 
dered an unimportant item in the resources of the Canadian agriculturist. There is no doubt 
too, that if our hop growers paid more attention to the selection of the most approved Eng- 
lish varieties for cultivation, and were more particular in regard to the picking and cur- 
ing of their hops, they would be enabled to obtain much better prices for their crop, and 
would secure an unfailing market in Europe for all that might not be required here. 
But even should the hop, as is by no means likely, cease to be a sufficiently attractive 
article of commerce to lead our agriculturists to devote any of their broad acres to its cul- 
tivation, it will never fail, at least, to occupy a conspicuous place in the good wife’s kit- 
chen garden on account of its value in the production of yeast. Such being the case, 
then, we imagine that some account of the insects affecting this plant will not be out of 
place in these reports, and may proye of interest, and possibly of value, to many. 

Before proceeding to the discussion of its insect enemies, we may remark that the 
common hop plant (Humulus lupulus, Linn.) is apparently indigenous to the western 
parts of this country as well as to Europe. We have seen it growing in great luxuriance 
and gathered sprays of its clustering flowers on the fertile banks of the Kaministiquia 
River, a few miles above Fort William, Lake Superior. It is said also to be found in a 
wild state on the borders of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The hops of commerce: 
consist of the female flowers or seeds—the plant being dicecious i.e. with stamens and 
pistils in separate flowers on different individuals. The male flowers are very different in 


28 


appearance from the female; and are grown in hop yards at about the rate of six plants 
to an acre, for the purpose of fertilizing and maturing the hop blossoms. 


Tue Hop Aruis (Aphis humult, Curtis). 
1. HEMIPTERA HOMOPTERA—APHIDA, 


Tt would almost appear as if no catalogue affecting any particular plant could be 
complete without referring to some species of Aphis, or Plant-louse, so ubiquitous and 
destructive are these tiny creatures. We have already noticed in these reports* the 
particular species that infest the apple and the wheat, and have recounted the damage that 
they oftentimes inflict. But when we come to the Hop we find that the Aphis, or “Fly” 
as it is termed in England, is, par excellence, its greatest enemy, and that the profits of 
the grower depends very largely upon the presence or absence of the hordes of this minute 
foe. As Kirby and Spence so strongly state, ‘‘ the hop-grower is wholly at the mercy of these 
insects ; they are the barometer that indicates the rise and fall of his wealth, as well as of a 
very important branch of the revenue—the difference in the amount of the duty on hops (in 
England, being often as much as £200,000 per annum, more or less, in proportion as the fly 
prevails or the contrary.” In this Province we have seen the produce of a field of many 
acres almost utterly ruined by this insect—the amount of hops. produced being dimi- 
nished more than one-half below the average, and the quality of that which was gathered 
very much impaired. 

The Hop Aphis resembles very closely insize and appearance the species that infest 
many other plants. As we have already described similar species in these Reports 
(1st Report, p. T7 ; 2nd Report, p. 57), we need do no more than state that the enemy of 
the Hop is green in colour, and about one-tenth of an inch in length when fully grown. 
The accompanying illustrations display the shape and structure of the creature. Fig. 16 
represents a highly Mia le 
magnified winged 
male above; _be- 
low it, on the right 
hand side, a male 
of the natural size, 
and on the left a 
magnified female. 
Fig. 17 represents 
a female on a very 
much larger scale. 
Notwithstanding 
the similarity in 
colour which ex- 
: ists between these 
insects and the leaves and stems of the Hop-plant, their presence may be immediately de- 
tected by the blackish discolouration of the leaves below where they are at work. This 
is caused by the continual exudation from the insects of a sweetish fluid called “ honey- 
dew,” which is emitted from the two processes that project from each side of the extre- 
mity of the abdomen. As we have remarked on a previous occasion, many insects, and 
especially ants, are very fond of feeding upon this sweet substance ; the latter even go so 
far as to perform upon the Aphis an operation analogous to that of milking a cow, for 
the purpose of obtaining this sweet fluid. And not content with this, some species of 
ants make a property of these Aphis cows, jealously guarding them, and using every 
means to keep them to themselves. As related by Kirby and Spence : “ Sometimes they 
seem to claim a right to the Aphides that inhabit the branches of a tree or the stalks of 
a plant ard if stranger ants attempt to share their treasure with them, they endeavour 
to drive them away, and may be seen running about in a great bustle, and exhibiting 


Fig. 16 


er Annual Report—Insects affecting the apple, p. 77 ; Second do—Insects affecting the wheat creps, 
Pp. vi. 


29 


———eeeee—e—eaaea—esee——e—ee—e—— 


every symptom of inquietude and anger. Sometimes, to rescue them from their rivals, 
they take their Aphides in their mouth; they generally keep guard round them, and 
when the branch is conveniently situated, they have recourse to an expedient still more 
effectual to keep off interlopers. They inclose it in a tube of earth or other material, and 
thus confine them in a kind of paddock near their nest, and often communicating 
with it.” Hi 

Another curious and noteworthy fact in the history of Aphides is their occasional 
migration from one place to another in enormous swarms. Nearly a century ago Gilbert 
White observed at Selborne, in Hampshire, a shower of Aphides, which covered persons 
walking in the street, hedges, garden plants, and everything else that came in their way ; 
he considered that they were borne by the east wind from the great hop fields of Kent 
and Sussex. Kirby and Spence mention similar swarms in the vicinity of Ipswich in 
1814, and at Hull in 1836. To come to later times, Mr. Knaggs relates (Hntomologists’ 
Monthly Magazine, No. 5, p. 123) that on the 14th of July, 1864, “ whilst walking along 
the beach from Bournemouth towards Poole, a strange mossy-looking, green track, which 
varied in width from one to three or four inches, arrested my attention ; ‘this moss-like 
line, left at high-water mark by the tide, extended, so far as my observation went, for a 
mile, though probably to a far greater length, and consisted of millions upon millions of 
Aphides.” The following year, it is stated by Mr. Haswell (Ent. Mag., No. 18, p. 142) 
that the Aphides were a perfect pest in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland in Sep- 
tember and October ; they swarmed over everything even in the streets of cities, and to 
such an extent that “ they rendered one very uncomfortable by their numbers, especially 
when they got into one’s mouth or eyes!” 

The numbers and devastating powers of the Hop Aphis being so great, it becomes 
necessary oftentimes to apply some artificial remedy in order to save the crop from en- 
tire destruction. In parts of England where the labour of women and children can be 
obtained at a cheap rate, it has been recommended to clear the plants of insects by hand; 
but any such mode of dealing with them is quite out of the question in Canada. We must 
then have recourse to some other expedients. The following we believe to be the 
most efficacious : 

(1.) Make a mixture of strong soap-suds ; add to it salt and saltpetre till a brine is 
made about half as strong as ordinary beef pickle ; add further a pound of copperas dis- 
solved in warm water to-every five gallons of liquid. 

(2.) Make a strong decoction of tobacco by boiling at the rate of a pound of stems 
and refuse parts, or other cheap tobacco, to a gallon of water. 


As soon as the insects are observed on the vines (or bines, as hop-growers term them,) 
they may be at once detected by the discolouration that we have referred to above. Go 
through the rows with a supply of either of these mixtures, and sprinkle them thorough- 
ly with it. As the insects are for the most part congregated on the under side of the 
leaves, it is necessary to use a strong syringe, or better, a small garden engine with a rose- 
nozzle attached, and squirt the liquid upon the insects from beneath. Constant watchful- 
ness and a diligent application of these means will keep a hop-yard clear of these insects, 
without incurring any very great expense. The modern system of training the vines 
upon horizontal trellises, instead of long poles, renders easy the successful employment 
of this method. 

Another remedy that has been highly spoken of is the dusting of the affected plants 
with powdered plaster, which not only kills the Aphis, but is of benefit to the soil as 
well. Instead of plaster, sulphur, or lime may be employed with advantage, the former 
being especially useful also as a preventative for mildew. 


In addition to the use of the artificial remedies just Fig. 18. 
referred to, much benefit may be derived from the encourage- 
ment of various insects that prey almost exclusively upon 
the various species of Aphis. As we have before stated, when 
giving an account of the enemies of the Grain Plant Louse 
; oa Report, p. 58), “the most common and useful are the 

ifferent species of Lady-birds (Fig. 18) ; the Lace-wing Flies — 
(Chrysopa), both in their perfect state (Fig. 19), and in their larval condition (Fig 20) ; 


30 


the Syrphus Flies in their larval state (Fig. 21); Fig. 22 
represents a winged Syrphus Fly ; Dragon Flies, &c. ; all of 
which should be heartily encouraged by the husbandman.” 

It is a singular fact that the Lady-birds (Coccinellide), the 
first mentioned of the foes of the Aphis, occurs at times in im- 
mense swarms, like those of its prey to which we have already 
referred. Vast numbers of these little beetles are sometimes found on the shores of lakes 


Fie. 20. Fie. 21. Fic. 22. 


and rivers, and along the sea coast. Kirby and Spence state that “many years ago the- 
banks of the Humber in England were so thickly strewn with the common Lady-bird, 
that it was difficult to avoid treading upon them.” On another occasion they were 
observed in vast numbers on the sand-hills of the sea shore in Norfolk; again they 
covered the cliffs of Kent and Sussex, “to the no small'alarm of the superstitious, who 
thought them forerunners of some direful evil!” In the summer of 1870, they were 
observed in various parts of England in countless numbers, while some other places were 
visited by swarms of Syrphus Flies—another enemy to the Aphis. The sudden appear- 
ance of all these creatures is‘ accounted for by the supposition that the simultaneous 
hatching of a large number in one locality caused a scarcity of food there, and compelled 
many of them to move elsewhere. On coming to some obstruction, such as the sea they 
would accumulate in masses and so attract general attention. In Newman’s Entomologist 
(No. 73, p. 16), it is stated that during the prevalence of the swarms of Lady-birds in 
1870, “ Mr. Jansen had an apple tree completely covered with black aphides, the whole of 
which were cleared off in three or four days by Coccinella septempunctata. 

We trust that all who read these Reports,—farmers, gardeners, and hop-growers 
especially—will make it a rule never to destroy any of these most useful little creatures, 


and will also impress upon all connected with them the importance of following their 
example in this respect. : 


2. THE Hop-VINE Snout-MorH (Hypena humuli, HARRIS). 
LEPIDOPTERA PYRALIDZ. 


Next in destructiveness to the Hop-aphis comes, in this country, the Snout-moth ; 
at times, indeed, it more than rivals in its injuries the other noxious insect. In the 
month of June, earlier or later according to the season, the Hop-grower may frequently 
observe the leaves of many of his vines riddled with holes, or eaten down to the ribs. 
On inspection, he finds a small caterpillar at work, pale green in colour, with a dark, 
almost blackish longitudinal stripe on the back, and two narrow white lines on each side. 
Sometimes these lines are wanting. The body is long and slender, with its wings or 
segments very prominent ; each segment is furnished with two transverse rows of black 
dots, from each of which proceeds a short hair. The head is rather deeply divided into 
two lobes, ard is covered with similar dots and hairs; the mouth is yellowish, with the 
jaws tipped with black. Unlike the majority of caterpillars, this creature is furnished 
with only seven instead of eight pairs of legs, being destitute of the first pair of pro-legs 
beneath the middle of the body. The result of this deficiency is that the caterpillar is 
obliged to loop itself up toa slight extent when crawling, though not to the same degree 
as the Geometer or measuring warms, (Geometride). When fully growa it is over half an 
inch in length. It is a particularly active creature, and when disturbed jerks its body 
from side to side, and leaps from one spot to another ; it is also able to let itself down 


31 


from its leaf by a fine silken thread. After it has attained to maturity it descends to the 
ground, and crawling into any crevice or other place of concealment, forms a slight silken 
cocoon and changes into the chrysalis state. In this condition it remains for a fortnight 

Fig 23. or three weeks, and then comes forth at 


Seer. the end of June or early in July as a dusky 
brown moth, measuring an inch and a quar- 
ter across its expanded wings. The fore- 
wings are marbled with gray beyond the 
middle, and have a distinct gray spot on the 


tip ; they are crossed by two wavy blackish 
lines, one near the middle and the other near the outer hind margin. These lines are 
formed by little elevated black tufts, and there are also two similar tufts on the middle of 
the wing. The hind wings are dusky brown or light brown, with a pale fringe, and are 
without bands or spots.”"—(Harris). A peculiarity of the insect, from which it. derives 
its common name of “Snout-Moth,” is that it has a pair of very long and slender com- 
pressed palpi or feelers, which project from the head in the form of a snout. The accom- 
anying wood-cut (Fig. 23) represents the creature in all its stages. There are two broods 
in the year; the caterpillars of the second appear in July and August, and attain to the 
imago state in September. 

This insect is rather variable in its appearance, but is oftentimes excessively destructive. 
In 1869 we observed two Hop-yards in the County of Peel almost ruined by it, while in 
the preceding and succeeding years no great number of the caterpillars was to be seen. 
Dr. Fitch considers it ‘‘the most universal and formidable of the depredators of the Hop, 
making its appearance suddenly, in a few days sometimes, and betore their presence is 
noticed completely riddling and destroying the leaves of whole fields.” In Europe there 
is a similar insect, termed the Beaked Snout-Moth (Hypena Rostralis, Linn), which may be 
identicai with our species ; probably, indeed, our insect, like so many of our greatest 
pests, has been introduced from the other side of the Atlantic. 

The most approved remedy for the insect is to drench the vines with strong soap- 
suds. To shower them with powdered white hellebore mixed in water—an ounce of the 
drug to a pailful of water—would, we should thiuk, be even more effective. Much might 
also be done by jarring the poles among which the Hops are entwined, and crushing 
under foot all the caterpillars that fall to the ground. 


3. THE SEMICOLON BUTTERFLY. (Grapta interrogationis, GODT.) 
LEPIDOPTERA—N YMPHALID. 


The twospecies already described are by far the worst insect enemies that the hop-grower 
has to deal with. The others to which we now desire to draw attention are seldom found 
in sufficiently large numbers to cause much alarm, though at times their depredations are 
somewhat serious, especially when they attack a few hop-vines in a garden. 

The species before us, the Semicolon Butterfly (Grapta interrogationis, Godt), is a large 
handsome insect, with wings above of a tawny orange colour, spotted with black and 
brown ; beneath, the wings are in some specimens rusty red, in others marbled with red 
and brown tints ; in the middle of the underside of the hind wings there is a couspicuous 
silvery mark, shaped like a small semicolon (;), from which the speciesderives its name. The 
modern semicolon is employed in the Greek language as the mark of interrogation ; hence 
both common and technical specific names have the same meaning and refer to the samechar- 
acteristic. The wings of this butterfly measure, when expanded, as much as two anda half 
to three inches. There are two broods of them in the year, the first late in June, the other 
in August. 

The larva feeds upon the leaves of the elm and basswood, as welkas upon the hop. 
When partially grown, in the early part of August, it is thus described by our friend Mr. 
Saunders :*—“ Length, half an inch. Head black ; body above, black, with transverse 


*Canadian Entomologist, vol. 1, p. 76. 


32 
a 


rows of branching spines, those on the third, fourth, and terminal segments black, with a 
row of the same colour along each side, close to the under-surface ; all the other spines 
pale whitish. Under-surface nearly black, with dots ofa pale hue.” When fully grown, 
and an inch and a quarter in length, Mr. Saunders describes it as follows :—“ Head red- 
dish black, flat in front, somewhat bilobed, each lobe tipped with a tubercle, emitting five 
simple black pointed spines ; head covered with many small white tubercles mixed with 
a few blackish ones. Body above, black, thickly covered with streaks and dots of yellowish 
white. All the segments, except the second, with either four or seven branching spines: 
yellow with blackish branches. | Under surface, yellowish grey ; feet, black and shining ;. 
pro-legs, dull reddish.” 

The chrysalis is ashy-brown in colour, with the head deeply notched, and surmounted 
by two projections resembling ears ; on the thorax is a long, nose-like prominence, giving 
the creature the appearance of a grotesque mask ; and on the back are eight silvery spots. 
It is suspended by the tail, frequently under the leaves of the plant, at other times under 
any convenient projection. In this state the insect remains from twelve to fourteen days ; 
the later brood usually somewhat longer. 

This insect is greatly kept in check by a minute parasite belonging to the family of 
Ichneumons ; it is called by Dr. Harris the Pteromalus Vanesse. We have oftentimes 
been disappointed in our attempt to raise the butterfly of this species by this little fly. 
Everything apparently goes on well, and the caterpillar assumes the chrysalis state, but 
by-and-by, instead of a butterfly, out comes, through a hole in the side, a swarm of tiny 
flies. Ifit were not for these creatures the caterpillar would soon become a most formid- 
able and destructive pest. 


Fie. 24. There are two other species of American But- 

j terflies, whose larvee feed upon the hop ; one, not 
uncommon in Canada, the Comma Butterfly (Grapta 
=x Comma, Harris), is like the preceding species, in 
general appearance and habits ; instead of a semi- 
colon, it has a silvery comma on the middle of the 
hind-wings beneath. 

Fig. 24 represents this butterfly. 

The caterpillar feeds also upon the currant and 
elm. The other species is the Hop-vine Thecla 
: (Thecla humuli, Harris ; melinus, Hwoner). It ranges 
from the New England States to Texas and California, but we are not aware that it has 
yet been taken in Canada. 


4, Toe Hop-vinE PuustA (Plusia balluca, GEYER). 
LEPIDoPTERA-PLUSID&. 


The larva’of this very handsome moth feeds upon the hop, and is occasionally found 
in some numbers ; seldom, if ever, however, is it so numerous as to become a source of 
serious trouble, It is essentially a Canadian insect, being but very rarely observed to the 
south of us. 

The larva was found by Mr. W. Saunders, of London, Ontario, on the 13th of June, 
1872, and is thus described by him in the January No. (1873) of the Canadian Entomolo- 
gist : - ; 

“Length, 1-20 inch. Body, thickest on middle, and posterior segments tapering to- 
wards the front ; the body is arched or looped along the middle segments, when in motion. 

“ Head rather small, bilobed, of a shining green colour, with a few whitish hairs. 

“ Body aboye yellowish green, streaked and spotted with white, intermixed all through 
with green, thus dividing the white into a series of streaks, dots, and broken lines ; there 
is also a line of greenish white on each side, close to the under surface. Each segment 
has a few tubercles of a green colour, striped with white ; these are small on the 2nd, 3rd, 
and 4th segments, but,much larger from 5th to 12th inclusive, and entirely wanting on 
the terminal segment. On. each of the hinder segments, with the exception of the last, 


33 
ee ee a 
oo 


there are ten or twelve of these tubercles, which almost cover the whole surface, and 
from each of the tubercles throughout there arises a single whitish hair, 

“The under surface is of a deeper green than the upper, with a few short whitish 
hairs, chiefly on 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th and 12th segments ; feet, green; pro-legs, of 
which there are three pairs, green also. 


“This larva became a chrysalis on the 18th of June, and produced the moth on the 
13th of July.” 


Fia, 25. The Moth (Fig. 25), into which this 
caterpillar turns is a remarkably handsome 
creature ; the fore-wings are almost entirely 
covered with brilliant metallic green scales, 
darker below the middle, and paler towards 
the inner angle ; they are crossed by two ob- 
lique dark lines. The hind-wings are a dusky 
grey, without markings. The wings expand 
about an inch and three quarters. We have 
usually taken the moth in the month of Au- 
gust, and have found it in various parts of this 


Province. * 
As this species is seldom numerous, it is unnecessary to suggest any remedy. Inall 
probability its numbers are prevented from becoming excessive by some insect parasite. 


5. THE Io Emperor Motu (Hyperchiria varia, WALKER). 
LEPIDOPTERA-SATURNIAD&. 


Besides the foregoing, there are two other insects that affect the hop-vine, respecting 
which we would say a few words before leaving this subject. One of these is so very 
general a feeder that it can hardly be termed a Hop insect ; it is the larva of what is 
commonly known as the Io Emperor-Moth, of Harris (Hyperchiria varia, Walker). It 
feeds indiscriminately upon the leaves of willow, elm, white poplar, cornel, sassafras, 
cherry and locust, as well as the Hop ; it is even said to eat clover and the leaves of In- 
dian corn. When first hatched out, the caterpillars are dark brown, and covered with 
bristles ; later on. when about a third of an inch in length, their general colour is black, 
the body being entirely covered with long sharp branching spines, and having two red- 
dish white lines along the sides. When fully grown, they attain to a length of two and 
a half inches, and are of a delicate yellowish green colour, with a reddish lateral band, 
not extending the whole length of the body towards the head ; the spines are then of a 
pale yellowish green colour, and have an irmtating property, like that of the stinging 
nettle. Specimens that we have reared formed their cocoons in September, and appeared 
in the perfect state in the following June. The Moth varies very much in the two sexes, 
but both are remarkably handsome. The male is of a deep yellow colour, with a few 
darker lines across the fore-wings ; the hind-wings are broadly bordered with purplish red 
next to the body, and have in the middle of each a large and beautiful eye-like blue spot. 
The female, which is usually larger, has its fore-wings, of a purplish brown colour, with 
grey transverse lines, and its hind-wings coloured like the male, and with a still larger 
eye-like spot. 4 

) The insect is quite common throughout Canada and the Northern States, but never 
so numerous as to be considered destructive. The Moth is one of our most beautiful 
species. 


One other insect, to which we just now referred, is one of which we do not know the 
name, as we have only seen it in its larval state. 

On the 27vh of June, 1868, about a pint of larve were sent us by Mr. Wm. Magrath, 
of Erindale, Credit, which he had taken from the roots of bis hop-plants. They fed upon 
the crown of the root, at its junction with the stem, and ate out a roundish cavity in it ; 

3 


34 


two or three often worked together at the same root. We endeavoured to rear them to 
the perfect state, but did not succeed, and have never had an opportunity since. We give 
a full description of the larva taken at the time, in the hope that some of our readers may 
be able to identify it. 

Length, 1:25 to 1°50 inch. Ground-colour, dirty white ; head, chestnut-colour ; man- 
dibles, black. Body, with a pale narrow dorsal line ; first segment above, with a glassy 
shield-like patch, dirty yellow, with a black edge in front ; below this, on each side and 
above the first pair of legs, two black shining dots, the anterior one larger than the other, 
which contains the spiracle. On each side of the dorsal line, a dusky lilac stripe ; and on 
each segment a darker flat wart in front, and a blackish dot behind, on the lower side of 
the stripe. Next, a pale line, broader than the dorsal line ; a lilac line of the same 
width ; another pale line ; a lilac tubercled stripe, having on each segment a black-tipped 
wart in the middle above, a tiny black dot lower down, behind it the shining black spi- 
racle, and then another black-tipped wart ; next, a pale stripe, with a black wart on each 
segment, except the first and the tenth, which have each two small warts; below this 
another faint lilac stripe, along the top of the pro-legs. The anal segment shining black 
above, white elsewhere ; and pro-legs blackish exteriorly. From each of the warts alluded 
to there proceeds a single dark bristle. The larva has its full complement of sixteen legs. 

The more mature specimens have the lilac-stripes more obscure, and the black warts, 
therefore, more conspicuous ; while the less mature specimens have the lilac stripes much 
more developed and spot-like on the segments, rendering the black warts much less ap- 
parent. 


35° 


INSECTS INFESTING MAPLE TREES. 


By E. B. REep, Lonpon, Ont. 
. 


1. The Maple Borer or Beautiful Clytus 5. The Maple Owlet Moth (Apatela 


(Clytus speciosus, Say). Americana, Harr.). 

2. The Rosy Forest Caterpillar (Dryocampa 6. The Banded Maple Moth (Ophiusa bistria- 
rubicunda, Fab.) ris, Hubner). 

$. The American Silkworm (Telea polyphemus, 7. The Maple Leaf Cutter (Ornix acerifoliella, 
Linn.). Fitch). 

4. The Cecropia Emperor Caterpillar (Platy- | 8. The Maple Measuring Worm (Stegania 
samia cecropia, Linn.). pustularia, Guénee). 


The cultivation and protection of our forest trees is a subject which is, as each 
succeeding year rolls by, being slowly but forcibly brought to the notice of our Canadian 
agriculturists. 

The rapid destruction of timber trees for fuel and building purposes, and the very 
evident effect that is being gradually produced on our climate and soil, added to the 
lessons that experience in other countries affords, ought certainly to attract the attention 
of every well-wisher to our future prosperity. Whilst the forests of Canada are justly a 
source of much pride and material wealth to the community, the Maples amongst all our 
native trees are perhaps the best known and the most highly and widely esteemed. 

Admirably adapted for shade and ornamentation, whether for garden, park, or field, 
most excellent for fuel, exceedingly beautiful when worked up by the cabinet maker, and 
especially valuable for their saccharine matter, the Maples surely stand preéminent among 
our native Canadian forests. 

It is, therefore, very desirable that we should examine and learn something of the 
habits and history of any insects whose depredations would affect the growth or well- 
being of these beautiful trees. 


1. THE MAPLE BORER (Clytus speciosus, Say). 
Order, COLEOPTERA ; Family, CERAMBYCID. 


This destructive insect belongs to a family of beetles known as the Long-horns or 
Capricorns, the grubs or larve of which are all borers, penetrating with ease the hardest 
timber, and causing immense devastation amongst the respective trees which they severally 
affect. 

In consequence of their habits, which are exceedingly varied, the proceedings of the 
larve are difficult of observation, some living altogether in the main trunk of trees, while 
others attack the branches only, some devouring the wood, others the pith. 

The number of species in this family is very large, and there is hardly a single kind 
of tree that is exempt from the attacks of one or other of these Borers. 

The Maple Borer or Clytus speciosus was first observed and described in its beetle 
state by Mr. Thomas Say, in 1824. It is a very beautiful insect, and may readily be 
distinguished by its brilliant black and yellow colours, giving it much the appearance of 


36 : 


——$——<—$<$—$— $e 


a large hornet, so much so, indeed, that very few persons except Entomologists would at 
first sight care to touch it. In England there is a similar but Fic. 26. 
smaller beetle, Clytus arictis, popularly known as the Wasp beetle, a 
member of the same family as our Maple Borer. The latter, when 
arrived at its perfect state (See Fig. 26), varies from 9 to 12 
tenths of an inch in length, and from 3 to 5 tenths in width. The 
head is yellow and furnished with powerful mandibles or jaws ; the 
eyes and a band above them extending across the head are black ; 
the antenne or horns are also black, and are curved somewhat 
after the fashion of those of a goat, a similarity which gave rise to 
their general name of Capricorns or goat-horns. The thorax is deep 
black, with two yellow oblique stripes on each side ; it is very large, 
somewhat globular, and flattened or depressed above. The body is , 
deep black, oblong, somewhat cylindrical, a little flattened above, Color an 
and tapering behind. The elytra or wing covers have yellow bands, the first o 
which forms a regular arch, of which the keystone is composed of the yellow scutel or 
little shield-shaped spot at the top of the wings, just behind the centre of the thorax ; 
the second band is in the form of the letter W, each V receiving a termination of the 
first band ; the third band is nearly transverse, and placed across the middle ; the fourth 
is bent obliquely backward, parallel with and near to a large terminal spot or band, which 
latter has a large black central spot on each wing case, 

The elytra are each tipped with a short blunt tooth. The legs are longand yellow, with 
a brown line on the inner side of the thighs; they are made for standing securely, being 
very broad, and with the third joint deeply notched. The underside of the abdomen is 
reddish-yellow, variegated with brown. Figure 26 represents the male. The female is 
larger and stouter than the male, and has rather shorter antenne. She may also be 
easily distinguished by having a jointed tube at the end of the abdomen, which is capable 
of being extended or contracted at will, and is used for the purpose of conveying the eggs 
into the crevices or holes of the bark of the trees. These insects emit a shrill, screeching 
noise on being handled or disturbed. ‘This noise is caused by rubbing the joints of the 
thorax and abdomen together. 

The beetles may generally be seen reposing quietly on the trunks of the ‘trees during 
the day time, as they are more active at night, which period they select for their excur- 
sions in search of their mates. According to Mr. Harris, the beetle lays its eggs on the 
trunk of the maple in the months of July and August. 

The larvae hatched from these eggs are long, whitish, fleshy grubs, with deeply 
marked transverse incisions on the body. Their legs, which are six in number, are only 
rudimentary and are of no service in locomotion ; it is by means of the alternate contrac- 
tion and extension of the rings or segments of the body that these little creatures force 
their way through the wooden tunnels in which they live, and in order to further assist 
their progress each segment is furnishéd with fleshy tubercles capable of protusion, and 
which, being pressed against the sides of their retreats, enable them to thrust furward 
by degrees the other segments. As the grub has to feed upon very hard material it is 
provided with strong horny jaws, and the head, which is slightly bent downwards, is also 
covered with a strong horny skin. The grubs penetrate the bark, under which they lie 
dormant during the winter, and in the succeeding spring and summer they pierce further 
in, running long winding galleries up and down the trunk. The larve probably remain 
more than one year in this condition and then change into pup, in which state they are 
at first whitish and very soft, but gradually harden and darken until the time arrives 
when the beetle is perfectly matured, and forcing a passage through the outer bark, near 
which it has instinctively eaten its way whilst yet a grub, emerges into the open air. 

Although the attacks of these beetles are not as yet of any great extent, still in some 
localities they have done a good deal of harm. In und near London, especially, we are 
aware of many fine and valuable maples, chiefly the hard or sugar maple, Acer sacchurinum, 
that are being gradually destroyed by the operations of these insects. Their attacks can 
readily be detected by the sawdust and exuvie that they cast out of their burrows, and 
in the spring, whilst still near the surface, it is quite possible to kill them by means of a 
stout piece of wire, or the judicious use of a good sharp kuile. 


137 
| RT | 


2, THE ROSY FOREST CATERPILLAR (Dryocampa rubicunda, Fab.) 


Order, LermpopTEra ; Family, DryocAMPA. 


The last described insect, as we have seen, attacked the wood only of the trees, but 
the insects we are about to treat of devour the leaves, and by their attacks on the young 
buds materially affect the growth of the young maples. 

The name Dryocampa, signifying oak or forest caterpillar, was originally applied by 
the late Dr. Harris, the talented Entomologist of the State of Massachusetts, to certain 
insects found sometimes in great numbers on oak trees, and of which one species, Dryocampa 
senatoria is exceedingly common in the larval state. The Ruby Forest Caterpillar, how- 
ever, is generally found on the silver maple, acer dasycarpum, or the swamp maple, acer 
rubrum. 

The caterpillars are hatched about the month of July, and their presence may often 
be detected by their droppings on the ground beneath the trees, although 1t is not always 
easy to discover the insect itself. Mr. William Saunders has bred the moth from the 
larva, and we therefore avail ourselves of his description published in the Canadian 
Entomologist, Vol. I1., page 75. 3 

The larva when full grown is about one inch and three quarters long. The head is 
rather small, flattened and bilobed in front, of a pale orange colour, and having a black 
dot on each side below, near the mandibles or jaws. Tlie body above is yellowish white, 
with a stripe of rather indistinct pale green on the back, and three stripes of the same 
hue on each side. The third segment has two black horns fully one tenth of an inch*long, one 
on each side of the dorsal stripe, and spreading outwards. On each segment are several 
black dots or tubercles, those on the twelfth and thirteenth segments being the most 
distinct. On the sides of the posterior segments is a pale reddish, orange patch, nearly 
the colour of the head. The under surface is deep, glossy green, with a faint whitish 
line down the middle, and many small blackish dots or tubercles. The feet are pale 
reddish ; the pro-legs pale green, dotted with black. 

The larve having arrived at maturity seek shelter in the ground, and there undergo 
their transformation into the pupal state, remaining thus all the winter and spring, and 
emerging as perfect moths the following summer. The method by which the apparently 
inanimate pupa effects its escape has been well described by Dr. Harris in writing ofa 
very similar insect—the Dryocampa imperialis: “The Chrysalis is rough with little ele- 
vated points, particularly on the anterior extremity, and ends behind with a long forked 
spine, and is surrounded on each ring witha notched ridge, the little teeth of which point 
towards the tail. Three of the grooves or incisions between the rings are very deep, thus 
allowing a great extent of motion to the joints, and these with the notched ridges and the 
long spine at the end of the body, enable the chrysalis to work its way upwards in the 
earth above the surface of which it pushes the fore part of its body just before the moth 
makes its escape.” 

Fig. 27. The perfect insect, of which Fig. 27 represents the 
male, is a very beautiful and delicately coloured creature. 
The forewings are rose coloured crossed by a broad pale 
yellow band ; the hind wings are pale yellow with a 
short rosy band behind the middle, this in some speci- 
mens especially males is wanting ; the body is yellow ; 
the abdomen and legs are rose coloured. The male 

z expands about one inch and three quarters, while the 
Colours—Pale yellow and rose. female reaches fully two inches, the body of the male 
does not extend beyond the hind wings as does that of the female. The antenne of the 
latter are simple and thread like in form while those of the male, as will be seen on refer- 
ring to the figure, arg deeply pectinated or comb shaped to much beyond half their length, 
and minutely serrat® or saw-shaped from thence to the tips. Dr. Harris, conjectured 
that sometimes two broods might occur in the season ; asin 1842, he captured specimens 
of the larve in July which produced the moth in August, and in September following, he 
took many more caterpillars. He, however, accounted for this on the ground, “ that all 
insects have their periods of increased numbers which in some instances may be unfixed 


* 38 


and irregular, but in others their periods of numbers are as fixed and regular as that of 


the seventeen year locust. 
For young trees which are easily accessible the caterpillars may be collected by hand 


and destroyed. 
As the moths, being night fliers, are not very often seen, it might be a good idea to try 


the entomologist’s plan for collecting moths viz: Placing a piece of 1 rag saturated with sugar 
at night on the trunk of the tree, and visiting it oceasionally with a lantern, and capturing 
with a net any of the moths that are sure to be found feeding on the attractive sweets. 


3. THE AMERICAN SILK WORM (Telea Polyphemus, Linn.) 


Order, LEPIDOPTERA ; Family, Bompycip”. 


Fig. 28. Female. 


Fig. 29. % Male. 


i 4.Coloure—Dull ochre yellow—purplieh bands and eyes. 


39 


. 

This magnificent insect belongs to the same Family as the well known Chinese Silk 
Worm, Bombyx mort. It has received the especial name of Tur American Silk Worm, 
because for all practical purposes it is the only American silk-spinner now known that 
can be rendered of any commercial value. For many years Sericiculture or the art of 
raising silk producing insects, has been very seriously threatened with great loss if not 
entire destruction by the various epidemic diseases that affect the Mulberry silk-worm. 
Much attention has therefore been paid lately towards acclimatizing in Europe and else- 
where, other silk producing Bombyces in order to supersede if necessary the mulberry 
species. Telea Polyphemus being found easy of propagation, its whole history is well 
known and we, therefore, purpose to give our readers a detailed account of its various 
transformations, the more especially as it is a tolerably common insect and from its size 
and splendid appearance both as larva and moth, it is sure to attract attention and excite 
the curiosity of those who see it. Hitherto it has been supposed to feed only on oak, and 
those who have bred it in large numbers for the silk market have raised it exclusively 
on oak leaves, but it, nevertheless, frequently attacks the maples and from the enormous 
size of the caterpillar and its voracious appetite, a great deal of damage is often done. 
Figures 28, 29 are admirable illustrations of the perfect moth, male and female. Dr. 
Harris thus describes its appearance: “Its wings are cut off almost square at the corners. 
It is of a dull ochre-yellow colour more or less clouded with black in the middle of the 
wings, on each of which there is a transparent eye-like spot, divided transversely by a 
slender line, and encircled by yellow and black rings ; before and adjoining to the eye spot 
of the hind wings is a large blue spot shading into black ; near the hinder margin of the 
wings is a dusky band edged with reddish white behind ; on the front margin of the 
fore wings is a gray stripe which also crosses the fore part of the thorax, and near the 
base of the same wings are two short red lines edged with white.” On the under side 
the colours are paler, but the bands are more distinct. The antenne are broad especially in 
the male and deeply pectinated. The wings expand from five to six inches. When at 
rest the wings are held elevated above the body like those of a butterfly, but if disturbed 
they are spread out flat, both pairs being displayed. The moth usually flies towards dusk 
or in the early part of the evening. The moths make their first appearance about the 
month of June. The female lays a large number of eggs ; she deposits them on the 
anderside of the leaves leaving but a single egg in each place. 

Mr. L. Trouvelot, in an admirable article in the American Naturalist, has given a very 
interesting account of his success in raising large broods of these caterpillars, having had 
in 1865, five acres of woodland swarming with insect life, numbering not less than a million. 
According to lim “the incubation of the egg lasts from ten to twelve days.” The cater- 
pillar eats its way out of the egg, the shell of which it devours. The Larva (Fig 30) at- 
tains its maturity in about 70 days, having changed its skin five times during that period. 

It is about three inches in 
Fro. 30. length, though it has a pe- 
culiar fashion of contract- 
ing its body, and hunching 
up its segments, when not 
in motion. Its colour is 
pale bluish green. The 
segments are covered with 
orange or reddish warts, or 
tubercles which have a 
pearly lustre, and are fur- 
nished at their extremities 
with a few hairs. The head 
and feet are brown,and the 
tail or anal segment is bor- 
dered with a brown V- 
shaped line. The sides of 
Colour —Pale, bluish green—orange spots. the body are striped obli- 

quely with white. 
The cocoon, (Fig 31) which is of a regular oval shape and about two inches long, is formed 


i 40) 


. é 


by fastening together a few leaves with silken 
threads, in the interior of which the larva spins a 
second strong and very close cocoon in which it 
changes into the pupa (Fig 32). These cocoons 
fall with the leaves in the autumn, and remain on 
the ground during the winter until the perfect 
insect emerges. The pupa is very thick and short, 
and shows very clearly the antenne and wings. 


Sa SS The larva takes about a week to complete its co- 
coon. The silk of which the inner one is formed is very Fic. 32. > 


glossy, rather coarser than that of Brombyx mori, and accord- 
ing to M. Trouvelot, can be used very extensively in com- 
merce. It has a continuous thread and can be readily unwound. 
We are not aware what the actual length of the silk in each 
eocoon amounts to, but it must be something very great, 
if one may judge it by comparison with that of the Chinese 
silk worm. Rennie, in his Jnsect Architecture, in speaking WiMaes Ea) 

of the latter states, “that the length of the unbroken thread in a cocoon varies from 
six hundred to a thousand feet ; and as it is all spun double by the insect, it will amount 
to nearly two thousand feet of silk, the whole of which does not weigh above three grains 
and-a-half ; five pounds of silk from ten thousand cocoons is considerably above the aver- 
age.” When we see the enormous difference in size between the cocoons of Polyphemus and 
mort, we can well believe that it may be very advantageous to the silk grower, to do all 
he can towards developing the experiments already made in the culture of our American 
silk worm. We must not forget, however, that amongst our ornamental and forest trees 
the larva is capable of doing much harm, and in the present instance we can only regard 
it as a noxious insect, and therefore one to be destroyed. Like everything else in the 
insect world, it has its special enemies, being very subject to the attacks of an Ichneumon 
fly, named Ophion Macrurum. Hand picking is the only remedy we are aware of. 


4. THE CECROPIA EMPEROR CATERPILLAR. (Platysamia cecropia, Linu.) 


Order, LeprpopTera ; Family BomBycip&. 

This insect was fully described by the Rev. Mr. Bethune, in his treatise on insects 
injurious to the Apple, contained in the Commissioner’s Report for 1870, to which we refer 
our readers for further details. As the caterpillar feeds also on maple leaves we haye 
given a figure of it, No. 33. 


Fie, 33. 


Colours—Green, blue, yellow and red. 


Mr. Bethune well describes it as a giant among caterpillars. It is about four inchee 
Jong when full grown. The colour of the body is pale green, and it is covered with tuber- 


41 


(a 


eles of green, blue, yellow and red colours. It spins a cocoon in a manner similar to 7’. 
Polyphemus, which it much resembles in its habits save that the cocoon remains attached to 
the trees. The larva is subject to the attacks of a parasitic Tachina fly. Mr. Bethune states 
that the most effective remedy is to go round the orchard or garden in the winter, and cut 
off the cocoons which are so large and conspicuous as to be at once seen. 


5. THE MAPLE OWLET MOTH. (Apatela Americana, Harr.) 
Order, LEPIDOPTERA ; Family, Nocrum&. 


During the later portion of the summer months and early in the fall, the caterpillar of 
the owlet moth may often be met with. It is about three inches long at maturity, the 
upper side of the body is greenish-yellow, ard covered with long soft yellow hairs, 
with four long slender erect tufts of black hairs, two on the fourth and two on the sixth 
segments, and a long single tuft on the eleventh segment ; the head, last segment, and all 
the under side, including the feet, are black. During repose it remains curled up side- 
wise. Dr. Harris writes that “ when about to make its cocoon, it creeps into chinks of the 
bark or into cracks of fences and spins a loose half-oval web of silk, intermixed with the 
hairs of its body ; under this it then makes another and tougher pod of silk, thickened 
with fragments of bark and wood, and there when its work is done changes into a chrysalis, 
in which state it remains till the following summer.” The perfect moth expands about 
three inches. The fore wings are light gray—near the outer margin there is a wavy scal 
loped whitish line, edged with black, and there are various black lines and streaks edged, 
in the same way; as are also the reniform or kidney shaped spots in the middle of the 
wing. The outer edge of both fore and hinder wings is fringed with wavy black and white 
spots. The hind wings are of a rather darker shade of gray in the males, while those of 
the female are more dingy or reddish brown. All the wings are whitish and shining on 
the under side, with a black wavy; curved band and a central semi-circular spot on each, 
the fringes are the same colour as on the upper side. . The body is reddish brown above, 
and much lighter in colour on the under side. The four wings have the peculiar mark re- 
sembling the Greek letter “ y,” though not so distinctly as in “ Acronycta Psi,” whose his- 
tory we related in the report for 1870, when treating of the plum. The Thorax is very 
thick, with prominent collar and shoulders. 

The family name of this moth is given to it frcm its nocturnal habits, having been 
named by the great entomologist Linneus from “ Noctua,” the Latin word for an owl. 
The maple owlet is the largest of our American species. It is very similar to, and has 
sometimes been mistaken for Apatela Aceris, the maple moth of Europe, although the 
larvz do not bear any resemblance to each other. 


6. THE BANDED MAPLE MOTH (Ophiusa bistriaris, Hubner.) 
Order, LEPIpopTERA; Family, Nocrump.. 


It is somewhat hard to believe that this elegant little moth can be the cause of any 
mischief to our maples, but we must not be deceived by appearances, for it is a veritable 
enemy. 

The moth expands about one inch and three-quarters. The wings are large, and 
clearly and neatly shapen. The colour of the forewings is a rich chocolate brown, with a 
broad lighter margin on the outer edge, with awavy scalloped line dividing it length- 
ways ; there are two whitish lines edged on the inner side with a deeper shade of chocolate 
brown, the outer of these two lines forms the inner side of the marginal broad border ; 
the hindwings are of a uniform reddish brown, with two indistinct transverse lines and 
bordered with a whitish fringe, margined interiorly with a scalloped black line. The 
under side of all the wings is of a light brown colour, with a black wavy transverse line 
and a central black spot in each wing, and a broad whitish border with blackish scal- 
loped margin, and a fringe ; the body is the same colour above as the fore wings ; the head 
is thickly clothed with deeper red collar ; the feelers are erect and prominent. 

The larva has been bred by Mr. William Saunders from the Silver Maple, Aver 


42 


dasycarpum, and we give the following condensed description from his notes published in 
the Canadian Entomologist, vol. ii. p. 130. 

A number of specimens were taken late in July. Their length was 1-40 inches ; 
somewhat onisciform. The head was medium sized, flattened and bilobed ; of a pale, 
ashen gray colour, a dark brown stripe on each side, and a few short grey hairs scattered 
on its surface. 

The body above is brownish grey, with numerous streaks and dots of pale brown ; 
a double irregular dorsal line widening here and there throughout +its entire length. 
There are many other broken lines of the same character, composed chiefly of dots, but 
none of them continuous. On the hinder part of the twelfth segment is a raised crescent 
shaped line, edged behind with black, and on the terminal one two whitish dots, with a 
small patch of black at their base. The spiracles, or breathing pores, are pale, oval, and 
edged with black. The under surface is paler and bluish-green, with two round central 
blackish spots on the hinder part of the seventh and eighthsegments. The feet are green- 
ish, and semi-transparent. This larva is subject to considerable variation in its colour 
and markings. When about to go into chrysalis the larva cuts through a portion of a 
leaf of the tree on which it has fed, and turning it over constructs a snug little case, 
fastening it up closely and carefully with silken threads, and in this completes its trans- 
formations. After remaining in the pupa state about two weeks Mr. Saunders’ specimens 
produced the perfect imago. : 

Although not appearing in any very great numbers the moth is tolerably common in 
the western part of the Province. 


7. THE MAPLE LEAF CUTTER (Orniz acerifoliella, Fitch.) 
Order, LeprpopTERA ; Family, TINEIDA, 


Many persons, we have no doubt, have often noticed a peculiar appearance of the 
maple leaves, resembling the effects of fire or frost, and giving a dingy brown look to the 
whole foliage. It is more or less common every year in this Province, but it has been 
unusually noticeable in the London district during the past season. It is caused by the 
larvee of a pretty little moth, whose dark brilliant blue colour and bright orange yellow 
head may frequently attract the attention of an observer during the early part_of the 
summer, as the moth flies about from tree to tree, or rests exposed upon the leaves. 

This little creature belongs to a family that embraces the smallest in size of all our 
Lepidoptera, and many members of which are very familiar to us, as we know to our 
annoyance and discomfort when our furs and carpets and wearing apparel are attacked. 
Dr. Asa Fitch, the talented Entomologist of the State of Massachusetts, was the first to 
work out the life-history of this destructive little maple leaf cutter, and from his excellent 
treatise, published in 1856, we intend to make a few extracts. “ The cause of this fading 
of the leaves was recently discovered upon examination. “It was found that the green 
parenchyma or pulpy substance of the leaf was destroyed in spots and irregular patches, 
leaving only the fine net-work of veins and the transparent cuticle. These spots were 
commonly in rings or in segments of a circle, with the centres green and unaffected. In 
addition to these, holes of a nearly circular form appeared in the leaves, about a quarter 
of an inch in diameter, with others of a smaller size. A dozen or more of these holes . 
were at that time found in almost every leaf; and some of the pieces which had been cut 
out of the leaf, forming these holes, might be observed adhering like round scales to the 
surface of the leaf, some on its upper, others on its under side. On elevating this scale 
from the strface of the leaf another smaller one was found beneath it, and beneath them 
was a small white worm, which was evidently the artizan by whom all this work had 
been done—cutting out these circular pieces from the leaf to form a cloak for himself, and 
when hungry feeding upon the pulpy substance of the leaf, thus forming the circular and 
irregular spots seen upon it. Occasionally one of these scales might be observed to move 
slightly along, the worm at such times protruding its head from under the edge of the 
scale, and with its feet pulling its unwieldy domicile to another part of the leaf.” 

“The worm within these cases is nearly a quarter of an inch in length when mature. 
It is slender, and of a flattened cylindrical form, soft and contractible, composed of 


43 


thirteen segments marked by slight intervening constrictions. It is dull white, the head, 
which is strongly depressed, and the three thoracic segments pale rusty brown. An 
interrupted broad blackish stripe along the middle of the back is more or less distinct. 
Only the three pairs of legs upon the thoracic segments are distinctly developed.” 

“These worms, or many of them at least, are carried to the ground upon the leaves, 
when they fall from the trees in autumn. They remain in their cases and change to pup» 
among the fallen leaves beneath the trees, in which situation they: may be found early in 
the following spring.” 

Dr. Fitch mentions the fact that trees standing alone in fields or yards around houses 
were exempt from the attacks of the leaf-cutter. Our experience does not confirm this 
statement, for we found that several isolated trees were badly disfigured around the 
country house where we spent the past summer months. A small Ichneumon-fly, about 
one-tenth of an inch in length, and pale yellow, is parasitic upon the larve cases, and 
probably is of material service in checking the increase of the moth. Dr. Fitch suggests 
as a remedy that sheep or cattle be allowed to range the ground occupied by the sugar 
orchard, and if notwithstanding the trampling of the earth by cattle standing under or 
travelling around them, the leaves of particular trees show that they are preyed on by 
this moth, it will be well after the leaves have fallen in autumn to feed salt to the 
animals under such trees, that any insects among the leaves may be trampled upon and 
destroyed. 

Lhe holes made by these insects are nearly circular when first cut, bnt by the subse- 
quc at growth of the leaf they become oblong. 


8. THE MAPLE MEASURING WORM (Stegania pustularia, Guenee). 
Order, Leprpoprera ; Family, GEOMETRID&. 


We quote the following account from Mr. W. Saunders’ notes, as published in the 
Canadian Entomologist, vol. iii. p. 325: 

“The larve of this delicate looking little geometric moth feeds on the maple. It is 
common in the London neighbourhood, and may be readily got in season by striking the 
branches of the trees a sharp blow, when it drops at once part way to the ground, remain- 
ing suspended by a silken thread, by means of which, when danger passes, it can regain 
its position on the tree. It is found full grown about the middle of June, enters the 
chrysalis state within a few days afterwards, and produces the moth early in July. 

“When full grown the larva measures abont five-eighths of an inch in length ; body 
cylindrical, head medium-sized, rather flat in front and slightly bilobed, and of a pale 
green colour, with a fe-v very fine hairs, invisible without a magnifying glass,scattered over 
its surface ; mandibles .ipped with black.” 

“Body above F.aish green, with thickly set longitudinal stripes of whitish and 
yellow ; a double v sitish dorsal line with bordering lines of yellowish white, neither of 
which are unbrol.vn, but are formed ofa succession of short lines and dots. Below these, 
on each side, are two or three imperfect white lines, made up of short streaks, and much 
fainter than those bordering the dorsal line; spaces between the segments yellowish. 
The skin all over the body is much wrinkled and folded.” 

“The under surface is green, with a tinge of yellowish between the segments ; feet 
yellowish green, prolegs green, faintly tipped with brown.” 

“The moth is of a pure white colour, with three or four reddish brown spots on the 
costal margin of each of the fore wings, and with a faint curved line of the same, crossing 
them a little beyond the middle ; it expands one inch.” 

The larva feeds on the young and tender leaflets and buds, and of course causes 
some injury. In all probability the same remedy would be of service as that suggested 
by Dr. Fitch in the case of the maple leaf cutter. 


44 


INSECTS AFFECTING THE PEACH. 


By E. B. Reep, Lonpon, ONT. 


yr rt FAALY 
THE PEACH BORER (Ageria eritiosa, Say.) 
Order, LEPIDOPTERA ; FAMILY, ASGERID. 


This notorious pest, which has been well termed “the silent and insidious destroyer 
of the peach tree,” is so common, and its attacks are so universal wherever peach-culture 
is attempted, that we deem it matter of interest to our readers to lay before them the 
full details of its history. The laborious researches of those able American Entomolo- 
gists, Mr. Thomas Say, of Philadelphia, Dr. Thaddeus Harris, of Massachusetts, and Dr. 
Asa Fitch, of New York, have caused the whole history of the peach borer to be well 
worked up, and it is from their writings that we propose to condense the following 
treatise for the benefit of our Canadian readers. 

Mr. Say first described the insect in 1826, and gave it the name of evitiosa, a word 
signifying “destructive,” in allusion to its powers of mischief. The perfect insect 
belongs to a group or family of moths, which, from their transparent wings and slender 
bodies with coloured bands, bear so strong a resemblance to certain bees, wasps, hornets and 
flies that various species have received the names of apiformis, the bee-shaped ; vespiformis, 
the wasp-shaped ; crabroniformis, the hornet-shaped ; tipulifurmis, the gnat-shaped, ete. So 
deceptive is this likeness that even the celebrated naturalist, DeGeer, in writing of one of 
the species observes, “the first time that Isaw it I hesitated to take it with mynaked hand, 
believing that I had found a wasp.” The moths fly only in the day time, and they may 
be frequently seen basking in the sunshine. Their larvee derive all their nourishment 
from the wood and pith of the various shrubs and trees which they affect, and in the 
stems or roots of which they lie concealed. 

’ Fic. 34. At figure 34 we give a representation of 
. of the perfect or winged state of the peach 
borer, No. 1 showing the female and No. 2 the 
male, by which our readers will notice that the 
sexes differ so remarkably in appearance that 
it is difficult to believe that they both belong to 
thesamespecies. The male, No. 2, is ofa deep 
steel blue colour, with various pale yellow 
marks, and has a glossy satin-like lustre. The 
antenne are black, and fringed on the inner 
side with numerous fine short hairs.. The palpi, or feelers, the shoulder-covers, the rings 
ef the abdomen, and of the peculiar brush or fan on the tail are edged with pale yellow. 
The wings expand about one inch ; they are all transparent and glass-like, with a slight 
tinge of smoky yellow, their veins, margin and fringe are steel blue. The body is slender 
and cylindrical. The feet are black, with two rings of pale yellow on the shins. 

The female, No. 1, has a very dark steel blue body, with a tinge of purple, and a 
broad bana of a bright glossy orange-yellow colour, occupying the whole of the fourth 
and fifth segments. The abdomen is of along oval form, nearly twice as broad as that 
ef the male. The antenne have no fringe along their inner sides. The fore wings are 
opaque, and of a steel blue colour, with the tips and fringes of a purplish tint. The 
hind wings are transparent like those of the male ; they are broadly margined upon hoth 


Colours Steel Blue and Yellow Band. 


45 


sides, and marked at the base with steel blue ; they have five thick veins, and commonly 
there are traces of a straw-yellow stripe on the outer margin towards the tip. The wings 
expand about one inch and a half. Both sexes have several varieties, but the two above 
mentioned descriptions are those of the ordinary types. 

The eggs are deposited by the moths in the course of the summer, upon the trunk 
of the tree near the root. Mr. Evan Thomas, as quoted by Mr. Say, says that “ they 
leave from one to fifty, and in some instances nearly three hundred eggs in each tree, 
according to its size and capacity to support the future progeny.. These soon appear, but 
it is difficult to detect them until they have acquired a growth of two or three weeks, 
when they are four or five lines in length. From this period their growth is accelerated or 
retarded in proportion to the quantity of nourishment afforded.” 

Dr. Fitch writes “that the worms when hatched work downwards, at first in the bark 
of the root, forming, a slender flexuous channel, which.becomes filled with gum. At the 
distance of an inch or two below the surface the whole of the bark of the root becomes 
consumed in badly infested trees, and the soft sap wood is also extensively gnawed and 
eroded, so that frequently the root is nearly severed. The larger worms in the winter 
season repose with their heads upwards, in contact with the exterior surface of the root, 
commonly in smooth longitudinal grooves which they have excavated, their backs being 
covered over with the castings mingled with the gum and with cobweb-like threads, thus 
forming a kind of cell, the cavity of which is considerably larger than the body of the 
worm inhabiting it. The smaller worms have no such cell, but lie promiscuously in the 

“gum, or between it and the root.” 
. The presence of these borers may always be readily detected by the castings and 
gum which issue from the hole in the bark. 

Dr. Harris tells us ‘‘ that these borers, when nearly one year old, make their cocoons 
either under the bark of the trunk or root, or in the earth and gum contiguous to the 
base of the trees. Soon afterwards they are transformed to chrysalides, and finally come 
forth in the winged state, and lay the eggs for another generation of borers.” 

“ The last transformation takes place from June to October, most frequently, how- 
ever during the month of July in the State of Massachusetts. Here, although there 
are several broods produced by a succession of hatches, there is but one rotation of 
meta:aorphoses consummated within a year. Hence, borers of all sizes will be found in 
the trees throughout the year, althdugh it seems necessary that all of them, whether more 
or less advanced, should pass through one winter before they appear in the winged state.” 

Dr. Fitch also confirms the statement that whoever examines infested roots will find 
worms upon them of all sizes, at all times of the year. From his reportit appearsthat the 

pupa state lasts at least three weeks in the warmest part of the 
summer, and that in the State of New York the moths 
generally deposit their eggs about the end of July and the 
beginning of August. At fig. 35 we give a faithful represen- 
tation of the full grown larva, and we quote its description as 
given by Mr. Saunders in the Canadian Entomologist, vol. ii. 

The larva is a naked, soft cylindrical grub, slightly flattened on its under side, and 
measures when full grown over half an inch in length, and nearly a quarter of an inch in 
diameter. It is divided into fourteen nearly equal segments by broad transverse 
constrictions. 

The head is of a medium size, with a depressed line down the centre, 
dividing it into two lobes. It has a triangular piece inserted in the middle, with its 
base towards the mouth and its apex terminating just under the anterior edge of the 
second segment. The head is also flattened, and of a reddish colour, becoming darker, 
almost black, on its anterior edge. The jaws are black and prominent. The body above 
is of a dull pale yellow, with the segments or rings of the body deeply cut. The second 
segment is of a pale reddish brown colour, smooth and horny looking. On each segment 
there are a few minute pale reddish dots, from which arise short reddish or brownish 
hairs—those along the sides and on the posterior extremity being somewhat larger. 
A faint line runs along each side through the stigmata or breathing pores of a paler shade 
on the rest of the body. The stigmata are small, nearly round, and of a dull reddish 
colour. The under sur ace is very similar in colour to the upper. The feet are tipped 


Fig. 35, 


SS Se SS 


with reddish brown, and the prolegs are pale yellow, with the fringe of hooks crowning 
each, of a dark reddish brown. 

From Dr. Fitch we learn that “‘ when ready to enter the pupa state the worm crawls 
upwards to the surface of the ground, and there forms for itself a follicle or pod-like 
case of a leathery texture, made from its castings, held together by dry gum and cobweb- 
like threads. This follicle is of a brown colour, and oval in its form, with its ends 
rounded ; it is about three-fourths ofan inch long, and over one fourth in diameter, but is 
variable in its size, being sometimes but half an inch long. Its inner surface is perfectly 
smooth, and of the colour of tanned leather, It is placed against the side of the root, 
often sunk in a groove, which the worm appears to have gnawed for this purpose, with 
its upper end slightly protruding above the surface of the ground. But if the earth has. 
been stirred recently, so as to lie loose around the root, the worm will commonly form its 
follicle an inch or more below the surface.” 

A great variety of remedies have been proposed by the numerous writers who have 
treated upon this insect, but we think that the following extracts will give the results of 
those experiments that appear to have met with the best success. 

Dr. Harris informs us “that the following plan, which was recommended by me in 
the year 1826, and has been tried with complete success by several persons in this. 
vicinity, will effectually protect the neck or most vital part of the tree from injury. 
Remove the earth from the base of the tree, crush and destroy the cocoons and borers. 
which may be found in it and under the bark, cover the wounded parts with the common 
clay composition, and surround the trunk with a strip of sheathing-paper eight or nine 
inches wide, which should extend two inches below the level of the soil, and be secured 
with strings of matting above. Fresh mortar should then be placed around the root, so 
as to confine the paper and prevent access beneath it, and the remaining cavity may be 
filled with new or unexhausted loam. This operation should be performed in the spring, 
or in the month of June. In the winter the string may be removed, and in the following 
spring the trees should again be examined for any borers that may have escaped search 
before, and the protecting application should be renewed.” 

Mr. James Worth, who is largely quoted by Mr. Thomas Say, writes: “The best 
plan of guarding against the ravages of this insect which I have found, is to examine the 
tree early in the month of July ; take a bricklayer’s* trowel, and opening the ground 
around the trunk the lodgment of the insect will at once be discovered by the appearance 
of gum, and it can be readily destroyed. One person can thus examiue more than a 
hundred trees in less than half a day, and very few, if any, of the insects will escape.” 

Mr. C. V. Riley, the State Entomologist of Missouri, in his first annual report 
published in 1869, gives yet another remedy, and one which appears to be so successful 
that we cannot refrain from giving our readers the full extract. ‘I have had ample 
occasion,” he writes, ‘to witness the effect of the mounding system during the summer 
in several different orchards, and am fully convinced that it is the best practical method 
of preventing the attacks of this insect, and that it matters little whether ashes or simple 
earth be used for the mound. True, there are parties who claim that the almost total 
exemption from borers in mounded peach-orchards is due, not to any special effect pro- 
duced by the mound, but to the general rarity of the insect. But I have found no general 
rarity of the insect wherever I have been in our own State, but, on the contrary, have 
with difficulty found a single tree in any orchard that was in anywise neglected that did 
not contain borers ; while I have found mounded trees entirely exempt. The following 
paragragh communicated to the Western Rural by Mr. B. Pullen, of Centralia, Illinois, » 
touches on this point, and I can bear witness to the thrift and vigour of Mr. P.’s trees : 

“ As spring will soon be upon us, I wish to add my testimony in favour of the 
“banking system,” as a preventive against the attacks of the peach borer. As to its 
efficiency there can be no doubt, I have practised it for four years with complete success. 
I would not advise its adoption until after the trees are fouryears old. Duringmost of this 
period the bark is tender and trees are liable to be entirely girdled by even a single worm. 
Safety lies only in personal examination and removal with the knife in fall aud spring 
(September and April). In April of the fourth year bank up to the height of fromten to 
twelve inches, pressing the dirt firmly around the tree. A little dirt should be added 
each successive spring ; it is not only a preventive, but a great saving of labour.” 


47 


As further testimony, and with a view of giving the method by which the trees may 
be mounded, I also insert the following communication from E. A. Thompson, of Hillside 
(near Cincinnati), Ohio, which appeared in the Journal of Agriculture of November 14th, 
1868: 

“The mounding system was first practised, so far as I know, by Isaac Bolmar, of 
Warren County, Ohio. I visited his orchards some years ago, acquainted myself with 
his system, and concluded to try it upon my orchard of 4,000 trees—then one year 
planted. I plant my trees in the fall, and in the spring following cut them back to six 
inches above the bud. The tree, then, instead of having one body has several—from 
three to six. The second summer I plough both ways, turning the fnrrows towards the 
trees. The men follow with shovels, throwing the loose soil around th: trees to the height 
of about one foot. In the fall I cut the trees back, taking off about one-third of the 
year’s growth. The next spring or summer I pursue the same method, raising the 
mound about one foot higher, cut back in the fall, and in the third summer repeat the 
process, raising the mound another foot, which finishes the job. The mound will then 
be about three feet high at its apex, and six feet in diameter at its base. Themounding need 
not be done in the summer or at any particular season; it is just as well done in the fall 
when the hurry is over, The dirt is never taken away from the trees ; in fact it cannot 
be removed without injury to the tree, for the young rootlets each year keep climbing up 
through this mound. | had occasion to remove one of these mounds a few days since, and 
found it a mass of healthy roots.” 

“ Now for the benefits. First, you have no trouble with the grub or borer ; he must 
have light and air, and the mound is too much for him; he comes out, and that is the 
last of him. I have never wormed my trees or hunted for borers, and an orchard of 
healthier or thriftier trees cannot be found. It has been asserted that the borer will 
reappear again near the top of the mound—but I am satisfied this isnot the case ; I have 
neyer thus far been able to find one. Second, the system imparts longevity to the tree. 
I saw a tree in Warren County, treated inthis manner, ¢hirty years old, still healthy and 
bearing annual crops. Third, trees thus treated are not subject to disease. I 
have never had a case of yellows in my orchard. Fourth, the expense is trifling—one 
man can mound fifty trees perday. The system can be applied to old as well as young 
orchards; but if old trees are thus treated they should first be severely cut back, when 
they will makea growth of young wood.” 

It is also stated that tobacco stems thrown round the stem of the trees have been 
productive of good, as they seem to have the effect of keeping away the moth. 


48 


INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE POTATO. 


By E. B. Rerp, Lonpon, ONTARIO. 


Addenda to the Report of 1870. 


ee) deep orange ; (b) and (c) venetian red, inclining to cream colour; (d) and (e) cream 
colour aud black. 


During the past year we looked firward with considerable anxiety to the effect that the 
Colorado Beetle would produce on the potato crop; we are glad to be able to report that on 
the whole, less mischief has been done than we ant cipated. It is somewhat difficult, how- 
ever, to arrive at an accurate estimate. The Bureau of Agriculture forwards every year to 
the Secretaries of the Electoral Division Agricultural Societies a printed circular requesting 
a detailed return of the crops in each district , if these returns were properly made they would 
afford much valuable information. It is to be regretted that they are not more universally 
attended to, So far as we can learn only 40 of these returns have been made for 1872, and 
it is on these partial details that we must base our analysis for the Potato crop. While, how- 
ever, the ravages of the beetle have been somewhat less than we expected, its increase in num- 
bers ‘aod onward progress have yet been such as to cause not only a material effect on the crop, 
but also to maintain a good deal of alarm amongst the farming community. A comparison 
of the crop returns for “the two past years fully confirms the statement made in our former 
reports, tbat the second and third years of appearance of the beetle are worse than the first. 

A few statistics may not be out «f place here. 

In 1871, 45 Agricultural Societies sent in returns shewing an average crop of 131 bush- 
els per acre. 

In the past year, 1872, only 40 Societies reported, with an average of 118 bushels per 
acre, 

In 1871 only 14 Societies reported the presence of the bectle, while 33 were free from it, 
and none badly affected. 

In 1872, 26 Societies report injury from the beetle, and 8 report yery serious damage, 
in some cases almost total destruction, and only 14 appear to be free. 


49 


It is to be noticed that all the western places which in 1871 were the most badly affected, 
were in 1872 far more seriously attacked. In no one place do we find that the beetle after 
making its appearance one year, has not reappeared in the following season, The following 


list of Societies reporting the advent of the beetle for the first time, will shew what its on- 
ward progress is :— 


Middlesex, N. Hastings, E. Perth, S. Norfolk, N. 
Durham, W. Northumberland, W. Simcoe, 8. Wellington, S. 
Wellington, N. Middlesex, W. Niagara, Grey, S. 
Frontenac, Peterborough, Victoria, Oxtord, N. 


Hastings, N. 
While the following were those receiving most injury :— 


Bothwell, Essex, Middlesex, E. Wellington, N. 
Lambton, Perth, S. Elgin, E. 


We are quite aware of the inaccuracy of these statistics, as we know that in some of the 
new places the beetle appeared in 1871. We base the statements, however, upon the returns 
given to the Commissioner. It would be very desirable to obtain statistics of the various sorts 
of potatoes grown, as we are quite satisfied from our own experience that some varieties are 
much more subject to attack than others, and we would beg respectfully to suggest to the Com- 
missioner of Agriculture the propriéty of obtaining such information during the coming season. 

From the monthly reports of the Agricultural Department published at Washington, we 
obtain some information respecting the ravages of the Colorado Potato Beetle in the United 
States. 

The returns of their correspondents shew that the crop of 1872 was less than that of 
1871 by abvut six millions of bushels. This, however, comprehends “sweet potatoes” as well. 
The western States, in which the potato crop had suffered for several years past from the ra- 
vages of the Colorado beetle, reported diminishing losses from that cause, and were the only 
States, North Carolina and Texas excepted, reporting increased production. 

In the following twelve Western States, viz., Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wiscon- 
sin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, California, and Oregon, the average yield 
was only 98 bushels to the acre, while the average price on December 1, 1872, was 50 cents 
per bushel. 

Harding County, Lowa, is reported exempt, after several years’ visitation of the beetle 
“ Tyck’s Seedling” Potato is claimed to be “ bug proof.” 

We give these statistics as it is frum the Western States that the Colorado Beetle has 
worked its way, and they shew to some extent what effect has been pruduced by its ravages 
for some years past. 

In our immediate neighbourhood at London the beetles literally swarmed, and thousands 
were daily trodden down on the sidewalks and streets, and we look for a still further increase 
next year. We may mention as a curious fact, that although we had previously seen many 
hundreds of thousands of the perfect beetle, it was only last season that we for the first ‘time 
saw even one in actual flight; but perhps the numbers we saw this year on the wing 
fully compensated for the “masterly inactivity ” of those f rmerly observed by us. 

Qur natural allies the insect enemies of the Colorado Beetle appear to be slightly on the 
increase, thus furnishing further evidence, if any is required, that Dame Nature still main- 
tains the “ balance of p wer,’’ and that for every natural evil that arises, some natural 
remedy is sure to be found; and although the’ remedy perhaps may not, in our estimation, 
work quite so rapidly as we could desire, yet it is none the less sure and effectual in the end. 

Especially have we noticed the more frequent presence of the Fifteen Sp tted Ladybird 

Fic. 37. (.Wysia 15 punctata, Oliv. )—see 
Fig. 37—and several friends 
have brought us in specimens 
of Lerillus circumcinctus, Say-- 
see Fig. 38—which they detec- 
ted in the act of attacking the 
larvee of the Colorado beetle. 
w We still continue to recom- 
mend Paris Green as the chief 


50 


remedy. Wherever it has been properly used, good results have invariably been obtained. : 
It is, of course, of the utmost importance that the quality should be good. As a marketable 
commodity, the quality of Paris Green is exceedingly variable. It is an arsenite of copper, 
and the best qualities contain about 60 per cent. of arsenic, on which its activity depends, 
but the inferior grades contain a much smaller percentage, and are consequently much less 
effective, and in some cases almost worthless for this purpose. We are Fic. 38. 

satisfied that every reported case of failure in the use of Paris Green 
as a remedy for the Colorado potato beetle, may be traced directly to 
the inferior quality of the poison used. We have been informed by 
Mr. W. Saunders, of London, Ont., that he has found Plaster of Paris 
a most excellent substitute for flour to mix the poison with. It 
should, most certainly, be very useful as a fertilizer, and where ayail- 
able, would doubtless be found to obtain success. Its cheapness also 
is a very important point in its fayour. Its proportions for mixture 
are somewhat more, owing to the difference between the weight of the plaster and that of 
flour, for while the latter works well in the ratio of from 15 to 20 parts to 1 of Paris Green, 
the Plaster will require at least 30 to 40. Flour, however, we consider for several reasons 
to be still a capital material for this purpose. 

There is a mixture prepared at Strathroy, Ont., which it is claimed is a very good 
remedy for the beetle. We tried some on a small scale, but not enough to justify us in 
recommending it as a substitute for the ParisGreen. We purpose testing it more extensively 
this next season. 

In the State ef Illinois we are told that the following plan has been tried and found to 
succeed, i.c., to plough a small furrow between the rows of potatoes, knock off with a stick all 
the larvae into the furrows, and then by running the plough up the row again cover them 
with earth. 

We can hardly imagine that in our climate this would answer at all, for as the lary 
when full grown seek the earth in which to undergo their transformation into the pupal and 
perfect states, it would seem that this plan would only kill a few of the tenderest and 
youngest of the brood, and would not interfere with the older and more mature ones. 

From the general returns, the early crops appear to escape the more easily, and in several 
instances the late crops seem to have been saved by a plentiful supply of rain, even after the 
bugs had attacked and finally left them. 

The chief thing, however, seems to be not to grow too large a crop, and to exercise a 
vigilant watch over what is grown; this, with hand picking and the use of Paris Green will, 
we think, ensure success in most instances. 

We have not heard of a single case of poisoning from the bite or handling of the beetle. 
As to our opinion on this point, we refer our readers to our Report for 1871. 

We would beg here to record our thanks to our esteemed friend, Professor Geo. Buckland, 
the able and well-known Secretary of the Ontario Bureau of Agriculture, for his courtesy in 
furnishing us with statistics of the past year’s crop; the Entomologists of Ontario indeed owe 
a great deal to the Professor for his invariable kindness and attention to their wants, and the 
promptitude with which he always seeks to assist them in carrying out their attempts at 
Practical Entomology. We feel sure that we express the feeling of all the members of the 
Entomological Society of Ontario, in offering to our friend all the kindly wishes of this 
Christmas season, and trusting that he may long be spared to superintend the working of the 
Bureau with which he has been so long and so honourably associated. 


ON SOME INNOXIOUS INSECTS 


By W. Saunpers, Lonpon, OnTaRI0. 


’ 


Under the above heading it is proposed to give our readers the life history of several of 
our more common insects, which are neither injurious nor beneficial to the farmer or fruit 
gorower, but which from their great abundance, or else from some peculiarity in their appear- 
ance, habits or size, excite curiosity and claim our attention. 


Tae Arcaippus BurrerrLy (Danais Archippus, Fabr.) 


The first insect of which we propose to treat is one of our commonest butterflies, known 
as the Archippus Butterfly (Danuis Archippus.) its first appearance on the wing is usually 
about the middle of May, but it is not very common until later in the season. It is said that 
it passes the winter in a state of torpidity, hidden in some sheltered spot where it sleeps 
securely till awakened by the warmth of spring. The few individuals which thus early 
appear, lay their eggs on the tender leaves of the young milkweed plants (Asclepias cornuti ) 
and other species of Asclepias, and also on the bitter root (upocynum Androsemefolium ) ; this 
takes place during the latter part of May or the beginning of June. 

The eggs when first laid are white, but in two or three days they become Yellow, and 
hen dull grey just before the time of hatching. They are th of an inch long, conical 

Fic. 39. in form, flattened at the base. When viewed 
; -«q- With a magnifying glass they appear very 
| beautiful, (see figure 39) where a represents 


fe 


the ege much enlarged, while at ¢ it is shown 


Ze 
ee of the natural size, and in its usual rosition on 
544 the under side of the leaf. On each egg there 
‘S323 are about twenty-five raised longitudinale lines 
S333 or ribs, and about the same number of pross- 
S23 lines between each, so that the whole apwears 


covered with a regular and beautiful network 
qa 4s shown in the figure, which has been drawn 

from nature, as those also have which are to 
follow by our esteemed friend, Prof. 0. V. Riley, of St. Louis, Mo. In about six or seven 
days the egg matures, producing a yery small caterpillar, one-tenth of an inch long, with a 
large black head and yellowish white body, with a few black hairs on each segment or ring, 
as shown at ¢ and f (Fig 39.) Thjs caterpillar grows very rapidly, and soon finds that its 
skiu, although very elastic, will bear no further stretching, when it conveniently disrobes 
itself and appears in colours fresh and gay, by simply crawling out of its skin through a rent 
down the back, which takes place just at the proper time. This process, which is called 
moulting, is repeated three times during the growth of the larva, and requires no other 
preparation for its accomplishment than that of a short fast. Any abstemiousness shown at 
these critical periods in the ereature’s history is however soon compensated for by the engr- 
mous appetite with which it is furnished as soon as the crisis is past. At) (Fig. 39) the 
bead and anterior segments of the larva just before its last moult, is figured for the purpose 


‘ 32 ay 


of showing how the long fleshy horns with which the mature caterpillar is furnished are 
conveniently coiled up while lying buried beneath the old skin. 

Fre. 40. . The full grown larva (Fig. 40) is 
about one and three-quarter inches 
long. Its head is yellowish, with a 
triangular black stripe in front below, 
and another of a similar shape above. 

The upper surface of the body is 
beautifully ornamented with transverse 
stripes of black, yellow and white, the 
white covering the greater part of each 
segment, and having a wide black 

Colours—White, Black and Yellow. stripe down the centre, while the yel- 
low occupies the spaces between. On the third segment (reckoning the head as first) are two 
long black fleshy horns, and on the twelfth two others of a similar character, but shorter, and 
not quite so stout. 

The underside is black, with a greenish flesh-colour between most of the segments. 

The next change which comes over this caterpillar is that which transforms it to a pupa 
or chrysalis, a most astonishing transformation, when the voracious larva becomes for a time 
torpid, senseless, and almost motionless, while preparing for that change when it is to appear 
in brilliant plumage and gracefully float and flutter through the air, enjoying the summer's 
sunshine and sipping the nectar of flowers. Kirby in his ‘Introduction to Entomology” 
says, ‘were a naturalist to announce to the world the discovery of an animal which for the 
first five years of its life existed in the form of a serpent, which then penetrating into the 
earth and weaving a shroud of pure silk of the finest texture, contracted itself within this 
covering into a body without external mouth or limbs, and resembling more than anything 
else an Heyptian mummy; and which, lastly. after remaining in this state without food and 
without motin for three years longer, should at the end of that period burst its silken 
cerements, struggle through its earthly covering, and start into day a winged bird—what 
think you would be the sensation excited by this strange piece of intelligence? After the 
first doubts of its truth were dispelled, what astonishment would succeed! Amongst the 
learned what surmises! what investigations! Amongst the vulgar what eager curiosity and 
amazement! All would be interested in the history of such an unheard-of phenomenon.” 
Yet the changes which the insect we are referring to undergoes in common with many others, 
is scarcely less wonderful or startling. 

Fie 41, In Fig. 41 the larva is represented 
as it appears at different peri ds during 
its transition to the state of chrysalis. 
Ata it hangs suspended from a silken 
web in which its hind legs are entangled, 
and which has been previously attached 
by the caterpillar to the underside of a 
leaf, or fence rail, or some other secure 
place of retreat; and here, while hanging 
for about a day, the larva contracts its 
length and increases its bulk, es: ecially 
on the anterior segments. By and by a 
rent takes place in the skin down the back, and the chrysalis begins to appear, and after long 
and persevering efforts in stretching, contracting, and wriggling the body, the skin is crowded 
backwards and worked nearly up to the hinder extremity, as shown at b; and now a diffi- 
culty presents itself, and a feat has to be performed to imitate which would” puzzle the most 
daring acrobat, for without bands or feet to hold on by, it has to withdraw itself from the 
remnants of its larva skin, and hang itself up by a black protuberance crowned with a 
bunch of hooks at the extremity of the chrysaiis. Although this feat is so wonderfully 
difficult, it is very seldom indeed that a failure occurs in its accomplishment. A ready) 
explanation of the means by which this is done is given at c, (lig. 41.) The joints of the 
abdomen being freely moveuble, are first stretched against a portion of the larva skin, and by 
a sudden jerk backwards the skin is grasped and firmly held while the terminal segments aro 


withdrawn and the process of suspension completed. Soon after this the chrysalis begins a 
series of wriggling and jerking movements with the view of dislodging the empty larva skiln 
after the removal of which it remains motionless unless disturbed, and becomes gradualy, 
harder and more contracted until it assumes the appearance represented by Fig. 42. 

The chrysalis is about an inch long, and of a beautiful pale green 
colour spotted with gold, and with a band of golden dots extending more 
than half way round the body above the middle; this band is shaded with 
black. There is also a patch of black around the base of the black pro- 
tuberance by which it is suspended, and several dots of the same on other 
portions of the surface. The chrysalis state seldom lasts more than ten or 
twelve days, and towards the expiration of this period the handsome green 
and gold colours begin to fade. and the chrysalis grows gradually darker 
until the diminutive wings of the future butterfly show plainly through the 
semi-transparent enclosure. The escape of the imprisoned insect, now 
nearly ready for flight, is usually made quite early in the morning. We 
‘Z ’ have several times watched for their deliverance, and have usually found it 

Deca and to take place soon after daybreak. A sudden crackling and slight tearing 
‘s is, 6 sound is heard, which arises from a splitting of the chrysalis case part way 
down the back; the fore legs, head and antenna are first withdrawn, and in a very short 
time the entire’insect is liberated. Strange looking creatures they are when they first present 
themselves to view, with bodies so large as to be out of all proportion to the tiny wings. 
When fully developed their wings measure about four inches across, but when fresh from the 
chrysalis they are about the size of those of a large bee. The first necessity now for the 
welfare of the individual is to find a suitable location where the wings may be held in a good 
position for expanding, for without such favourable circumstance they would never attain a 
serviceable size. It is necessary that a position should be secured where the wings can hang 
down as they are expanding, for which reason the underside of a twig is often selected ; and 
here, securely suspended by the sharp claws with which the feet are furnished, the wings 
undergo in a short time the most marvellous growth it is possible to imagine. We have seen 
the wings double their size by actual measurement within three minutes, and the whole 
process, from the time of the escape of the butterfly to that of the full development of the 
the wings, seldom occupies more than from fifteen to twenty minutes, and ere the sun is 
high in the heavens, on the morning of its birth, the soft flabby wings have dried and become 
rigid, and the butterfly is ready for flight. 
’A winz clipped from the insect immediately after its escape, and examined under the 
microscope, reveals the fact that the thousands and tens of thousands of seales with which the 
wings are covered, and which afterwards assume such beautiful feather-like forms, are now 


Fig. 43. 


, Colours—Bright Orange, Red, Black and White. 


nearly all linear or thread-like, not folded up or wrinkled, but undeveloped. Impressed with 
this thought, one is fairly astonished at the almost incredible change wrought in so limited a 
time, for ‘the growth embraces not only the extension of the me ‘mbraneous surface of the 


‘ 54° 


wing, but the enlargement and maturity of every scale or feather on it, the individuals of 
which appear but as particles of dust to the naked eye. What a wonderful and intricate 
system of circulation and power of nutrition must be possessed to accomplish this marvellous 
result. . 


The Archippus Butterfly (see Fig. 43) is so well known that it needs but little descrip- 
tion to recall its appearance, especially where so good a figure is given. The ground colour 
of the wings when fresh is a beautifully bright orange red, the veins are heavy and black, 
and the margins are spotted with white, the latter being more or less covered or encroached 
upon by the general colour. Near the middle of the hind wings there appears in the figure, 
on one of the veins, an enlarged black streak or blotch, which, when closely examined, is 
found to be a small exerescence: as this is found only on the wings of the male, the sexes 
may be readily distinguished by this peculiarity. : 

We have frequently seen these butterflies in great numbers on pine trees which have 
been infested with aphis, attracted there no doubt by the sweet exudations which flow from 
the bodies of the aphis, thus interfering with the rights and privileges which have always 
been accorded to the industrious ant. They also have a fashion of congregating at times 
usually late in the season, in prodigious swarms, consisting of tens of thousands or hundreds 
of thousands of individuals. In September, 1871, we met with a swarm of this character, 
the particulars of which were communicated to the Canadian Entomologist, Volume 3, Page 
156, as follows :—‘‘ On the first day of September while driving along the Lake Shore Road 
on the borders of Lake Hrie, I was favoured with a sight which will not soon be forgotten. 
For several days previous archippus butterflies had been unusually abundant, and early in 
the morning on the day in question, some groups—numbering probably hundreds of indivi- 
duals—which had rested during the night on trees adjoining the hotel at Port Stanley, 
were gyrating in a wild manner at all heights, some so high up that they appeared but as 
moving specks in the sky; others floating lower, over the tops of the trees in an apparently 
aimless manner. ‘This was, however, as a mere skirmishing party when compared with the 
vast hosts seen a little later. 


“ Tt was about nine o’clock in the morning, when, passing a group of trees forming a 
rude semi-circle on tht edge of a wood facing the lake, the leaves attracted attention, they 
seemed possessed of unusual motion and displayed all over fitful patches of brilliant red. 
On alighting, a nearer approach revealed the presence of vast numbers—I might safely say 
millions—of these butterflies, and they were clustering everywhere. I counted those on a 
small space, about the size of my two hands, on one of the trees, and there were thirty-two 
butterflies suspended on it, and the whole group of trees was hung in a similar manner. 
When disturbed they flew up in immense numbers. filling the air, and after floating about a 
short time @radually settled again. There appeared to be nothing on the trees to attract 
them, yet when undisturbed they scemed to prefer resting in quiet, as if enjoying the pres- 
ence of congenial society. I regretted not having a net with me, as I should like to have 
captured a number of them, to have seen in what proportion the sexes were represented in 
the company. ‘Their food plants—the various species of Asclepias—did not appear to be un- 
usually common in that section. I apprehended that many of the individuals must have 
travelled some distance to be present at this gathering’ No satisfactory reason has yet been 
assigned for such gatherings. The fact that the larvee of the archippus is but seldom affected 
with parasites may partially account for theit occasional abundance; we only kaow of one 
smal] ichneumon infesting them, and have but rarely met with this. 


Tux Disrppus ButrerFry. (Limenitis disippus, Godt.) 


This butterfly is also common, but not nearly so abundant as the species last described. 
In the perfect, or winged state, it resembles the avchippus butterfly very closely in colour, 
but it is smaller in size and may always be distinguished by the black band which crosses 
the hind wings, which is altogether wanting in the archippus. 

The disippus butterfly is represented by Fig. 44. The ground colour of the wings 
is of the same warm orange red as the archippus; the veins also are heavy and black, and 
the wings along their margins spotted with white. In the figure the left wings represent 


55 4 . 


the upper surface, while those of the right, which are slightly detached from the. body, 


Fig. 44. show the under surface. The two sur- 
faces differ but very little in colour and 
markings. It appears on the wing a 
B little later in the summer than archippus, 
’ and deposits its eggs on the willow, which 
is its favourite food plant. Mr. Riley 
says that it feeds on the poplar and also 
on the plum. Although the disippus 
butterfly resembles the archippus so 
closely in the winged state, in the earlier 
periods of its history it is very dis 
similar. 
ai : The egg is well represented by Fig. 
Colours, Orange, Red, Black and White. 45, and is a very beautiful and interest- 
ing object: a shows it highly magnified, while at ¢ it is shown of natural size and in its na- 
tural position on the willow leaf. At d is 
> represented one of the minute cells of the 
eee, very highly magnified, showing the lit- 
tle threadlike processes which proceed from 
= each angle. Mr. Riley, who was the first 
= to observe this ege, thus describes it in his 
= “Third Annual Report,” page 154. Length 
0:38 inch. Diameter at base about the 
¢e same. Globular, with top often slightly 
tip ay depressed Hexagonally reticulate, the cells 
. WAN more or less regular, sunken so as to give 
the ege a thimbletike pitted appearance, and about ten of them in the longitudinal 
row, and thirty in the circumference. Covered with translucent filamentouss pines, one 
arising from every reticulate angle and giving the egg a pubescent appearance. Each spine 
about as long as the cell is wide, those on the top being longest.” He also says that_ the 
colour of the egg is at first pale yellow, but it soon becomes grey as the young larva within 
develops.. These eggs are usually deposited singly near the tip of the leaf, generally on the 
underside, but sometimes on the upper side, and occasionally two or even three together. 
The newly-hatched larva is nearly one-tenth of an inch long, with a large yellowish brown 
head. The body is pale yellowish brown with darker streaks, and with a few pale dots :nd warts, 
from which latter arise pale spines or bristles, In about a month from the time of hatching 
the larva becomes full grown, and appears as shown at a, Fig. 46, the following description 
Fig. 46. of the mature larva was published by us 
in the Can. Entomologist, vol. 1, p. 94. 
Found feeding on willow, July 24th. 
Length one inch and a quarter. Head 
rather large, flattened in front, strongly 
bi-lobed, pale green, with two dull white 
lines down the front, and roughened with 
a number of small green and greenish- 
white tubercles. Each lobe is tipped with 
a green tubercle, or short horn. 

The body above is dark rich green, 
with patches and streaks of dull white ; 
the second segment is smaller than the 
head, and its surface covered with many 
whitish tubercles: the third segment dall 
whitish green, raised considerably above the second, with a flat ridge above, having a long 
brownish horn on each side of it, thickly covered with very short white and brown spines ; 
fourth segment sbout the same as third, with the same kind of ridge above, with a small tu- 
bercle on each side, tipped with a bunch of short whitish spines; between the ridges on 
third and fourth segments are two small black dots above. Each segment from fifth to thir- 


56 


teenth inclusive, has two tubercles, one on each side, and in a line with the long horns on 
third segment, each crowned with a cluster of whitish spines; the tubercles on sixth and 
twelfth segments are much larger than the others those on the eleventh and terminal seg- 
ments next in size, those on the ninth smallest, The tubercles on the seventh, eighth, tenth 
and eleventh segments have a streak of white at their base, aud each segment behind fourth, 
excepting ninth, has several smaller tubercles of a bright blue colour, A large whitish patch 
covers nearly the whole of the ninth and parts of the eighth and tenth segments, and another 
-of a similar character covers the second, third and part of the fourth. A white stripe ex- 
tends along each side, close to the under surface, from the fifth segment to the end of the 
body, and in which is set a small cluster of whitish spines about the middle of each seement, 
from sixth to tenth inclusive. On each side of seventh, eighth and tenth segments is an 
elongated blackish spot, just above and behind the spiracles; the terminal segment has two 
dark greenish brown spots above in front of the tubercles. The spiracles are rather large, 
oval and brownish-black. 

The under side is whitish-green, with a central dull white stripe on the hinder segments ; 
the feet are brown, ringed with “prownish- black ; the prolegs pale greenish, faintly tipped with 
brown. 

This caterpillar varies somewhat in colour, some specimens being of a paler green than 
that just described. 

The chrysalis, Fig. 46, 6,-Mr. Riley describes as ‘‘ marked with burnt umber, brown, 
ash grey, flesh-colour and silvery white, and is characterized, like that of the other species of 
the genus, by a curious, thin, almost circular projection, which has been likened to a Roman 
nose, growing out of the middle of its back.” 

There are two broods of this insect during the year; the larve resulting from the eggs 
deposited by the second brood usually attain to less than half their full growth before winter, 
when they hybernate and complete their growth the following spring. The interesting pre- 
parations made-by these caterpillars in the construction of little cases, in which they rest 
tolerably secure from harm while in this state of torpor, is thus described by Mr. Riley 
« First and foremost—with wise forethought, and being well aware through its natural ins- 
tincts that the leaf which it has selected for its house will fall to the ground when the eold 
weather sets in, unless it takes measures to prevent this—the larva fastens the stem of the 
leaf with silken cables securely to the twig from which it crows. It then gnaws off the blade 
of the leaf at its tip end, leaving little else but the mid-rib, as shown in Fig. 46,d. Finally, 
it rolls the remaining part of the blade of the leaf into a cylinder, sewing the edges together 
with silk. ‘The basal portion of the cylinder is, of course, tapered to a point, as the edges 
of the leaf are merely drawn together, not overlapped ; and invariably the lower side of the 
leaf forms the outside of the house, so as to have its projecting mid-rib out of the way of 
the larva, asit reposes snugly in the inside. The whole when finished (see Fig. 46, c,) has 
somewhat the appearance of the leaf of a miniature pitcher plant. These curious little cases 
may be commonly found upon our willows or poplars in winter time. 

This insect is liable to the attacks of several parasites, which effectually prevent its in 
crease beyond certain limits. Que of these parasites is a tiny dark four-winged fly, which 
infests the eggs of the disippus butterfly ; another is a very small black four- winged fly ; and 
a third a larger two-winged fly, both of which attack the insect in its caterpillar ; state. 


Tne Hetierammite Fry (Corydalis cornutus—Linn.). 


This isan insect which is not uncommon throughout Ontario, and whenever and wher- 
ever found, either in the larval or perfect state excites much surprise and curiosity from its 
large size and formidable appearance; it is not, however, in any way poisonous, as some 
people imagine it tobe. In Fig. 47 this insect is represented in its several stages, while the 
expanded female is shown in Fig, 48. The larva—a most diabolical looking creature, a, Fig. 
47—spends the earlier portion of its life in the water, crawling and swimming about upon 
the bottoms of rivers and streams, feeding upon the larvie of various other insects which also 
inhabit the water. Mr. Riley has published a very interesting account of this insect in the 
first vol. of the American Entomologist, from which most of the following remarks are con- 
densed. 

Most aquatic larvee spend the period of their chrysalis state in the water, and only 
emerge therefrom when ready to pass into the perfect or winged state; but the insects form 


57 


ing the group to which this larva belongs, leave the water while they are still in the larval state 
and do not usually become pup for several days or even weeks thereafter. Hence the Creator 


Fig. 47. 


a 


Colours—(a) rk brown, (6) whitish, (c) and (d) light brown. 


to meet their necessities has given them a double system of respiration—-a set of gills to 
breathe with in the water, and a set of breathing holes, or spiracles, to breathe with upon 


SSS ad Tre ¥ a 
ee a AL: : P| 


Bose = ini WN g My ma qo 
SS WN 


EEE 


58 


Jand. In this larva the gills assume the form of paddle-like appendages, and are placed one- 
pair upon each of the seven front segments of the abdomen, while the spiracles are arranged 
in the usual manner along the sides of the body. After leaving the water the larva crawls 
rapidly about, chicfly in the night time, in search of a safe and suitable place in which to 
spend the chrysalis stage of its existence, usually selecting the under surface of a flat board 
or log, or burrowing under some large stone. Before attaining its object it sometimes wan 
ders as much as a hundred feet from the water’s edge, and an instance is given of one which 
crawled up the wall to the roof of a one-story building, and then tumbled accidentally down 
the chimney, to the great dismay of the good woman of the house. At this stage of their 
existence they are sometimes used by fishermen for bait, and having a yery tough skin, one 
larva often suffices to catch several fish, They can pinch pretty sharply with their strong 
jaws, and they use the processes at their tail to assist them in climbing. 

After a suitable hiding place has been selected, the larva forms a rude cell in the earth, 
and here changes to an inactive chrysalis (see Fig. 47, b). In this figure the wing cases are 
slightly spread apart from the body to show their shape and structure, whereas in nature 

Fig. 49. they are closely appressed-to the sides of the body. The larva ieayes the water usually 
about the beginning of June, and by the end of that month, or the beginning of 
July, the perfect insect bursts its bonds and appears in the winged state. | 

In this form it measures, when its wings are spread, from four and a half 
to five inches; these, as shown in the fioure, are gauze-like and covered with 
an intricate network of veins. The forewings are streaked with dark brown and 
sprinkled with whitish dots, of which latter there are also a few on the hind wings. 
The male—Fig. 47, e—is remarkable for its enormous jaws, which are very 
long and hook-like, while the female—Fig. 47, d and Fig. 48—has short jaws. 
The flies hide themselves in obscure holes and corners during the day and become 
active as the shades of evening gather. They frequently fly into houses situated 
near running water, soon after dusk, attracted probably by the light. 

The eoes of the Helleramite Fly—Fig. 49—are oval, about the size of a radish 
seed. and of a pale colour, with some dark markings. They are usually deposited 
in patches, upon reeds or other aquatic plants overhanging the water, where, when 
hatched, the young lary may find ready access to that element which is destined 
to be its home until the end of the following spring. 


BENEFICIAL INSECTS. 


—_——___ 


By tHe Rev. C. J.S. Bernunez, M. A. 


Introductory (General Account of Insects). 


1. Tiger Beetles (Cicindelider). 5. Scavenger Beetles (Staphylinide). 
2. Carnivorous Ground Beetles (Carabide). 6. Dung Beetles (Scarabeide dc.) 
2 Water Beetles (Dytiscidae, Gyrinidue ete). 7. Luminous Insects (Lampyride). 
4. Carrion Beetles (Silphide). 8. Lady Birds ( Coccinellide). 

INTRODUCTORY. 


Hitherto, in our Annual Reports, we have devoted ourselyes to the consideration of 
those numerous species of insects that inflict damage upon our crops, fruits and vegetables, 
while we have only incidentally drawn attention to those other species that are useful to us as 
destroyers of their noxious fellows. We now propose to treat more especially of the latter 
class—our Insect Friends. We shall include amongst the number of these friends not 
merely those parasitic tribes whose special duty it is to keep in check the vegetable-feeding 
insects that would otherwise sweep everything away before them, but also those various other 
families that are directly useful to us from their products, or indirectly beneficial by acting 
as scavengers, removing nuisances, fertilizing plants, and performing other valuable offices. 
This is, indeed, a vast field of nature—one that we cannot traverse in a few pages or in a 
limited space of time; we must content ourselves, then, with taking one portion of it at a 
time and considering it somewhat in detail, in order to afford information that may be of use 
to the reader. Where to begin, and what mode of division to select. is not an easy matter to 
decide ; we think, however, that it will tend to simplicity, if we follow the natural orders 
into which insects are distributed, taking one at a time and selecting for consideration those 
families or tribes which are especially serviceable in their different ways. We shall thus not 
be confined to one form of scrvice fulfilled by insects, but be presented with a variety in turn, 
and at the same time we shall be able to touch slightly upon a few of the leading distinctions 
upon which classification is based. 

In order to render our arrangement intelligible to the ordinary non-Entomological reader 
it is advisable that we should give a brief account of the principal structural differences Xpon 
which the classification into Orders depends. In the first place, then, an INsEcT as the name 
implies (Latin :—in and seco I cut), is an animal whose body is divided into segments or 
rings, which are sometimes—as in wasps and hornets—almost entirely detached from each 
other, and cause the creature to appear as if cut in two. It thus belongs to that portion of 
the Animal Kingdom called the Articulata, themembers of which have their bodies composed 
of short cylinders or annulations, jointed or articulated together. Insects may be distinguished 
from the Articulata by several characteristics. 'Uhey breathe, fcr instance, not through 
their mouths, like the larger animals, nor yet through gills, like fish, but by means of spiracles 
or breathing holes in their sides, through which the air is drawn in and taken to all parts of 
the body. This mode of breathing distinguishes true insects from many kinds of animals 


60 


that arefsometimes included in the same class with them, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimps, ete., 
which breathe through gills, and spiders, scorpions, etc., which have breathing sacs in the 
abdomen. The head of insects is distinct and more or less plainly separated from the rest of 
the body, thus differing again from crabs, scorpions and spiders. In their laryal or grub 
state insects have, in many cases, a large number of legs, even as many as twenty-two in the 
caterpillars of some saw-flies, but in their perfect or winged state they never have more than 
six; this limitation separates them from spiders, which have eight; Centipedes which have 
from thirty to forty or more, and Millipedes or thousand-legeed worms, which have in some 
species as many as two hundred. Another marked characteristic of insects is their wonder- 
ful system of metamorphoses or changes of state (for instance, from egg to caterpillar, cater- 
pillar to chrysalis, and chrysalis to butterfly), ending, in the great majority of cases, in the 
acquisition of wings. A few other classes of animals undergo some metamorphoses,— in fact, 
if we include the embryo state, all do so,—but none of these attain toa winged form. Again, 
insects in their perfect or imago condition uniformly possess a pair of those very singular 
organs which we call feelers or Antenne (from the Latin Antenna, the yard of a ship's mast), 
and which are not possessed by any of the numerous members of the spider family. Further- 
more insects have their six legs, referred to above, very highly organized, with numerous 
joints and applications to fit them for all manner of purposes, and very different from the 
mere bristle like appendages of many worms. 

To recapitulate, the distinguishing marks of an insect are briefly these:—lst. They 
have their bodies divided into segments ; 2nd. They breathe through openings in their sides 
(spiracles) from which proceeds trachew or windpipes ; 3rd. They have distinct heads, with 
jointed antenne; 4th. When adult they have siz articulated legs; 5th. They go througha. 
number of metamorphoses, ending in a winged state. 

These are the five grand characteristics of an insect proper; any members of the animal 
kingdom that do not possess them we exclude from the class, and omit from our consideration 
in these Reports. Many authors, we are aware, take a somewhat different view of the limits 
of the class of insects, and—regarding Spiders, Scorpions, Mites, Centipedes, Millipedes, ete., 
as degraded firms of insects—inciude them in their Entomological systems. As we all 
agree, however, pretty much in our definition of an insect proper, it becomes merely a ques- 
tion of technicalities rather than one of practical moment, whether we include or exclude these 
lower and closely allied forms. For the sake of simplicity and of greater ease in imparting 
information, we prefer to adhere to the limitations that we have laid down. Any of our readers 
who desire to look further into the matter—and we trust there may be many—we would refer 
to Dr. Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects as a convenient repertory of information gathered 
from the works of all the leading authorities upon the subject. 

In the higher orders of animals—to quote an account that we wrote some years ago,—* 
while the internal anatomy is wonderfully complicated, the outward appearance is compara- 
tively simple and plain; al! the works of the intricately constructed machine are concealed 
from view, afew primary creans only being apparent to the sight. In insects the case is just 
the reverse. The internal organs are few in number and simple in construction; while the 
external parts are particularly numerous, and maryellously yaried to suit the special ends of 
the almost infinite number of differing species. To the student of Entomology this is a man- 
ifest advantage, as with the aid of a magnifier he is enabled to observe and note most of the 
various parts, or trace out their special uses, without having to resort to the dissectioa of the 
object. The great majority are on the surface, and if we give them a little careful examina- 
tion and patient study we shall soon learn a great deal about them. The most obvious parts 
of afi insect, when closely examined are: 1st: the Head and its appendages; 2nd: the Thorax 
to which are attached the wings and feet ; aud 3rd. the Abdomen, which is composed of several 
joints or segments and which is usually terminated by the organs of generation, or a sting or 
. other instrument. 

When we look at the head of a quadruped, we sce that it is very small compared with 
the rest of the body, and that it exhibits only a pair of eyes and nostrils, a mouth, ears, and 
sometimes horns or tusks. A bird’s head, again, displays still less, little more being seen 
than a pair of eyes and a beak. But take up an insect and examine its head with a lens, or, 
if it be a large specimen, even with the naked eye, and what a complicated structure do you 


* Canada Farmer, April 15th, 1868,Zp. 126. 


61 


behold! Eyes there are, big and little , antennz or horns ; mouth with jaws above and jaws 
below, pairs of feelers or palpi, perhaps a sucker, or possibly a set of lancets; instruments for 
observation, instruments of defence,instruments for taking food, all grouped together in a very 
small space,and constructed in the most wonderful variety of ways. Compare a few insectsof dif- 
ferent orders together, and the wonder is still greater. Look at the head of the large Pine- 
borer beetle, with its powerful jaws and antenne twice the length of its body, then at the 
Dragon-fly with its scarcely perceptible antenn,but with eyes that almost surround it; look 
again at a large Hawk-moth, with its beautiful feather-like antennz, and its coiled up sucker 
that will unroll to more than the length of its great body ; now turn to a grasshopper, a fly, 
or a bug and see what a change—what a variation of organs is to be seen! To recount all 
these differences of form, structure, size, colour,clothing, cte.,would occupy volumes, without 
even saying a word about their objects and offices. We must be content, then, with consider- 
ing the organs as they are common to all, and only observe, for the prisent, the variations 
that distingnish the several grand orders of insects, Jeaving out of sight the minor differences 
that are peculiar to species, genera, or even families. 

The Head of an insect—to come to particulars—is a hard, somewhat rounded skull ; 
having an opening in front for the mouth and its group of organs, On each side it has a 
fixed, immoyeuble eye, of large size and complex structure, between which are sometimes two, 
or often three, tiny little eyes. each consisting of a single lens. Close to the large eyes are two 
moveable jointed organs, called antenne, of endless variety of form, size and structure, 
whose exact uses have long been a puzzle to naturalists. ‘lhe front part of the head is often 
separated by a seam from the rest of the skull (especially in Beetles), and is then called the 
Clypeus or shield ; this part often bears a horn or knobs. The under surface of the head is 
called the throat, and is divided into various parts, each with its particular name, in the dif- 
ferent orders of insects. The head is connected behind with the thorax, sometimes by a very 
slender neck, sometimes by a barely perceptible division. 

The organs of the mouth, though varying very much in form, are yet constructed on one 
principle. They consist of six principal organs, two on each side of the opening, one above, 
and one below. The upper one is the upper lip (labrum); the |]: wer the under lip : the upper 
pair of side organs are the upper jaws or mandibles ; the lower pair the mazill or lower jaws; 
Each of the lower jaws has attached to it one, or two, jointed organs or feelers, called palpi, 
and the under lip has also a pair of these feelers. The jaws, it should be noticed, move side- 
ways, not up and down. ‘There are two principal modes in which the food-obtaining organs 
are employed, the operation of which is vastly different, and csuses an enormous change in 
form and structure. When the side pieces of the mouth are short, apart from each other, 
and have a horizontal motion, the action produced is biting, as in a beetle; but when these 
side pieces are elongated. pressed close to each other, and have a longitudinal motion, the action 
produved is sucking, as ina butterfly. According to these modes of action, insects are divided 
into two grand classes, called in English, Biting Insects and Suctorial Insects ; any classifica- 
tion based upon this difference, must, however, be confined to insects in their perfect form 
since caterpillars, for instance, have jaws for biting, which are transformed into a spiral 
sucking-tube when the insect becomes a moth or butterfly. 

In Biting Insects the upper lip is a flat plate closing the mouth above ; the upper pair of 
jaws cr mandibles are of a hard, horny consistency, and are furnished with teeth for biting 
and gnawing the food; these teeth are portions of the jaw itself, not separate in any way. 
The lower pair of jaws or maxill, are modified in many ways which it would be tedious to 
particularize here ; and the lower lip is still more complizated, and subject to great variations, 
Tn bees, the lower jaws and lip form together a sucking apparatus, while the form of the upper 
biting jaws causes them to be included among the biting insects. The accompanying large 
wood-cut, (Fig. 50) of a highly magnified beetle, exhibits all the various parts of the mouth of 
a biting insect, as well as the legs, abdomen and other parts of the under surface. The 
. clearness of the illustration renders much description superfluous. 


A Mandible. 
BYMaxillary palpus. 

C Outer lobe of maxilla. 
D Inner lobe of maxilla. 
E Labial palpus. 

F Paraglossa. 


Harpatus CALiainosts, Say. 
PARTS OF CUT. 


Ventra Surface of Harpalus Caliginosus. 


G Ligula. 

Hs Mentum. 

I Antenna. 

K Prosternnm. 

L Episternum of, prothorax. 
M Coxe. 


N Trochanter. 
O Femora. 

P Tibiz. 

Q Tarsi. 

R Ungues. 

S Mesosternum. 


T Metasternum. 

U Episternum of mesothorax. 
V Episternum of metathorax. 
W Ventral segments. 

X Epimeron of metathorax 

Y Epipleura. 


63 


In Suctorial Insects there is a wonderful diversity of structure. Bugs, for instance, have the 
two pairsof side-pieces lengthened out into slender lancet-like organs for piercing,the whole being 
enclosed inthe fleshy elongated lower lip,which acts as a sucker. (Fig. 51a.) In Flies,also,the five 

Fig. 51.° upper organs are turned into lancets sheathed in the fleshy sucker of the 
ower lip; this structure is especially seen in the fierce, blood-thirsty 
Horse-fly (Tabanus) ; in the common House-flies the lancets are want- 
ing. In Butterflies and Moths the lower jaws are greatly elongated 
into a delicate instrument for sucking, which is coiled up and hidden 
from sight when the insect is at rest, but is thrust out and extended 
to the bottom of long-throated flowers when in action. (Fig. 52.) In all 
these cases the palpi, or mouth-feelers, also are variously modified. The 

Fig. 52. other organs 

of the mouth 
about whick 
we need not 

ewnow speak in 

‘Y particular are 

“the antennz, 
and the differ 
ent kinds of 
eyes. 

We have 
just now spo- 
ken of insects 
as being divi- 
ded into two 
great sections 

: according to 
the structure of the mouth in the perfect insects, viz ;¥‘Suctorial*(Haustellaia) and biting 
(Mandibulata). These sections are further subdivided into seven Orders, depending upon the 
structure of the wings. We shall briefly recount the special characteristics of each Order, 
and then turn from what we fear are dry, even though necessary, details to the considera- 
tion of our proper subject—Beneficial Insects, 

There is an immense difference of opinion among Naturalists with regard to the arrange- 
ment of these Orders, but as this is a question that does not concern usin these Reports we 
shall not euter into it, but merely content ourselves with following here the series adopted by 


Dr. Packard. 


Order 1. Hymenoprera. (Greek : Hymena membrane,and Pteron,awing). Includes Bees, 
Wasps, Sawflies, Ants, Ichneumons, ete. Four membranous wings, with few veins or nervules ; 
Fig. 53. the hind pair usually the 

smaller, Fig. 53 represents a Fig. 54. 
Saw-fly and its larva; Fig. 
54 a magnified Ichneumon. 


Order 2. Lepmpoprera. (Greek : Lepis ascale, and Pferona wing). Includes Butterflies 
(Fig.55.) and Moths. (Fig 56.) Membranous wings, generally four, entirely covered with scales, 
antennz almost always composed of numerous minute joints. Butterflies may bedistinguisked 
from mothsby their club-shaped antennz; the latter have these organs of very various forms, but 
never clubbed or thickened at the extremity. ‘Thelarve are usually called caterpillars (Fig. 57), 


64 


Fig. 56. 


and are so familiar to every one that we necd not enter into any des- 
cription of them ; they may be distinguished from the false caterpillars 


of Saw-flies by never having more than eight pairs of Fig. 58. 
legs. The pupa is usually termed a chrysalis 


(Fig. 58), and sometimes is protected by a cocoon. 


Order3. Drrrera. (Greek: jDis twice ; Pieron a wing). In- 
cludes the common Horse and Flesh-flies, Gnats, Mosquitoes, Crane- 
flies, ete. Two wings only apparent, the hinder pair being in a rudi- 
mentary condition, and represented by what are termed ‘halteres,’ poisers 
or balancers (Figs. 59 and 60). ‘The larvee are usually destitute of 
feet,and are called ‘ Maggots; some,however, as the mosquitoes are aqua- 
tic and actively locomotive. This order, as well as the two preceding, 
belongs to the Suctorial or Haustellate section of Insects. 


Order 4. CotnopTERA. (Greek: 
Coleos a sheath, and Pteron a wing). 
Includes all the various tribes of bee- 
tles. Four wings usually present, 
the anteri r pair of which are harden- 
ed and thickened so as to resemble 
the substance of the head and thorax, 
and are nt adapted for flight, but 
form protecting cases (called elytra) 
for the ample hind wings, concealed 
beneath them. Fig. 61 represents a 
perfect beetle (c), the larva (a) and 
pupa (6). The mouth is always fur- 
nished with jaws for biting. Fig. 61. 

Order 5. HeEmiprera. (Greek: Hemi 
half, and Pteron a wing.) Includes Bugs, Plant 
lice, oat-flies, Cicadas, Cochineal Insects, &c., 
Four wings, the anterior pair of which are stiff 
and hard like those of the beetles, for about half 
their length, while the remainder is thin anc{ 
membranous; the hinder pair are also mem- 

Tig. 62. branous. The mouth is 
furnished with a sucker or 
beak, through which they 
imbibe the fluids, animal or 
vegetable, upon which they 
live. (bigs. 62 and 63). 


Fig. 60. 


65 


Order 6. ORTHOPTERA. (Greek: Orthos straight, and Pferon a wing.) Includes 


Fig. 63. Grasshoppers, Locusts, Orickets, Cockroaches, &. Four wings, 
the anterior pair of which are somewhat thickened to protect the broad 
net-veined hinder pair,which fold up like a fan upon the abdomen,in long 
straight folds. The hind legs are large and thick, and adapted for leap- 
ing. Mouth furnished with strong jaws for biting and masticating. 
Order 7. NEUROPTERA.S” Stans.) “G4 
(Greek : Newron a nerve, and — east 
Pteron a wing). Includes Dra- 
< gon-flies (Fig. 64), May-flies, 
Caddis-flies, Termites, Lace- 
winged flies, etc., Four thin, glassy wings, very 
finely reticulated, or covered with a fine net- 
work of veins or nerves. The mouth is usually 
furnished with biting jaws. 


L. Tiozr Brerixs (Cicindelide). 


Having now enumerated the various Orders into which Insects are divided, and their 
. chief charactefistics, it remains for us to select one for our consideration here. in respect to 
those of its members who may be deemed directly or indirectly beneficial to mankind. We 
have decided upon beginning with the Beetles (Colcoptera),partly because they are very favour- 
ite objects of study with Kntomologists, and partly because they present strongly marked 
peculiarities both in structure and habits, and ure very abundantly distributed everywhere. 
The first family of Beetles is the Cicindelida, of which we have only one genus, Cicindela, in 
Canada. This name, derived from the Latin, signifies a Glow-worm or bright shining insect, 
and is applied to them on account of their bright metallic colours, which sparkle in the sun- 
shine. In Hnglish theyarecommonly called Tiger-beetles from their fierce disposition and habit 
of leaping upon their prey. They feed entirely upon other insects, both in the larval or grub 
state, and when they attain to the winged or beetle condition. Their favourite haunts are 
warm sunny banks, sandy roads, railway tracks, or other spots exposed to the full glare of the 
sun, and free from vegetation, which would impede their movements. Some species, however, 
frequent grassy places on the borders of woods and among scattered trees. At the approach 
of the passer-by they suddenly take wing, and fly with great rapidity fora few yards before 
him, alighting again as suddenly as they rose, but always with their heads turned in the 
direction of the approaching danger. ‘The same individual may be started up again and 
again, but after a few alarms, when he begins to find himself the object of a particular pursuit, 
he craftily eludes further persecution by making a long and circuitous flight back to his for- 
mer station. By carefully marking where he goes, and going quietly back, we have often 
succeeded in finding the desired specimen careless and off his guard, and captured him even 
without the aid of a net. In cloudy or stormy weather they hide themselves in some con- 
venient retreat, but they soon re-appear with the returning sunshine. 

The eggs are laid in the earth, where the grubs that are hatched from them also spend 
their lives. These grubs or larvae are very curious creatures, and well repay a little observa- 
tion. It would be difficult to describe their form so as to render them easily recognizable to 
Fig. 65. the reader, but the accompanying cut (Fig. 65.) will afford a sufficiently good idea 

of their appearance. 


It will be seen that they havea pair of tremendous, curved jaws, three pairs of 
legs, and a pair of very curious recurved hooks or spines on the eighth segment 
towards the tail. They are ofa yellowish white colour with a brownish horny head, 
They live in deep round holes, about the diameter of a lead pencil, the orifice 

which they usually close with their heads. No sooner does auy unsuspecting insect approach 

sufficiently near than it is seized by a sudden effort, and carried off to the bottom of the hole, 

there to be devoured at leisure. ‘he larva lives in this manner throughout the summer, and 
5 


66 


a a 


is supposed to pass through its pupa state in the ground during the winter, appearing in the 
beetle form early in the following spring. 

The beetles, of which over one hundred different species areknown to inhabit North Amer- 
ica,and about a dozen have been found in Canada, are provided with sharp cutting jaws,three 
pairs of long slender legs, which enable them to run with great rapidity, and a pair of mem- 
braneous wings, concealed beneath the handsome wing-coyers when not in use. They feed 
upon small insects of every description, and must destroy incalculable numbers. The accom- 
panying figures of some of our commonest species will enable the reader to 
recognize them without difficulty. 

Fig. 66 represents thecommon Tiger-beetle (Cicindela vulgaris,Say),which 
is found in great numbers all over Canada and the United States. It is a 
little over half an inch long, and about half as broad,of a dull purplish colour 
above, and a bright brassy green beneath. On each wing cover above are 
three whitish lines of irregular shape, as seen in the figure. It is very com- 
mon on roads and sandy banks throughout the summer. 

Fig. 67 represents the purple Tiger-beetle (C. purpurea, Riv.) ,a very hand- 
some metallic purple beetle, nearly the same size as the preceding, in com- 
pany with which it is often found. Sometimes it is greenish instead of pur- 
ple. This is one of the first beetles to come out in the spring. We have 


Fig 68. taken it in numbers in April, and once as early as the 17th of 


March, before the snow had all gone. 
Fig. 68. The hairy-necked Tiger-beetle, (C. pirticollis,Say) 
is another common species that bears a general resemblance to 
C. vulgaris though smaller, and with the neck covered with whitish 
hair, as the name implies. 
A most beautiful species is the Six-spotted Tiger-beetle, 
(C. sea-guttata, Fabr.), a most brilliant metallic green insect, with 
six tiny white spots on its wing-covers. It is sometimes found 
; in gardens, but more usually in partially shaded places, where it 


chooses as its post of observation some projecting stone or log. 


It is rather difficult to capture, being exceedingly active in its habits, and 
is not nearly so common as the preceding species. 

Fig. 69 represents another very handsome andsrather larger species 
which is occasionally found in Canada. As all these beetles live upon other 
insects, and devour enormous numbers of those that are injurious to us, we 
beg that our readers, one and all, will abstain from ruthlessly trampling 
them under foot in the future, and will rather encourage them about their 
farms and gardens.* 


2. CARNIVOROUS GRrouUND BrErtLes. (Carabide). 


Next of the Tiger-beetles comes the family of the Carnivorous 
Ground Beetles (Carabidae). Under this general name are included a 
very large number of different genera and species, which are found all over the 
world and in all sorts of situations. In Canada we have over forty genera and an immense 
variety of species already known to our Entomologists, and more are added to the listeveryyear. 
Some of the species are the most difficult to determine of all our beetles, and afford an intri- 
cate puzzle to the student; the general features of the whole family can, however, be easily 
learnt from a few specimens, descriptions and illustrations of which we now proceed to place 
before the reader. 


* To avoid misapprehension we would state that in this account of the Tiger Beetle, and in those 
that follow, we have quoted freely from our own contributions to the Canada Farmer. As our articles are 
scattered overa number of volumes and haye not been published in consecutive form, we think no apology 
is needed for their partial reproduction here. 


. 


67 


The largest and handsomest member of the family is 
the green Caterpillar-hunter (Calosoma scrutator, Fab.— 
‘The Beautiful-bodied Searcher’). Fig. 70. It is of the 
same general shape as the following species, but no wood- 
cut can convey an idea of its exceeding beauty and bril- 
liance of colour. The head and thorax are dark purplish 
black, the latter with a greenish coppery margin ; the wing 
covers (elytra) are bright and shining green, with fine lon- 
gitudinal lines and scattered punctures, and a broad, coppery 
red margin; the under-side is deep shining green varied 
with coppery markings: the legs are blackish-brown, in 
some lights deep purple. This magnificent beetle, as its 
name implies, feeds upon caterpillars, especially the obnox- 
ious canker-worm of the United States, sometimes even 
ascending trees for the purpose ; its larva(or grub) has also 
Colours, Metallic Green, Purple the same useful propensities. It is rather a rare insect in 

and Copper. Canada, though found occasionally in most partsof Ontario; 

Fig. 71. collectors of insects can often find specimens insummer after a southerly 

gale,on the outer shore of Toronto Island, which is a famous place for 

obtaining rare beetles that have been drowned in the lake and washed 
ashore by the waves. 

Another caterpillar-hunter, (Fig. 71), belonging to the same genus 
as the preceding, is quite a common insect in Canada, and can be found 
in May and June under logs or stones,as long as the groundis moist ; in 
the hot dry weather it is not so readily met with. It is called the hot, 
or glowing Calosoma (C. Calidum, Fabr,) from the appearance of the 
wing-covers, which are black with six rows of bright coppery impressed 
spots, thus bearing a fanciful resemblance to a vessel of coals with a 
_ perforated cover. Its general colour is shining black,unrelieved except 
by the spots just mentioned ; still it is a handsome beetle, though not to be compared to the 
breceding species, Like its congener, it devours caterpillars with avidity, both in its larval 

Fig. 72. and perfect states, and is a capital hand at reducing the nnmbers of 

i those horrid pests, the cut-worms ; we usually transport a number of 

these big beetles into our garden every spring to keep down these cut- 
ters-off of our young cabbage plants. 

The next large beetle of this family to which we would draw at- 
tention, is the murky ground beetle (Harpalus Caliginosus, Say) ; it is 
entirely of a dull black colour, and may be readily recognized from Fig. 

72. We beg our readers to take particular notice of this figure, as 
there are a very large number of beetles of the same general shape and 
structure, though usually smaller, that prey upon other insects and are 
consequently useful to man. Any dark-brown, black, green or metallic 
coloured beetles of this shape,that are found under chips, or stones in 
damp places, or running in grass, may be safely considered as belonging 

to this family, and therefore be treated with kindness and conside- 
ration ; it always gives us a pang of regret to find the crushed 
body of one of these beetles lying by the way side, where it has 
been ruthlessly trampled under foot by some ignorant “lord of 
creation.” The particular species here referred to is stated by Mr. 

Riley to be a formidable enemy of that western plague, the Colora- 

do potato beetle ; it is also satisfactory to learn that an allied spe 

cies (/7. Pensylvanicus,De Geer ?) a very common insect in Canada, 
is a merciless devourer of the plum cureulio. Fig. 73 represents 
the perfect insect, and Fig. 74 the larva. 


Se RE 
A much smaller but very peculiar 
genus of beetles, is called the Bombardier 
(Brachinus,) from its extraordinary power 
‘of discharging from its tail end a very pun- 
gent fluid, accompanied by a report (re- 
sembling the sound phut) and some snioke- 
like vapour; this fluid, which resembles 
nitric acid in its effects, and makes a stain 
on the fingers that will last for several days, is uno doubt intended 
Fig. 75. for its defence against more powerful beetles. Fig. 75 represents 
one of these beetles (B fuwmans Linn.) ; its head, thorax, and legs are yellowish- 
red, and its wing-covers dark blue, Like other ground beetles, it may be found 
under sticks and stones in the spring, and in similar hiding-places on the damp 
margin of rivers during the hot summer months. There are quite a number of 
different species of this genus in Canada, but all are yery much alike. 

It would be almost an endless task to go through the list of species of this 
family, but we trust that the examples now given will be sufficient to enable our 
readers to recognize these friendly beetles, and save them from being doomed to 
a pitiless destruction, that knows no difference between friend and foe. 


3. Water Brettss (Dytiscide, Gyrinide kc.) 


After the carnivorous Ground Beetles, we come, in the ordinary classification of insects 
toa large group that live almost entirely in or upon the water. Some of them live on the 
surface of lakes, ponds and pools; others prefer clear running streams ; others, again, the 
muddy bottoms of half stagnant pools. 

This group is divided into two principal families, the “diving-beetles” (Dytiscidw). and 
the “whirligigs” (Gyrinid@). They are all more or less insectivorous, both in their larval 
and perfect state, and hence beneficial. As their food, however, consists mainly of insects 
that inhabit the water, and which are either similar in their food and habits to their destroy- 
ers, or live upon water plants of no particular value, it can hardly be said that they are bene- 
ficial to the farmer or fruit-grower ; still, as they are not noxious and are certainly useful in 
their own sphere, we shall go on to describe them, and implore that their lives may be spared. 
from the destruction so universally dealt out to the poor insects. 

The Diving-beetles (Dytiscide) are mostly large-sized insects of an oval flattened shape, 
generally of a dark brown, olive, or blackish colour, and often with a margin and other mark 
ings of yellowish, Their legs are specially adapted for swimming, being large and _oar-like, 
and covered with long hairs; the hinder pair are very much flattened, also, so as to give a 
propelling stroke. When they rise to the surface to take in a fresh supply of air—a silver- 
like bubble of which may generally be seen attached to their hinder extremities—they appear 
to come up merely from being specifically lighter than the water; but when they dive or swim 
through the liquid, which they do with great swiftness, they move by means: of regular and 
successive strokes of their oar-like legs, When at rest upon the surface they extend these 
legs at right angles with the body, generally with the head under water and the tip of the 
abdomen above, enabling them to draw in air to the spiracles beneath the wing-covers. They 
inhabit stagnant pools in preference to running water, and are very voracious in their habits, 
attacking and devouring other denizens of the water, even occasionally preying upon very 
young fish. We have kept a specimen for many weeks in a glass jar of water, and watched 
its graceful movements and curious habits with much interest; it fed greedily upon house- 
flies, aphides, ete., with which we supplied it. 

Their larvee are called ‘water tigers” from their ferocity ; they are long and cylindri- 
cal, with large flattened heads, armed with scissors-like jaws, by means of which they 
seize other insects, and, it is said, “‘snip off the tails of the tadpoles! Their body termi- 
nates in a pair of long tubes through which they inhale the needful supply of air. When 
about to transform they creep into the earth near by, and make a round cell, inside of 
which they assume the pupa state, the perfect beetle appearing in two or three weeks, if in 
summer, but not till the following spring if in the autumn. We have sometimes seen 
little pools of water in the spring perfectly swarming with these and other larve. 


\s 69 


The whirligigs (Gyrinid@) must be familiar to every one. They are those litttle black 
beetles that one sees so often in groups on the surface of water, whirling and circling about 
in every direction with great rapidity. ‘“ When thus occupied their motions are so exceed- 
ingly quick that the eye is perplexed in following them, and dazzled by the brillianey of their 
wing-cases, which glitter like bits of polished silver or burnished pearl. On approaching 
them they instantly take alarm and dive beneath the surface, carrying with them a little 
bubble of air, which glitters likea drop of quicksilver, and is attached to the posterior por- 
tion of their bodies. Sometimes they may be taken flying, their large wings enabling them 
to change their abode without difficulty, when the drying up of their native pool compels 
them to migrate. This enables us to account for the occasional discovery of these insects in 
small puddles of newly-fallen rain-water. The structure of the short hind legs, and espe- 
cially of the curious branched tarsi, must be examined in endeavouring to account for the 
singular motions of these insects ; the assembling together of which has been regarded by 
some writers as resulting purely from a strong social influence, and by others as indicating 
no closer bond than that of animals congregating round theircommon food. Thatthe food 
of the Gyrinidee consists of smull dead floating insects, I have ascertained ; butI would fur- 
ther suggest that, being produced on the same spot, as is the case with the swarms of ‘midges, 
they are influenced in some degree by the common desire of continuing their species. I have 
often observed that, in their gyrations, they hitagainst one another. In dull and inclement 
weather they betake themselves to quiet places, under bridges, or beneath the roots of trees 
growing at the water’s edge. When touched they emit a disagreeable odour, arising from a 
milky fluid, which is discharged from the pores of different parts of the body. The remark- 
able structure of the eyes, which, unlike those of most insects, consist of two distinct pairs, 
one on the upper and the other on the lower surface of the head, must be greatly service- 
able to the insect in the peculiar situation in which it is generally observed, and whereby it 
is enabled to see objects beneath it in the water, and above it in the air.’’ (Westwood). They 
are all of abroad, oval form, generally of polished black colour, with broad oar-like hind 
tarsi, and long slender fore-feet, used in seizing their prey. They vary in size from about 
one-fifth to half an inch in length. 

Besides the Diving-beetles and the Whirligigs, there is yet another great family of 
aquatic beetles, which belong to a different sub-tribe of this order of insects; its members are 
termed ‘“‘ Water Lovers,’’ (ydrophilide) from their habits. 

The members of this family live either in the water, or on the damp margins ahd shores 
of streams and ponds; they are carnivorous in the larval state, but as beetles they feed upon 
refuse and decaying vegetable matter, thus uniting the qualities of the two families already 
noticed, and those of the scavenger beetles, which we purpose bringing before the reader by 
and by. A considerable number of these ‘‘Water Lovers’ are found io Canada; some of 
the species attain a very large size, while others are quite minute, and not to be discerned 
without close observation. As these creatures are not of any very general interest, we may 
Le them from our notice and pass on to the moreconspicuous and note-worthy Carrion 

eetles. 


4. Buryine anp Carrion Beeties. (Silphide). 


These curious and interesting creatures belong to the family Si/phidw; they are dis- 
tinguished by the flattened form of their bodies, their knobbed antenne, their habits, and 
the black nauseous fluid they discharge when handled. Their grand duty is to remove 
from the surface of the earth al] dead or putrefying animal matter, which would other- 
wise become noxious and offensive. They are usually found in or close to carrion of all 
sorts, though sometimes they devour putrid fungus ; occasionally we have taken them on 
the wing, and have even found them attracted by light intoour rooms in summer. The 
Silphide@ ave divided into several genera, the chief of which are Necrophorus, including the 
Sexton or Burying Beetles, and Si/pha, the Carrion Beetles ; both of these genera are well 
represented in Canada. 

The Sexton Beetles (Necrophorus), in spite of their loathsome occupation, are decid- 
edly handsome insects. Their usual colour is deep shining black, variegated with rich 
orange-red spots ; beneath they are frequently ornamented with yellowish silken hair like 
that of a Humble-bee ; their antenne are very remarkable, consisting of a jointed stem 
terminated by a rose-coloured or orange knob composed of four little cupsor plates piled 


70 


one above the other. The largest specieswe have is called the American Sexton (N. 
Americanus, Oliv.) ; itis nearly an inch and a half long, deep black, ornamented above 
with large orange-red spots on the head, thorax, and wing-covers, and beneath with light 
yellow hairs on the breast. 

These insects are wonderfully powerful for their size, their flight is vigorous, and they 
are able to run with rapidity. We have at least ten species of these grave-digging beetles 
in Canada, differing from each other in size and ornamentation, but all possessing the 
same habits and instincts. They are not at all uncommon during the summer months ; no 
sooner, indeed, is any small dead animal or piece of flesh left in a decomposing state on 
the surface of the ground, than they assemble in troops to buryit. After a careful exami- 
nation of the object, as if to take its dimensions, and ascertain how many labourers would 
be required for the job, several of them commence operations by creeping beneath the 
careass and digging away the earth with their forelegs ; they continue their labours till 
they succeed in sinking it several inches, sometimes nearly a foot, beneath the surface ; 
and at the end of twenty-four hours the object is generally out of sight, unless it be par- 
ticularly large, or the ground difficult to work in. In this labour the males assist, and 
as soon as itis accomplished, the females deposit their eggs in the carcass. 

Many curious and interesting accounts have been published respecting the habits and 
instincts of these creatures—two interesting narratives of the kind are given in the Canada 
Farmer for Suly 15th, 1868. page 214. A German Entomologist relates that heconfined four 
beetles of this genus In a small space, and supplied them with the following quantity of 
materials : four frogs, three small birds, two fishes, one mole, two grasshoppers, the en- 
trails of a fish, and two pieces of ox’s liver ; they succeeded in interring the whole in fifty 
days. Of course this quantity was much more than sufficient for the nourishment of their 
future progeny, for whose benefit the burying takes place, and it was probably only be- 
cause these carcasses were placed within their reach that they continued their burying pro- 
pensities, (Westwood). As a further instance of their powers, we may mention the fol- 
lowing case, related in the American Entomologist :-— 

“On one particular occasion, having deposited a full-grown rat upon newly-moved 
earth ina particular spot,as a trap for these Burying-Beetles, we found that in twelve 
hour’stime the carcass had been completely buried, all but the tip of the tail, by a single 
individual of our largest and handsomest species,(V. Americanus, Oliv.) a beetle which is 
only one inch and a half long. It would puzzle an Irish labourer to bury a full-grown 
whale inthe same length of time ; yet proportionately this would be a task of precisely 
the same magnitude.” 

The Carrion Beetles (Si/pha, ete.,) differ from the foregoing in their more flattened 
shape, and dulness of colour, as well as in their habits and minor peculiarities of structure. 
Our largest and commonest species is the Surinam Silpha (S. Surinamensis, Fab.) Tts 
colour is uniformly black, with a transverse irregular, reddish coloured band or series of 
spots, near the end of the wing-covers. It is found abundantly in carrion during the sum- 
mer, and may certainly be considered from its fetid odour and repulsive appearance an ex- 
ceedingly disgusting, even though highly useful creature. It does not bury its food, like 
the Sexton Beetle, but may be found swarming in and over exposed carcasses during the 
summer months, evidently revelling in filth. The handsomest species of this genus is the 
Shield-bearing Silpha (iS, pelfafa, Catesby,) which is remarkable for the broad, thin ex- 
pansion of its thorax in the form of an ancient semi-circular shield, of: a creamy-white 
colour, ornamented in the middle with a device somewhat in the form of a cross. We 
have occasionally taken it in numbers about the body of a dead fish. The larve of this 
genus, unlike those of the preceding one, are obliged to seek their own food, which is of 
the same character as that of their parents, and consequently have strong legs, and a crus- 
taceous flattened body. 


; 5. Scavencer Breries (Sfaphylinide). 
The preceding group of insects follow the useful occupation of sextons for the smaller 
animals, or employ themselves in other ways for the removal of carrion. The next tribes 
of beetles that come within the scope of our present observation, discharge a somewhat 


similar office in the domain of nature, and busy themselves in the removal of nuisances 


from the surface of the earth. 
< 


7 


To qftote the words of Kirby and Spence (Introduction, Letter ix.),—‘How disgusting 
to the eye, how offensive to the smell, would be the whole face of nature, were the vast 
quantity of excrement daily falling to the earth from the various animals which inhabit it, 
suffered to remain until gradually dissolved by the rain, or decomposed by the elements ! 
That it does not thus offend us, we are indebted to an inconceivable host of insects which 
attack it the moment it falls; some immediately begin to devour it,others depositing in it 
eggs from which are soon hatched larvx that coneur in the same office with tenfold vora- 
‘city; and thus every particle of dung, at least of the most offensive kinds, speedily swarms 
with inhabitants which consume all the liquid and noisome particles, leaving nothing but 
the undigested remains, that soon dry and are scattered by the winds, while the grass 
upon which it rested, no longer smothered by an impenetrable mass, springs up with in- 
creased vigour.” The insects that engage in this work belong to many different tribes, 
chiefly pertaining to the orders of beetles and flies (Diptera). A large proportion of the 
former come in natural sequence almost immediately after the Carrion Beetles already de- 
scribed, and may, therefore, be fitly reviewed here. To give a complete account of all the 
different families of beetles that belong to the hordes of scavengers, would be a long, and 
—to the general reader—by no means an interesting proceeding ; we shall, therefore, con- 
tent ourselves with describing the peculiarities in structure and habits of the common 
sorts. 

The first and most numerous family that we come to, includes all those species of 
beetles, called in England “ Rove-beetles” or “Cock-tails” (Staphylinide). They are readily 
distinguished from all the other families by their peculiarly long and narrow bodies, flattened 
form and very short wing-covers, (elytra) which only cover one or two segments of the abdo- 
men, instead of almost the whole of it, asis the general rule with beetles. These short wing- 
covers give the insect somewhat the appearance of wearing a boy’s short jacket, instead of a 
long coat; notwithstanding their brevity, however, they completely conceal and keep out of 
the way the ample membranous wings, which, when not in use for flight, are beautifully 
tucked away beneath them. The long uncovered abdomen is capable of being moved in dif- 
ferent directions, and is employed by the creature in folding and unfolding its wings. When 
irritated or alarmed it cocks its tail over its back, and assumes a ludicrously threatening 
aspect: it also possesses the power, probably for defence, of protruding at will two vesicles 
from the extremity of the abdomen, which emit a very unpleasant, and sometimes indescrib- 
ably fetid odour. . 

The chief food of these insects, both in the larval and perfect states, consists of decaying 
animal and vegetable matters ; in early summer every piece of dung that falls tothe earth 
speedily swarms with them, and in the autumn they are equally numerous in fungi, agarics, 
etc. Some species are also carnivorous, feeding upon other insects; in England a large 
species, commonly called the Devil’s Coach Horse, (Georius olens) devours large numbers 
of the destructive Ear-wig (Forficula). “On the least approach of danger,” Westwood re- 
lates, “this insect, like the rest of the group, immediately puts itself into a most ferocious- 
looking posture of defence, throwing the tail over the head like a scorpion, protruding the 
anal vesicles, elevating its head and widely opening its long and powerful jaws.” 

Upwards of four hundred species of this family of beetles are found in North Amer- 
ica, and of these, one hundred and five species have been taken in Canada. Many more 
undoubtedly remain to be found and described when collectors pay more attention to the 
minuter forms of insect life. Eight hundred species have been described as found in 
England alone. In tropical climates they are very rare ; their places as insect-scavengers 
being supplied by the excessively abundant ants and termites. 


6. Duna BreetrEs (Scarabeide, etc). 


The members of the family towhich wehavenow come,and to which we have given the 
title of “Dung-beetles,” for want of a better, have been objects of peculiar interest to man- 
kind for many thousand years, and will, no doubt, continue;o attract the attention of all 
observers ofnature as long as the world lasts. Were it not for their extraordinary habits 
and for the reverence which was accorded to some of them in ancient times, these crea- 
tures—like the preceding family—would be simply disgusting to us, even though of grevt 
value in the economy of nature. 


72 
—————eaeaEe=E=eEeEeaeaeaeaeaeaeEeaeaeaEeaeaeaeaeEeEeaESeaaeeeeeeeee=EeeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeaeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEEEeEEEEEEeSe——— SESS 


Every one has, no doubt, heard of the Sacred Beetle of the Egyptians, which was 
worshipped by them as a god, and reverenced in various ways. It was called. the Scara- 
beus, and belongs to the tribe we are now considering. ‘“Hor-apollon’”—according to 
Louis Figuier-—“the learned commentator on Egyptian hieroglypkics, thinks that this 
people, in adopting the Scarabzeus as a religious symbo!, wished to represent at once an 
unique birth—a father—the world—a man. The unique birth means that the Scarabeous has 
no mother. A male wishing to procreate, said the Kgyptians, takes the dung of an ox, 
works itup into a ball and gives it theshape of the world,rolls it with its hind legs from the 
east to the west, and places it in the ground, where it remains twenty-eight days. The 
twenty-ninth day it throws its ball, now open, into the water, and there comes forth a male 
Scarabeus. This explanation shows also why the Scarabeeus was employed to represent at 
the same time a father, a man and the world. There were, however, according to the same au- 
thor, three sorts of Scarabei ; one was in the shape of a cat, and threw out brightly shining 
rays (probably the Golden Scarabzeus), the others had two horns (Cupris).”’ 

There is a colossal granite figure of a Scarabzeus brought from Hgypt in the British 
Museum, and other smaller representations that we have seen appear to have been worn as 
amulets, suspended from necklaces or bracelets. It is supposed by some that the plague of 
‘flies’ inflicted upon this people in the days of Moses consisted of swarms of this beetle,thus 
rendering the object of their superstitious worship a means of punishment; but we can 
hardly think that so innocent and harmless a creature, in other respects, would have been 
chosen by the Almighty for such a purpose ; we do not, however, insist upon any particular 
view of the subject, as so little is told us in the pages of holy writ. 

In Canada we have one species (Canthon levis, Drury,) which bears a strong resemblance 
to the Egyptian Scarabeus in appearance and habits, it is not very common, but is, however, 
generally distributed throughout the Province of Ontario. There are also several species of an- 
other genus (Copris), which possess similar habits but differ in their striated wing-covers, and 
in the extraordinary curved horn with which the head of the malesis armed. A remarkable 
peculiarity of these insects exists in the structure and situation of the hind legs, which are 
placed so near the extremity of the body and so far from each other, as to give the insect a 
most extraordinary appearance whilst walking. This peculiar formation is, however, par- 
ticularly serviceable to its possessors in rolling the balls of excrementitious matter in which 
they enclose their eggs. These balls are at first irregular and soft, but by degrees, and by 
continued rolling, they become rounded and harder; they are propelled by means of the hind 
legs, and the insects occasionally mount on the top, when they find a diftculty in urging them 
along; probably in order to destroy the equilibrium. Sometimes these balls are av inch and 
a half in diameter; and in rolling them along the beetles stand almost upon their heads, with 
their heads turned away from the balls, These manoeuvres have for their object the burying 
of the balls in holes, which the insects have previously dug for their reception ; and it is 
upon the dung thus deposited that the larva feed when hatched (MacLeay). These rhinoceros 
or unicorn beetles—as they may be termed—frequently fly into huuses through open windows, 
when attracted by light in the warm summerevenings. They are especially abundant on 
sandy soils. 

Another family of Dung-beetles (Geotrupide) performs a similar important part in the 
economy of nature, by feeding upon and burrowing under newly fallendung. Its species, 
however, do not make up pellets and roll them along the ground, as those above mentioned, 
but content themselves with sinking shafts immediately under the mass of excrement, and 
there hoarding up the supply of food for their young. They are much more common in this 
country than the preceding. and may vften be observed on a warm summer's evening, when 
the shadows are growing long, hovering about the droppings of some horse or cow, and _pre- 
paring to do their part in the removal of a nuisance, and the fertilization of the earth. 

Yet another family (Aphodiide) must be briefly noticed, before we leave these useful 
creatures. One species is almost the first beetle to greet us in early spring, as it flies about 
the manure of the hot-bed, and expands its coral-red wing-covers to the sun. Itis the 
Aphonius fimetarius, Lion., and is common in England as well as in Canada. Another tiny 
species (4. ingwinatus, Fab.,) swarms in the spring along the highways, resembling a fly as 
it hovers in the air, but easily distinguished when captured in the hand, or otherwise arrest- 
ed in its flight ; both of them feed upon horse-dung. The species of this family are es- 
pecially numerous in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, and deyote them 


73 


selves entirely to the consumption and removal of the excrement of the larger herbivorous 
animals. Need we say that they should, on no account, be destroyed ? 


7. Luminous Insgcrs (Lampyride). 


In the regular order of families of beetles, according to the generally received classifica- 
tior of Coleoptera, we come to a number of decidedly noxious insects after the Dung-beetles 
just described ; such for instance as the May-beetles and other leaf-eaters, (Melolonthide), the 

Buprestis Borers that perforate the wood of a majority of our trees, 


Fig. 76. (Fig. 76), and the Spring-back Beetles, (Hiateride), parents of the 
justly dreaded Wire-worms. The first family of common insects that 
we come to afterthese, are the Fire-flies—luminous insects of the family 
Lampyride. 

In tropical countries the fire-flies belong to two very different 
families of beetles, the Elateride and the ‘:ampyride, but in Canada 


luminous examples of the former are very rave indeed, though we have 
myriads of the latter. Our fire-fiies, in the perfect state, are soft flattened beetles, with the 
head almost entirely concealed under the projecting hood formed by the thorax; they are 
generally of pale colours, though semetimes black. They are voracious in their habits; feed- 
ingin the larval state, upon earth-worms and _ soft-bodied insects. The light which they 
emit proceeds from the extremity of the abdomen, and appears, from its fitfulness, to be un- 
der the control of the insects. Its origin and composition have long been a matter of doubt. 
According to Siebold, “ the luminous organs of these insects consistof a mass of spherical 
cells, filled with a fine granular substance, and surrounded by numerous trachean branches. 
This substance appears, by daylight, of a yellow, sulphur-like aspect. The light produced 
from these organs, so remarkably rich in trachez, is undoubtedly the result of a combustion 
kept up by the air of these vessels. This combustion explains the intermission of the phosphor- 
escence observed with the brilliant fire-flies, and which coincides, not with the movements of 
the heart, but with those of inspiration and expiration.’’ 

All our readers are, no doubt, perfectly familiar with the sparkling intermittent light 
exhibited by fire flies on damp summer evenings. They appear to take especial delight in 
moisture, frequenting low marshy grounds and river bottoms in myriads, while they but oc- 
casionally visit the drier air of high ground. We haye sometimes seen them in tens of thou- 
sands, nay millions, when driving at night along some sequestered country road bordered by 
wet, swampy ground, or when taking a nocturnal ramble in search of insects up the valley of 
the Credit. Brilliant andnumerous though our Canadian fire-flies are, they cannot be com- 
pared—judging from the accounts of naturalists—with the glories of the tropical species. 
There, besides species similar to ours, they have the huge lantern flies, said to be two or 
three inches long, and emitting a most brilliant light and also the large spring-back 
beetle (Elater Noctilucus) that gives forth a bright glow from spots on the thorax. Southey 
thus describes the appearance of these creatures in tropical America :— 


‘Soon did night display 
More wonders than it veiled ; innumerous tribes 
From the wood cover swarm’d and darkness made 
Their beauties visible ; one while they stream’d 
A bright blue radiance upon flowers that closed 
Their gorgeous colours from the eye of day ; 
Now motionless and dark, eluded search, 
Self-shrouded ; and anon, starring the sky, 
Rise like a shower of fire.”’ 


In England they have but one species of luminous insect, well known under the 
name of ‘glow-worm.” The females of this insect are long, flat, soft wormlike creatures, 
quite destitute of wings ; emitting usually a pale steady light frou the extremity of the ab- 
domen. The males, on the other hand possess complete wings and wing covers, and are but 
feebly luminous. We have taken them in early summer in the long damp grass beside 
-hedge-rows in Lancashire, where their tiny light attracted us from some little distance. 
They did not, however, appear to be at all common. 

In this country both sexes of the fire-flies are fully winged, and both appear to be 
equally luminous. The larve also of several species possess the property of emitting light ; 
bunt of these we have rarely obtained specimens. In 1868 we obtained a remarkable larva 

6 


74 


——<—<—<—<—<— $< 


which in all probability belonged to the genus “ Melanactes” of the Elater family. “Its 
general colour, (as we described at the time in the Canadian Entomologist, vol. 1. page 2) 
_was a dark drab, the posterior angles of each segment, the softer connecting portion between 
the seements and the under side of the body being very much paler, and of a somewhat 
dirty yellow hue ; on each side there is a deeply impressed line in which the spiracles are 
situated. When seen in the dark, the insect presented a very beautiful appearance, being 


apparently ringed and dotted with greenish fire. Hach spiracle appeared to be a point of 


bright greenish light, and the division between each segment a line of the same colour; it 
looked indeed as is if the whole insect were filled with fire, which shone out wherever it was 
not concealed by the dark shelly integument. When coiled up on its side it looked like a 
lovely Ammonite whose strie emitted green light, and withapoiut of green fire in each interspace.” 

‘All the insects of the Lampyris family, whether luminous or not, may be classed among 
our friends, as they do not feed upon our crops or fruits, but upon various worms, snails and 
insects, One species (Chaulioynathus Pennsylvanicus ), a pretty yellow soft winged beetle, 
with a black oval spot towards the tip of each wing cover, is especially useful from its com- 
mendable habit of devouring the larvee of the dreaded Plum Curculio, when in the larval 
state itself. ‘The perfect insect we have sometimes taken in great numbers upon thistle blos- 
soms, towards the close of summer. 


8. Lapy Brrps (Cocinellide.) 


From Luminous Insects to Lady-birds isalong leap to take in our description of neu- 
tral and beneficial insects. The intervening families of beetles, however, are so addicted to 
the destruction of our property in one form or another, and the exceptions are so few and in- 
conspicuous, that we must pass them all over, and go on to the consideration of the pretty 
little creatures—as useful too, as they are pretty—that are generally known by the name of 
“Lady-birds,” (vulgarly called Lody-bugs). They belongto the family Coccineilidect Coleoptera. 

‘ After the Luminous insects (Lampyride) which we just now brought before the reader, 
there come, according to the generally received classification, a large number of most de- 
structive insects. Of these we may mention the Ptinidw, the species of which “are found in 
old houses, in furniture, in rotten palings, stumps of trees, ete., which they and their larva 
perforate with round holes in every direction, which are filled with a very fine powder formed 
of gnawed wood and excrementa ; some species feed upon collections of dried plants, skins of 
insects, ete; whilst others bore into our chairs, tables, and other woodwork, books, ete. ; 
other species feed upon almost every substance, devouring ginger, rhubarb, cayenne peprer,. 

ete: and rendering ship-biscuit often unfit for use; others again feed upon 

Fig. 77. woollen clothes, wheat in eranaries, and other stores,’—a most noxious family 

~* certainly. After them come the Scolytid@, the members of which are very 

destructive to trees and timber; the Cuntharide, (Fig. 77,) useful for blister- 

ing purposes, as * Spanish flies,’ but very injurious to vegetation; the Curcu- 

lionide, (Fig. 78,) one or two well-known species of which are enough to con- 

demn the whole family, e. g, the Plum Curculio and the Pea-weevil ; the Cer- 

anbycide. or Capricorn Beetles, (Fig. 79,} the larvee of which are wood-borers, 

and attack trees of every kind; and the Chrysomelid@, beautiful golden insects 

many of them, but including such noxious creatures as the Three-lined po- 

elon ae tato beetle, (Fig. 80,) the Turnip-fly or Flea beetle, the Colorado Beetle, the 
newly impcrted Asparagus Beetle, ete, 


The “ Lady-birds ” be- 
long to the last family of 
all of the orders of beetles. 
They are so common and 
so well known to every 
child thatit is hardly ne- 
eessary to give any de- 
scription of them. The 
accompanying wood-cuts 


Fig. 78. 
1 


Colours, . 5 
Pale Yellow and Black. will suffice to remind the 


reader of their appearance. 


(Figs. 81, 82, 83, 84.) 


Fig. $2. Fig. 83. Fig. 84. 


A B o 
Who is there, indeed, that has not set one on outstretched finger and sung to it in childish 
glee, “Lady-bird, Lady-bird, fly away home, your bouse is on fire and your children all 
burned!’’? In France they are much regarded also, and called by children “Bétes & bon 
Dieu,” “ Vaches de la Vierge,” ete.; and in Hagland they are termed Lady-cows as well as 
Lady-birds. 

The general colours of these insects are yellow, red or orange,with black spots ; and black, 
with red, white, or yellow spots; their shape is hemispherical, and though they vary somewhat 
in size, an average specimen bears a considerable resemblance in size and figure to an ordi- 
nary split pea; they have but very short legs and therefore creep but slowly ; their powers of 
flizht, however, are considerable. When alarmed they fold un their legs under the body and 
drop to the ground, and if handled they emita yellowish fluid from the joints-of the limbs 
which has rather a strong and disagreeable smell. In old times this fluid was considered to 
be an admirable specific for toothache ! We have never,however,possessed suiticient courage to 
test its qualities in this respect ourselves | 

As every one knows—or certainly ought to know by this time—the Lady-birds, both in 
their larval and perfect states, feed upon the obnoxious plant lice (Aphides), and are thus of 
the utmost service to the gardener, orchardistand hop-erower. Some species also prey 
very successfully upon the dreaded Colorado beetle, and assist beneficially in reducing the 
numbers of this new insect plague.* 

More than thirty species of this family of beetles are known toivhabit Canada. Atten- 
tion has so frequently been drawn to them in the course of these reports, that we need do 
no more than say—spare their lives and encourage their propagation by all means ; they are 
the most useful class of insects that we have. 

We have now enumerated all the leading varieties of beetles that are in their several 
modes serviceable to mankind. If any of our readers are now enabled to distinguish between 
insect friends or foes of this order, we shall feel well repaid for any trouble that these descrip- 
tions may have cost us. Our limited time and space preclude us trom going on to cther orders 
in this report; when another year comes round we hope, however,to have something further 
to say upun the subject. 


® Vide Second Annual Report, p. 72. 


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€:\? ANNUAL REPORT 


cme OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


re CONE AC 


FOR THE YEAR 1874. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS AND BENEFICIAL 
INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, 
ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY rn 


THE REV. C, J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope; President of the Entemological Society of 
Ontario ; 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


Editor of the Entomologist ; 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 


Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly. 


GDoronto: 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO. 86 & 88 KING STREET WEST. 
1875. 


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CONTENTS. 


A. | Fi 
American Association... ...........:0000600+ 3 | Financial statement...........0..0:s.sesecsioees 2 
Annual Address, President’s.................- 2 
«« Meeting 2 G 
Aphis ribesii.............. Bo 59 
Apple borer, flat-headed.... 13 | Grape vine Phylloxera...... .......... -.-... 9,54 
maple tree \Dlightsc- cates rset acnectye sa st <5 4. Ze Grasshoppers) ro. cece. <senseeces tees swore ss 8,30 
Apple A ebaate vans zi Bote ees oneoeae MRM OrEnG fie es Om Wocustin tsa. cerecoccnre, ee 
TOMECIGA A rcs er see ca cs tastes - 
Attacus Cecropia..... pa ae 22 H. 
B. Ely perobinta iG. .ceneer-istsfeltorreres nce nets il 
Bethune, Rey. C. J. S., articles by...6, 29, 54 | 
Bombyxumorivy verter ee ee eeoctess cat 23 ; 
Injurious insects, on some...............-.. 48 
C. Introductory... ........ccsececeeeeeesssenseeesenee 10 
Gubbaze Butterfly 8 To: Moth thie: ..5s)ccisesssee Secession 
Caloptenus VIVIEAHOR) oss, os. cese 88 K 

= femur rubrum................... 38 ; 

a BPPOtas’: cadences eres +s 8, 30, 38 : ‘ 
Canadian Entomologist, the.............-. 2. 3, 6 Beaty did; tHe 0) sp.cjaccccseaaureresiavonewnensases 30 
Carpocapsa pomonella..................0....2.5 43 Es 
Cecropia aoe FY. .sesesesseves seneesesesenes a Locust, description of the insect............- 37 

op NI EEE ACO PERC CEOS history of, in America..............-. 30 
Chaleis Maria............... sessssseeeeeserseees 26 KOO UWAtatn eee Seta Gud okies 38 
Snes peur ae B means of reducing the ravages of 39 

: pL Sg ee aaa hc = na : ‘ plague of, in 1874..............-.4 33 

roa pepiendecin a sei e's» sda Sane Cae 30 “ CMC ae Warn tn ha 36 
ouded Sulphur butterfly.................... PTS ye Pea cy pe aa io em 

F Ped -leppedetr ste ses cso esessn se, te LO 

Olyius ane CRs: tee ed : vi 2 4 oe aa WORM er yar cris aniewse/stemaens Pe 

, bo amet tS SN EBV ABIL OOD eeeesterese tee «cu sosccnowenn Texans 

Codling Moth......sctiah..caabegerearesive PO eee 
: are ocust-tree borer.. eer | 
ila philodice.............. io oi a London Branch, Annual Meeting of. Reverse 5 
mie pire maeteet 1 rs 26 Long-tailed STi CURR ep ree peel Fe 25 
t IB i vescccet vegans aeeaants Weavers. 
ig ee WORDD) (HNO: trnteisceen ca a7 M. 
me WOXM; hole ceeeemeemestarceisd) slg MeRceoneniraa dalianted 49 
Cyatapliy Inuit, Con ay ete mee 0 Montreal Branch, Report of Council..... 5 
D. McMechan, J. H., Report of................ 1 
Delicate long-shingy; cca eer e ae 49 N. 
Dielephila lineata..........c.csseeceesese ses aan : 

BivOrced! Gry pbUGs...scnamersetewerceedeaestees _ 26 | Nematus ventricosus. ......-0cceeece V7 
Doryphora decemlineata.................0. 8 Notes of the past season. ........-...+.... 17 
E oO. 

Tn Gy Die try) Raper ectre tcc doce cuecorctert roc 18 | On some of our common insects. ........... 22 
Entomological contributions................. 11 | Ophion macrurum............0....-.:..+. 25 
(EIKOVISGA TOLItATIS. o.ccmmic cast oueinedeeua gc eaneee 26 | Orgyia leucostigma.......... 19 


iv 


Fe 
Papilio thoas... DAG SIE oo, NG) 
Parasites on codling v WOLDS se, c\s-0c\. ashe eO 
Pear tree slug. . eaeee 50 
(6 66 pomedies fOr......0.sssees+e 52 


Phylloxera vastatrix. . 


«natural history of..... 55 

st “mode of f spreading. 59 
Philampelus sattelitia. . Wood tn aes 5 
IPAerig Tape rea nste ee. eeae eisacle,sseecnne es eee 8 
Pimpla annulipes... eis a 42) shee EO 
Potato Beetle, Colorado. ...... 8 

R. 

Reed), E. B:, article: by.2o...3. 5 s1..0- sen ee 
Report.of council 2... Hay aes ce aes ee 
Ring-legged pimpla.,.....)-0.. ch ee Ue ao 


S. 
Saturnia io.. Bremen es nisct pe El 
Saunders, W.. . articles sy. oes eee 17, 22, 43 
Secretdty’s Report. . Preetotors Tel 
Selandriavcerasi: °)--.\scs-cseseash le see ee ee) 
tT; 
Tachina fly. . 25 
Traps for eodling w worm. 47 
Trap, Wier’s shingle.. . 48 
Tussock caterpillar, the white-marked..... 19 
Tyroglyphus phylloxeree. ...........-.202 sees 61 
Ww. 
White lined morning sphinx................ 27 


ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, 


FOR THE YEAR 1874. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS AND BENEFICIAL 
INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A. 
Head-Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario ; 
WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
Editor of the Entomologist ; 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 
Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO FOR THE 
YEAR 1874. 


To the Honourable the Commissioner of Agriculture,— 


Sir,—I have the honour to submit for your consideration the Report of the Entomolo. 
gical Society of Ontario for the year 1874, embracing a detailed statement of receipts and 
expenditures during the year, which accounts have been duly audited, also a list of the office- 
bearers elected for the year 1875. 

The annual meeting of the Society was held at the City of Toronto, at the same time as 
the Exhibition of the Agricultural and Arts Association in accordance with the provisions of 
the statute, when the various reports were then presented and approved of. 

B 


to 


I have also the pleasure of submitting herewith a Report on some of the Noxious, Bene- 
fical and Other Insects of this Province, which has been prepared on behalf of the Society by 
the Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., Mr. Wm. Saunders and Mr. E. B. Reed. 

THE CANADIAN ENromonoaisr, the organ of the Society is still issued monthly, and 
has now nearly reached the completion of its sixth volume, the regular issue of our journal 
for the past six years has enabled us with the help of our esteemed contributors to disseminate 
a vast amount of practical, as well as scientific knoweledge relating to Fntomology which has 
done much towards increasing the interest felt in this branch of Natural History so important 
to the agriculturist. 

In order to illustrate the pages of this Report, we have procured as large a number of 
new wood cuts and electrotypes as the limited means at our disposal would admit of, we.can 
only regret that it is not more profusely illustrated as we feel sure that such illustrations add 
greatly to the interest and usefulness of our report. 


I have the honour to remain, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 


J. H. MoMecnan, 
Secretary-Treasurer Entomological Society of Ontario. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The fourth annual meeting of the above Society was held (by the kind permission of the 
Provost) in the library of Trinity College, Toronto, on the 23rd of September, at 3.30, P.M. 
The report of the Secretary-Treasurer was presented, showing a slight increase of membership 
and a satisfactory condition of the finances, after which the President read his annual address, 
which was by request of those present, kindly placed at the disposal of the Printing Committee 
for publication. 

The following Officers were then elected :— 


President.—Rey. C.J. 8S. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope. 

Vice-President.—R. V. Rogers, Kingston. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—J. H. MeMechan, London. 

Council... Baynes Reed, W. Saunders, Rev. G. M. Innes, J. M. Denton, London, 
G. J. Bowles, Montreal. 

Editor of Entomologist —W. Saunders. 

Editing Committee.—Rey. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., E. Baynes Reed, J. G. Bowles. 

Library Committee—W. Saunders, E. Baynes Reed, J. H. McMechan. 

Auditors.—Chas. Chapman and J. H. Griffiths, London. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER. 


beanie 

To Balance from previous year......... Sree ascevccsusnctincech seasce sen scwl ig eG 
“ Government Grant additional’ for 1873.. Seikia dicsoeslexce see ameene ne eeeeee 500 00 
Ss ce a ce SEWN Accs cs usccscshcaceeeen eaaemeeteeyne 750 00 
ce, Mem bers: fees: +... savsee coc cee eeeMeeeeebencscss = <Sucscckbnenvicaseseeeeeeaiven 137 52 

«¢ “Sales|cork, sping, abelaGc¢oeccssepenmataes*-o-cs.cecsucenenencee sees 195 02 
1760 16 

Disbursements. 

By CaNnapiIaAn ENTOMOLOGIST, ree meats concivanceeeee Ghistete. coe sectekaes 518 75 
«Pins, cork, &c... SUS RGAL aebeteded ob aces debeedundeectente sale St sckit SAE Odum 


bes Engravings NIM UEIe, dike cece semecmetctedee Scar tet Ua pamensskehertee tates 118 10 


By Dhibraryi scene sercteietusccs «1 sce-baceh teases We ee. Ce . $58 95 
tc. NGifor Susataby MeOneUS (lial y% 1...) ..nces-aa'vcweneneessaacen meeeieaanles= 100 00 
Rg fe SOP L SUA wise tic awceles sure Gocaenconusarccuueneuabeccestnes 100 00 
‘ Seoretarysesalary for E8W3...402) )ca.cbs cveccacceaccaccoesuvemesaecde sy 50 00 
af as MORRO OT Acc eteaipil avs sudo saisasmetiie sien aeeeeadeaeataey aes 50 00 
« Expenses, sundry small ............ Utne a> | Saas sie Sven eS ea MTs 120 18 
(Rents seeceet acct socninn: Qurcca hth sous s0/s Ovelt we, ches ott saat ae remen eee 80 00 
6c HIXPOnsee TOtmEVODORUL. © <c2--sesontvce' onnsssys ssc s]eseges ce eee eee mt OLE OO 
fC Balance, yOasbiia PAD <sc~c.c.-arrccscees eo.<7- + yautign vercon et niamennee mmm Of ALG 

1760 16 


We certify the above as a correct statement of accounts for the year ending September 
23, 1874, as shown by Treasurer’s books and with vouchers for the same. 


J. H. Grreriras . 
Cras. dela ANURE. 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


It is gratifying, at the expiration of this the fourth year of she existenda of our Societ 
to be able to report its continued well-being and progress, and t’ , | now that its efforts ao Fe 
ing more and more recognized as an aid to those agricultural jnterests which constitute the 
chief source of the wealth of our Province. 

The Entomologist is still regularly published, and has 
sixth volume. By its regular issue there has been plac 44 before our members much useful 
and practical information relating to many of the com poner insect pests, with instructions as 
to the use of the best remedies to check their ravar .. Basides this it has formed. and still 
forms, a valuable medium for the publication of = 423, scientific matter in a Serre, Was ee 
history of our insects, which, while of immedi> 4 interest to only a limited number of our 
readers, is of great importance to those engage ¥ jp the study of the science of Entomology. 
We feel that our journal has done and Is st) if doing a good work in this respect ; and it is. 
pleasing to know that our efforts in this dir eetion are warmly appreciated by scientific men in, 
the adjoining Republic and in Europe, as, well as in our own country. 

As mentioned in the Report of the last Annual Meeting, a cordial invitation was ex- 
tended by the “ American Associatio'a for the Advancement of Science,” at the meeting held 
in Portland, in 1873, to the mem!yers of our Society to be present at the meeting in 1874, in 
Hartford. A deputation was ar,pointed by your Council to attend this meeting on behalf of 


our Society, in reference to which the following report appeared in the September number of 
the Entomologist :-— 


4 now nearly reached the close of its 


THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION. 


At the recent gathering of this scientifie body in Hartford, Conn., there were brought 
together an unusual number of Entomologists. This was owing partly, no doubt, to the kind 
invitation extended by the Association to the American and Canadian Eatomolovical Socie- 
ties to appoint special meetings of their members to be held at that time and place with the 
view of having these importaat societies fully represented. In response to this invitation a 
number of members of the American Entomological Society were present, while our Cana- 
dian Entomologists were represented by the worthy President of our Society "Rev. ( J. S. Be- 
thune, M.A., and the Editor of the Hntomologist. Several evenings were occupied by these 
“brethren of the net” in interesting and profitable discussions on the habits and rete 
ities of various insects, the time passing so pleasantly that the midnight hours were reached 
ere separation could be effected. After mature deliberation it was resolved to organize 
under the name of “The Entomological Club of the A. A. A. 8.,” and the following ae 
tution was adopted : — fi P 


{id 


TITLE. 


1. The name of the association shall be “The Entomological Club of the American 
Association for the Advancement of Science.” 


OBJECTS, 


II. The annual re-union of the Entomologists of America, the advancement of entomo- 
logy, and the consideration of all general questions relating to the science that may from time 
to time arise. 

MEMBERSHIP. 


III. All members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science who 
are interested in entomology, shall zpse facto be members of the club. 


OFFICERS, 


IV. The officers of the club shall be a President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary, to 
be elected annually by vote of the members. 


DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS. 


V. The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, shall preside at all meetings ; 
the Secretary shall perform all the usual duties of a recording and corresponding Secretary. 


MEETINGS. 


VI. A meeting shall be held in each year at the place of meeting appointed by the 
American Asociation for the advancement of Science ; it shall commence at 2.30 p.m., on 
the day before the meeting of the American Association for the advancement of Science, and 
be continued throughout that evening; further meetings may be held as time will permit 
during the week following. 

The following resolutions were also unanimously passed : 

Resolved, That the members of the Amevican Entomological Society and the Entomological 
Society of Ontario, together with all other persons interested in entomological science, be 
cordially invited to attend and take part in the proceedings. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to publish notices of the meeting in such 
periodicals devoted to natural history, and especially in those devoted to entomology as are 
published on the continent ; and further that the members be requested to bring with them 
at the annual re-unions specimens for exchange and exhibition, and especially types of species 
that they may have described during the year. 

Ai a subsequent meeting of the Club, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. 
John L. Leconte, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Vice President, Samuel H. Scudder, Cambridge, Mass. ; 
Secretary, Chas. V. Riley, St. Louis, Mo. We feel sure that under such able direction, the 
Entomological Club of the A. A. A. 8. will prosper, and be the means of'stimulating many to 
increased effort, and thus greatly advance the interests of our favourite study. 

As it may interest many to know who were present at these meetings, we furnish the 
following list: Dr. John L. LeConte, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Dr. J. G. Morris, Baltimore, Md. ; 
Prof. 8. S. Haldeman, Chickis, Pa. ; Dr. H. A. Hagen, Cambridge, Mass. ; S. H. Scudder, 
Cambridge, Mass. ; A. R. Grote, Buffalo, N. Y.; Dr. G. M. Levette, Indianapolis, Ind. ; 
©. V. Riley, St. Louis, Mo.; O. 8. Westcott, Chicago, Ill.; J. A. Lintner, Albany, N. Y. ; 
H. F. Bassett, Waterbury, Conn. ; George Dimmock, Springfield, Mass. ; B. Pickman Mann, 


°‘Cambridge, Mass. ; E. P. Austin, Cambridge, Mass. ; Dr. R. King, Kalamazoo, Mich. ; Chas. 
© P, Dodge, Washington, D. C.; Mr. Patton, Waterbury, Conn. ; Rey. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., 


Port’ Hope, Ont. ; W. Saunders, London, Ont. During the meetings of the Association 
several interesting and valuable papers on Entomological subjects were read by Dr. LeConte 
and Messrs. Scudder, Riley and Grote. 

» “Dhe' branches of our Society organized at London, Montreal and Kingston, continue to 


thrive, and by their frequent meetings and social intercourse stimulate the members resid ent 
in these cities to greater application in the service of entomology. We trust that such of our 
members as ean, will aid the editor of the Enromonoaist by sending him from time to time, 
memoranda of their observations, on the habits and life history of our insects with any other 
notes they may deem of interest to the lovers of our favourite science. 


Submitted on behalf of the Council by 
J. H. MoMrouan, 
. Secretary-Treasurer. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LONDON BRANCH. 


The annual meeting of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario was 
held at the residence of Mr. W. Saunders, on the 17th of February. 

A goodly number of members were present, and the following officers were elected for 
1874: President, A. Puddicombe ; Vice-President, H. P. Bock; Secretary-Treasurer, J. 
G. Geddes; Curator, J. Williams; Auditors, Messrs. C. Chapman and J. Griffiths. 

A box of Lepidoptera from Miss Carey, of Amherstburg, was shown by Mr. E. B. Reed, 
containing some interesting specimens taken in that locality; among others there were fine 
examples of Papilio thoas and Philampelus satellitia, 

W. Saunders exhibited a box of Coleoptera, embracing a large number of species kindly 
donated by Theodore L. Mead, Hsq., of New York. Also, several boxes of European insects, 
presented by Francis Walker, Esq., of the british Museum. The Secretary was instructed 
to tender to Mr. Walker the sincere thanks of the Society for his continued liberality in this 
matter—the cabinets of the Society and those of the members also having been repeatedly en- 
riched with valuable specimens through his kindness. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. 


The first annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of 

Ontario was held on May 6th, 1874, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing 
ear : 

, W. Couper, President; G. J. Bowles, Vice-President ; F. B. Caulfield, Secretary-Trea- 
surer ; G. B. Pearson, Curator ; Council—W. Hibbins, sen., C. W. Pearson, P. Knetzing. 

The reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read, and, on motion, adopted. 
The Branch, although young, is in a prosperous condition, the expenses of the past year hay- 
ing been met, leaving a small balance on hand, and the list of members is gradually inereas- 
ing. Owing to the lateness of the season but little field work has been done, but some rare 
captures have been made already. ‘The Branch meets as usual at the residence of the Pre- 
sident, No. 67, Bonaventure Street, Montreal, P. Q. All business communications to be 
addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer, F'. B. Caulfield, 254, St. Martin Street, Montreal, P. Q. 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH 
OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


During the summer of 1873 a fortunate circumstance occurred to which this Branch 
owes its origin. ‘The following gentlemen, viz., Wm. Couper, F. B. Caulfield, Wm. Hibbins, 
G. W. Pearson and G. B. Pearson, met by chance on the Montreal Mountain, where the sub- 
ject was discussed, and it was then decided to hold a meeting at the residence of Mr. Caul- 
field, in order to make further arrangements for its formation. This meeting was held on the 
30th of August, when it was resolved to form a branch in connection with the Entomological 
Society of Ontario, and the Seeretary pro. fem. was instructed to write to the parent society, 
asking permission to form a Branch Society in this city. This proposition was at once accepted 
by the parent Society. 


On the 16th of October the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Wil- 
liam Couper, President; M. Kollmar, Vice-President ; F. B. Caulfield, Secretary-Treasurer ; 
Council—G,. J. Bowles, P. Knetzing and C. W. Pearson; Curator, William Hibbins. 

By-Laws were framed for the yuidance of the Branch, which were approved by the parent 
Society. Our monthly meetings have been regularly held and well attended, and your Coun- 
cil congratulate the Society on benefits derived. During the eight meetings which have been 
held, independent of the production of original communications on Entomology, there were 
remarkably good exhibitions of insects, which also tended to give additional information to 
members. ‘ 

The first meeting of the Branch in August, 1873, consisted of seven members, and 
since then five additional members have been elected. 

The following papers were read during the winter months :— 

“A Dissertation on Northern Butterflies,” by William Couper ; ‘“ On the Cicindelidz 
Occurring on the Island of Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield; ‘On Some of the Benefits De- 
rived from Insects,” by F. B, Caulfield. 

The following works have been donated during the year:— 

“On Some Remarkable Forms of Animal Life from the Great Deeps of the Norwegian 
Coast,” by G. O. Sars, 1 Vol. ; “On Norwegian Crustaceans,” by G. O. Sars, 2 Vol. ; 
“ Synopsis of the Acrididee of North America,” by Cyrus Thomas, 1 Vol. 

Your Council would suggest that the Curator procure store boxes for the preservation of 
the specimens obtained for the Society during the approaching season. In this way the 
nucleus of a collection can be formed prior to the purchase of a cabinet, which your Council 
trusts the Society will be possessed of before next winter. 

Your Council would also suggest that members carry note-books wherein to record Kn- 
tomological observations, especially relative to insects injurious to the crops; also, of such 
species as are considered beneficial in checking the progress of destructive insects. As this 
is one of the principal objects of the Society, field notes of this nature are always’ valuable, 
and should form subjects of investigation and discussion at our meetings: Attention should 
be given to the larval forms of insects, as this is a specialty of Untomology from which much 
knowledge is yet to be obtained. : 

Your Council strongly impress on the members to use their influence in promoting a 
knowledge of the importance of the study of Hntomology, more especially with Agriculturists 
and horticulturists, in order to enable them to check the ravages of the numerous insects 
injurious to vegetation. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

f C. W. PEARSON, 
Gro. JNo. Bow es. 
Wm. Couper, Chairman. 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SO- 
CIETY OF ONTARIO, 1874. 


To the Members of the Entomological Society of Ontario :-— 


GENTLEMEN,—] beg to offer you again, after the lapse of a year, my hearty congratu 

' lations upon the continued prosperity of our Society. As you have already learnt from the 

Report of our Secretary-Treasurer, we have been fayoured with a slight increase in our list of 

membership—as large, indeed, as can fairly be expected in a Society which confines itself to 

the study ofa particular branch of Natural Science, and which cannot therefore attract into 

its ranks many who are not specially engaged, to some extent at least, in this limited field of 
investigation. 

It is especially pleasing to find that our number of branches continues to increase—a 
highly successful one, with its headquarters in Montreal, having been organized since our last 
annual meeting. Its first annual report has been already presented to us in the pages of our 
journal. 

: The CANADIAN ENTroMOLOGIST, upon whose success the well-being and fair fame of our 
Society so largely depends, has—I am sure you will agree with me—been more ably sustained 


than ever before. The thanks of the whole Society are assuredly due to the energetic and 
talented Editor, Mr. Saunders, who has been, indeed, its mainstay from the issue of its first 
number till now. It would be well if all our members would aid him, not only by contribu- 
tions, but also by increasing the circulation, and thereby improving the means of support of 
the publication. 

When I applied just now the term “limited” to our field of enquiry, I only did so 
when considering Entomology as one amongst a large number of sections of the great circle of 
natural sciences, which includes within its area the study of all things material which come 
within the range of man’s intellectual powers. If we look, however, at Entomology and its 
objects alone, we cannot fail to see at once that it is practically without limit—that there is 
work enough for thousands of investigators for almost innumerable generations to come. And 
when we couple with Entomology other kindred sciences, such as Botany, Geology and Phy- 
sical Geography, which are so closely allied that no student can safely overlook them, we 
begin almost to be overwhelmed with the vast extent of this field of knowledge that we seek 
to explore. So vast, indeed, is the field that no one now ventures to survey the whole of it, 
except in a very general way ; each explorer finds himself compelled—if he would do any effec- 
tive work—to confine his labour to some one or two of its sections or subsections. By this 
division of labour, all departments of the Science will by degrees be taken up, and much that 
is now a ‘terra incognita’ will become familiar to the patient explorer. 

In our own country—within the bounds of this great Dominion—there is need of many 
more students and explorers. yen in this Province of Ontario, the headquarters of our So- 
ciety, where more has been done than in any other part of Canada, there is yet room for a 
great increase to our band of collectors and investigators. How incomplete, for instance, is 
even yet our list of Diurnal Lepidoptera, and how many pages are still blank in the life history 
of some of our commonest butterflies? Our able Editor, my excellent friend, Mr. Saunders, 
has done much to fill up these blank pages, and his work iseverywhere recognized as thorough 
and authoritative ; but yet there remains much more to be done, that we hope our members 
will before long accomplish, If we turn to Crepuscular and Nocturnal Lepidoptera, we must 
feel almost appalled at the extent of our ignorance. For those who have the time and the 
ability, I can think of no more interesting or attractive field of enquiry—none that will sooner 
or better repay the pains-taking student, whether he looks for fame or pleasure, whether he 
sighs for fresh fields to conquer, or desires to set his foot where man has not trodden before. 
In a department where so much remains to be done, we all, I am sure, offer a most cordial wel-. 
come to one who has recently cast in his lot among us, and has traversed the broad Atlantic 
in order to study the Noctuidz of this country. I allude to Mr. George Norman, of St 
Catharines, late of Forres, in Scotland. bs 

In another order of insects, the Coleoptera, much, no doubt, has been accomplished. 
Through the pains-taking labours of a Billings and a Pettit, not to mention other good work- 
ers, and by the aid of the great authorities in the neighbouring States, Dr. Leconte and Dr. 
Horn in particular, we have been able to increase our list of Canadian beetles from a few 
hundreds at the birth of the Society, to more than as many thousands now. But stil) how 
very much more remains to be done ? What a field of labour there is before both student 
and collector in the Carabidee, the Staphylinidee, the Curculionidae and other numerous families 
of beetles! May we not hope that during the coming winter our present scattered stores of 
knowledge will be utilized and made available for the good of all, by the compilation and 
publication of a large addition to our old and valuable list of Canadian Coleoptera ? 

If there remains so much to be done in these two favourite orders, what shall I say of the 
remainder, that are so generally neglected? It is surely time that some of our members 
should devote themselves to the working up of such interesting orders as the Neuroptera, the 
Hymenoptera, the Orthoptera, the Hemiptera, even if no one can be found at present to take 
up the study of the more difficult Diptera. 

In all these orders there is the nucleus of a collection in the cabinets of our Society, 
while no doubt much additional material would be furnished by individuals to any member 
who will take up in earnest the study of any one of them. It would be a great contribution 
to our knowledge of Canadian insects if there could be published by the Society carefully pre- 
pared lists of as many species as possible in each of these orders. Such lists would, of course, 
be very incomplete at first, but they could easily be so arranged in publication that additions 
might be made to them at any time, as our stores of knowledge increase. 


Such, gentlemen, are some of the modes in which, I think, we should endeavour to ex- 
tend the operations of our Society. If each year, when we assemble together for our annual 
meeting, we can point to some such work done in the previous twelvemonth, we shall haye 
good reason to congratulate ourselves upon real permanent progress—upon building up the 
foundation of an Entomological structure that will prove enduring and substantial in time to 
come. 

Thus far I have referred to Entomology as a purely scientific pursuit; there is an- 
other aspect in which we cannot refrain from regarding it, viz., as a subject of very great 
economic importance to every inhabitant of our land. This view of Entomology has been 
especially brought before us of late by the havoc that has been produced in our farms and 
gardens by hordes of destructive insects. 

The dreaded Uolorado Potato Beetle (Doryphora decem-lineata) has spread eastward with 
great rapidity, and has now reached the Atlantic coast in some parts of the United States. I 
have been informed by friends who reside in various parts of the Union, that while little, if 
any, diminution in the numbers of the pest is to be observed in the west, it is becoming very 
destructive where it has attained to its second year of colonization. During the first year of 
its invasion of a particular locality, no appreciable damage is done by it, but as its armies in- 
crease in geometrical progression, the potato crops of the following season generally suffer to 
a terrible extent. It has now covered the whole of the Province of Ontario, and is very des- 
tructive throughout the western half of it, though we are happy to say that our intelligent 
farmers and gardeners are effectually using the remedies suggested by our colleagues, Messrs. 
Saunders and Reed, in their Report to the Legislature a few years ago. In Quebec it is but 
beginning to be observed ; no doubt it will be found there in myriads next year. Across the 
border, it has penetrated to the western portion of Vermont, into New Jersey, down to the 
sea coast in Pennsylvania, and in Maryland ; at Baltimore, Md., it is very abundant, while 
straggling outposts have been found as far south as Washington. The whole of New York 
and Ohio have been pretty well covered with the insect, while in Missouri it is as abundant 
as ever. In Indiana and Michigan there is a local diminution in the numbers of the pest, but 
no where are there as yet any signs of its cessation. The people of Europe are now beginning 
—and with good reason—to feel alarmed at the prospect of its crossing the Atlantic. The 
English and French scientific and agricultural publications are commencing to publish notices 
of the insect and to talk of restrictive measures, while in Germany, we are told that stringent 
regulations will probably soon be put in force by the Government to prevent the invasion of 
the country. Unless some regulations of this kind are put in general force throughout the 
whole of Western Europe, I believe that—judging from the spread of noxious European in- 
sects on this side of the Atlantic— the Colorado Beetle will soon become there as familiar an 
object and as destructive a pest as it is here. 

While the Colorado Beetle from the Rocky Mountains has been overspreading the whole 
northern continent eastward, there has been moving southward and westward in a similar 
manner another insect—the Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rape)—that is almost as injurious as 
the other. This insect, an European importation, as of course you all know, starting from 
Quebec some few years ago—there first noticed by our friends Messrs. Couper and Bowles 
has now spread westward over almost the whole of Ontario. At Port Hope it has been this 
year by far the most common of all butterflies ; thousands were to be seen throughout the 
whole season, from early summer to the present time, flitting about along every road, and 
hundreds hovering over or alighting in every garden. There is hardly a cabbage or ecauli- 
flower fit to be eaten anywhere in the neighbourhood, while stocks and mignonette have been 
ruthlessly demolished in all the flower gardens. Its spread westward, however, has hardly 
been as rapid as its movements to the south. The two maritime provinces of New Bruns 
wick and Nova Scotia, and all the New England States, have for some time been occupied, 
and now I am told that this year it is most plentiful as far south as Washington, and that 
it is by no means rare in Virginia. 

While referring to the wonderful spread of noxious insects during the past few years, 
and to their excessive prevalence now, I must not omit to mention the affliction caused to 
our north-west Province of Manitoba and to many of the western States by the swarms of 
locusts, or grasshoppers as they are termed (Ca/optenus spretus). The accounts of the suf- 
ferings caused by this terrible plague are perfectly appalling, and rival anything that we have 
read of the ravages of the Eastern locusts. Happily for us they do not seem to extend 


much further to the east than the Missouri River, though, occasionally they penetrate to 
some of the broad prairies beyond. As a detailed account of this insect will probably be 
afforded you in the forthcoming Annual Report of our Society, I need not detain you with 
any further remarks upon it. 

The only other insect to which I need now call your attention for a moment, is the 
Grape Vine Phyllowera. I am glad to learn that its ravages in the vineyards to the south of 
us have been comparatively trifling this yecr, and that in all probability the summer droughts 
to which we are so liable, will prevent its ever being as formidable a foe as it was at one 
time apprehended. é 

To turn from this not very cheerful subject, I may mention, before concluding, that 
Mr. Saunders and myself duly attended the recent meeting at Hartford, Conn., of the Ame- 
rican Association for the Advancement of Science. There we had the pleasure of meeting 
a large number of Entomologists from all parts of the United States, and we had the further 
gratification also, of being presided over, in general session, by the ablest of American Hnto- 
mologists, Dr. Leconte, and in the Zoological Section, by another great worker in our 
department, Mr. 8. H. Scudder. Informal meetings of Entomologists were frequently held, ond 
finally it was agreed upon to form an Entomological Club of members of the A.A.A.S., who 
should assemble annually a day before the meeting of the Association in the place that may 
be from time to time selected for its sessions. In this way we trust that much may be done 
for the furtherance of our favourite branch of science, and that Entomologists generally, from 
all parts of the continent, will bring together their types of new species and the surplus of 
their collections for mutual information and benefit. 

Without further trespassing upon your time and attention, I beg to thank you, gentlemen, 
for the kind consideration you haye shown to my colleagues and myself during our term of 
office, and with hearty wishes for the continued prosperity of our Society, 

T have the honour to be, gentlemen, 


Your obedient servant, 


Cuartes J. 8. BETHUNE, 
President E. S. of 0. 
Trinity College School, 
Port Hope, September 22nd, 1874. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


ONCE again at the close of another year, a few of the members of the Entomological So- 
iety of Ontario have undertaken the task of endeavouring to lay before the public, some in- 
srmation respecting the habits and lives of the insect world, and more especially those mem- 
ers of it which have a direct or indirect influence upon the growth or well-being of the produce 
f field or forest. 

It is a satisfaction to know that these annual reports are read and appreciated, and that 
1any of our practical Fruit-Growers and Agriculturists are desirous of obtaining some know- 
xdge of the transformations of the various and beautiful members of the insect world, of those 
eautiful atoms of God’s creation, each in its appointed sphere fulfilling the purpose for 
yhich it was created, drawing forth our wonder, our admiration and our praise ; for “‘ He who 
rondereth at nothing hath no capabilities of bliss, but he that scrutinizeth trifles hath a store 
f pleasure to his hand, and happy and wise is the man to whose mind a trifle existeth not.” 

‘* He prayeth best who loveth best 
All things both great and small, 


For the dear God that loveth us, 
He made and loveth all.” 


ENTOMOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. 


By E. B. Resp, Lonpon, Ont. 


1. Tae Io Morn (Saturnia Io). 
2. Tue Fiat-HeapED APPLE-TREE Borer (Chrysobothris femorata). 
3. Tue Locust Tree Borer (Clytus pictus). 


1. THe Io Morn Saturnia (Hyperchiria) Io, [Fabr]. 
Order, LrpipoprERA ; Family, Bompycipz. 


This lovely moth is well worthy a place in the cabinet of the collector, and from its bril- 
liant colouring and conspicuous markings is always sure to attract notice and admiration. 

The moth belongs to a family which has received the name of “ Bompycrs ” from 
Bombyx the ancient name of the silk worm, As, however, it is in the larval or Caterpillar 
state that this insect more frequently meets our eye, we will begin by a description of it in 
that stage. The full grown larva of which, fig. 1 is Fie. 1. 
an admirable representatiun, is of a most delicate apple 
or yea-green colour with a broad dusky white stripe 
at each side bordered with lilac on the lower edge. 
The body is covered with spreading clusters of green 
bristles tipped with black. These bristles are exceed- 
ingly sharp, and when the insect is handled will pro- 
duce avery irritating sting similar to but much sharper 
than that of the nettle, and the effect of which causes 
a reddening of the flesh and the immediate appearance 
of raised white blotches which last for a considerable 
time. Fig. No. 2 shews the appearance of these 
bristles, some of them as b, being stouter and more 
acute than the others and able to inflict a sharper and 
more penetrating sting. This stinging property is 
very curious and is not very easily explained ; Mr. C. 
VY. Riley writing of a very similar insect, the Saturnia 
Maia, says, “ that the sting is caused by the prick of 
the spines. and not by their getting broken in the 
flesh. From the fact that the spines appear hollow, 
one would naturally attribute their irritating power to some poisonous Fie 


fluid which they eject into the puncture. But I have been unable 
to resolve any apical aperture, nor was Mr. Lintner more successful. y 
Hence I infer that the irritating property belongs to the substance of 
which the spines are formed, and this opinion is strengthened by the \ Y 
e 


fact that those of a dead larva, or of a cast-off skin which has been in 
my cabinet for several years, still retain the irritating power, though so @y o 
brittle that it is not easy to insert them.” 

Tn the earlier stages the caterpillars are gregarious, feeding together side by side and in 
going to and returning from their place of shelter, moving in regular files after the manner of 
the processionary caterpillars of Europe (Cneocampa processionea). This marching habit is 
so very peculiar that it is well worth describing. Though the insects move without beat of 
drum they maintain as much regularity in their steps as a file of soldiers, The celebrated 
naturalist Reaumur, writing of the European Procession Moth says, “I kept some for a little 


12 


time in my house in the country, I brought an oak branch which was covered with them 
into my study, where I could much better follow the order and regularity of their march than 
I could have done in the woods. I was very much amused and pleased at watching them for 
many days. I hung the branch on which I had brought them against one of my window 
shutters. When the leaves were dried up, when they had become too hard for the jaws of the 
caterpillars, they tried to go and seek better food elsewhere. One set himself in motion, a 
second followed at his tail, a third followed this one, and so one. They began to defile and 
march up the shutter, but being so near to each other that the head of the second touched the 
tail of the first. The single file was throughout continuous ; it formed a perfect string of 
caterpillars of about two feet in length, after which the line was doubled. Then two cater- 
pillars marched abreast, but as near the one which preceded them, as those who were march- 
ing in single file were to each other. After a few rows of our processionists who were two 
abreast, came the rows of three abreast ; after a few of these came those who were four abreast ; 
then there were those of five, others of six, others of seven and others of eight caterpillars. 
This troop so well mershalled was led by the first. Did it halt, all the others halted ; did it 
begin again to march, all the others set themselves in motion and followed it with the greatest 
precision. That which went on in my study goes on every day in the woods whiere these cater- 
pillars live. When it is near sunset you may see coming out of any of their nests by the 
opening which is at its top, which would hardly afford space for two to come-out abreast, one 
caterpillar, as soon as it has emerged from the nest, it is followed by many others in single 
file ; when it has got about two feet from the nest, it makes a pause during which those who 
are still in the nest continue to come out ; they fall into their ranks, the battalion is formed ; 
at last the leader sets off marching again, and all the others follow him. That which goes on 
in this nest passes in all the neighbouring nests ; all are evacuated at the same time.” 

According to ‘‘ Harris,” the caterpillars of the Io Moth do not spin a common web, but 
when not eating they, creep under a leaf where they cluster side by side. When about half 
crown the caterpillars disperse, each seeking a location for itself. They moult five times, the 
larvae devouring their cast off spinous skins. After being in the larval state about eight weeks, 
they arrive at maturity, and are then about two and a half inches long, and present the ap- 
pearance of Fig. No. 1. 

Their food plants are very numerous. They have been found on Black Locust, Indian 
Corn, Willows, Sassafrass, Wild Cherry, Elm, Hop Vine, Balsam, Balm of Gilead, Dogwood, 
Choke Cherry, Currant, Cotton and Clover. I this year found two larve on the English Fil- 
bert, and bred them to maturity on that plant. I have, however, more commonly found them 
on the Choke Cherry. The larvze when full grown ceases eating, and crawls to the ground, 
where, amongst the loose leaves and rubbish, it forms a rough outer covering, within which it 
makes a slight cocoon of tough, gummy, brown silk. In this retreat a transformation is soon 
effected to the pupal or chrysalis state, from which, having remained therein during the winter 
and spring months, the moth emerges in the perfect winged condition about the month of 
June. 

The moths are remarkable for the difference between the sexes both in size and colour. 

TS SE The male (Fig. 3), which is much the 
smallest, is of a deep Indian or maize yel- 
low colour. 

On the forewings are two oblique,wavy 
lines near the hind margin and a zig-zag 


dark, reddish, central reniform spot or 
blotch ; this is very marked in all the Cana- 
dian specimens I have seen, although in the 
cut, which is drawn by Mr. Riley, probably 
from a specimen taken in the Western 
States, the spot is not so distinct. The 
hind wings are broadly shaded with purple 
next to the body ; near the hinder margin is a curved purplish band, and within this again 
is a smaller one of a dark purple or violet colour. In the centre of this last band and the 
middle of the wing is a large round blue spot, with a whitish centre and a broad border, almost 
black. It is from these prominent eye-spots that the moth derives its name, in allusion to 


. 


line near the base. There is also a large, _ 


the classical Grecian fable of the beautiful Io who, having incurred the displeasure of the 
jealous Juno, was placed by her under the watchful vigilance of the hundred-eyed Argus. 
The under side of the wings is of the same deep yellow—the forewings having the inner 
margin broadly shaded with purple and shewing the reniform eyed spot very distinctly ; the 
hinder wings are more uniform in colour, with a transverse purple line, and a very small 
distinct white spot representing the centre of the large spot on the upper side. The body is 
also deep yellow—somewhat darker on the thorax. The antennze, as usual in the males of 
the bombyces, are beautifully pectinated, presenting a double comb-like appearance The 
male varies slightly in size, from two and a half to two and three-quarter inches in width. 


Bee The female (Fig. No. 4) is 
considerably larger, ranging from 
three to three and a half inches. 
The specimens vary much in 
colour, from a dark purplish 
brown to a warm ochreous red. 
The fore wings have similar 
wavy zig-zag lines, the reniform 
blotch being less distinct than 
that in the male ; the inner mar- 
gin is of a deeper colour, and 
with the head and thorax is 
thickly coated with a short, 
; woooly, pilose covering. The 
hind wings are marked in a similar manner to those of the male. The undersides of the 
wings have the same uniform colour, and are marked much like those of the male. 

The body is ochreous yellow, a little lighter above, and each segment is bordered with a 
narrow, reddish band. 

“The moths have a fashion of sitting with their wings closed, and covering the body like 
a low roof, the front edge of the underwings extending a little beyond that of the upper wings, 
and curving upwards.” 

The eggs are deposited on the under side of the leaf, and are described by Mr. Riley as 
being compressed on both sides and flattened at the apex, the attached end smallest. Their 
colour is cream white with a small black spot on the apical end and a larger orange one on the 
sides. A cluster found on Sassafrass by a western lady contained about thirty eggs, The 
moths are nocturnal, flying only by night. 


THE Fruat-HEApED APPLE-TREE BorER. 
Chrysobothris femorata, (Fabr). 


Order, CoLEoprerA ; Family, BupRESTIDZ 


Among apple-growers there has been during the past year or two a great complaint of 
some borer infesting their trees, and investigation has shown that it is to this little beetle that 
the injuries may be traced. 

Fig. 5. Although insignificant in size, yet its larva is capable of doing immense mischief 
in our orchards. The beetle belongs to a family of insects which is especially 
remarkable for their rich and varied colouring, many having most brilliant tints. 
The one we are describing, fig. 5, is of a greenish brassy black colour above, the 
under side having a bright coppery hue. It is about half an inch in length, 
It is of an oblong oval shape, blunt round head, and tapering towards the tail. 
It flies by day and is very swift on the wing. It may often be seenduring the 
summer months running up and down the trunk and limbs of trees or resting itself, basking 
in the sunshine. 

The larva, fig. 6., is a pale yellow, footless grub, its anterior end being enormously 
enlarged, round and flattened. Dr. Fitch worked up the history of this little pest some 
years ago. According to his account “ the parent beetle deposits its egg on the bark 
from which a worm hatches and passes through the bark, and during the earlier stages of 


14 


its life, consumes the soft sap wood immediately under the bark. But when the worm 

Fig. 6. approaches maturity and has become stronger and more robust, it gnaws into 

= the more solid heart-wood, forming a flattish and not a cylindrical hole such 
as is formed by most other borers, the burrow which it excavates being twice 
as broad as it is high, the height measuring the tenth of an inch or slightly 
over. Within this hole the larva may be almost always found with its tail curled 
round completely towards the head, in a manner peculiar to the larvee of beetles 
belonging to the family Buprestide. It remains in the tree about a year. It 
isin the latter end of the summer, that the larva penetrates into the hardwood of the tree; its 
burrow extending upwards from the spot under the bark where it had previously entered. On 
laying open one “of the burrows Dr. Fitch found it more than an inch in length, and all its 
lower part filled and blocked up with the fine sawdust like castings of the larva. With regard 
to remedies, Dr. Fitch advises three ; “ First, coating or impregnating the bark with some sub- 
tance, repulsive to the insect. Second, destroying the beetle by hand- picking ; and Third, de- 
stroying the larva by cutting into and extracting it from its burrow.” 

His advice is so plain and comprehensive than I cannot do better than quote it at length. 
“ As it is during the month of June and forepart of July that the beetle frequents the trees 
for the purpose of depositing its eggs in the bark, it is probable that whitewashing the trunk 
and large limbs, or rubbing them over with soft soap early in June, will secure them from mo- 
lestation from this enemy. And in districts where this borer is known to infest the apple trees 
the trees should be repeatedly inspected during this part of the year, and any of these beetles, 
that are found upon them should be captured and destroyed. It is at mid-day of warm sun- 
shiny days that the search for them will be most successful, as they are then most active, 
and shew themselves abroad. The larvee, when young, appear to have the same habit with 
most other borers, of keeping their burrow clean by throwing their castings out of it through 
a small orifice in the bark. They can therefore be discovered, probably, by the new, saw- 
dust like powder, which will be found adhering to the outer surface of the bark. In August 
or September, whilst the worms are yet young, and before they have penetrated the heart- 
wood, the trees should be carefully examined for these worms. Whenever, from any particles 
of the sawdust-like powder appearing externally upon the bark, one of these worms is sus- 
pected, it will be easy, at least in young trees, where the bark is thin and smooth, to ascer- 
tain by puncturing it with a stiff pin, whether there is any hollow cavity beneath, and if one 
is discovered, the bark should be cut away witha knife until the worm is found and destroyed. 
After it has penetrated the solid wood, it ceases to eject its castings and consequently, we are 
then left without any clue by which to discover it. Hence the importance of searching for it 
seasonably.”’ 

The natural food of this insect is believed to be the white oak, but itis found also on 
many other trees, such as apple, peach and plum, and, according to Mr. C. V. Riley has most 
seriously affected the soft maples in the valley of the Mississippi. The beetle when caught 
contracts all its limbs and feigns death. 


Tse Locust-TreE Borer. [ Clytus Pictus.—F Asp. ] 


Order, CoLEopTERA ; Family, CERAMBYCIDA. 


This active little beetle belongs to the same family as the are Speciosus, of Say, whose 
attacks on the maple tree I described in my report for 1872. - 

This is a very common insect, and a most fatal obstacle to the cultivation of the locust 
tree in Ontario. 

In 1866, at the meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada, Prof. Croft, of Toronto, 
drew the attention of the members to the ravages during the past summer, of this beetle, 
and stated that many of the acacia trees of Toronto and the vicinity, had fallen victims to the 
larvee. Since that date the writer has watched with interest the steady westward progress of 
this destructive pest. Indeed, so rapid has been its spread, that there is hardly a locality in 
Ontario now, where it has not made its appearance, and we may almost give up any attempt 
to check its ravages, or to successfully procure the cultivation of the locust tree. 

These beetles are so common now that they will be readily recognized without any 
engraving. They are from three quarters to half an inch in length. Colour, velvet black. 


15 


SSS ———EE—E_—E——E—E eee 


with transverse lemon-yellow bands, of which there are three on the head, four on the thorax 
and six on the elytra or wing covers, making thirteen in all ; the tips of the elytra are also 
edged with yellow. The third band on the body is very noticeable, as it forms a very distinct 
representation of the letter W. The thorax is very globular. The antenne are dark brown. 
The underside of the body has the outer edges of the segments, bordered with yellow stripes. 
The legs are rust-red. 

“Tn the month of September,” writes Dr. Harris, “these beetles gather on the locust 
trees, where they may be seen glittering in the sunbeams, with their gorgeous livery of black 
velvet and gold, coursing up and down the trunks in pursuit of their mates, or to drive away 
their rivals, and stopping every now and then to salute those they meet with a rapid bowing 
of the shoulders, accompanied by a creaking sound, indicative of recognition or defiance. 
Having paired, the female, attended by her partner, creeps over the bark, searching the cre- 
vices with her antennze, and dropping therein her snow-white eggs, in clusters of seven or 
eight together, and at intervals of five or six minutes, until her whole stock is safely stored, 
The eggs are soon hatched, and the grubs immediately burrow into the bark, devouring the 
soft inner substance that suffices for their nourishment till the approach of winter. During 
winter they remain at rest in a torpid state. In the spring they bore through the sap-wood, 
more or less deeply into the trunk, the general course of their winding and irregular passages 
being in an upward direction from the place of their entrance. For a time they cast their 
chips out of their holes as fast as they are made, but after a while the passage becomes clogged, 
and the burrow more or less filled with the coarse and fibrous fragments of wood, to get rid of 
which the grubs are often obliged to open new holes through the bark. The seat of their 
operations is known by the oozing of the sap, and the dropping of the sawdust from the holes. 
The bark around the part attacked begins to swell, and in a few years the trunks and limbs 
will become disfigured and weakened by large porous tumours caused by the efforts of the 
trees to repair the injuries they have suffered.” The habits of this insect seem to have 
been known for a long time, for we find a description of them made in 1771, by Dr. J. R. 
Forster, and Dr. Fitch records that Petivera gave a figure and description of it in his “ Gazo- 
phylacium,” published in London in 1702. 

The beetle is, undoubtedly, a native species, it never having been found in any other 
country. In remarking on their destructive powers, Dr. Fitch states, ‘‘ that one of the prin- 
cipal thoroughfares leading east from the city of Utica was formerly planted on its south side 
with locust trees, these had become so large and ornamental as to render this one of the most 
admired avenues in the suburbs of that city. When some thirty (now 40), years since, these 
trees were invaded by this insect, to such an extent, that in the course of two or three seasons, 
they were totally ruined, many of them being killed outright, and the remainder having their 
limbs and branches so lopped off, that they could never recover from the deformity.” Miche- 
aux also reported that fifty years ago this insect had become so destructive, that many people 
in different parts of the States were discouraged from planting the locust. 

In my own experience, three or four seasons have completely killed the largest trees, and 
about half that time for many of those of smaller size. The numbers and fecundity of the 
beetle are very great. I well remember in the early fall of 1873, on passing a small clump of 
locusts growing in St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, Ont., my attention being arrested by the 
breaking off of a branch of considerahle size from one of these trees, and my curiosity being 
excited, [ made an examination, and found that the branch had been eaten almost through 
by the larvae, and on looking up at the trunk of the tree, I counted over fifty beetles running 
up and down ; that tree was completely killed that season. I had oceasion to pass these trees 
going up and down to iy office, and I am satisfied I must have killed fully one hundred that 
year, merely treading on them as I found them on the sidewalk beneath, or in the neighbour- 
hood of these trees. 

These beetles may often be found feeding on the pollen of the Golden Rod (Solidago). 
Dr, Fitch suggests, “as a feasible plan of checking the multiplication and destructiveness of 
these borers, to plant a small patch of the Golden Rod where locust trees are grown, that the 
beetles when they issue from the tree may resort to the flowers as is their habit. They can 
readily be found thereon, and captured and destroyed. It will be a pastime to the children 
of the household, whose sharp eyes qualify them well for this employment, to search their 
flowers.” 

The gathering should be begun as soon as the beetles begin to appear, and should be 


16 


continued for several successive seasons ; if none of the Golden Rod can be conveniently grown, 
numbers of the beetles may still be caught while pairing on the trunk of the trees ; if too 
high to reach, a sharp rap against the tree will cause them to drop to the ground. when with 
a little activity they can be secured. 


The grub remains in the tree about a year ; the beetle when handled, makes a peculiar 
sharp creaking noise. 


17 


NOTES OF THE PAST SEASON. 


By W. SAUNDERS. 


THE Currant Worm (Nematus ventricosus, Kuve). 


This troublesome pest has been in most localities as abundant as ever during the past 
summer. Whatever checks nature may have provided to prevent its excessive increase, they 
seem, as yet, to avail but little, for the larvee continue to swarm in hundreds and thousands on 
currant and gooseberry bushes throughout the summer, demanding constant vigilance and 
liberal supplies of hellebore if the foliage is to be preserved. 

For the benefit of those who may not possess copies of our previons reports we have in- 
troduced again figures of this insect with such additional notes on this species in its various 
stages as we have been able to gather during the summer. 

Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows the eggs as they are laid on the 
under side of the leaves. These eggs (described from 
specimens found on the 28th June) are when first 
laid about ;°3,ths of an inch long, nearly cylindrical, 
rounded at the ends, white, glossy and semi-trans- 
parent. Eggs found on the same bushes, the same day, 
but probably laid some days before, measured ;4/,,ths 
of an inch in length with a corresponding increase in 
diameter. From this it is reasonable to infer that 
the eggs increase in size before hatching, the elastic 
membrane which forms their covering expanding with 
the development of the enclosed larva. The eggs, 
of which we have examined large numbers, we have 
never found embedded in the substance of the leaf 
(as some have stated they are) to any perceptible 
extent ; careful examination under a powerful micros- 
cope has failed to reveal any abrasion of the surface 
after the eg has been forcibly removed. 

Fig. 8 represents the larve nearly full grown, 
and Fig. 9 the perfect insects, the smaller one being 
the male, the larger one the female. 

On the 19th of June, on going into the garden 
about 7 A.M., we noticed these perfect insects flying 
about in scores in sunny spots, around and under 
gooseberry bushes; in about an hour afterwards 
when visiting the same spot for the purpose of 
A capturing some, only one here and there could be 
found, and these had settled on the bushes. A male 
and female were captured andi enclosed in a gauze 
bag, which was tied so as to enclose a small branch 
of a gooseberry bush, with several leaves on it, all 
quite free from eggs. When examined in the even- 
ing of the same day, the female was seen laying her 
eges; the next morning, on opening the bag, it was 
found that 48 eggs had been deposited during the 
interval, the female being still very active. On the 


18 


24th of June, this branch was examined again, when quite a number of the young 
larvee were found just hatched from the eggs which had then only been laid between four 

Fig. 9. and five days; many of the eges, however, were 
found dried up, for which no cause could be dis- 
covered, 

On the 30th of June, the larvee of a lace wing fly 
Chrysopa was observed sucking the juices from the young 
larvae of NV. ventricosus. This friendly helper was a little 
more than a quarter of an inch long, and had placed itself 
in the midst of a colony of the young currant worms and 
had already consumed several before it was tuken in the 
act, Fig. 105 represents one of their larve about balf& 
grown, the fly is shown in Fig. 11. The female lace wing fly 
lays her egys on long slender stalks, fig. 10 a, placing quite 
a group of them together ; they are very pretty objects. 
It is supposed that these long stalks serve the purpose of 
keeping the unhatched eggs at a safe distance from the 
young larvee first hatched who would, otherwise, probably 
eat them up. The perfect insect deposits these eggs 
quite rapidly. On the 18th of June, when out col- 
lecting with some friends, one of them captured a lace 
wing fly and shut it up in a small box. In a few moments after, 
having occasion to look at it, he found one egg deposited; after walk- 
ing a few yards with it to show it to us, which could not have occupied 
him more than three or four minutes, the box was opened again when 
it was found that three more eges had been deposited, we had no oppor- 
tunity of watching the fnrther deposition or maturing of these eggs. The 
lace wing fly larvee are very voracious, and if sufficiently numerous would 
prove formidable foes to the currant worm. 

From about the 12th of May to the end of the season, the 
currant worms were very abundant. ‘The earlier broods seem to 
confine their operations almost entirely to the gooseberry bushes, 
but after two or three weeks they attack the currant bushes with 
equal vigour. On the 16th of June, we noted the fact that the 
full grown larve in great numbers, others half grown or more and 
young colonies of the newly hatched larvae were all to be found at 
that date on the same bushes. About the last of July, many colonies of these newly hatched 
larvae were found almost entirely destroyed by some undiscovered foe; probably some beneficial 
insect. Many leaves were found with the rows of empty egg shells on them and with a few 
holes eaten in them, but with the greater part of their substance uninjured, and with but little 
or no injury to the leaves surrounding ; here evidently the greater portion of the larvee had been 
destroyed soon after hatching. 

On the 10th of July, while emptying out anumber of the perfect flies from a box, search- 
ing for the empty pupa case of an icheunion fly found dead in the box, two pupee of ventri- 
cosus were found. They were very pretty objects, about one quarter of an inch long, of a 
very pale and delicate whitish green colour, becoming yellowish green at each extremity ;: 
remarkably transparent and delicate looking. The eyes were black and prominent; the feet, 
antennee and mouth parts all separately cased, with the same glossy transparent covering 
almost erystal-like. The wing cases were similar in appearance, but of a little deeper green, 
bent under and reaching to the first abdominal segment. ‘The pupa seems to be incapable of 
moyement, a slight quivering only of the limbs could be detected under the microscope when 
pressed on, The feet all terminated in rounded knobs with no visible claws. 


Tue Currant Measuring Worm Lillopia (Abrazis), ribearia, Frreu. 


This insect has also been very abundant during the past summer. As early as the third 
week in May, the young larvae were found quite common on red currant, gooseberry and 
black currant, and by the first of June many of them had grown to_an inch in length; judg- 


19 


ing-from the numbers infesting the bushes, they appeared to prefer the black currant to 
either the red or the gooseberry. By the 15th of the month they were well grown, and up- 
peared as shown in fig. 12, (after Riley). They are 
then nearly an inch and a quarter long, of a whitish 
hy colour with a number of black spots on each ring or 
/ segment ; a wide yellow stripe down the back, and 
another of the same charecter along each side, the 
latter somewhat broken. The underside is white 
with a slight tinge of pink, also spotted with black, 
and with a wide yellow stripe down the middle. 
: The length of the chrysalis see fig. 1°, is 
S about half an inch; it is of a dark reddish brown 
We colour, paler between the segments, appearing under 
SSS a magnifying glass roughened with minute pune- 
z tures and irregularities of surface; the abdominal 
: segments are dotted with round punctures of vary- 
SS ing sizes, while the terminal one is armed with two 
short sharp brown spines. By the 2nd or 3rd of 
S July, fresh specimens of the moth fig. 13, were on 
the wing becoming much more abundant about the 
6th, when they were observed flying in almost 
every direction about the bushes. ‘Ihe moth when 
<\ ~ its wings are expanded measures an inch or more 
across ; the wings are of a pale yellowish colour 
with several dusky spots, varying in s ze and form, 
Fig. 13. and more distinct in some specinjens than in others ; sometimes these 
spots are so arranged as to form one or two irregular bands across 
the wings. About the middle of July, some of these active speci- 
= mens were captured, and one of the females, confined in a box by it- 
self, laid a large number of eggs, 140 in all, between the 22ud and 
23rd of July. These were laid loose in the box excepting 24 of 
them which were slightly attached to the sides. The egg when 


Fier 19. 


\\ NY 
N 


: 
AA 


SES 
J 


DSEEEEE 


ys 
SQ} \ 


s 7 . . . . . . 
t S viewed through a microscope is a very beautiful object ; its length 
is nearly ;35ths of an inch, width nearly ;?,ths ; in form it is an elongated oval, rather 


blunt at each end. Colour dull yellowish grey, sometimes with a bluish tinge with the sur- 
face honeycombed with recular depressions, the ridges bordering each cell having several 
bright minute whitish dots, which give the egg a very pretty and brilliant appearance when 
brought under the strong light of the condenser of the microscope. At the present date, 
December 1st, these eggs are still unchanged, excepting slightly in colour, owing to the 
developing larvae showing through the semi-transparent shell in spots, the larvee in all prob- 
ability will not emerge until early spring. As there is only one brood of this insect with us 
during the year, it is never likely to prove very troublsonie ; a seasonable application of helle- 
bore will in any ease keep it within bounds. 


Tae WHITEMARKED Tussock CATERPILLAR, Orgyia leucostigma. 


The orgyia caterpillar is always common in our section of Ontario, The clusters of eggs 
from which the lurve: are produced are quite numerous in winter on our fruit trees especi- 
ally those of the apple, pear and plum, they are securely fastened to the tree along with a 
dead leaf or two by threads of silk. 

Pig. 14. 


Fig. 14, (after Riley), represents the full- 
grown caterpillar which, when about to change 
to achrysulis,selects a leaf on which to undergo 
this important transformation, and this leaf in 
such a position that while the chrysalis is 
firmly attached to it on the one side, if is 
firmly secured by silken threads to the under 
side of a branch on the other, thus securing 
the leaf from falling to the ground in the Au- 


20 


tumn. In about a fortnight after the change to chrysalis takes place, the moths begin to 
make their appearance. The male which comes forth from a chrys:lis not more than about 
half the size ot that which produces the female, (d fig. 16 shows the chrysalis of the male, ¢ 
Fig. 15. that of the female),is a very pretty winged moth, see fig. 15, (after Riley). Its 
antennae are beautifully feathered or pectinate, and its wings are dark 
brown, with a white spot on each front wing near the inner hind angle. 
| When at rest its outline is heart-shaped, and its long front feet heavily 
clothed with hairs and scales are thrust forward to their full length. Very 
different indeed in appearance is his mate ; the female is wingless or fur- 
nished with but the merest rudiments of wings which no one would 
observe without the closest inspection, she is represented at fig 16 
resting on the cocoon from which she rarely moves more than a few 
inches. There she waits the attendance of the male after which the 
process ef egg depositing begins. Dr. Fitch says that the eggs are ex- 
Fig, 16. truded ina continuous string which is folded 
and matted together so as to form an irregular 
mass which is glued to the top of the cocoon ; 
on removing this mass of eggs from its place 
of attachment, the surface of the cocoon ap- 
\ pears covered with fragments of a transpar- 
t ent gelatinous-looking substance, which has 
-/§ evidently been applied in a fluid state. The 
bottom layer of eggs will usually number one 
hundred or more, and their interstices are 
well filled with this same gelatinous material, 
CLRID Wein EST which adheres so strongly to the eggs that 
when the nest is torn open, they cannot be separated without bringing away portions of this 
substance firmly attached. Another irregular layer of eggs is placed on this, then a third, and 
sometimes a fourth before the total number is exhausted, and through the whole of these the 
gelatinous matte: is so placed as to secure every egg, not by its being imbedded in a solid mass, 
but surrounded by the material worked into a spongy or frothy state. Over all is a heavy layer 
of the same, with a nearly smooth greyish white surface, the whole number of eggs being so 
placed as to present a convex surface to the weather which effectually prevents the lodgment 
of any water on it. 

Within this enclosure from 375 to 500 eggs are securely plazed. We have counted the 
contents of several and 375 is the lowest and 500 the highest number we have found. The 
eze is nearly globular, flattened at the upper side, not perceptibly hollowed, with a dark 
point en the centre of the flattened portion surrounded by a dusky halo. Its surface is 
smooth under a magnifying power of 45 diameters, but when submitted to a higher power, 
appears lightly punctured with minute dots. Its colour is uniformly white to the unaided 
vision, but the microscope reveals a ring of dusky yellow surrounding it immediately below 
the flattened portion. Its diameter is 4, of an inch. 

A careless observer seeing a dead leaf here and there upon his trees might readily con- 
ceive that they were blown into the position they occupied by accident, and retained there by 
threads of spiders’ webs or something of that sort, but a closer examination will furnish food 
for thought, in the wise arrangements made by the parent moth, in providing for the safety ~ 
of her future offspring, and at the same time may well excite alarm in the mind of the fruit 
grower when he perceives promise of the approaching birth of such a horde of hungry caterpil- 
lars as even one of these egg masses will produce. 

Early in June these eggs begin to hatch and continue to hatch on different trees 
for several weeks. During the past season we found the larva about half an inch long 
on the 3rd of July, and by the 22nd, some specimens were nearly full grown. There 
must, however, have been earlier larvee than these which escaped notice, for on the 29th of 
July we found a freshly hatched cluster of young larye belonging to the second brood. 
The cocoon had been made and the eggs laid between two young green leaves of a pear tree, 
the following description was taken the day after. 

Length one eighth of an inch. Head, reddish brown slightly bilobed, dotted with black 
on the sides. Body above, yellowish green, semi-transparent, dotted and spotted with dark 


21 


brown. Each segment or ring is provided with a transverse row of tubercles from which 
arise clusters of long spreading hairs, one pair of tubercles on the sides of the second segment 
much Jarger than any of the others and with a larger cluster of hairs; in each cluster there is 
one or more hairs, very long, longer in some instances than the entire body of the larva, there 
is a dark brown broken stripe along each side. Hairs mixed, brown and whitish. Changes 
take place in its appearance at each successive moult until finally it presents the appearance 
given in fiz. 14, and is in adornment one of the most beautiful caterpillars we know 
of with its vermillion red head and collar, the graceful pencils of long black hairs at each 
extremity, and the cream coloured brushes or tufts along its back. 

Nine different parasites have been found infesting this larve. These friendly helpers 
must do much towards keeeping this destructive creature within reasonable limits. Of 34 
cocoons lately taken at random from different trees, only ten were found with eggs attached 
and quite a large proportion of the remainder were infested with parasites. Hence when 
collecting these cvcoons in winter uone should be taken or destroyed, but those which 
have egg masses on them, as all the others will contain either useful parasites or else the empty, 
harmless male chrysalis. As the female never travels beyond her cocoon, itis clear that this 
insect can only spread by the wanderings of the caterpillar or the careless introduction of eggs 
on young trees, no doubt the latter has been the most prolific source of evil. 


THE APPLE-TREE BLIGHT. 


This strange disease, affecting the tips of the branches of apple and quince trees, has 
been very common during the past summer, and has extended over a large portion of the 
western part of Ontario. The first specimens we received this year were from Mr. James 
Dougall, of Windsor. He writes, on the 27th of June, as follows—‘ I send you to day, by 
express, some twigs and shoots of apple and quince trees, affected by what I presume is the 
twig borer. J have never been able to discover any insects or larve in the shoots, but possibly 
I may have been late in looking for them. The year before last this pest was very bad down 
the lake shore, about Ruthven, the orchards were browned with it. Last year it attacked my 
larger apple trees badly, and in the nursery rowssome Alexander trees, which were five years 
old, suffered, while the younger ones were not touched ; this year it is worse than last. My 
quinces have heen badly injured for the past three years.” 

On the same day we received another package from C. F. Treffry, of Hawtry, Ontario, 
with the following note—<‘ I herewith enclose for your inspection some small branches from 
some of my appletrees. In passing through my orchard I was surprised to find three of my 
finest young trees affected as enclosed. 1 have watched closely for the insect which must 
have caused such damage, but without success; neither can I find anything in the Society’s 
Report for 1873 which will give me any information respecting it.” 

This same disease affected the trees very much on the grounds of Mr. Charles Arnold, 
of Paris, and many or-hards in that section of country were similarly injured. In our own 
location we observed it in one instance only, affecting a few fruit-bearing twigs on a quince 
tree. About Hamilton, and between that city and Dundas, we saw, in July, many trees 
which had been badly injured, and, on returning from New York, a few weeks later saw evi- 
dences of the same trouble in some of the apple orchards in the western portion of that state. 
Thus it will be seen that this disease has affected many trees in widely distant portions of 
our country, and probably has extended much further thin we are at present aware of. We 
shall be glad to hear from our fruit-growing friends in reference to this matter. 

The adveyt of this disease is shown by a sudden withering of the twigs and extremities 
of the branches, particularly the fruit bearing portions, and embracing the whole of the new 
growth. Soon the leaves appear as if scorched, and the wood of the affected portions becomes 
black. Here the trouble seems to end, and later in the season the tree partially recovers its 
vizour and throws out new shoots from below the base of the affected portion. The fact of 
the fruit branches being principally involved tells heavily on the crop for the year, and makes 
this disease a much more serious matter than it would otherwise be. The effects produced 
are so similar in appearance to the damage done, in some instances by the twig borers that we 
do not wonder at the prevailing opinion that the injury is in some way caused by insects. 
The most careful examination, however, fails to reveal the slightest evidence of insect work, 
and, like the mysterious pear tree blight, its origin and progress are at present involved in 


22 


' 


obseurity. From the fact of its affecting only the new and tender growth we should inter 
that some atmospheric agency is probably concerned in the {production and propogation of 
this disease. At present we have no remedy to suggest. 


ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 


By W. SAvUNDERS, 


Tae Crcropra Mota (Attacus Cecropia, Linn.) 


Among the many beautiful and wonderful insects native to this country, there 1s none 
which excites yearly more wonder and astonishment than the cecropia moth. Its size is 
enormous, measuring when its wings are spread from five and a half to six and a half inches 
across, and sometimes even more while its beauty is proportionate to its size. The accom- 
panying figure 17 (after Riley) is a faithful representation of this magnificent creature. 
Both front and hind wings are of a rich brown, tle anterior pair greyish, shaded with red, 


Fig. 17. 


the posterior more uniformly brown ; near the middle of eacu of the wings there is a nearly 
kidney shaped white spot shaded more or less with red, and margined with black. A wavy 
dull red band crosses each. of the wings, edged inside on the front wings more or less faintly 
with white, while on the hind pair the band is widely and clearly margined with the same 
color. The outer edges of the wings are of a pale silky brown in which on the anterior pair 
runs an irregular dull black line, which on the hind wings is replaced by a narrow, double 
broken band of the same hue. The front wings next to the shoulders are dull red, with a 
curved white and black band, varying much in distinctness in different specimens, and near 
their tips, there isan eyelike black spot with a bluish white crescent. The upper side of the 


23 


body and the legs are dull red, with a wide band behind the head and the hinder edges of the 
segments of the abdomen white ; the under side of the body is also irregularly marked with 
white. The under surface of the wings is very much like the upper, but somewhat paler. 

Cecropia was the ancient name of the City of Athens, and it has been a matter of sur- 
prise to some that Linnaeus should have given this name to our moth, Dr. Fitch throws light 
on this subject in the following words, ‘“ The great legislator of this department of human 
knowledge, as he is expressively styled by Latreille, it has been frequently remarked, was 
endowed with a genius which, but few of his disciples have inherited, for selecting names for 
natural objects, which are most appiopriate and happy. The idea which was present in the 
mind of Linnaeus when he named this spiendid moth, we think is sufficiently evident. The 
Athenians were the most polished and refined people of antiquity. The moths are the most 
delicate and elegant of insects; they were the Athenians of their race. Cecrops was the 
founder. the head of the Athenian people. When the names of men were bestowed upon cities, 
ships, or other objects regarded as being of the feminine, gender, classical usage changed these 
names to the feminine form. The moths (/halwna) being feminine, and the name of Cecrops 
being more euphonious in this form, probably induced Linoxus to change it in the manner 
he did. Thename thus implies this to be the leader, the head of the most elegant tribe of 
insects, or in other words the first of all insect kind. What name more appropriate can be 
invented for this sumptuous moth.” The figure we have given is that of a male which differs 
from the female in haying a smaller abdomen and larger and more deeply feathered antennze 
or feelers. 

During the winter months, when the apple trees are leafless the large cocoons of this 
moth may be found here and there, firmly bound to tke twigs, they are also frequently found 

Big. 18: on currant bushes, and occasionally also on lilac, cherry, hazel, 

plum, blackberry, maple, willow and some other shrubs and trees ; 
for this insect in its larval stage is a very general feeder. ‘The 
cocoon, see fir. 18, (after Riley) is about three inches long, pod 
shaped and of a dirty brown colour, and is entirely constructed of 
silk, the fibres of which are very much stronger than those of the 
common silk worm Bombyx mori. The silk has been worked toa 
limited extent and manufactured into socks and other articles, 
which have been found very durable; but a drawback to the 
advancement of this branch of industry lies in the fact that the 
caterpillars do not bear confinement well, and hence are not easily 
reared. 
e The exterior structure of the cocoon is very close and papery- 
. like, but on cutting through this, we find the interior—surround 
ing the dark brown chrysalis—made up of loose fibres of strong 
yellow silk. This snug enclosure effectually protects the insect in 
its dormant state from the extremes of weather during the long 
wintry months When the time approaches for the escape of the 
moth. which is about the beginning of June, the internal dark 
brown chrysalis is ruptured by the struggles of the occupant, and 
the newly born moth begins to work its way out of the cocoon. 
As it is possessed of no cutting instrument of any kind, this would 
indeed be a hopeless tesk had not the all wise Creator made a 
special provision for this purpose, and to this end a fluid adapted 
for softening the fibres is furnished just at this juncture and 
secreted from about the mouth, On listening to the creature as 
it works its way through, you hear a scraping, tearing sound, 
which is made by the insect working with the claws on its fore- 
feet, tearing away the softened fibres and packing them on each 
side to make a channel for its escape. The place of exit is 
the smaller end of the cocoon, which is more loosely made than 
any other part and through which, after the internal obstacles are 
overcome, the passage is effected without much further trouble. 

We have frequently watched their escape. First through 
the opening is thrust the anterior pair of bushy looking legs, the 


24 
a 


sharp claws of which fasten on the outside structure ; then with an effort the head is drawn for- 
ward, suddenly displaying the beautiful feather-like antennze; next, the thorax, on which is 
borne the other two pairs of legs, is liberated, and finally, the escape is completed by the 
withdrawal of the abdomen, through the orifice thus made. Queer looking creatures they 
are when they first put in an appearance, with their large, fat, juicy bodies, and tiny wings. 
When the wings are fully expanded they measure from five to six inches or more across, but 
when fresh from the chrysalis they are but very little larger than the wings of a bumble bee. 
The first necessity now for the welfare of the individual is to find a suitable location where 
the ‘wings may be held in a good position for expanding, for without such favourable cireum- 
stance they would never attain a serviceable size. It is necessary that a position should be 
secured where the wings may hang down as they are expanding, for which purpose the under 
side of a twig is often selected ; and here, securely suspended by the claws, the wings undergo 
in a short time the most marvellous growth it is possible to imagine. The whole process, from 
the time of the escape of the moth to its full maturity, seldom occupies more than from half - 
an hour to an hour, and during this time the wings grow from the diminutive size already 
mentioned to their full measure and capacity. 

A wing clipped from the insect immediately after its escape, and examined under the 
microscope, reveals the fact that the thousands and tens of thousands of scales with which the 
wings are covered, and which afterwards assume such beautiful feather-like forms, are now 
nearly all threadlike and undeveloped. Impressed with this thought, the mind is fairly 
astonished at the almost incredible change wrought in so limited a time, for the growth em- 
braces not only the extension of the surface of the wing, but the enlargement and maturity of 
every scale or feather on it, the individuals of which are but as dust to the naked eye. What 
a wonderful and intricate system of circulation and power of nutrition must be possessed to 
accomplish this marvellous result ! 

Soon after their exit these moths seek their mates, and after pairing, the female begins to 
deposits her eggs, a process which ‘occupies some time, for the eggs are not laid in patches 
or groups, but singly ; and are firmly fastened with a glutinous material to the under side of 
a leaf ; and as it is seldom there are more than one or two laid on any single tree or bush, a 
considerable distance must be traversed by the parent in the transaction of this all important 
business. 

The number of eggs which these moths lay is astonishing, we have known a single female 
to deposit within three days as many as 217. The eggs are aout one-tenth of an inch long, 
nearly round and of a dull creamy white colour, with a reddish spot or streak near the centre, 
the duration of the egg stage is usually from about a week to ten days. 

At the expiration of this period the larva eats its way out of the egg, the empty shell of 
which furnishes the young creature with its first meal. On its first appearance it is black, with 
little shining black knobs on its body, from which arise hairs of the same colour. Being 
furnished with a ravenous appetite its growth is very rapid ; and from time to time its exterior 
coat or skin becomes too tight for its comfort, when it is ruptured and thrown off. At each 
of these changes or moultings, the caterpillar appears in an altered garb, gradually becoming 
more like the full grown larva represented by Fig. 19. It is very handsome. Its body is pale 


Fie. 19. 


25 


SN ES 


green, the large warts or tubercles on the top of the third and fourth segments are coral red, 
the remainder are yellow excepting those on the second and terminal segments, which, in 
common with the smaller tnbercles along the sides, are blue. During its growth from the 
diminutive creature as it escapes from the egg to the monstrous-looking full grown specimen, 
it consumes an immense amount of vegetable food ; and especially as it approaches maturity 
is this voracious appetite apparent. Where one or two have been placed on a young apple 
tree, they will often strip it entirely bare before they have done with it, and thus prevent the 
proper ripening of the wood, entailing damage to the tree, and, sometimes, endangering its life ; 
hence, during their season, they should be watched for and destroyed. During the winter 
months, their cocoons may be looked for, and removed in time to check their further spread. 

The natural increase of this insect being so great, wise provisions have been made to 
keep it within bounds. Being such a conspicuous object it sometimes forms a dainty meal 
for the larger birds ; there are also enemies which attack the egg and young larva and besides 
these there are several parasites which live within the body of the caterpillar and destroy it 
before reaching maturity. One of the largest of these parasites is the long tailed Ophion 
(Ophion macrurum, Linn.) Fig. 20 (after Riley). This is a large yellowish brown Ichneumon 

Fe. 20. fly, and is perhaps one of the commonest parasites affect- 
ing the cecropia. The female of this fly deposits, ac- 
cording to Mr. Trouvelot, from eight to ten eggs upon 
the skin of her victim. These eggs soon hatch into 
young larvae which eat their way through the skin of 
the caterpillar, and at once begin to feed upon the fatty 
parts within, As only one of these parasitic larvae can 
find food sufficient to mature, the rest either die from 
hunger or are devoured by the strongest survivor. 

Mr. Riley, in Am. Ent., Vol. II., says, “ After 
the Cecropia Worm has formed its cocoon, the parasitic 
larva which had hitherto fed on the fatty portions of its 
victim, now attacks the vital parts, and when nothing 
but the empty skin of the worm is left, spins its own 
cocoon, which is oblong oval, dark brown inclining to 
bronze, and spun so closely and compactly, that the 
inner layers when separated have the appearance of gold beater’s skin. If we cut open one of 
these cocoons soon after it is completed, we shall find inside a large, fat, legless grub, Fig. 21, 
which sometimes undergoes its transformations and issues 
as a fly in the fall, but more generally waits until the 
following spring. 

, “The Ichneumon Fly, last mentioned, usually causes 

q ke a dwarfed appearance of the worm which it infests, and 
AWWA parasitized cocoons ean generally be distinguished from 
healthy ones by their smaller size. The larvae of the Ta- 
china Fly which we now introduce to our readers, as parasitic on the Ceeropia Worm, seem to 
produce an exactly opposite effect, namely, an undue and unnatural growth of their victim. 
In the beginning of September, 1866, we received an enormous Cecropia Worm. It mea- 
sured over four inches, wasa full inch in diameter, and weighed nearly two ounces, butlike 
many other large specimens which we have sinceseen, it was covered with small oval, opaque, 
white egg-shells, clusters of four or five occurring on the back of each segment, invariably 
Fig, 22. deposited in a traverse direction. The skin of the’ worm was 

black, where the young parasites had hatched and penetrated. 
The large worm soon died and rotted, and in about twelve days 
a host of maggots gnawed their way through the putrid skin. 
These maggots averaged about one-half inch in length, and in 
form were like those of the common Blow-fly. The head 
was attenuated and retractile and furnished with two minute 
curved hooks, and the last segment was squarely cut off, slightly 
concave and with the usual two spiracles or breathing holes 
which this class of larvee have at their tails. Their colour was 
of a translucent yellow, and they went into the ground and 


26 as ik 


remained in the larva state all winter, contracted to pups in the April following, and the 
flies commenced to issue the last of May.” This fly differs so little from the red tailed 
Tachina Fly (2xerista militaris, Walsh), see Fig 22, which infests the army worm that Mr. 
Riley is inclined to regard it as a variety of that species. 

The Ceeropia chalcis fly (Chalcis Maria Riley). We quote again from Mr, Riley.—“ In 


May, 1869, we received from Mr. V. T. Chambers, of Covington, Ky., numerous specimens 
Fig 23, 


of the beautiful large chalcis fly figured herewith 
(Fig. 23), which he had taken from the cocoon of 
the Polyphemus moth, which is quite common and 
issues as early as the middle of February in that 
locality. He says, ‘I was satisfied that the cocoon 
did not contain a living Polyphemus, and therefore 
opened it. 1t contained so little besides these in- 
sects and their exuviae as to suggest strongly the 
old idea that the caterpillar had been metamor- 
phosed into them (2s in a sense it had), There 
were 47 of them, of which 23 were females. As all 
the males and some of the females were dead when Colours Black andsvellows 

I opened the gocoon, I think it likely that the former never do emerge, and perhaps but few 
of the latter ; otherwise Polyphemus would soon be exterminated.’ 

“« We can very well imagine that most of these chalcis flies would die in their efforts to 
escape from the tough cocoon of the Polyphemus, but it so happens that these same insects 
have been found by Mrs. Mary Treat, of Vineland, New Jersey, to prey upon the cecropia 
worm, from the cocoon of which they can much more easily escape. 

Fig. 24. . “The Divorced Cryptus (Cryptus nuncius,Say,—extrematis, CRESSON), 
ae another Ichneumon fly, infests the cecropia worm in great numbers, 
», filling its cocoon so full of their own thin parchment-like cocoons that a 
{) transverse section (Fig. 24) bears considerable resemblance to a honey- 

‘comb, ‘The flies issue in June, and the sexes differ sufficiently to have 
; given rise to two species. We have bred seven females and twenty-nine 
miles from a cocoon of the cecropia moth, all the males agreeing with the 
species described by Say as nuncius, and all the females agreeing with that 
described afterwards as ealremutis by Mr, Cresson. 


Tae Croupep Sutpaur Burrerety (Colias Philodice, Govt). 


The clouded sulphur is everywhere one of our commonest butterflies, abundant in its 
Fig 20. season, in fields and roadways, frequently congrega- 
ting in groups on the borders of streams and springs, 
where, in hot weather, they seem to enjoy settling on 
the cool, moist ground. They are still more abund- 
ant in clover fields as the season advances. 
The female of this species differs somewhat in its 
markings from the male, as will be readily seen by 
reference to the figures, 25 -representing the male, 
26 the female. The ground colour of the wings in 
both sexes is bright yellow marked on the outer edge 
with a dark brown or blackish border, narrower in 
the male than it is in the female, while in the 
/ latter it encloses on the anterior wings a broken 
row of irregular yellow spots, there is also a 
spot of black placed near the front edge of the fore 
wings, about halfway between the base and tip, 
varying in form and distinctness. The hind wings 
in both sexes are less heavily margined, and near the 
middle isa dull, pale orange spot. Both wings are 
dusky towards the base, and the fringes are pink. 
On the under surface the yellow colour is less 


27 


bright, while the dark margins are either entirely wanting or else represented by a dusky 
shade margined occasionally within by a few dull brownish dots. The spot on the forewings 
is distinct, , but paler and usually centered with a small silvery eye. That on the hind wings 
is much more distinct than above, being composed of a bright silvery spot in the centre de- 
fined by a dark brown line which is in turn encircled with duli orange. Immediately 
above and alittle towards the outer edge is a much smaller spot of the same character ; there 
is also a reddish dot on the anterior edge, about the middle of the wing. The antennz are 
pink, with the knobs at their tips of a darker shade; the body is dark above; paler at the 
sides and underneath. 

The insect appears first on the wing about the middle of May, becoming more plentiful 
towards the latter end of the month, but the time of its greate-t abundance is later in the 
season, after the appearance of the second brood, which is during the latter part of July and 
throughout August. In the second volume of the ‘ Entomologist,” p. 8, Mr. Bethune re- 
marks as follows: “On the 3rd of August, a lovely, bright, warm morning, after an exces- 
sively wet night, I drove about ten miles along country roads ; every few yards there was a 
patch of mud, the effects of the heavy rain, and at every patch of mud there were from half 
a dozen to twenty specimens of Colias philodice, at least one, I should think for every yard of 
distance I travelled. I must then hi ie scen, at a very moderate computation, about ten 
thousand specimens of this butterfly.” 

The caterpillar of the Clouded Sulphur feeds on the cultivated pea, on clover, on the 
Blue Lupin, Lupinus perennis, and no doubt on many other plants belonging to the order 
Leguminose. The ege, which is a beautiful object, is about one twenty-third of an inch in 
leneth, tapering at each end, with twelve or fourteen raised longitudinal ribs, with smaller 
cross lines in the concave spaces between them. Its colour when first deposited is of a pale 
lemon yellow, which changes in three or four days to a pale red, then gradually to a bright 
red, and from that to dark brown just before the time of hatching. The duration of the ege 
stage is about seven days. 

The young caterpillar just hatched is one-twelfth of an inch long and of a dull yellow- 
ish brown colour, but when a little older it changes to a dark green. When full grown it is 
about an inch long, with a dark green head and body, the latter with a yellowish white stripe 
on each side close to the under surface, with an irregular streak of bright red running through 
its lower portion. The b dy also has a downy look occasioned by its being thickly clothed 
with very minute pale hairs. 

The chrysalis is about seven-tenths of an inch long, attached at its base, and girt across 
the middle with asilken thread. Its colour is pale green with a yellowish tinge, with a pur- 
plish red line on each side of the head, darker lines down the middle both in front and behind, 
and with a yellowish stripe along the sides of the hinder segments. 

During the heat of summer the chrysalis state usually lasts about ten days. A day or 
so before the butterfly escapes the chrysalis becomes darker and semi-transparent, the mark- 
ings on the wings showing plainly through the enclosing membrane. 


Tae Wairr-LinEp Mornina Spatnx (Deilephila lineata, Fawr.) 


Fig, 27. Ses E 
= The white-lined morning 


sphinx is a tolerably common 
insect throughout Ontario. It 
is seen on the wing generally 
about twilight or later,although 
it has been met with oceassion- 
ally in the day time. In its 
flight it much resembles the 
humming bird, hovering over 
flowers into which it inserts its 
long and slender tongue in 
search of thenectar there stored, 
which constitutes its food. In 
common with many other sphinx 
moths its structure is robust 
and its flight rapid and power- 


Colours Olive, white and rose. 


—- eee eee 


ful : hence it is difficult to capture, and even when taken will often flutter with such force as 
to seriously d amage the covering and structure of its beautiful wings. When its wings are 
fully spread they measure from three to three-and-a-half inches across, (see Fig. 27, after 
Riley). The ground colour isa rich greenish olive. On the fore wings there is a pale band 
about the middle, extending from near the base to the tip, and along the outer margin 
runs another band nearly equal in width, but darker and less distinct; the veins also are 
lined with white. The hind wings which are small, are nearly covered by a wide central 
rosy band, becoming paler as it approaches the body, the hinder edge is fringed with white. 
On the anterior portion of the body there are six longitudinal stripes or lines, while the hind- 
er part is alternately spotted with white and black. The entire under surface is much paler 
and duller in colour than the upper. 

“The larva,’ Mr. Riley says, “ feeds upon purslane, turnip, buckwheat, water melon, 
and even apple and grape leaves, upon any of which it may be found in the month of July. 
It descends into the ground, and within a smooth cavity, changes into a light brown chrysalis, 
from which the moth emerges during the month of September.” 

“The most common form of the larva is that given at Fig. 28. Its colour is yellowish 
green, with a prominent subdorsal row of elliptical spots, each spot consisting of two curved 

Fig. 28. 


black lines, enclosing superiorly a bright crimson space. and inferiorly a pale yellow line— 

the whole row of spots connected by a pale yellow stripe, edged above with black. In some 

specimens these eyelike spots are disconnected, and the space between the black crescents is 

of a uniform cream colour. The breathing holes are either surrounded with black or with 

black edged with yellow. The other form is black, and characterized chiefly by a yellow 

line along the back, and a series of pale yellow spots and darker yellow dots, as represented 
Fig. 29. 


in the illustration Fig. 29, even this dark form is subject to great variation, some specimens 
entirely lacking the line along the back, and having the spots of different shape.” 

“This insect has a wide range, as it oceurs in the West Indies, Mexico and Canada, as 
well as throughout the United States. Feeding asit does, principally on plants of but little 
value, and being very commonly attacked by the larvae of a Tachina fly, this insect has never 
become sufficiently common to be classed as injurious.” 


29 


GRASSHOPPERS OR LOCUSTS. 


By tHe Rey. C. J. S. Beruune, M.A. 


Few, probably, of our Canadian fellow-countrymen are aware that the terrible Locust, 
“ the scourge of nations,” as it has been fitly termed, about whose destructive powers they 
read such appalling accounts in books of Oriental travel, is one of the insect enemies that 
some of the denizens of our Dominion have to contend against. And yet itis too true—as 
the records of the past season in our North-west Province of Manitoba abundantly prove. 
The locusts (or grasshoppers, as they are incorrectly termed) have laid waste great tracts of 
fertile country, and have brought ruin and desolation to many an unhappy settler in that 
far off region. 

Tt ismuch to be regretted—to quote our remarks made on a former occasion*—that so 
much confusion exists in the popular use of terms in Natural History, and particularly in 
entomology, in consequence of which very serious errors become matters of common faith, 
much mischief is allo yed to go unheeded, and the innocent are oftentimes punished for the 
guilty. The term “bug,” for instance, is almost universally applied in the neighbouring 
States, and very generally in this country, to every kind of insect, so that it is no uncommon 
thing to hear a beautiful butterfly or lovely moth designated by the odious name of “ bug,” 
whereas the appellation belongs exclusively to those foul-smelling sucking insects of the order 
Heiniptera, which feed upon the juices of plants, and in some cases upon the blood of other 
insects, of animals and man, Again, the larva of almost every kind of insect is called “the 
grab;”’ larvee that burrow into the trunks of trees and timber, “ie borer,” and so on to any 
extent. The consequence is that what is a remedy for one grub or borer, or so-called “ bug,’’ 
is indiscriminately made use of for the destruction of every other grub, or borer, or “bug,” 
unmindful that the old proverb may be read iu this way also—‘‘ What is one insect’s meat is 
an}ther’s poison,” and that the treatment that will exterminate one injurious insect is some- 
times perfectly harmless in the case of another. 

This confusion of terms is particularly unfortunate in the case of the insects that we 
are now treating of. Every one in this country is perfectly familiar with what is commonly 

Fig. 30. called a “ grasshopper,” but how very 
{ few are aware that what they term a 
grasshopper, and see too often to think 
much about, is really the same kind of 
insect as the much dreaded, famine- 
producing Locust, that constituted one 
of the plagues of Egypt, and that is 
an object of so much terror wherever 
it prevails. A trae locust it never- 
theless is, and it were well, for many 
reasons, that our people became accus- 
tomed to call it by its right name. 
Our common species in this Province, 
while it does not possess the power of 
suddenly appearing in vast numbers 
and emigrating from place to place, 
occasionally becomes greatly multiplied 
and proves very destructive. The 
western locust (or grasshopper), how- 
ever, differing but very slightly from 
our species, is, as we shall presently 
shew, quite as formidable a destroyer as its Oriental congener. 


* Canada Farmer, 1867, page 87. 


30 


While the true American Locusts are commonly called “ grasshoppers, and the true 
grasshoppers are termed crickets, katydids, &c., another element of confusion is mingled 
with our insect nomenclature by the common practice of giving the name of locust to the 
cicada, a totally different insect belonging to an entirely different order. The accompany- 
ing illustration will shew the reader the difference between these three kinds of insects better 
than any written description. Figure 30 represents different stages in the life of the Cicada or 
so-called ‘Seventeen year, Locust” (C. Septem-decim Linn). a is the pupa ; ) the empty pupa 
case after the perfect insect has emerged from it ; ¢, the perfect or winged insect ; d, the per- 
forations in a twig for the deposition of eggs; e¢, the ege. Figure 32 represents a katydid or 
true grasshopper *(Cyrtophyllum concavum, SAY); and Figure 31 a true locust or so-called 
erasshopper (Caloptenus spretus, UHLER). 

A single glance at these illus- 
trations will shew the reader, the 
main differences between the three 
kinds of insects that we have been 
referring to. We wish it, there- 
fore, to be plainly understood 
that in the account that follows ; 
we shall use the term “ Locust” 
in reference to the devastating 
insect represented in Figure 31, =f fa is so often called a “ grasshopper.” 


Fig. 31. 


Fig. 32. 
History or THE Locust IN AMERICA. 


From the various works that we have been able to eon- 
sult we gather that visitations of locusts have occurred on a 
more or ‘less extensive scale, from time to time, ever since 
the Central and Western portions of this Northern Conti- 
nent have been occupied by Europeans. We have no diffi- 
culty, then, in believing that from time immemorial these 
destructive insects have played their important part in 

maintaining the balance of animal and vegetable life in 
accordance with the erand laws of the Omnipotent Creator. 
The earliest notice that we have found of a visitation of 
locusts refers back more than two centuries, to a period 
much anterior to the discovery of the Mississippi River by 
La Salle. In Gage’s West Indies the following account 
is given of one of these visitations in Guatemala in the year 
1632 :— ' 

“The first year of my abiding there it pleased God to 
send one of the plagues of Egypt to that country, which was 
of locusts, which I had never seen till then. They were 
after the manner of our grasshoppers, but somewhat bigger, 
which did fly about in numbers so thick and infinite that 
they did truly cover the face of the sun, and hinder the 
shining forth of the beams of that bright planet. Where 
they lighted, either upon trees or standing cern, there was 
nothing expected but ruin, destruction and barrenness ; for 
the corn they devoured, the fruits of trees they ate and con- 
sumed, and hung so thick upon the branches that with their 
weight they tore them from the body. The highways were so covered with them that they 
sti artled the travelling mules with their fluttering about their heads and feet. My eyes were 
often struck with their wings as I rode along ; and much ado I had to see my way, what with 
a montero wherewith I was fain to cover my face, what with the flight of them which were 
still before my eyes. The farmers towards the South sea-coast cried out, for that their 
indigo, which was then in grass, was like to be eaten up ; from the Jngenios of sugar the like 
moan was made, that the young and tender sugar-canes would be destroyed ; but, -above all, 
grievous was the ery of the husbandmen of the valley where I lived, who feared that their 


31 


corn would in onenight be swallowed up by that devouring legion. The care of the magistrates 
was that the towns of Indians should all go out into the fields with trumpets, and what other 
instruments they had, to make a noise and to affright them from those places which are most 
considerable and profitable to the commonweath ; and strange it was to see how the loud 
noise of the Indians and sounding of the trumpets defended some fields from the fear and 
danger of them. Where they lighted in the mountains and highways, there they left behind 
them their young ones, which were found creeping upon the ground, ready to threaten such a 
second year’s plague, if not prevented ; wherefore all the towns were called, with spades, 
mattocks and shovels, to dig lng trenches and therein to bury all the young ones. ‘I'hus, 
with muck trouble to the poor Indiens and their great pains (yet after much hurt and loss in 
many places) was that flying pestilence chased away out of the country to the South Sea, 
where it was thought to be consumed by the ocean, and to have found a grave in the waters, 
whilst the young ones found it in the land. Yet they were not all so buried, but that shortly 
some appeared, which, being not so many in number as before, were with the former diligeuce 
soon overcome.” 

About a century later than the date of the above account, the locusts are recorded to 
have laid waste, on several occasions, all the vegetation of Mexico and Yucatan, and to have 
produced famine and much consequent suffering among the people. To California, they ap- 
pear to have been especially partial from the earliest times. The Jesuit Father Michael del 
Barco, who lived for thirty years in that country as a missionary among the heathen Indians, 
velates that from the arrival of the Jesuits in 1697 to the year 1722, they were free from any 
plague of locusts, but that in this year they caused fearful sufferings among the inhabitants. 
In 1746 and for three years foliowing without intermission, they again invaded the land ; 
after this they did not appear until 1758 and 1754; ; and finally, before the expulsion of the 
Jesuits, in 1765 and the two foliowing years. Clavigero, in his History of California, gives 
a very interesting account of these several invasions, and describes the appearance and 
natural history of the insect with much minuteness; from his work we make the following 
extracts :— 4 

“ The female, at the latter part of July or early in August, lays a number of fine small 
eges of a yellowish colour, ina string, united with a glutinous matter, which appears like a cord 
of fine silk. These are deposited tozether and dropped into a small hole which they make in 
the ground with a small apparatus attached to their tails. Hach female lays from seventy to 

eighty egos, and sometimes more. 

“The birth of these new grasshoppers has no particular time, but is dependent upon the 
early or late appearance of the rains, but they generally hatch during the latter part of Sep- 
tember or early in October. . . . . . Their life, from birth to death, lasts ten months, 
during which they cast their coats twice and change their colours five times. When the wings 
have become of sufficient strength and the body at its maturity, they then begin to ascend 
into the air and fly like birds, and commence their ravages in every direction, desolating the 
fields of every green thing. Their numbers become so extraordinary, that they soon form 
clouds in the atmosphere, of which the rays of the sun cast a shadow as they fly. They unite 
in masses of ten to twelve thousand, always following their conductors and flying in a direct 
line without falling behind, for they consume every g erowing thing before them. To whateyer 
height their gnides conduct them to obtain a sight ‘of their food they follow, and as soon as 
growing crops or any verdure is sighted, instantly the swarm will alight and speedily devour 
and devastate the fields around to that extent, and with that promptitude, that when they 
ure seen by a new swarm of their fellows, there is mut anything more left to injure or con- 
sume. 

“This lamentable insect plague is bad enough in old and cultivated countries, but in 
the miserable peninsula of California, where they eat up the crops, green trees, fruits, and 
pastures, they cause great mortality in the domestic animals of the missions, and with the 
effect of their ravages on the cereals and other garden productions cause great famines and 
sickness among the “inhabitants and neophytes of the establishments. At one time immense 
multitudes of these voracious insects died, infecting the air dreadfully with the stench of 
their corruption and decay.” 

In Upper California, the Franciscan Missions of the conly part of the present century, have 
suffered in a very similar manner. About the year 1827 or 1828, they ate up—we are told 
—nearly all the growing crops, and occasioned a great scarcity of "wholesome food ; again in 


32 


1834, they ‘destroyed all the crops of the rancheros and missions, with the exception of the 
wheat.” In 1838, the field crops and gardens were again nearly destroyed. In 1846, there 
was another serious visitation, which extended over some of what are now termed the Western 
States, as well as California. In 1855, to pass over lesser visitations, there came one of the 
most terrible of all the recorded plagues of Locusts in California. As related by Mr. Taylor, 
of Monterey, (Smithsonian Reporty.1858), between the middle of May and October, 1855, 
“these insects extended themselves over a space of the earth’s surface, much greater than has 
ever before heen noted. ‘They covered the entire Territories of Washington and Oregon, and 
every valley of the State of California, ranging from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern base of 
the Sierra Nevada ; the entire Territories of Utah and New Mexico ; the immense grassy 
prairies lying on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains ; the dry mountajn valleys of 
the Republic of Mexico, and the countries of Lower California and Central America, and also 
those portions of Texas which resemble, in physical characteristics, Utah and California. The 
records prove that the lecusts extended themselves, in one year, over a surface comprised within 
thirty-eight degrees of latitude, and in the broadest part, eighteen degrees of longitude.” The 
Sacramento newspapers of that year were filled with details of the plague; most accounts 
compared the swarms, when in flight, to dense snow-storms ; they consumed everything before 
them—the foliage of trees, orchards, gardens, vineyards, fields of young grain, of crops and 
vegetables—everything was eaten up in a particular locality in a single day, leaving the ground 
a withered, blackened desert. That summer of 1855, was observed to be the hottest and 
driest that had been known for ten years.” 

During the next two years, 1856-7, the plague was almost entirely confined to the 
region lying east of the Rocky Mountains, and extending in places as far es the Missis- 
sippi River ; throughout the States of Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas, the locusts were es- 
pecially destructive. Ten years later, in the summer of 1866, another noteworthy visitation 
took place throughout the same region. A correspondent of a Rock Island, IIl., paper (see 
Practical Entomologist, vol. ii., page 3), thus describes the plague in Nebraska: ‘“ The last day 
of August, near the middle of the afternoon, quite a number of grasshoppers were seen alight- 
ing, and that number rapidly increased till a little before sunset. The next morning they 
appeared much thicker, but were only so from having crawled more into the open air to 
sun themselves. About nine o’clock they began to come thicker and faster from a northerly 
direction, swarming in the air by myriads, and making a roar like suppressed distant thun- 
der. By looking up to the sun they could be seen as high as the eye could discover an 
object so small, in appearance like a heavy snow storm. Hach grasshopper very much like a 
very large flake, save that it passed by instead of falling. The number was beyond imagination, 
the air was literally full of them and continued so till late in the afternoon, countless millions 
passed on leaving other countless millions covering the earth and devouring the vegetation.” 
Another writer from Kansas states that ‘‘ Yesterday, September 10th, the locusts made their 
appearance here, and are devouring everything green. They almost darken the sun in their 
flight. I putin 65 acres of wheat in the last week of August, which looked fine, but it has 
nearly all disappeared ; by to-morrow night there willnot be a spear left. Early sown wheat 
will be totally destroyed.” From the description given by another writer in Kansas, we may 
quote the following graphic account :—‘‘ There is something weird and unearthly in their 
appearance, as in vast hosts they scale walls, housetops and fences, clambering over each 
other with a creaking, clashing noise. Sometimes they march in even regular lines, like hosts 
of pigmy cavalry, but generally they rush over the ground in confused swarms. At times they 
rise high in the air and circle round like gnats in the sunshine. At such times, i think, they 
are caught by currents of our prevailing westerly winds and are thus distributed over vast 
tracts of country.” The foregoing extracts will give our readers some little idea of the mode 
of appearance and the destructive powers of the locusts in the west. We might fill pages, a 
volume indeed, with similar accounts. 

The next year 1867, and to some extent also in 1868 the locusts reappeared through- 
out the same region, and extended further to the eastward as wellas westward. They 
proved more or less destructive in Western and Central Iowa, and in North Western Mis- 
souri, as well as almost all over Nebraska, Kansas, Texasand Utah. They have never, so far 
as we have been able to ascertain, passed to the eastward of the Mississippi River. 

In 1869 and 1870, the ravages of the locusts seem to have been confined on this side of 
the Rocky Mountains, to portions of Nebraska, Colorado and Utah. 


33 


Tue PLaause or Locusts 1n 1874. 


Let us now turn to the terrible visitation of the present year, from the effects of which 
so many thousands are now suffering the privations of famine throughout immense tracts of 
country. 

Last year (1873) the locusts or grasshoppers were stated to have inflicted considerable 
damage upon crops of various kinds in some of the Western States, principally Nebraska and 
Kansas; here and there also in Minnesota, Lowa and Dakota there were comparatively trifling 
visitations. But in the month of July of this year there began one of the most 
serious invasions that has ever occurred in the west. In point of numbers and in extent of 
area affected, the plague was probably; no greater than on some previous occasions, notably 
that of 1855,that we have referred to above; the great difference, however, is caused by the 
fact that twenty years ago the country west of the Mississippi River was an almost unin- 
habited wildengess of prairie, while now it is traversed by a net work of railways, covered 
with populous towns and villages, and occupied to a very large extent by multitudes of in- 
dustrious people. Twenty years ago the locusts affected the food supply, perhaps, of the buf- 
falo, the Indian, and the scattered frontier settlers, but now their ravages cause destitution and 
misery in tens of thousands of homes. 

Up to the beginning of July this year, all looked bright and fair for the western farmer. 
His crops of all kinds were, as a rule, growing luxuriantly ; the prospect of a bountiful har- 
vest was quite as good as usual. After that date, however, sooner or later in different 
localities, all these bright prospects were overclouded, in many instances utterly destroyed. 
The following extracts from various newspapers will abundantly tell the tale. 

As early as the 19th of July a correspondent of the Prairie Farmer writes from How- 
ard County, Nebraska: ‘Corn and potatoes were doing well until recently, when the grass- 
hoppers [locusts] put in an appearance, and the result undoubtedly is, at the present moment, 
that there is not ten per cent. of these crops and of late oats left in this and the two neigh- 
bouring counties; and it is very doubtful if the countless millions of Vandals will leave a 
yestige of any green thing. The result must be almost certain starvation for new-comers, and 
must retard the development of this beautiful country for many years.” 

A lady correspondent of the same paper writes a few days later from Butler County, 
also in Nebraska :—‘ ‘The low-hung clounds haye dropped their garnered fullness down.’ 
But alas! and alack ! they were not the long-looked-for rain clouds, but grasshoppers. As I 
told you before, they passed over on the 23rd, only a few alighting ; but a strong south-west 
wind on the 24th brought back countless millions; and on the 25th their numbers were fearful 
to contemplate. They would rise in the air when the sun shone hot, but as it grew cooler 
they came down like the wolf on the fold. They settled like huge swarms of bees on every 
living thing. Fields of corn that had been untouched before were now stripped of tassel and 
blade. A field of early corn was being eaten so fast, that the girls went to save a few ears, 
instead of going to visit a sick schoolmate according to promise. Trees were so loaded with 
the pests, that those four and five feet high bent down till the tops touched the ground, and 
in some instances broke off ; for three dreadful hours they dashed against the house like hail. 
So many came in at doors and windows that every aperture was closed ; but not till they 
were so thick on the windows, that we were forced to make a business of slaying. The 25th 
of July will be remembered by the citizens of this and some other counties as the dark day, 
when desolation and devastation stared us in the face. * Ss * The wheat which 
was at first thought to be out of harm’s way was cut off about one-fourth by the destroying 
angels. A statement in our county paper says the average will be about 8 or 9 bushels per 
acre. After theyerasshoppers stopped their depredations, there were seyeral damp cloudy 
days, that brousliQout new tassels and silks on the corn, but more than a week of hot, dry 
weather, with scorthing winds checked its growth, so there will be none, excepting a very 
few fields that partially eseaped. Turnips have been grown siuce the rain ; and it is to be 
hoped there will yet be some potatoes ; sweet potatoes were not hurt so badly as the common 
potato. Broom corn, cane and Hungarian grass were unscathed.” 

A writer from St. Paul, Minnesota, to the paper above mentioned, says that the locusts 
“have undoubtedly destroyed five hundred thousand bushels of wheat, and are likely to des- 
troy another half million of bushels.” Later on in the season the St. Paul Press publishes 
the following statement in reference to the plague of locusts in Minnesota :—‘“ It is safe to 

D 


34 


———— 


estimate the tilled area in the ravaged district at 275,000 acres, and of the area in wheat in 
that district at 200,000 acres. Of this area, probably not less than 150,000 acres have 
been destroyed. This represents not less than 2,500,000 bushels of wheat devoured in the 
germ by the grasshoppers, or about one-twelth of the wheat crop of the state. Add to this 
area 50,000 acres of oats, at 33 bushels per acre, or 1,320,000 bushels in all, or one-twelfth of 
the oat crop of the state; 20,000 acres of corn, at 32 bushels per acre, 340,000 bushels, or 
one twelfth of the corn crop of the state, and perhaps 20,000 acres more in rye, buckwheat, 
barley, potatoes and other crops—and the full extent of the grasshopper hayee cannot be 
easily estimated.” 

Our readers may further judge of the extent of the calamity and sufferings consequent 
upon it, from the following Pastoral Letter, issued by the Bishop of Minnesota, and appointed 
to be read in all the Churches in his Diocese :—To the Clergy and Congregations of the Diocese 
of Minnesota : You are aware that seyeral counties of the State have been desolated by locusts. 
In May I visited Martin county and saw the beginning of their ravages. [I laid the facts 
before the Governor, The plague hasincreased. Many homes are desolated. They have 
the right to look to us for relief. They are our own flesh and blood. They are our brothers. 
They are God’s children. The scourge is an awful one, It may be for our sins. It may 
be to try our faith in God. It may be to test our humanity. 

I ask your prayers and your alms. I recommend that an offering shall be taken up on 
the last Sunday in July, and that a further special contribution of money and provisions 
shall also be taken at our Annual Haryest Home Festival. 

Please send your offerings to Hon. Isaac Atwater, Minneapolis, who will send them to 
the Committee in St. Paul. 

Praying God to bless you, 
Your friend and Bishop, 


H. B. Wuippte. 


Extract from a Widow's letter in Brown County. 


“T mortgaged my farm to get seed last Spring. Allis lost. What to do I donot know. 
It would take a tear out of a stone to hear the people talk. I had a nice piece of barley al- 
most ready to cut. There is nothing left but the straw, the heads lying thick on the ground. 
Dear Bishop, I am almost heart-broken, and nearly crazy, to think of the long, cold winter, 
and nothing to depend on. May God help us. May the Lord look to every orphan and 
widow, and put it in the hearts of His children to help.” 

“The widow must not plead in vain.” 

The Bishop also issued a form of prayer for relief from the plague of locusts, to be used 
in the Churches throughout his Diocese. 


From the September “ Report of the Department of Agriculture,” at Washington, we cull 
the following note from Kansas :—‘‘ The late summer and fall crops have been almost entirely 
destroyed by grasshoppers. The common jumping grasshopper did much damage through 
the early part of the season, but about the middle of August clouds of the flying ones made 
their appearance over the county, devouring and destroying vast quantities of vegetation. 
Gardens were quickly eaten up, corn-fields were stripped of leaves, and in many cases the corn 
was entirely eaten off ; fruit trees are left with naked branches, and in many cases the half- 
ripened fruit is left hanging on the trees, presenting asickening sight of death and destruction. 

In addition to the actual loss by devastation, the loss caused by discouragement will be 
ereater. Years of patient waiting, hard work, and self-sacrifice have been destroyed in a few 
days, with no known remedy for protection—just as the fruits of labour were beginning to be 
realized, destruction came—and the question with many is, “ Isit of any use to try again ?” 

Here is a field for the Department of Agriculture. Some method of protection or relief 
must be had against the destruction of this insect, or an immense tract of magnificent country 
will never be what it would without this curse. I am one of those who believe all such things 
may be controlled by some practical method ; it only requires study, enterprise and means 
to learn how. ‘This county (Doniphan) could well afford to pay $100,000 for a guarantee that 
no grasshoppers should ever trouble it again. I have learned that vegetation highly culti- 
vated and growing vigorously is less liable to be destroyed than when on the decline or 
growing feebly. Thus it is we often see a single tree in an orchard eaten even to the bark, 


35 =) ‘ 


while others of the same variety are not damaged so much ; and upon examination it will be 
invariably found that those mostly eaten were diseased, or had their vitality in some way 
impaired. This thing was noticeable when the same kind of insects were here six or seven 
years ago. fall fruit trees, apple and pear trees suffer the most, while peaches, plums and 
cherries suffer the least. They eat the leaves cff the apples, and leave most of the apples on, 
but of the peaches they will eat the fruit and leave the foliage ; but in many instances, when 
vegetition is not plenty, I understand they clean all as they go, and I have seen instances of 
this kind. The damage to vineyards in this county is not so great. They do not seem to 
relish grapes, and are satisfied by eating off the stems and letting the bunches fall to the 
ground. There will not be enough corn in this county to feed what stock there is in the 
county as it should be fed,” 

The same report states that ‘the plague ”—as it justly terms it—is reported in two 
counties in Wisconsin, seyen in Minnesota, five in Iowa, four in Missouri, thirty in Kansas 
and seyen in Nebraska, It adds that “the wide-spread destruction which they (the locusts ) 
have caused in the north-west has not been adequately described. In many places large 
masses of people will probably suffer during the coming winter for the necessaries of life, 
their crops having been swept by this remorseless enemy.” 

The next Monthly Report—that for October—records the prevalence of the plague in two 
more counties in Minnesota, two more in Lowa, four more in Missouri, four more in Kansas, 
four more in Nebraska, three in Texas, two in Colorado, and one in California. The fol- 
lowing ietter from Kansas is recorded “‘ to give some idea of its ravages :’—‘“ The farmers in 
my county had their land for wheat prepared in good time, and in a better condition than 1 
ever saw. On the Sth of September the grasshoppers made their appearance all over the 
county. Farmers became alarmed and did not sow any wheat. About the18th to the 20th 
they appeared to go away. farmers commenced sowing and got in about two-thirds of their 
crop. Onthe 28th and 29th they came the second time, filling the air, reminding one of a 
snow-storm in December. Some who had sown early had wheat up nice, but you cannot find 
a spear in any place. Wheat which was sown before the grasshoppers came the first time has 
been eaten down, until the grain has finally ceased to grow. I am candidly of the opinion 
that every acre which is sown to-day in this county will have to be sown again. ‘There is no 
other chance for it, and the great trouble will be that so many of our farmers have sown all 
their seed and are not able to buy again. And what will they do? Some who have not been 
two years on their claims are leaving them and going over into Missouri and Arkansas to 
winter—to find something to live upon.” 

We might go on to an almost unlimited extent with similar descriptions of the wide- 
spread devastation caused by these insects, and the consternation they have produced through- 
out the west. Hyery agricultural newspaper and a large number of city papers have pub- 
lished throughout the past season similar records of ruin and suffering. To assist their 
brethren in the afflicted regions, large sums of money have been contributed both by State 
Governments and by individuals; but it is greatly to be feared that the utmost liberality will 
hardly saye from ruin, though it may relieve temporarily, many farmers who had recently set- 
tled on those hitherto attractive plains. Notonly, it should be remembered, have they suffered 
from a dire plague of locusts, but they have also been the victims of a long-continued drought ; 
accompanied in some lecalities by a terrible hot wind, resembling the sivacco that blasts southern 
Europe with the dry heat of the African desert ; to add also ie inseries of calamities, the 
Chinch-bug* destroyed in many places those crops that the Locu ared. 

To illustrate the reality and intensity of the sufferings that we have alluded to, we shall 
give one extract only out ofa large number that might be quoted. The writer of a letter to 
the Prairie Farmer, dated Kearney, Nebraska, November 16th, thus describes the condition 
of things in his neighbourhood :—“ Your readers have been pretty fully posted as to the ravages 
of locusts over this entire region, the devastation extending from Central Minnesota to the 
southern limit of Kansas, the whole country being almost as ‘utterly destroyed, so far as pro- 
visions are concerned, as if it had been swept by the scathing flames. I speak more under- 
standingly of my own neighbourhood, and shall endeavour to state facts that may-be firmly 
relied upon, and which can be verified if necessary, by the testimony of others in my own 


* For a description of the Chinch-bug, see the report of the Entomological Society of On- 
tario, for 1871. 


- a: 36 


vicinity. The wheat crop, what there was of it, considering the dry weather, was good. But 
fully one-half of the settlers had no wheat at all ; their sole dependence was corn and potatoes. 
In many instances the very uncertain product of prairie cod. Thus nearly half of our 
people were dependent solely upon the two above articles, both of which were almost entirely 
swept away by drought, bugs and locustscombined. Hyvry family nearly, that was able to do 
so, having friends in Iowa and Missouri, have gone there to winter, some may return, others 
never will. Many proved upon their claims and have left the country forever. The number 
of actual homestead settlers is thus reduced fully one-half in my own neighbourhood, and of 
that one-half, not one family in ten have provisions, fuel or clothing to last them through the 
winter. Fully two-thirds have not food enough to last until the Ist of December. I find 
from conversation in Kearney, with settlers both north and south for a distance of thirty to 
fifty miles, that the same statement holds true over almost the entire region. Thus notwith- 
standing the cry of some of our papers that “we are not beggars,”’ more than two-thirds of 
those now on their homesteads must either beg or starve. In less than thirty days there will 
be starvation and death unless these needs are promptly met. 

“ There is no corn, no oats, no feed of any kind for stock, except what is shipped in from 
a distance. There is no fuel except coal, at from $8 to $11 per ton. There is no work, no 
money. ‘There is no seed corn, and in very many instances, no seeds of any kind for another 
year’s planting. On the 13th inst., I met two of my neighbours. One has a family of six 
to provide for, three of them young children. Says he: ‘] have just flour enough to last 
until Saturday night.’ The other has a family of ten, four of whom are sick, and have been 
since September. One child, a bright boy of some four years, has lost the entire use of his 
limbs, and now has to have the care of a helpless babe. This man has flour for ten days, and 
potatoes that will enable him to get along for a week or two longer. Last winter this family 
of children were entirely without shoes or stockings, with clothing just sufficient to cover 
nakedness, and ragged at that. The writer of this article has flour for a week—fifty pounds 
—and pays for it in breaking one acre of prairie, thus giving three dollars in work for $1.20 
worth of flour. He does not state this complainingly, being glad to get work to feed his 
five babies at any price. I merely give these three cases as a sample. While I give but 
three, there are many others all around me in fully as deplorable a situation. This want ex- 
tends over the whole area of country, west, north and south, and the farther the settlement 
is from the supplies, the greater the wants and privations of the settlers.” 


THE PLAGuE or Locusts IN MANITOBA. 


Thus far we have been describing the extent and the terrible results of this year’s 
plague of Locusts in the Western States of the Union. We have now, unhappily, to record 
its occurrence in our own new Province of Manitoba, which adjoins the State of Minnesota, 
so frequently referred to above. From the following record of visitations previous to this 
year, it will be observed that they were, in almost all cases, simultaneous with those in the 
neighbouring States, that we have described in the earlier part of this paper. For this record 
we are indebted to the letter of the Winnipeg Correspondent of the Toronto Globe, which ap- 
peared in that paper on the 5th of August last :— 

“Grasshoppers first appeared in Red River towards the end of July, 1818, six years 
after the commencement of the settlement. They covered the settlement belt, but did not 
utterly destroy the wheat erop, it being nearly ripe at the time. Barley and other crops 
were swept away. They deposited their eggs and disappeared, and the following spring the 
crop of young grasshoppers was immense. These departed before depositing their eggs, but 
deyoured all vegetation on their route, thus destroying all the crops of 1819. Great num- 
bers came in during the season of 1819 and deposited their eggs, so that in 1820 the crops 
were again all destroyed. ‘Thus for three successive years were the crops in this country 
destroyed by these pests. They then disappeared for thirty six successive years, the next 
visitation being in 1857, when they visited the Assiniboine settlement, doing but little injury 
beyond depositing their eggs.. The following season their progeny destroyed all the crops 
within their reach. In 1864 they again appeared in considerable numbers but did little 
injury to the wheat crop. The following year the young grasshoppers partially destroyed the 
crops, leaving many districts entirely untouched. ‘The largest swarm ever known came 
in August, 1867, but the crops were so far advanced that season that they did but little in- 


37 = 


jury. Their eggs produced such immense swarms the following spring that they destroyed 
everything that had been sown throughout the settlement, and famine ensued. In 1869 they 
again visited the country, but too late to do much harm. The season following, however, 
they destroyed most of the growing crops. In 1872 immense hordes of these winged pests 
again visited a part of the country about the beginning of August. The country west of 
Headingly escaped, and generally the wheat was not much injured, but they played sad havoe 
with the gardens, Nothing was sown the following spring throughout the infested district, 
but throughout the western settlements a large crop was grown and sayed.” 

From the same source we have obtained the following particulars respecting the 
ravages of the Locust in different parts of the Province :— 

“THe Soura.—From West Lynne (Pembina) northward as far as Seratching River 
the oats and barley have been entirely destroyed, and the wheat partially. 

‘“« PALESTINE.—The latest reports from this settlement confirm the accounts that the 
settlement is laid waste. : 

“ManiropA LAKE.—The shores of this lake are strewn three feet in many places with 
dead grasshoppers, the wind having driven them into the lake, where they were drowned 
and east ashore. 

“Tur Boyne SErTLEMENT.—They are very thick here, and have completely destroyed 
the oats and barley, and about half ruined the wheat. 

‘“ PorTAGE LA PRAIRIE.— From Poplar Point to the Portage the fields are swarming 
with grasshoppers, which haye devoured the crops. Scarcely anything has escaped. 

“Rav Creex.—In this neighbourhood it is reported that the crops of Kenneth Me- 
Kenzie, Hugh Grant and others, are being destroyed, and that the former had commenced 
cutting his oats and barley for fodder rather than let the pests take all. 

‘“Rockwoop.—The crops in this settlement have suffered severely. Oats and barley 
completely destroyed, and wheat badly injured. 

“ WoopLAND.— Most of the settlers in this neighbourhood are entirely cleaned out, 

“ CouNTY oF PROVENCHER.—AIll the crops along the Red River, from Pembina to Stink- 
ing River, have been eaten up, excepting, in some instances, a portion of the wheat and 
potatoes have escaped. 

“ WinnipeG.—The gardens in this city, and the oats and barley in the neighbourhood, 
are being destroyed. During the evenings, at the going down of the sun, they seek the board 
fences and sides of houses in such numbers that in many cases it is impossible to distinguish 
the colour of the houses, or the material of which they are built.” 

As yet we do not know whether the Locust ravages are wont to extend over the great fer- 
tile region to the north-west of Manitoba—that magnificent agricultural region drained by the 
Saskatchewan River ; we hope, and we are strongly inclined to think, that the plague, if notice- 
able at all, is there trifling in character and moderate in extent. Should it be otherwise, 
should that “fertile belt” be as subject to these visitations as the States to the south of it 
unhappily are, it must prove a great hindrance to its rapid settlement. If, on the other hand, 
it possesses an immunity not shared in by the Western States, it will certainly draw from 
them, before many years are over, and as soon as railway facilities are afforded for transporta- 
tion of goods and produce, a very large portion of those settlers who are now eaten out of 
house and home. We fully expect to see the tide of immigration which for a few years past 
has been setting so strongly towards the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, turned towards our 
own more highly-favoured, even though more northern regions of Assiniboine and Saskatchewan, 


DESCRIPTION OF THE INSECT. 


Let us turn now to a description of the insect respecting whose powers of destruction we 
have heard so much. As we have already remarked, there is very little difference in appear- 
ance between our common “grasshopper” and the famine-producing Locust of the West. 
They both belong to the same genus (Caloptenus) of the family Acrydidze and of the order of 
Orthopter'a—straight-winged insects. The Acrydida, or Locusts, are distinguished from 
their kindred, the true grasshoppers, by the following characteristics :—The former have 
short antennz (or feelers), never exceeding the body -in length ; the latter have very long 
thread-like antennx. The tarsi, or feet, of the former are three-jointed ; of the latter four- 
jointed, The female of the former has the tip of the abdomen furnished with four very short 


38 


bony pieces, two of which curve upwards and two downwards (they may be observed in 
figures 33 and 34) ; the female of the latter has a long curved, often sword-shaped, ovipositor. 
The former, again, live upon the ground ; the latter for the most part on grass and trees. 

All Orthopterous insects—ineluding, of course, those we are now treating of—undergo 
what is termed an incomplete metamorphosis—th: at is to say, their larvae and pupe resemble 
all along the perfect insect, except that the wings are not fully developed and the size of the 
mature insect is not attained, ‘To make our meaning clearer, we may mention that Lepi- 
dopterous insects (butterflies and moths) undergo a perfect or complete metamorphosis ; as 
every one knows, the caterpillar, or larva, is totally different from the winged insect, while 
the chrysalis or pupa is entirely different from either, In food, habits and appearance, the 
insect undergoes a complete change at each metamorphosis. In the case of Locusts, on the 
contrary, one can hardly say with certainty when the larval state ends and that of the pupa 
begins ; or when, again, the pupal condition merges into that of the perfect insect. 

The genus Caloptenus, to which we are now confined, is represented almost all over the 
world. In North America eight different species have been described by entomologists, but 
we are inclined to think that some of these are little more than varieties of others. Three 
species only are prevalent in large numbers—viz., (. spretus, OC. femur-rubrum, and C. bivit- 
tatus ; the last mentioned does not oceur ia Cana da, so far as we are aware, and is of small 
importance economically as compared with the other two. We are thus reduced to the 
two species that we spoke of at the outset: our common red-legged Locust, or “ grass- 
hopper” (Caloptenus femu-rubrum Burm.), represented in figure 6 ; and the hateful Locust 
(C. spretus Uhler), figure a. 

Fie. 33. The reader will observe BE 
that there is but a very 
slight difference in appear- 
ance between the two spe 
«cies. The left hand, our ~ 
common species, only dif- 
fers, one may say, from its most destructive fellow on the right, by its having shorter wings. 
It is owing to this difference in length and expanse of wing that the one species is confined to 
the neighbourhood where it was born, while the other rises aloft into the air, and is literally - 
“borne upon the wings of the wind” to regions far away from its place of birth. 

As the Red- legged Locust must be so familiarly known by every one—during most 
summers, indeed, it is hardly possible to walk a few yards in the open air without startling 
numbers into flicht and as it is fairly represented in the above figure (}), we may content 
ourselves with quoting the following brief description by Dr. Harris. The insect is “ erizzled 
with dirty olive and brown, a black spot extending from the eyes along the sides of the 

thorax ; an oblique yellow line on each side of the body beneath the wings; a row of dusk 
brown spots along the middle of the wing covers; and the hindmost shanks and feet blood. 
red, with black spines. The wings are transparent, with a very pale, greenish-yellow tint, 
next to the body, and are netted with brown lines. The hindmost thighs ‘have two large spots 
on the upper side and the extremity black; but are red below, and yellow on the inside. 
The appendages at the tip of the body in the male are of a long triangular form. Length 
from three quarters of an inch to an inch; expansion of the wings from 1} to 13 of an 
inch,” 

The Hateful Locust (C. Spretus), figure a, can scarcely be distinguished in colour or 
general appearance from the foregoing species ; the principal difference, as already stated, is 
in the length of the wings. In this species they are about one-third longer than the body of 
the insect ; they are quite transparent with slightly dusky nerves, and when seen high up in 
the air against the sun, have the appearance of large snow-flakes. The eggs are deposited in 
the ground, in a cocoon-shaped mass, covered with a tough, glutinous secretion, and vary in 
number from fifty to ahundred. They are laid in the latter part of the summer and remain 
in their place of deposit until the following spring ; usually they hatch out in March, making 
their appearance with the earliest vegetation of the locality. There is a good deal of difference 
of opinion with regard to the head-quarters of this insect ; many writers affirm that all the 
swarms comes from the eafons of the Roeky Mountains ; others again, and with more reason, 
we believe, hold that they breed throughout all the mountain valleys and plains of the west, 
but chiefly in those vast tracts of uninabited country, lying on the slopes of the Rocky 


39 


Mountains in Arizona and New Mexico; they breed also, there can be no doubt, in the 
regions that they invade, but owing to differences of climate, these broods do not always 
mature. They delight most in a very dry, hot atmosphere. 

Like many other species of Orthoptera, the males produce sounds by means of an appa- 
ratus that may be “likened to a violin, their legs being the bows, and the projecting veins of 
their wing-covers the strings. When a locust begins to play, he bends the shank of one hind 
leg beneath the thigh, where it is lodged in a furrow designed to receive it, and then draws 
the leg briskly up and down several times against the projecting lateral edge and veins 
of the wing-cover. He does not play both fiddles together, but alternately, for a little time, 
first one and then the other, standing meanwhile upon the four anterior legs and the hind leg 
which is not otherwise employed.” (Harris.) When in flight, the swarm produces a loud 
pattering sound, which as Dr. Thomas remarks, is probably due to the beating of the air by 
the wings, as it is not confined to the male sex. If any of our readers are curious upon the 
subject of insect music, they will find an interesting paper upon “ the Songs of the Grasshop- 
pers,” by our much esteemed friend, Mr. Scudder, in the American Naturalist (vol. 9, page 
113); in it not only is the apparatus described, but the notes are se t to music, and no doub 
can be sung by any accomplished vocalist ! 

Before closing this portion of our remarks, we would acknowledge our indebtedness, and 
call attention, to the admirable ‘ Synopsis of the Acrididz of North America,” by the Rey. 
Cyrus Thomas, Ph.D., published by the Government of the United States as a portion of Dr. 
Hayden’s Report on the U. 8. Geological Survey of the Territories. It is magnificently 
printed in quarto form, and is a complete monograph of the family. We take this opportu- 
nity of thanking Dr. Hayden for his courtesy in favouring us with a copy. 


MEANS OF REDUCING THE RAVAGES OF THE LOCUSTS. 


When a species of insect comes in countless millions suddenly, without any forewarning, 
upon a locality hundreds of miles away, it may be, from its place of birth, and devours in a 
single day every green thing upon the surface of the country, it seems almost impossible to 
suggest any remedy. Something, however, may, we believe, be done, but any measure to be 
in the least degree efficacious must be adopted universally over a large area of country. Before 
considering any method of combatting the plague, we must mention one remedy that has been 
received by the press with some degree of amusement, though gravely propounded by the 
editors of the American Naturalist. After referring to the destitution in Minnesota and the 
application from its State authorities to the general government for aid, they put the ques- 
tion :— 

“Why should not the grasshopper be eaten! in turn?’ Why not, indeed? For, as 
they state, ‘the grasshopper, or locust of the East, is universally eaten in portions of Africa 
and Western Asia, and pronounced a nutritious and palatable article of diet by Arab chiefs 
as well as Hottentot savages. They are eaten roasted whole, minus the legs, or roasted and 
powdered. We would recommend that experiments be made as to the best modes of prepar- 
ing the locust for food. They should be thoroughly cooked to guard against parasitic worms. 
Not willing to urge the use of grasshoppers as food for others, without first: eating them our- 
selves, we may say that we have found the grasshopper, first killed by boiling water, and then 
fried in butter, at least as palatable as many articles of food eaten by civilized people; and to 
people actually famishing, as is said to be the case in Minnesota, it will be worth their while 
to avail themselves of a food stuff which millions, perhaps, of people in other lands regard as 
wholesome,” 

In corroboration of this use of the locusts, we may add, that Dr. Livingstone speaks 
highly of the locust as an article of food in Africa, and considers them superior to shrimps. 
Honey, when it can be obtained, is often eaten with them, and, while improving the flavour, 
renders them more digestible. We need hardly remind our readers that this was the food of 
St. John the Baptist in the wilderness. The ancient historian, Herodotus, relates that lo- 
custs are used for food, being first dried in the sun, than reduced to powder, and drunk in 
milk. In his well-known work, on South Africa, Cumming states that “ Locusts afford fat- 
tening and wholesome food to man, birds and all sorts of beasts ; cows, horses, lions, jackals, 
hycenas, antelopes, elephants, &c., devour them. Our hungry dogs made a fine feast on 
them. . . . . Weroasted a quantity for ourselvesand our dozs.”” Kirby and Spencet 


40 


(People’s Edition, page 173,) state that, “as locusts are the greatest destroyers of food, so 
as some recompense, they furnish a considerable supply of it to numerous nations.” After 
quoting a number of authorities for this statement, they add that “they are preferred by the 
Moors to pigeons; and a person may eat a plateful of two or three hundred without feeling 
any ill effects. They usually boil them in water half-an-hour (having thrown away the head, 
wings and legs.) then sprinkle them with salt and pepper, fry them, adding a little vinegar.” 
We trust that the editors of the Naturalist will try this recipe next summer! Among the 
food products of the North American Indian (Report of Agricultural Department, Washing- 
ton, 1870,) we find enumerated grasshoppers or locusts, which are eaten by the Diggers of 
California and the Plains. They roast them in holes in the ground and mix them with pow- 
dered acorns; sometimes they make of them a soup or mush. Mr. Taylor, however, (Smithsonian 
Report, 1858,) referring to the same custom, declares that this kind of food is always found 
to sicken the Indians, and that this result is vouched for by the early settlers and the natives, 
and also by many travellers and voyagers who have visited California and the Rocky Mountain 
country, and by the Jesuits of Lower California. From these statements we may infer that 
the locusts on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, considered to be a distinct species 
from the (. spretus of the eastern side, are unwholesome, but it remains to be proved that a 
nutritious article of diet may not be obtained from the latter. Certainly, it is an experiment 
worth trying ; if successful, we should have a double benefit—the lessening of the numbers 
of the locusts, and a supply of food wherewith to meet the famine that they have produced. 
Such a fate for the invaders would be true poetic justice. 

In the Smithsonian Report for 1858, to which we have already referred, there is an 
interesting article, translated from the Russian of V. Motschulsky, in which much valuable 
information is afforded respecting the mode of dealing with locusts in Southern Russia and 
other neighbouring countries with regard to natural remedies. He states that ‘ whole gene- 
rations of them succumb to the climatic influence of those countries to which, impelled by 
hunger, they betake themselves. Winds and storms not unfrequently cast vast swarms of 
them into Jakes and seas, and other millions perish in crossing rivers. Frogs, lizards and 
various birds, especially of the starling, blackbird, lark, crow, jackdaw, stork and other spe- 
Gi s devour them with great avidity. Domestic fowls, as geese, ducks, turkeys and chickens 
are exceedingly fond of such food.” Among insects several species of ichneumons (Hymenop- 
tera) destroy them both in the egg and larval states. He concludes that “of the eggs laid 
by the locusts about one-tenth only succeed in passing through all the transformations of their 
existence, and with this tenth part alone it comes in contact with the husbandman. But even 
this is sufficiently great to furnish matter for reflection to every one who knows by experience 
what an attack of locusts is.” 

After describing a large number of artificial modes of contending against the locusts, some 
of which are quite useless, and others more or less successful, he draws up a number of gene- 
ral conclusions. Those at all applicable to North America we shall quote, with afew remarks 
upon them. 

(a) “It is necessary to observe in the autumn, especially after a hot summer, where the 
locusts have deposited their eggs, and to accustom persons appointed for the purpose to do 
so.” Much might, we think, be done in this way both by the State authorities in the west, by 
municipalities and by individuals. 

(b) “ As soon as the labours of tillage will permit, people should be sent out in the fall to 
collect the locusts’ eggs, provided with instruments for turning up the ground. _ If the eggs 
are deposited where ploughs and harrows can pass, these should be made use of. The egg- 
tubes of the locusts should be poured into sacks, and either measured or weighed, and 
suitable award paid for the amount collected, so as to stimulate numbers to busy themselve 
in this useful labour.’”’ Ifa c.rtain price per bushel or hundred-weight were offered for the 
ege-eases by the various local authorities in the regions affected, not only would the numbers 
of the locusts be greatly reduced, but remunerative employment would be afforded to those 
who have been suffering by their ravages. In many places the locusts deposit their eggs 
where they have just ravaged the fields, consequently the inhabitants will not have far to 
go in order to find the germs of the next year’s trouble. It would be desirable, too, that well- 
equipped expeditions of competent persons should be sent out to explore the regions border- 
ing on the Rocky Mountains, from which the swarms emanate in the first instance. 

(c) “ All the places where locusts’ eggs are found should be ploughed over, if possible, 


41 


two or three times very late inthe autumn. Special attention should also be given to bar- 
spots in the fields,where’not unfrequently great quantities of egg-tubes may remain unobserved.” 
This plan of deeply ploughing under the eggs of the grasshoppers, or of ploughing them up so 
as to expose them to all the changes of the weather, has been found very effective in Mani- 
toba and other places. 

(d) “ Breeding large quantities of domestic fowls and training them to feed on young 
locusts, is exceedingly advantageous to the husbandman.” Geese, chickens, turkeys and 
guinea-fowl are especially mentioned. This plan would be of very slight use as a protection 
against the migrating swarms of locusts, but it might be of some little value in places where 
they breed. It is well known that a large brood of turkeys is invaluable to a farmer where 
the common red-legged locust abounds. 

(e) If the locusts settle anywhere in a thick mass, large numbers may be destroyed in 
the evening, when they are quiet, by means of heavy iron or wooden rollers drawn by horses 
or oxen. This method might be of some slight advantage if generally adopted, but usually, 
by nightfall, most of the damage is done. 

A large number of other methods are mentioned, but they are entirely inapplicable to the 
vast and thinly populated regions of the west. 

A remedy is much employed, on the other hand, in America which could not be made 
use of in Russia, viz., fire. It is only during dry and very hot weather that the invasions 
take place. When a swarm has once alighted and has commenced the work of destruction it 
is often practicable to set fire to the fields and crops in places and thus kill or drive away 
the destroyer. In this case the remedy is almost as bad as the disease, but yetit has been 
adopted in many instances with good results. 

Noises made by trumpets, guns, cannons, &c., sometimes drive away a small body of 
locusts, but they are utterly useless when the invasion takes place on a large scale. 

On the whole,,it seems as if man can do but very little to ward off the attacks of this 
fearful scourge. Still it is proper that every effort should be made to find out the exact 
habits of the insect, and the particular localities from which it emanates; it is fitting, too, that 
no means should be left untried that affords any prospect of lessening the destruction that 
they occasion. The Arabian fable we cannot but feel, has much truth at the bottom of it ; they 
represent a locust as saying to Mahomet, ‘“ We are the army of the Great God ; we produce 
ninety-nine eggs, if the hundred were completed we should consume the whole earth and all 
that is in it.” While the people of the West are in the hands of Providence to protect them 
from such mighty armies as these, they can best help themselves by going to the root of the 
evil—that is to say, by reducing to the utmost extent the numbers of eggs that are laid for 
future broods. 

After all the accounts that we have given of these insects, we feel that nothing can equal 
in sublimity and correctness the description afforded by the Prophet Joel, ii. 2—11, 

‘© A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of’ clouds and thick darkness, as the morning 
spread upon“the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, 
neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations, A fire de- 
voureth before them and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of 
Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape 
them. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains shall they leap, like the noise 
of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble ; as astrong people set in battle array. Before 
their face the people shall be much pained ; all faces shall gather blackness, They shall run 
like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march 
every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks, neither shall one thrust another, 
they shall walk every one in his path, and when they fall upon the sword they shall not be 
wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city, they shall run upon the wall, they shall 
climb up upon the houses, they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall 
quake before them, the heavens shall tremble, the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the 
stars shall withdraw their shining, and the Lord sha’l utter His voice before His army, for 
His camp is very great, for He is strong that executeth His Word, for the day of the Lord is 
great and very terrible, and who can abide it ?” 


While the foregoing ;aper was passing through the printer’s hands, we cut from the Albany 
Country Gentleman, the fol'owing official statement of the misery caused by the plague of 


Locusts in the Western States, which fully corroborates any expressions that we have used 
above :— 

“THe WESTERN GRASSHOPPERS.—Commissioner-of-Agriculture Watts has issued a 
synopsis of information -received concerning the extent of suffering from the grasshopper 
plague, which we copy, somewhat condensed : 

“« First.—The area of this visitation comprises a zone 200 to 225 miles wide, extending 
from the settlements of Southern Dakota, through Nebraska and Kansas, over 500 miles in 
length, and inclining to south. A few western counties of Iowa aud Minnesota report injuries. 
The extent of territory visited by these insects in 1874 very considerably exceeds 100,000 
square miles. 

“ Second.—The grasshopper district west of Missouri embraces population of Kansas, Ne- 
braska and Southern Dakota, amounting to over 500,000 in 1870, with a large increment 
since. Including counties gast of the Missouri in Iowa and Minnesota more or less affected 
by the plague, I think it not extravagant to assign 750,000 as the approximate population of 
these districts, 

“ Third.—In Kansas, cases of total destitution in 50 counties reported vary from 40 to 
2,000 ; reports from counties not in this list show injuries as severe as in any others. The 
ayerage of such cases 555 in each county. These do not include cases of partial destitution, 
which, in some counties are quite large, ranging from 26 to 1,000. The cases of total and 
partial destitution in these 30 counties amount to over 40,000, while in other counties there 
are, probably, cases unreported sufficient to swell the aggregate to 50,000 .In the more thinly 
populated counties of Nebraska and Dakota the number of such cases is, of course, smaller. 
Adding the cases cast of Missouri, I do not think it out of the way to estimate the number 
of people affected by this pest at 75,000 to 100,000.” 


43, 


ON SOME INJURIOUS INSECTS. 


By W. Saunpers, Lonpon, ONTARIO, 


Tue Copiina Mors (Carpocapsa pomonella, Linn). 
THE PEAR TREE SLUG (Selandria cerasi, Puck). 


THe Copitine Morn (Carpocapsa pomonella, LINN). 


This is, indeed, one of the most troublesome insects with which we haye to contend, and 
one of the most difficult to deal with, and, although of foreign introduction, has spread 
over the greater part of our country entailing a yearly loss on our apple crop which it would 
be difficult to over estimate. We shall briefly givethe various features in its life history with 
a cut illustrating the insect as it appears in its various stages, and then detail such measures 
as have been suggested with a view to its destruction. 

Fig. 85. Fig. 35 represents a section of an apple which has 

been occupied by a codling worm—d shews the point 

of entrance of the young worm, the place of exit of 

the matured larva being shown at the left hand side of 

the figure ; ¢, the full-grown worm : h, its head and first 

segment magnified ; 7, the cocoon; d, the pupa re- 

moved from the cocoon; f, the moth with wings 
closed ; g, the same with wings expanded. 

Soon after it leaves the fruit in the fall, the 
larva selects some secluded of nook or cranny, un- 
der loose bark of tree or other convenient hiding 
place, and there spins its tough papery-looking cocoon, 
and within this secure retreat it remains in the lar- 
val condition until early in spring, when, a few weeks 
before the final change takes place,it enters the chrysalis 
state. It seems strange that this tiny creature should 
be endowed with such a power of varying the length 
of its larval existence, that at this season the larva 
should remain so long unchanged, while, in the case of the earlier summer brood, the change 
to chrysalis takes place almost immediately after the spinning of the cocoon. About the 
time of the opening of the apple blossoms this insect bursts its prison house and appears as a 
winged moth. See Fig. 35, g. 

The moth deposits her eggs singly, and usually in the calyx or eye, just as the young 
apple is forming. In about a week the larva is hatched, and at once the tiny worm begins 
to eat its way through the apple to the core. Its castings are commonly pushed out through the 
hole by which it has entered, which is from time to time enlarged for the purpose ; these usually 
adhere to the apple, so that, before the worm is full grown, infested fruit may generally be 
detected by the mass of reddish-brown exuvix protruding from the eye. Sometimes, as the 
larva approaches maturity, it eats a passage through the apple at the side, and out of this 
Opening its castings are thrust, and here the mature worm escapes when full grown, The 
occupied apple generally falls prematurely to the ground, sometimes with the worm in it, but 


44 


more commonly after the worm has escaped. The larvze which leave the apples while still 
on the trees, either crawl down the branches to the trunk of the tree, or otherwise let them- 
selyes down by a fine silken thread, which they spin at will, to the ground ; in either case, 
the greater portion of them take refuge under the rough loose bark on the trunk of the tree, 
and there spin their cocoons. The second brocd of moths appear from about the twentieth 
to the last of July. We have taken them on the wing at night as early as the nineteenth, 
but specimens confined in breeding boxes, have not, as a rule, made their appearance until 
about the end of the month. In the winged state they seldom live more than a few days, and 
in this brief space they pair, and the female deposits her eggs for the second brood of larvee, 
and, for this purpose, wisely shows a preference for the later app!es. The codling moth also 
attacks the pear, in some localities, most disastrously for the crop; the fruit, however, seldom 
falls to the ground until some time after the worm has left. 

Dr. Wm. Le Baron, State Entomologist, of Illinois, has devoted much time and atten- 
tion to the study of the history and habits of this insect, and has published in his last annual 
report an excellent paper on this subject. Mr. Riley, of St. Louis, has also made observations 
and experiments on this same insect, which corroborate those of Dr. le Baron, these are re- 
ferred to in the fifth and sixth annual reports on the noxious, beneficial and other insects of 
the State of Missouri; from both these sources we shall glean and make free use of such facts 
as we think will interest our readers. 

The number of eggs each moth is capable of laying will, probably, average not less than 
fifty, but these are not all matured at once, but may be found, by careful dissection of the 
body of the moth, in various stages of development. Hence they must be deposited succes- 
sively, the period probably extending over a week or more. 


REMEDIES. 


This is an all important matter in which, in this instance, man must rely chiefly on his 
own efforts, for although, doubtless, a large number of the worms and chrysalids are annually 
destroyed by birds, and another limited portion by parasitic insects, still from the advantage- 
ous shelter afforded them by the apple, and the fact of their movements after leaving it being 
mostly in the night time, the codling worm enjoys much immunity from natural foes. 

Dr. Le Baron divides this practical portion of the subject, as far as man’s work is con- 
cerned, into four. heads, and here we cannot do better than quote from his excellent 
paper :-— : 

“1st. Destroying the insects in their winter quarters. 

“2nd. Picking the wormy apples from the trees. 

“ 3rd. Gathering the wormy apples from the ground, or letting swine and sheep have 
the range of the orchard. 

“4th. Hntrapping the worms in bands and other contrivances,” 

Ist. Destroying the insects in their winter quarters.—When we consider that each fe- 
male moth is capable of laying fifty eggs or more, and that every worm of the first brood 
ruins an apple, we can see the importance of destroying these insects before they leave their 
winter quarters. We have already mentioned that in the state of nature, these worms pass 
the winter in cocoons, concealed under the bark, or in the crevices of apple trees. The sum- 
mer brood of worms, which remain but two weeks in the pupa state, sometimes content them- 
selves with a very slight protection, but it is the nature of the insect to seek deep conceal- 
ment, and the instinct of the second brood, which is to survive the winter, leads them to 
search for the deepest protection they can find. We, therefore, rarely find them under shal- 
low and loose scales of bark, but very often in deep cracks and crevices, partially embedding 
themselves in the substance of the wood or bark. Any superficial scraping of the trees, or 
whitewashing, or other outward applications would not, therefore, be likely to reach many of 
them ; and inasmuch as they may be hidden upon any part of the trunk or large branches, 
any attempt to discover them with the intention of digeing them out would, evidently, be im- 
practicable ; but at the point where we become powerless the woodpeckers come to our aid. 
In their search for just such hidden worms as these, those busy foragers unite business with 
pleasure, and all through the wintry day the sharp rattle of their beaks may often be heard in 
the orchard, as with ear intent and sharpened beak, and appetite not less sharp, they pursue 
their hidden prey with unerring and fatal precision, 


45 


“A more efficacious way of destroying these worms as far as our own instrumentality is 
concerned, is to search for them about the barrels and bins in which fall and winter apples 
have been kept. I have heard of instances where the sideboards of the bins have been taken 
away from time to time, as the apples were removed and thrown one upon another, in which 
these boards became so fastened together by the webs of the worms between them, that a 
number of boards could be raised by taking hold of the upper one only. There can be no 
doubt that the destruction of the codling-worm at this stage of its existence, would be very 
effective, and that it has been by far too much neglected.” 

Our esteemed President, Rev. C.J. S. Bethune in his remarks on this subject in our 
report for 1870, says “a very favourite locality for these worms is the space between the hoops 
and staves of the barrels. We have found hundreds in such positions especially in the winter 
of 1868-9. Where this occurs it is by all means worth while to scald the barrels thoroughly 
outside as well as inside, as soon as they are emptied or even to burn them. When boxes or 
bins are made use of for storing the fruit, the worms are sure to find some crevices to suit 
them, which should be searched for, and treated as in the case of the barrels.” 

2nd. Picking the wormy apples from the trees.—We have stated above that the young 
worms, soon after they have entered the apple, begin to throw out their castings through the 
hole which they made in entering. As this hole must be originally almost microscopically 
minute, it is evident that they must enlarge the opening for this purpose. We further stated 
that a portion of the castings adhere to the rough and shrivelled calyx, forming a rust 
coloured mass, which is easily seen from the ground below. Some horticulturists have ayailed 
themselves of this circumstance for the purpose of removing the wormy apples from the trees 
before the worms have escaped. The plan is to beat off the wormy apples, or else pick them 
off by means of a wire hook attached to the end of a pole. These two methods can be ver 
usefully combined by first jarring or beating off those apples which readily fall, and then 
going over the trees a second time with the pole and hook. The apples thus removed should 
of course be fed to swine, or otherwise treated so as to destroy the worms within. Too much 
value cannot be attached to these simple expedients, which in the case of a few choice trees, 
or even a small orchard, might almost be made to supercede the necessity of any other treat 
ment.”’ 

“3rd. Gathering the wormy wind-fall apples from the ground, or letting swine or sheep 
have the range of the orchard.—This plan has been generally recommended as of very great 
importance, Its efficacy will depend, of course, upon the proportion of worms which fall to 
the ground in the apples, as compared with those which leave the apples whilst hanging upon 
the tree. Those which crawl down the branches spin up before reaching the ground, and 
those which let themselves down by a thread, would, for the most part, be detected only by 
birds or by domestic fowls, and as there is reason to believe that they usually perform this act 
in the night, even these must fail to capture them.” 

* With regard to those wind-falls which contain worms, it is necessary to gather them 
frequently, that is every day or every second day at farthest. The apples do not usually fall 
until the worms are nearly matured, and they leaye them in the course of afew days. If you 
examine indiscriminately a large number of wind-fall apples lying under the trees, you will be 
surprised to find how few worms they contain, they evidently having left the fruit before it 
fell, or soon after.” 

“ But the most important question in this connection is, what proportion of the worms 
leave the apples before they full from the tree? I have endeavoured to arrive at an approxi- 
mate estimate upon the subject by putting two or more bands upon the same tree, upon the 
presumption that the worms descending from above will spin up in the upper band, and those 
crawling up from the ground in the lower. The following tables numbered for the purpose 
of reference give the results of these experiments. The wind-fall apples were left in every 
case as they fell upon the ground. 

“On the tenth of July, 1871, I put bands as follows, upon four trees, the ground under- 
neath being bare, or free from grass or rubbish of any kind. One band was put about a foot 
from the ground, another about two feet higher on the trunk, and others on two or three of 
the larger branches, eight or ten feet from the ground, They were examined July 28th, 
eighteen days after they were put on.” 

No. 1. 
Whole number of worms in all stages......,sssecsessesessetes seceeees 220 


oe OOS =$=S$S$=$M0$0—0—0°0°.—0000aaoaoaawhax&auauuwmsw8”"”"000093 


INumberjof ‘empty pupa cases. .s 0c. cuerareicrgeseoneess-ys=surees seus em 
INDEMIDGE OL PUpse tt cecstesersench eae tecitaanadones Licey daioretats ss Aerie tla 
Number of enclosed but unchanged larvee...........s.cscseeeseees sisi OD 

—- 220 


Number of all stages in lowest bands............00. ssecseessesevenenee D4 


Number of all stages in upper trunk bands.................see0ee00 ~ 83 
Number of all stages in bands om limbs............000. -cessereerensees 43 
No. 2. 


(Same trees examined August 11th, two weeks later.) 


Number of pupa cases....... pds HOUR IRIS Pages OF 28. OR OMG 
MNambertor pupoee en. sete eee lene: cera nesseteeemeneensee eas Ae acc . 24 
Number of larve...... Bee LO EE hadnt AG SARA Coot ea ED 


— 65 


Of these there were in lowest bands 21, middle or upper trunk 13, and on limbs 31. 
No. 3. 


(Same trees August 25th, two weeks from last.) 


Number) off pupaxcasess. 2% sjecis-ni-<biie-lapie sigh siesta) tepid ssp ols schcatbl 5s 1 
Number} off poupadibss .bedame simcees=dasneuaephicsst> Soa0 ae peceniey  eepile rae 4 
Number of larva; unchanged)....: jo). eseures-snohe «ages lotbianae eels 4 41 


— 46 
Distributed as follows, in lowest bands 24, middle or upper trunk 15, in, bands on limbs 7. 


No. 4. 


(Same trees September 9th, fifteen days later. Found larvze only.) 


Number intlowest: bands). 02). 20h, PO, OAL Oe IT ee 33 
Number in) middle bands. 620.. 002. 3e Ee ES, 1S, Deer 9 
Number in bands on limbs...........csseee. seceveveserees AUTO ARP Oe 9 

— 81 

No. 5. 
(Same trees September 23rd, two weeks later. Larvee only.) 

Number in lowest bands............ ....05- SERRA fe sie varie saearmenaere 28 
NUM DersInemMO dle bands.se7s.eececeneteee dere tematic cock cece 22 
INUMber In PaAnUs ONGLMDAT «. \ecce sateen cea seca es eted «identiocn eRe aime 4 

— 54 


“On the fourth of July, 1872. I selected a smooth thrifty apple-tree, six inches in 
diameter, growing upon grass land, and well filled with apples, bearing many marks of being 
wormy, but remarkably tenacious, and consequently but few lying upon the ground. Put 
two bands upon the trunk, one a foot and a half above the other. 

“ Examined Jaly 23rd, a moderate number of apples having in the meantime fallen upon 
the ground. 


Whole number in the lower band ................ccseeeceecetesesveeence 150 
Whole number in the upper band ...........sece, ssh suuh cdbesnnkelses 110 


47 


“The bands in this experiment were made of carpet six inches wide, and long enough to 
go twice around the tree, making a very abundant covert for the worms. As might have 
been anticipated, in this case the greater part of the worms in the upper band were found in 
its upper half, indicating that the worms had reached it by descending from above ; and on 
the other hand, the greater part of the worms in the lower band were in its lower half, show- 
ing that they had come up from the ground. We say the greater part, but not all, implying 
that some worms in each case had passed over one band and gone on to the next.” 

The above tables furnish data for many interesting and practical deductions. 

“ First, as respects the question now under consideration, namely, what proportion of 
the worms leave the apples before they fall from the tree ; if we add together all the worms 
found in the highest and the lowest bands respectively, and divide those in the middle or upper 
trunk bands equally between the other two, we shall have 436 in the lower bands, and 290 
in the upper, implying at first view that much the larger number came up from the ground. 
But there are several circumstances in these experiments which must be taken into account. 
and which will somewhat modify this conclusion. First, many of the limbs have no bands 
upon them, and the worms from these may be presumed to have found covert chiefly in the 
upper bands on the trunk. Second, two of the trees experimented upon were large rough 
trees, and a part of the worms undoubtedly spun up under the scales of bark on the limbs 
above the bands, And thirdly, we do not know what proportion of the worms may haye let 
themselves down to the ground by threads, and thus found shelter under the lowest bands. 
Taking these cireumstances into account, we shall perhaps arrive at au approximation sufficient- 
ly accurate for practical purposes, if we divide the whole number of worms equally between 
the upper and lower bands, from which we infer that about half the worms crawl down the 
tree, and the other half reach the ground either in the apples or by threads. We must infer 
from this as far as one series of experiments enables us to judge, that the gathering of wind- 
fall apples, either by ourselves or by the aid cf domestic animals, enables us to destroy less 
than half of the codling worms. 

“The animals used for this purpose are hogs and sheep, the latter are more cleanly, and 
equally effeetive, but they are liable to damage young trees by gnawing the bark.” 

4th. Entrapping the worms under bands,&c.—Our own experience in aseries of experiments, 
very similar to those above detailed, was much the same, excepting in the number of lary 
captured, which from five trees did not, at any one time, exceed 47, the distribution in the upper 
and lower bandages being nearly in the same proportion as that given by Dr. Le Baron. This 
method of entrapping the worms under bands is without doubt the most effective remedy yet de- 
vised, andif it were generally and persistently followed would effect a large yearly saving in the 
crop of this valuable fruit. Itis of great importance that united effort should be made in 
this case, as the evil is an increasing one, and the yearly loss now entailed something enor- 
mous. With us we have known the full-grown larva to be found under bandages as early as the 
4th of July, hence we think that their application should not be delayed later than the 1st. 
Indeed it would be wise to apply them a few days earlier than this. By referring to the first 
and second captures in Dr. Le Baron’s first experiment, it will be observed that quite a num- 
ber of empty pupa cases were found, 54 in all, showing that sufficient time had elapsed before 
examination to allow of the larve passing through the stage of chrysalis, and escaping as a per- 
fect insect to continue its work of destruction. To prevent escapes of this sort we should 
recommend that the bandages be examined every ten days until the latter end of August. 
After this, worms of the second brood only will be found, and since these remain in the laryal 
state until the following spring, the bands subsequently might be examined at leisure. 

As to the material to be used for bandaging we have found old sacking, (which ean often 
be obtained at trifling cost), to answer a very good purpose, cut into strips from six to eight 
inches wide, and long enough to go two or three times around the tree, and tied in the middle 
with a piece of stout twine. Strips of old carpet or cloth where they can be obtained, would, 
of course, prove equally good. In the excellent report of the Michigan Pomological Society, 
for 1873, we find that much interest is being excited throughout that State in reference to the 
codling moth, and many practical discussions are reported on the best means of fighting it, all 
however, agreeing in recommending the use of bandages. One apple grower recommends a 
bandage of common brown paper tied around the tree with a string ; another while reeommend- 
ing the paper thinks the string too much trouble, and advises the use of a tack to fasten the 
end of the bandage with. One advantage claimed for this material for bandaging is that birds 


48 


eS ae 


readily find the hiding places of the larva, pierce through the thin covering and capture the 
worms, thus employing the efficient aid of our feathered friends in this useful work. One 
gentleman is reported to take no trouble to remove his paper bandages, merely securing them 
to the tree and allowing the birds to do the capturing, replacing the paper only when it is 
torn to shreds. Another prefers to use bands of cloth four inches wide, fastening the end 
with a tack, he usually finds all the worms by simply turning the edges of the cloth up and 
down without taking off the band. Still another thinks all strings and tacks a bother, and 
fastens the bandage quite securely by merely tucking the end under. 

With reference to the economy of paper bandages, Mr. Riley in his fifth annual report, 
thus writes, ‘common straw paper 18 x 30 can be bought for 60 cents per bundle. Each 
bundle contains 240 sheets, and each sheet folded lengthwise thrice upon itself, will give us 
eight layers between two and three inches wide, and be of sufficient length to encircle most 
ordinary trees. It is easily drawn around the tree and fastened with a tack, and so cheap that 
when the time comes to destroy the worms, the bandages containing them may be detached, 
piled in a heap and burned, and new ones attached in their place. If eight bandages are 
used = each tree during the season the cost will be just two cents per tree.” 

ig. 36. Fig. 87. 


= 


Wier’s shingle trap, (see Figs. 36 and 37, 
36, the trap closed, 37, the same opened), () 
has also been recommended, it is made f/f). 
usually of three pieces of old shingle about * 
a foot long, and from four to six inches 
wide, fastened together and then nailed or 
screwed to the tree. In arranging the 
pieces the narrower ones should be placed 
next to the tree ; it is also recommended 
to put a few bits of straw between the 
i shingles so as to keep them slightly apart, 4 

experience, however, teaches that this g 
trap is not so efficient or convenient as 
either of the bandages already referred to. 


Brizr SUMMARY. 


While all other available means tending to the lessening of the numbers of the codling 
moth worms should be unhesitatingly employed, the chief reliance should be placed on the 
bandages, use strips of cloth, old carpet or sacking where these can be had, but if these 
materials are not readily procurable use paper or cotton. Bandages should be from four to 
eight inches wide and either fastened with a string or with a tack at the end, and will be all 
the better if long enough to go twice around the tree ; they should be fastened about half way 
up the trunk of the tree some time during the latter part of June, and be examined eyery ten 
days from the first of July until the last of August and at least once after the crop is secured. 
Care must be taken in unwinding the bandages to prevent the worms from escaping by drop- 
ping to the ground, which they readily do when their cocoons are thus torn asunder, A 
common clothes wringer, to pass the bandages through, is one of the readiest and surest 
methods of destroying the worms; and in this way the bandages can be rapidly handled and 
re-applied. Be careful to scrape the rough bark off old trees so that the worms may not find 
suitable hiding places either in descending or ascending the trunk until they reach the band- 
age ; attend to these instructions regularly and thoroughly, and try and induce all your neigh- 
bours to follow your example and rest assured that good results will attend united effort. 


PARASITES RECENTLY DISCOVERED, 
4% 
To Mr. Riley, of St. “Louis, belongs the honour of being the first to discover true para- 
sites affecting the codling moth worm, descriptions of which are given in his Fifth Annual 
Report (873). ‘“ Both of them are Ichneumon flies and the first may be called 


49 


“THe Rina-Leaaep Primera (Pimpla annulipes, BR). 


Fig. 38. 


“ This is ablack fly, varying considerably in size, the female 
sometimes measuring but 4, at others fully $ inch exclusive 
of ovipositor ; the male somewhat smaller. The genus 
Pimpla was briefly characterized in my last report, p. 43, 
where it was shown that this same species attacks the walnut 
care bearer ( Acrobasis juglandis, LEB). I annex a lateral 
ottline of a female Pimpla, Fig. 38, the male has a more 
slender abdomen which is unarmed. 

“PIMPLA ANNULIPES is black: the abdomen rough 

punctured above, with the borders of the joints polished and 
1A inclined to brown. The tegule are white, and the legs are 
*\ reddish, with the exception of the middle and hind tibia, 
Ss ) which are dusky—especially the hind pair—and have a broad 
‘white annulus, sometimes indistinct on the middle pair. The 
posterior tarsi are dusky, especially at tip. The palpi are pale yellow. Cresson says it may 
be distinguished from the other species of the genus, by the seutellum being black, the tegule 
white, aud the antericr cox yellowish red. 

“This fly eats its way through the chrysalis and the cocoon of the Codling Moth, with- 
out haying previously made any cocoon of its own. It was quite abundant last summer as 
from one lot of Carpocapsa cocoons, I obtained 21 parasites—all of them females but one. It 
is a widely distributed and common species. The second parasite may be called the 


“DELIcATE Lona-stine (Macrocentrus delicatus, CRES). 


“Tt has recently been described by Mr. E. T. Cresson (Zrans. Am. Ent. Soc. iv., p. 178), 
and is a somewhat variable species, occurring throughout the Hastern, Middle and Western, 
States, and in Mexico. I subjoin a description drawn up from my bred specimens. 

Fie. 89. “Male. Length 0°25; expanse 0°45 ; inch. 
Slender, colour pale, polished, honey yellow ; 
uniformly and sparsely pubescent ; tinged with 
brown superiorly, the basal joint of abdomen and 
a medio-dorsal line on the other joints being 
quite brown. //ead, with the eyes (except at 
dise), and a spot between ocelli, brown-black ; 
palpi long and almost white ; antenng one-fourth 
longer than the whole body, about 48 joints, ex- 
clusive of bulbus, curled at tip, the ends of basal 
joints and the whole of joints dusky. horas, 
with the sutures well defined, and two small 
triangular black spots behind front tegule, 
the metathorax strongly trilobed ; legs very 
long, pale honey yellow, with tips of tibiae and 
tarsi faintly dusky ; wings yellowish, hyaline 
and iridescent, with the veins luteous, and the 
stigma pale honey yellow. 

“Female. Rather larger and with the 
abdomen somewhat paler, otherwise similarly 
marked. Ovipositor yellow, } longer than body, 
the sheaths quite pilose, and inclining to fus- 
scou. Described from 2 females and 1 male. 

“Tt is a graceful fly with very long an- 
tenn and legs, and the female with a long 
ovipositor Fig. 39, ‘(the hair lines at the side 
of the figure show the natural size of the fly).” 
The colour is pale honey yellow inclining to brown above. The unfortunate apple-worm is 
probably pierced while yet in the fruit, as it always succumbs soon after forming its cocoon, 

E 


50 


and before changing to chrysalis ; while in the case of Pimpla, it is probably attacked either 
while leaying the fruit or after having spun its cocoon. The larva of the Delicate Long-sting 
forms, for itself, within the cocoon of its victim, a sufficiently tough, thin, oblong-oval, shiny, 
brown cocoon from which the perfect fly issues by cutting open a lid at one end. 

“ As both these parasites transform within the Carpocapsa cocoon, it is next to impossible 
and quite impracticable, to separate friend from foe in removing and destroying the contents of 
the bandages. But where itis desired to disseminate the parasites they may be bred by enclos- 
ing large numbers of Campocapsa cocoons in some tight vessel.” 

On the 13th of August, 1873, we took a number of chrysalides of the Codling Moth 
under a bandage on an apple tree and among them there was one which was infested by Icheu- 
mons. The chrysalis when emptied was found to contain six of the parasitic larvae of which 
the following description was taken. Length a little over one-tenth of an inch, body tapering 
almost to a point towards the head. Colour, dull, yellowish white with a tinge of yellow 
along the dorsal region, very transparent the internal organs showing plainly through. On 
each segment is a transverse row of short whitish spines, terminal segment encircled with 
stouter whitish spines. No proper feet or prolegs, but in moving, the mouth-parts attach 
first with a sucker-like disk and the hinder portions of the body are drewn gradually forward, 
different portions of the under surface bring furnished with small fleshy prominences which 
are attached and in turn withdrawn from the surface on which the larva is moving; the 
principal points of attachment, however, seem to be the first and terminal segments, under the 
latter when viewed sideways, there appears a fleshy projection much larger than any of those 
on the other segments, and this projection expands into a flattened disk which holds the larva 
firmly to the place of attachment. 

We did not succeed in rearing these larve ; after the chrysalis which contained them 
was broken open they, one after another died in spite of all our efforts towards their preserva- 
tion. Whether this would have proved distinct from the species last described by Mr. Riley, 
and thus made a third true parasite on this pest we are unable at present to determine. 


THE PEAR TREE Siva. 
Selandria Cerasi. Peck. 


In the year 1790 Prof. Peck wrote a pamphlet entitled “‘ Natural History of the Slug 
Worm,” which was;printed in Boston the same year by order of the Massachusetts Agricul- 
tural Society, and which obtained the Society’s premium of fifty dollars and a gold medal. 
This, as far as we have been able to learn, was the first published record relating to the ravages 
of this insect in America. Forty-two years later (in 1841) Dr. Harris published his valuable 
treatise “On some of the insects injurious to vegetation in Massachusetts,’ in which when 
treating of this insect he gives the substance of Prof. Peck’s remarks in a condensed form, por- 
tions of which material we shall avail ourselves of without further acknowledgement. ‘Although 
seventy-five years have passed since Prof. Peck’s memoir was written, but very little has been 
added during the interval to our common stock of knowledge in reference to this pest. In the 
meantime, however, it has spread oyer the whole country, damaging more or less seriously 
the foliage of our pear, cherry, quince and plum trees every year. 

These insects pass the winter in the chrysulis state, the parent flies, the progenitors of the 
mischievous brood of slugs, appearing on the wing from about the third week in May until 

Fig 40. the middle of June. ‘The fly (See Fig. 40) “ is of a glossy black colour, ex- 
cepting the first two pairs of legs, which are dirty yellow or clay coloured 
with blackish thighs, and the hind legs which are dull black with clay coloured 
knees. The wings are somewhat convex and rumpled or uneven on the up- 
per side like the wings of the saw flies generally. They are transparent, re- 
flecting the colours of the rainbow, and have a smoky tinge forming a cloud or broad band 
across the middle of the first pair ; the veins are brownish. The body of the female measures 
more than one-fifth of an inch in length, that of the male is smaller.” arly in June these 
flies may be found resting in the early morning, or in the cool of the evening, on the upper 
or under side of the leaves of pear, cherry or plum trees, some seasons they are very plentiful, 
while at other times but few are met with. When jarring our plum trees for curculios at 
this season we usually find some on the sheets after jarring, they fall to the ground very 


51 


—<————S 


much like the curculio does, and remain for a short time motionless ; their structure, how- 
ever, is not such as will permit of their disguising themselves as thoroughly as the “little 
turk” does, and hence they are easily detected. During the past season these flies were very 

_numerous during the early part of June, and their progeny was destructive in a correspond- 
ing degree later in the summer. 

After pairing the female places her eggs singly within little semicircular incisions through 
the skin of the leaf, which is frequently followed by some discolouration at the point of inser- 
tion. Harris says that the eggs are generally placed on the lower side of the leayes, whereas 
in our experience we have found them quite as often on the upper side. According to the 
same author the flies all finish this business of egg depositing and disappear within the space 
of three weeks. “ The flies have net the timidity of many other inscets, and are not easily dis- 
turbed while laying their eggs. On the fourteenth day afterwards the eggs begin to hatch, and 
the young slug worms (see those on leaf in Fig. 41) continue to come forth from the fifth of 
June to the 20th of July, according as the flies have appeared early or late in the spring.” 

Fig. 41. “At first the slugs are white; but a slimy 
= % matter soon oozes out of their skin, and covers 
.{/%\ their backs with an olive-coloured sticky coat. They 
Me have twenty very short legs, or a pair under each 
segment of the body excepting the fourth and the 
last. When fully grown (See a Fig. 41) they are 

——_ = about nine-twentieths of an inch in length. The 
head which is of a dark chestnut colour is small,and is entirely concealed under the fore part of 
the body. They are largest before, and taper behind, and in form somewhat resemble minute 
tadpoles. They have the faculty of swelling out the fore part of the body, and generally rest 
with the tail a little turned up. These disgusting slugs live mostly on the upper side of the 
leaves of the pear and cherry trees, and eat away the substance thereof, leaving only the veins 
and the skin beneath untouched. Sometimes twenty or thirty of them may be seen on a 
single leaf ; and in the year 1797 they were so abundant in some parts of Massachusetts that 
small trees were covered with them, and the foliage entirely destroyed, and even the air by 
passing through the trees, became charged with a very disagreeable and sickening odour, given 
out by these slimy creatures. The trees attacked by them are forced to throw out new leaves, 
during the heat of the summer, at the ends of the twigs and branches, and this unseasonable 
foliage which should not have appeared until the next spring, exhausts the vigour of the trees, 
and cuts off the prospect of fruit.” 

“ The slug worms come to their growth in twenty-six days, during which period they 
cast their skins five times. Frequently as soon as the skin is shed, they are seen feeding 
upon it ; but they never touch the last coat which remains stretched out upon the leaf. After 
this is cast off, they no longer retain their slimy appearance and olive colour, but have a clean 
yellow skin, entirely free from vicidity. They change also in form and become proportion- 
ally longer, and their head and the marks between the rings are plainly to be seen. In a few 
hours after this change they leave the trees, and, having crept or fallen to the ground, they 
burrow to the depth of from one inch to three or four inches, according to the nature of the 
soil. Py moving their body the earth around them becomes pressed equally on all sides, and 
an oblong, oval cavity is thus formed, and is afterwards lined with a sticky glossy substance, 
to which the grains of earth closely adhere. Within these little earthen cells or cocoons the 
change to chrysalids takes place, and in sixteen days after the descent of the slug worms, finish 
their transformations, break open their cells, and crawl to the surface of the ground, where 
they appear in the fly form. These flies usually come forth between the middle of July and 
the 1st of August, and lay their eggs for a second brood of slug-worms. The latter come to 
their growth and go into the ground in September and October, and remain there till the fol- 
lowing spring, when they are changed to flies and Jeave their winter quarters. It seems that 
all of them, however, do not finish their transformation at this time; some are found to re- 
main unchanged in the ground till the following year ; so that ifall the slugs of the first hatch 
in any one year should happen to be destroyed, enough from a former brood would still re- 
main in the earth to continue the species.”’ 

“The disgusting appearance and smell of these slug-worms do not protect them from the 
attacks of various enemies. Mice and other burrowing animals destroy many of them in 
their cocoons, and it is probable that birds also prey upon them when on the trees both in the 


« 


52 


slug and winged state. Professor Peck has described a minute ichneumon fly, stated by Mr. 
Westwood to be a species of Encyrtus, that stings the eggs of the slug fly, and deposits in 
each one a single egg of her own. From this in due time a little maggot is hatched, which 
lives in the shell of the slug-fly’s egg, devours the contents, and afterwards is changed to a 
chrysalis, and then to a fly like its parents. Professor Peck found that great numbers of the 
eges of the slug-fiy, especially of the second hatch, were rendered abortive by this atom of ex- 
istence. 

Sand, ashes, lime-and hellebore have been recommended as remedies for this pest but the 
last mentioned is by far the most reliable. In 1870 we tried some experiments with these rem- 
edies, and reported in the CANADIAN Enromo toaisr for September of that year, as follows :— 

> 


THe PrarR TREE SLUG. 


This disgusting little larva, the progeny of a little blackish sawfly, has been very abun- 
dant during the past season and has been the subject of some notes and experiments. In the 
first place we noted that there were two broods in the season. The parents of the first brood, 
which pass the winter in the chrysalis state, appear on the wing about the second or third 
week in May, depositing eggs from which the slugs are hatched, becoming full grown from 
the middle to the end of June, then entering the chrysalis state underground ; the second 
brood of the flies make their appearance late in July. This year we noticed them at work 
depositing egos on the 21st, the young slugs were abundant and about a quarter of an inch 
long on the eighth of August. and by the sixth of September many of them were full-grown. 
With us they were much more destructive to cherry trees than to pear, consuming the upper 
surface of the leaves, soon giving the trees a scorched and sickly aspect, and in many cases 
the foliage fell off, leaving the trees almost bare. 

As soon as the slugs were observed at work in Spring, they weretreated to a plentiful supply 
of dry sand, thrown up into the higher branches with a shovel, and shaken oyer the lower ones 
through a sieve, which stuck thickly to their slimy skins, completely covering them up. 
Thinking we must have mastered them by so free a use of this long trusted remedy, we took no 
further heed of them for some days, when to our surprise, they were found as numerous as ever. 
The next step was to test this sand remedy accurately to see what virtue there was in it. 
Several small branches of pear trees were selected and marked, on which there were six slugs, 
and these were well powdered over—entirely covered with dry sand ; on examining them the 
next morning it was found that they had shed the sand-coyered skin and crawled out free and 
slimy again. The sand was applied a second and third time on the same insects with similar 
resalts; and now being convinced that this remedy was of little value, they were treated to a 
dos of hellebore and water, which soon finished them. Ashes were now tried on another lot, 
the same way as the sand had been, with very similar results. It was also intended to try 
fresh air slacked-lime, which we believe would be effectual, but having none on hand just then, 
the experiment was postponed, and the opportunity of testing it lost for the season. We 
must not omit mention of an experiment with hellebore. On the 13th of August, at eight 
a.m., a branch ofa cherry tree was plucked, on which tkere were sixty-four slugs ; the branch 
had only nine leaves, so that it may be readily imagined that they were thickly inhabited. A 
dose of hellebore and water was showered on them about the usual strength, an ounce to the 
pailful, when they soon manifested symptoms of uneasiness, twisting and jerking about in a 
eurious manner; many died during the day, and only six poor, sickly-looking specimens 
remained alive the following morning, and these soon after died, 

During the past season these slug worms have been unusually abundant on our pear 
trees, in many cases destroying the foliage so thoroughly that they looked asif they had been 
seorched by a fire, every leaf in some instances dropping from the trees, so that for a time they 
were bare as in mid-winter. Nearly a thousand trees in the young pear orchards of the 
writer suffered severely, During the latter part of June and the early days of July we had 
ne opportunity of inspecting these trees, and when we visited them on the 7th of July they 
were so much injured that we thought they could not be much worse, and as the slugs were 
then full-grown and fast disappearing and the application of a remedy to so many trees a 
matter of much labour nothing was attempted to remedy the evil then. 

It was observed that some trees were remarkably exempt from the attacks of these slugs 
Clapp’s favourite deserves to be especially mentioned on this account, its thick glossy leaves 


53 


seemed to be uninviting, and when all around were seared, and browned, and withered trees of 
this variety wherever found were covered with a foliage rendered doubtly attractive and 
beautiful by the waste and dismal appearance of those about them. The following notes were 
taken at the time in reference to the relative damage inflicted on the different varieties of pear 
trees in those portions of the orchards most injured. Beurre Giffard most of the trees 
slightly, a few badly damaged. Ananas d’Ete, but slightly injured. Beurre d’Amanlis, 
same as Beurre Giffard. Beurre Goubault, entirely stripped. Brandywine, some stripped, 
others but little affected in the same row. Doyenne d’Ete, badly injured. Bartlett suffered 
very much, nearly all the trees being stripped. Edmunds injured badly, but not so much 
as Bartlett. Souvenir de Congress, nearly stripped. Kirtland, Dwarfs, not much affected. 
Standards, badly injured. Leech’s Kingsessing, scarcely touched. Osbands Summer, badly 
damaged, not a leaf left on many of the trees. Rostiezer, some very badly injured, others not 
so much. Dearborns Seedling, nearly stripped. Tyson, badly affected. Ott’s Seedling, not 
much injured. Marechale de la Cour, nearly free. Beurre de Montgeron, Frederica Bremer, 
Abbott and Fleur de Niege, scarcely touched. Beurre Diel, some few trees very much in 
jured, others not so badly. Gansel’s Bergamot, stripped. Buffum and Beurre Superfin, 
scarcely injured. Sheldon, injured, but not badly. Beurre de Waterloo, scarcely touched. 
Beurre Amande, singularly free. Beurre St. Nicholas, Oswego Beurre and Golden Beurre, 
not much injured. Beurre de Paimpool, nearly stripped. It was intended to go over all the 
other varieties in a similar manner, but opportunity did not offer. In the course of another 
fortnight new leaves began to push out vigorously on the defoliated trees and within a month 
or six weeks all was green again, 

In the meantime these mischief makers were preparing for a second descent, and we in 
turn were preparing to receive them ; on the 29th of July, when going through the orchards 
in the afternoon, the new brood of flies were found in the greatest abundance, resting on the 
young leaves, or on those portions of green which still remained on the leaves partially eaten 
by the last brood, they were congregated, however, more especially on those trees where green 
leaves were most abundant. On disturbing them they would fall to the ground with the 
antennx bent under their bodies, and the head bent forward. On half a dozen trees we 
caught about 60 specimens, and might have taken hundreds, they were so thickly spread that 
in many instances there were two and three ona single leaf. By the last week in August, 
the second brood of slugs were hatched ; some very tiny creatures, others by this time half 
grown. Now, those trees which had previously escaped were all more or less covered, and 
would no doubt soon have been stripped, nad not some measures been at once taken to destroy 
them. A raised platform was rigged up in a one horse cart in which was placed a barrel of 
water in which a pound of powdered hellebore had been mixed, and from the elevated stand 
this mixture was showered lightly on the trees from the rose of a watering pot. It was 
astonishing how quickly the trees were cleaned scarcely one could be found on a 
tree the morning after the application had been made, and ten pounds of hellebore with five 
or six days work of man and horse served to go over the whole ground, the work being com- 
pleted in much less time than we had supposed it could. 


54 


THE GRAPE VINE PHYLLOXERA. 


(Phylloxera vastutriz, PLANCHON.) 


CoMPILED BY THE Rey. C. J. S. Beruune, M.A. 


With the exception of the Colorado Potato Beetle, and the Locust of the Western States, of 
which we have given an account in another article, there is probably no insect that attracts more 
general attention at the present time than the destructive Grape-Vine Phylloxera (P. vastatrix, 
Planchon). To us in Canada it is but little known, but as its ravages may spread over our own 
vineyards at any time, and as it must be an object of interest to all vinegrowers, we think it 
proper to present to the readers of this Report an account of the insect and such other parti- 
culars as we are enabled to gather together. The fact of the rare occurrence of the insect in 
this country, and the consequent difficulties in the way of its study, is a sufficient reason, we 
trust, why we should offer a compilation from the writings of others, rather than attempt any 
original remarks of our own. Our quotations, unless otherwise specified, will be taken from 
the admirable paper on the Phylloxera, by our valued friend, Professor C. V. Riley, State 
Entomologist of Missouri, contained in his last Report (Stati Annual Report on the Insects of 
Missouri, 1874, pages 30-87.) The estimation in which Mr. Riley’s work in this respect is 
held in the great vine-growing countries of Europe, may be judged from the fact that, in the 
month of February last, he was presented with a very handsome gold medal by the Minister 
of Agriculture and Commerce of France, “ in appreciation of his discoveries in Economic 
Entomology, and especially of his services rendered to French grape culture.” 

Though one form of the insect, the gall-inhabiting type, was noticed by Dr. Fitch, State 
Entomologist of New York, as long ago as 1856, very little attention was paid to it for some 
years. At length the serious disease of the grape-vine began to attract attention in France, 
and to cause so much alarm, that the authorities offered a prize of 20,000 franes for an effec- 
tual and practicable remedy. The disease was at first termed powrridie, or rotting —the roots 
becoming swollen and bloated, and finally wasting away. There were no end of surmises and 
theories as to cause, until Professor J. H. Planchon, of Montpellier, in July, 1868, announced 
that it was due to the puncture of a minute insect belonging to the plart-louse family (Aphi- 
didw), and bearing aclose resemblance to our gall-louse.” The following January, Professor 
Westwood, of Oxford, England, announced that he considered both the gall and root-inhabit- 
ing types to b> different forms of the same insect. Shortly after a French writer gave it as 
his opinion that the European insect was identical with the American species long before de- 
seribed by Dr. Fitch. “This opinion,” says Mr. Riley, “ gave an additional interest to this 
insect, and I succeeded, in 1870, in establishing the identity of the French gall-insect with 
ours. During the same year I also established the identity of the gall and root-inhabiting 
types, by showing that in the fall of the year the last brood of gall-lice betake themselves to 
the roots and hibernate thereon. In 1871, I visited France and studied their insect in the 
field; and in the fall of that year, after making more extended observations here, I was able 
to give absolute proof of the identity of the two insects, and to make other discoveries, which 
not only interested our friends abroad, but were of vital importance to our own grape- 
growers, especially in the Mississippi Valley. Ihave given every reason to believe that the failure 
in the European vine, (Vitis vinifera), when planted here, the partial failure of many hybrids 
with the European vinifera, and the deterioration and death of many of the more tender-rooted 
native varieties, are mainly owing to the injurious work of this insidious little root-louse. It 


55 


\ 
had been at its destructive work for years, producing injury the true cause of which was 
never suspected until the publication of the article in my fourth Report. I also showed that 
some of our native varieties enjoyed relative immunity from the insects’ attacks, and urged 
their use for stocks, as a means of re-establishing the blighted vineyards of Southern 
France.” 

“ The disease continued to spread in Europe, and became so calamitous in the last- 
named country that the French Academy of Sciences appointed a standing Phylloxera Com- 
mittee. It is also attracting some attention in Portugal, Austria and Germany, and even in 
England, where it affects hot-house grapes.” 


Narvurat History or THE INSECT. 


The genus Phylloxera is characterized by having three-jointed antenne, the third or 
terminal being much the longest, and by carrying its wings overlapping, flat on the back in- 
stead of roof-fashion, It belongs to the sub-order of whole-winged bugs (Homoptera), and 
forms a connecting link between two of its great families, the Plant-lice(Aphidide) on the 
one hand, and the Bark-lice (Coccidw) on the other. It is generally considered, however, to 
pertain to the former family, though some naturalists, with the not uncommon love of intro- 
ducing new names and minute classifications, have desired to found a new family for this 
special insect. 

Not the least interesting feature in the economy of the Phylloxera is the different phases 
or forms under which it presents itself. Among these forms are two constant types which 
have led many to suppose that we have to do with two species. The one type, which for 
convenience Mr. Riley terms ga/lecola, lives in galls on the leaves; the other which he calls 
radicicola, lives on swellings of the roots. They may be tabulated thus :— 

Typel. Gallecola (see Figure 43, f, g, h), 

Type 2. Radicicola. 
A, Degraded or wingless form (see Figure 44, ¢, f, g.) 
B, Perfect or winged form (see Figure 45, g, h.) 


“Type GALLEHCOLA OR GALL-INHABITING.—The gall or excrescence produced by this 
inseet is simply a fleshy swelling of the under side of the leaf, more or less wrinkled and 
hairy, with a corresponding depression of the upper side, the margin of the cup being fuzzy, 
and drawn together so as to form a fimbriated mouth. It is usually cup-shaped, but some- 
times greatly elongated or purse-shaped. 

Soon after the first vine-leaves that put out in the spring have fully expanded, a few 

Fig. 42. scattering galls may be found, mostly on the 
lower leaves, nearest the ground. These ver- 
nal galls are usually large, (of the size of an ordi- 
nary pea), and tne normal green is often blushed 
with rose where exposed to the light of the sun. 
On carefully opening one o° them (Fig. 43, d) we 
shall find the mother-louse diligently at work 
surrounding herself with pale-yellow eggs of an 
? elongate oval form, scarcely .01 inch long, 
and not quite half as thick (Fig. 43, ¢). She is 
about .04 inch long, generally spherical in shape, 
of a dull orange colour, and looks not unlike an 
immature seed of the common purslane. At 
times, by the elongation of the abdomen, the 
shape assumes, more or less perfectly, the pyri- 
form. Her members are all dusky, and so short 
compared to her swollen body, that she appears 
very clumsy, and undoubtedly would be out- 

Under side of Leaf covered with Galls. side of her gall, which she never has occasion 
to quit, and which serves her alike as dwelling-house and coffin. More carefully examined, 
her skin is seen to be shagreened or minutely granulated and furnished with rows 
of minute hairs, The eggs begin to hatch when six or eight days old into active 


re 


ay 
hg 


#3 


56 


little oval, hexapod beings, which differ from their mother in their bright yellow 
colour and more perfect legs and antenne, the tarsi being furnished with long, 
pliant hairs, terminating in a more or less distinct globule. In hatching, the eggs 
split longitudinally from the anterior end, and the young louse whose pale yellow is 
in strong contrast with the more dusky colour of the ege-shell, escapes in the course 
of two minutes. Issuing from the mouth of the gall, these young lice scatter over the vine, 
most of them finding their way to the tender terminal leaves, where they settle in the downy 
bed which the tomentose nature of these leaves affords, and commence pumping up and appropriat- 
ing the sap. The tongue-sheath is blunt and heavy, but the tongue proper—consisting of 
three brown, elastic and wiry filaments, which, united, make so fine a thread as scarcely to be 
visible with the strongest microscope—is sharp, and easily run under the parenchyma of the 
Fig. 43. leaf. Its puncture causes a curious change 
- in the tissues of the leaf, the growth being 
so stimulated that the under side bulges 
and thickens, while the down on the upper 
side increases in a circle around the louse, 
and finally hides and covers it as it recedes 
more and more within the deepening cavity. 
Sometimes the lice are so crowded that two 
occupy the samé gall. If, from the prema- 
ture death of the louse, or other cause, the 
gall becomes abortive before being com- 
pleted, then the circle of thickened down 
or fuzz enlarges with the expansion of the 
leaf, and remains (Fig. 43, ¢) to tell the 
tale of the futile effort. Otherwise, in a 
few days the gall is formed, and the inheld 
louse, which, while eating its way into 
TyPE GALL&COLA :—a, b, newly-hatched larva, ventral and dorsal house and home, was also growing apace, 
view 5 tHE ih woton of all ellie of tend: % begins a parthenogenetic maternity by the 
na ;j, her two jointed tarsus. Natural sizes indicated at sides. depc sition of the fertile eggs, as her imme- 
diate parent had done before. She increases in bulk with pregnancy, and one egg follows 
another in quick succession, until the gall is crowded. The mother dies and shrivels, and the 
young, as they hatch, issue and found new galls. This process continues during the summer 
until the fifth or sixth generation. Every egg brings forth a fertile female, which soon be- 
comes wonderfully prolific. The number of eges found in asingle gall averages about 200 ; 
yet it will sometimes reach as many as 500, and, if Dr. Shimer’s observations can be relied on, 
it may even reach 5,000. I have never found any such number myself; but, even supposing 
there are but five generations during the year, and taking the lowest of the above figures, the 
immense prolificacy of the species becomes manifest. As summer advances they frequently 
completely cover the leaves with their galls, and settle on the tendrils, leaf-stalks and tender 
branches, where they also form knots and rounded exerescences (Fig. 43, e) much resembling 
those on the roots. In such a case, the vine loses its leayes prematurely, usually, however, 
the natural enemies of the louse seriously reduce its numbers by the time the vine ceases its 
erowth in the fall, and the few remaining lice, finding no more succulent and suitable leaves, 
seek the roots. Thus by the end of September, the galls are mostly deserted, and those 
which are left are almost always infested with mildew, and eventually turn brown and deeay. 
On the roots the young lice attach themselves singly or in little groups and thus hibernate. 
The male louse has never been seen, nor does the female ever acquire wings. Indeed, too 
much stress cannot be laid on the fact that Gallecola occurs only as an agamic 
and apterous female form. It is but a transient summer state, not at all essential to the 
perpetuation of the species, and does, compared with the other type, but trifling damage. It 
has been found occasionally by Mr. Riley on all species of the grape-vine (vinifera, riparia, 
estivalis and Labrusca) cultivated in the Hastern and Middle States, and on the wild cordifolia ; 
but it flourishes only on the river-bank grape (riparia), and more especially on the Clinton 
and Taylor, with their close allies. Thus while legions of the root-inhabiting type (radicicola) 
are overrunning and devasting the vineyards of France, this one is almost unknown there 
except on such American varieties as it infests with us.”’ 


“Type RADIOIOOLA OR RooT-INHABITING.— We have seen that, in all probability, 
gallecola exists only in the apterous, shagreened, non-tubercled, fecund female from. Hadici- 
cola, however, presents itself in two principal 
forms. The newly-hatched larve of this 
type are undistinguishable, in all essential 
characters, from those hatched in the galls, 
but in due time they shed the smooth larval 
skin, and acquire raised warts or tubercles ; 
which at once distinguish them from gallw- 
cola. In the development from this point 
the two forms are separable with sufficient 
ease: one (A) of a more dingy greenish 
yellow, with more swollen fore-body, and 
more tapering abdomen ; the other (B) of a 
brighter yellow, with the lateral outline more 
perfectly oval, and with the abdomen more 
truncated at tip.” * 

“The first or mother form (Fig. 44, f, 7,) 
is the analogue of gallecola, as it never ac- 
Type Rapicicona.—a, roots of Clinton vine, showing relation quires wines, and 18 occupied, from ado- 
SB pee eg cae en Ls Cae oleae gta 
same ¥ e, th q forms of more mature tee 3 h, pear ataene of are 5 which are less numerous and somewhat larger 
i, tubercle : j, transverse folds at borders of joints ; k, simple eyes. than those found in the galls, T have counted 
in the spring as many as two hundred and sixty-five eges in a cluster, and all evidently from 
one mother, who was yet very plump and still occupied in laying. As a rule, however, they 
are less numerous. With pregnancy this form becomes quite tumid and more or less pyri- 
form, and is content to remain with scarcely any motion in the more secluded parts of the 
roots, such as the creases, sutures and depressions, which the knots afford. The skin is dis- 
tinctly shagreened (Fig. 44, h,) as in gallecola. The warts, though usually quite visible with 
a good lens, are at other times more or less obsolete, especially on the abdomen. The eyes, 
which were quite perfect in the Iarva, become more simple with each moult, until they consist, 
as in gallacola, of but triple eyelets (Fig. 44, /,) and, in the general structure, this form becomes 
more degraded with maturity, wherein it shows the affinity of the species to the Coccidw, the 
females of which, as they mature, generally lose all trace of the members they possessed when 
born.” 

«The second or more oval form(Fig. 44, ¢,) is destined to become winged. Its tubercles 
when once acquired, are always conspicuous ; it is more active than the other, and its eyes 
inerease rather than diminish in complexity with age. From the time it is one-third grown the 
little dusky wing-pads may be discovered, though less conspicuously than in the pupa state, 
which is soon after assumed. The pupze (Fig- 45, e, f,) are still more active, and after feeding 
a short time, they make their way to the light of day, crawl over the ground and over the 
vines, and finally shed their last skin and assume the winged state. In their last moult the 
tubercled skin splits on the back, and is soon worked off, the body in the winged insect having 
neither tubercles nor granulations.” 

«The winged insects are most abundant in August and September, but may be found as 
early as the first of July, and until the vines cease growing in the fall. The majority of them 
are females, with the abdomen large and more or less elongate. From two to five eggs may 
invariably be found in the abdomen of these, and are easily seen when the insect is held up 
to the light, or mounted in balsam or glycerine.”’ 

*¢ As fall advances the winged individuals become more and more scarce, and as winter 
sets in only eggs, newly-hatched larve, and a few apterous egg-bearing mothers, are seen. 
These last die and disappear during the winter, which is mostly passed in the larva state, 
with here and there afeweggs. The larve thus hibernating (Fig. 44, }) become dingy, with 
the body and limbs more shagreened and the claws less perfect than when first hatched ; and, 
of thousands examined, all bear the same appearance, and all are furnished with strong 


* “Tt is not to be understood, in making these distinctions, that these differences of form are so constant 
that they can always be relied on ; for the form of the body varies, so that_the wingless mother may present 
the more perfect oval of that destined to become winged.” 


58 


suckers. As soon as the ground thaws and the sap starts in the spring, these young lice 
work off their winter coat, and, growing apace, commence to deposit eggs. All, without ex- 
’ ception, become mothers, and assume the degraded form (A) already described. 


Fie. 45. 


idiidbives—s 


ATT 


ee) 


rh 


Typr RapicicoLa :—a, shows a healthy root ; 6, one on which the lice are working, re- 
presenting the knots and swellings caused by their punctures ; c, a root that has been 
deserted by them, und where the rootlets have commenced to decay ; d, d, d, show 
how the lice are found on the larger roots ; ¢, female pupa, dorsal view ; f, same, 
ventral view ; g, winged female, dorsal view ; , same, ventral view ; 7, magnified 
antenna of winged insect ; 7, side view of the wingless female, laying eggs on roots ; 
k, shows how the punctures of the lice cause the larger roots to rot. 


“ At this season of the year, with the exuberant juices of the plant, the swellings on the 
roots are large and succulent, and the lice plump to repletion. One generation of the mother 
form (A) follows another—fertility increasing with the increasing heat aud luxuriance of 
summer—until at last the third or fourth has been reached before the winged form (8) 
makes its appearance in the latter part of June or early in July. Such are the main fea- 
tures which the development of the insect presents, to one who has studied it in the field as 
well as in the closet. 

“Since I proved, in 1870 (adds Mr. Riley), the absolute identity of these two types by 
showing that the gall-lice become root-lice, the fact has been repeatedly substantiated by dif- 
ferent observers. Yet, strange to say, no one has heretofore succeeded in making gall-lice of the 
young hatched on the roots, though I formerly supposed that Signoret had done so. It is, 
therefore, with much satisfaction that I record the fact of having succeeded this winter in ob- 
taining galls on a young Clinton vine from young radicicola, and of thus establishing beyond 


59 


peradventure, the specific interrelation and identity of the two types. I make this announce- 
ment with all the more pleasure, that for three years past, both on vines growing out-doors 
and in pots in-doors, I had in vain attempted to obtain the same result.” 


PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 


“THE MORE MANIFEST AND EXTERNAL EFrEc?s OF THE PHYLLOXERA DISEASE. 
—-The result which follows the puncture of the root-louse is an abnormal swelling, different 
in form, according to the particular part and texture of the root. These swellings, which are 

.generally commenced at the tips of the rootlets, where there is excess of plasmatie and albu- 
minous matter, eventually rot, and the lice forsake them and betake themselves to fresh ones 
—the living tissue being necessary to the existence of this as of all plant-lice. The decay 
affects the parts adjacent to the swellings, and on the more fibrous roots cuts off the supply of 
sap to all partsbeyond. As these last decompose, the lice congregate on the larger ones, until 
at last the root system literally wastes away.” 

“ During the first year of attack there are scarcely any outward manifestations of disease, 
though the fibrous roots, if examined, will be found covered with nodosities, particularly in 
the latter part of the growing season. The disease is then in its incipient stage. The second 
year all these fibrous roots vanish, and the lice not only prevent the formation of new ones, 
but, as just stated, settle on tke larger roots, which they injure by causing hypertrophy of the 
parts punctured, which also eventually become disorganized and rot. At this stage the out- 
ward symptoms of the disease first become manifest, in a sickly, yellowish appearance of the 
leaf and a reduced growth of cane. As the roots continue to decay, these symptoms become 
more acute, until by about the third year the vine dies. Such is the course of the malady on 
vines of the species vinifera, when circumstances are favcurable to the increase of the pest. 
When the vine is about dying, it is generally impossible to discover the cause of the death, 
the lice which had been so numerous the first and second years of invasion, having left for 
fresh pasturage.”” 

Mope or SpreapING.—The gall-lice can only spread by travelling, when newly-hatched 
from one vine to another ; and, if this slow mode of progression were the only one which the 
species is capable of, the disease would be comparatively harmless. The root-lice, however 
not only travel under-ground along the interlocking roots of adjacent vines, but crawl actively 
over the surface of the ground, or wing their way from vine to vine and from vineyard to 
vineyard. Doubts have been repeatedly expressed by European writers as to the power of 
such a delicate and frail-winged fly to traverse the air to any great distance. On the 27th of 
September, 1873, the weather being quite warm and summer-like, with much moisture in the 
atmosphere, Mr. Riley witnessed the insect’s power of flight. Some two hundred winged 
individuals, that he had confined, became very restless and active, vigorously vibrating their 
wings and beating about their glass cages. Upon opening the cages, the lice began to dart 
away and were out of sight in a twinkle. They have been caught in spider-webs in Europe, 
and captured by Mr. Riley on sheets of paper prepared with bird-lime and suspended in an 
infested vineyard ; it is clear, then, that they can sustain flight for a considerable time under 
favourable conditions, and with the assistance of the wind, they may be wafted to great dis- 
tances. These winged femalesare much more numerous in the fall of the year than has been 
supposed by Entomologists. Wherever they settle, the few eggs which each carries are suffi- 
cient to perpetuate the species, which, in the fullest sense, may be called contagious. 

“ SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT VINES TO THE DIsEAsE.—As a means of coping 
with the Phylloxera disease, a knowledge of the relative susceptibility of different varieties to 
the attacks and injuries of the insect is of paramount importance. As is so frequently the 
case with injurious insects, and as we haye a notable instance ia the common Currant Aphis 
(Aphis Ribesii ), which badly affects the leaves of some of the Currants, but never touenes the 
Gooseberry which belongs to the same genus.. The Phylloxera shows a preference for and 
thrives best on certain species, and even discriminates between varieties ; or, what amounts 
to the same thing, practically, some varieties resist its attacks and enjoy a relative immunity 
from its injuries. It would be useless, and certainly unnecessary here, to attempt to ascer- 
tain the reason why certain vines thus enjoy exemption while others so readily succumb ; but 
in a broad way it may be stated that there is a relation between the susceptibility of the vine 
and the character of its roots—the slow-growing, more tender-wooded and consequently more 
tender-rooted varieties succumbing most readily ; the more vigorous powers resisting best.” 


60 


From Mr. Riley’s synopsis of experiments and observations we gather the following state- 
ment respecting the different varieties of grape:— | ; 

Evuropran VINE (Vitis vinifera)—Rarely subject to leaf-gall, but it generally succumbs 
to the attacks of root-lice after a few years. 

River-BAnK VINE (/’, ripwria)—The Cornucopia, Alvey and Othello suffer very little 
or not at all from Leaf-galls, but to a considerable extent from Koot-lice. The Clinton and 
Taylor are very subject to the Leaf-galls, but from the great vitality of their roots they do 
not succumb to the attacks of the Root-lice. The Golden Clinton and Louisiana do not suf- 
fer much from either. The Marion a good deal affected by the former, but little by the lat- 
ter. The Delaware suffers considerably from both. 

Summer Grape (/. estivalis)—The Cunningham, Norton’s Virginia, and Rutlander 
suffer not at all from the Leaf-gall, and very little from the Root-lice. ‘The Herbemont and 
Cynthiana suffer slightly from both. 

Nortuern Fox Grape (Labrusca)—The Challenge, Dracut Amber, Israella, Martha, 
Northern Muscadine and Wilder, are not subject to the Leaf-gall, and only slightly to the 
root-lice. The Diana, Goethe, Hartford, Isabella, Ives, Maxatawney, North Carolina, Re- 
becca and Salem are also free from the Leaf-gall, but have the Root-lice more abundant and 
suffer more from its attacks. The Catawba and Iona do not suffer from the Leaf-gall, but 
are most subject to the Root-lice The Concord has the Leaf-galls but rarely, and does not 
suffer much from the Root-lice ; the Creveling also is usually free trom the former, but suf- 
fers much more from the latter. 

SoutHERN Fox Grapr.—tThis species is entirely free from the Phylloxera in any 
form. 

The above enumeration is founded principally upon Mr. Riley’s observations in the cen- 
tral portion of Missouri ; he has also examined many of the varieties in Kansas, Illinois, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. The Arnold’s hybrids, which he has examined, all 
suffer, he states, but some of them more than others. 

MeANS oF CoPpING WITH THE DiIseASE.—Grafting the more susceptible varieties on 
the roots of those that have a greater power of resistance, would prohably counteract the 
disease to a great extent. This plan is now being tried on a large scale, but it will be neces- 
sary to wait a year or two before any positive conclusions can be obtained. 

“Tn planting a new vineyard the greatest care should be taken not to introduce Phyl- 
loxera on the young plants, and a bath of weak lye or strong soap suds before planting will, 
perhaps, prove the best safeguard. Remembering that the lice are spreading over the 
ground from July till fall, and principally in the months of August and September, a 
thorough sprinkling of the surface with lime. ashes, sulphur, salt or other substance destruc- 
tive to insect life, will, no doubt, have a beneficial effect in reducing their numbers and pre- 
venting their spread. 

The insect has been found to thrive less and to be, therefore, less injurious in a sandy 
soil ; while mixture of soot with the soil has had a beneficial effect in destroying the pest. It 
is, therefore, recommended for the more susceptible varieties, and that they be planted in 
trenches first prepared with a mixture of sand and soot. An addition of lime will also prove 
beneficial. There is every reason to believe that vines are rendered less susceptible to the 
disease by a system of pruning and training that will produce long canes and give them as 
nearly as possible their natural growth. 

Naturat Enemies.—There are a number of predaceous insects which serve to keep 
the leaf-lice in check ; but as the injury is mostly done underground it will suffice to enu- 
merate the principal of these in this connection. The most efficient is a black species of 
Fringe-wing or Thrips with white wings (Thrips Plyllowerw). They are found in several differ- 
ent kinds of Phylloxera galls, and do more than any other species to keep the leaf inhabit- 
ing species within bounds.” 

The next most efficient aids in the destruction of the leaf-lice are the lace-winged flies 
(Chrysopa) ; the lady birds (Coccinella); certain Syrphus fly larve ; a few true bugs and 
other insects. 

The enemies known to attack the Phylloxera underground are, naturally enough, fewer 
innumber. In one instance, Mr. Riley relates, I have found a Scymnus larva at the work 
six inches below the surface, and there is a Syrphus fly, whose larva lives under-ground and 
feeds both on the apple-tree root-louse and on this grape root-louse. Wonderful indeed 


is the instinct which teaches this blind larva to penetrate the soil in search of its.prey ; for 
the egg must necessarily be laid at the surface. But though the underground enemies of its 
own class are few, I have discovered a mite which preys extensively upon this root-inhabiting 
type, and which renders efficient aid in keeping it in check in this country. This mite (Z'yro 
glyphus phyllorere, Planchon & Riley, Fig. 46,) belongs to the same genus as the cheese and 
meal mites, and the species which infests preserved insects, and is such a pest in cabinets, At 
is the rule with mites, it is born with but six legs, but acquires eight after the first or second 

Fie. 46. moults. It varies considerably in form, with age, 
and in studying it with a view of distinguishing 
it specifically from other described species, I 
have noticed all the different tarsal characters 
shown as d, f, gand h, (Fig. 46), and on which 
distinct genera have been founded. Mites pre- 
sent themselves in such different forms that the 
adolescent stages of the same species have 
been made to represent distinct families by 
authors who never studied the development of 
these beings. The species under consideration, 
when young, mostly contents itself with the 
, inuonnt Mtg, dora 2 vera view of Fensly altered sweets of the roots which rot from the 
ventral tubercles of male. punctures of Phylloxera, while when older it 
preys by preference on the lice themselves.” 

«“ Dirgor Remepies.- The leaf-lice, which do not play such an important part in the 
disease as was at first supposed, may be controlled with sufficient ease by a little care in de- 
stroying the first galls which appear, and in pruning and destroying the terminal growth of 
infested vines later in the season. The root-lice are not so easily reached, As the effort will 
be according to the exigency, we may very naturally look to France for a direct remedy, if 
ever one be discovered. But of all the innumerable plans, patented or non-patented, that 
have been proposed, of all the many substances that have been experimented with under the 
stimulus of a large national reward, no remedy has yet been discovered which gives entire 
satisfaction, or is applicable to all conditions of soil. Nor is it likely that such a remedy 
eyer will be discovered. 

“While, therefore, not very satisfactory results have followed the use of pure insecti- 
cides, ‘the application of fertilizers intended to invigorate the vine, and at the same time in- 
jure the lice, has been more productive of good. Especially has this been the case with fer- 
tilizers rich in potassic salts and nitrogenous compounds, such as urine. Sulphuret of potas- 
sium dissolved in liquid-manure ; alkaline-sulphates, with copperas and rape seed ; potassic 
salts, with guano ; soot and cinders are, among other applications, most favourably mentioned. 

Mr. Riley closes his very able Essay with the following remarks:—“ We have in the 
history of the Grape Phylloxera, the singular spectacle of an indigenous American insect 
being studied, and its workings understood in a foreign land, before its presence in its most 
injurious form was even suspected in its native home. The Franco-Prussian war, with all 
its fearful consequences to France, has passed away ; the five milliards of francs (one thous- 
and million dollars) have been paid as indemnity to her victors, in so short a time that the 
civilized world looked on in wonder and astonishment. Yet this little Phylloxera, sent over 
doubtless in small numbers, by some American nurseryman, a few years since, continues its 
devastating work, and costs that unfortunate country millions of francs annually. The last 
German soldier has been removed —at terrible cost it is true—from French soil, but the 
Phylloxera army remains; and if another five milliard francs could extirpate the last indi- 
vidual of this liliputian insect host from her soil, “la belle France” would be cheaply rid of 
the enemy. Had the world, twenty years ago, possessed the knowledge we at present have of 
this insect and of its dangerous power, a few francs might have originally stayed its invasion 
ef that great vine-growing and wine-making country. Needs there any more forcible illustra- 
tion of the importance of economic entomology !” 

In confirmation of this statement, we read in the monthly report of the Department of 
Agriculture (Washington, August and September, 1874), that “the Prefect of the Depart- 
ment of the Rhone, in France, has published a decree direeting the mayor of each Commune 
within his jurisdiction, upon the indication of the presence of the Phylloxera, to proceed at 


62 


onee to determine the limits of each local district infected by the insect. Every vine affected 
and all the roots within five meters are to be dug up and burned. This decisive measure has 
not escaped sharp criticism. To save the vine lands of the Rhone from destruction by this 
pest, it is now proposed to secure winter irrigation by a grand canal connected with that river. 
M. Dumont, Ingénieur en chef des chaussés, has developed, before a governmental commission, 
a scheme for the construction of such a canal, within four years, at a cost of 102,000,000 
francs. This, it is supposed, will rescue from destruction over 60,000 acres of vine lands, 
yielding products worth 200,000,000 francs per annum and taxes amounting to 20,000,000 


francs.” 


ay Ry z 
i oe 


“dae cam By 50 
Aa a By rN 


to 
a) 


BLY, LNSEOTR 


EREPORT > 25 


OF THE 


ENTONOLOGICAL SOcIETYE 


ha 
+ 


PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, 


OF THE 


FOR THE YEAR 


1874. 


Printed by order of the Legislative Assembly, 


@oronto: 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 86 & 88 KING STREET WEST. 
1875. 


Tian 


aecat pez 
ee oe 


A 
tGl 
ay | ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF ONTARIO,/ 


FOR THE YEAR 1874. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS AND BENEFICIAL 
INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, 
ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REN. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario ; 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
Editor of the Entomologist ; 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, 


Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly. 


Doronto: 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO. 86 & 88 KING STREET WEST. 
1875. 


\ 


4) sin 


ne 


CONTENTS 


A. Ee 
American Association... .........:000- ++ 3 | Financial statement...............c000seeeeees Z 
Annual Address, President’s...............655 2 | 
RRM RLGOUINE sa, .c-ncesengerereresca’seusee 2 | G. 
Aphis TibGSil......0......-2-sestecereeesesteeen snes 59 | 
Apple borer, Hat nepdedsweeiiecdve <a reross. 13 | Grape vine Phylloxera. . HPP ap rele CPB oe 9,54 
Apple tree blight...........:0.ese cee es 21 | Grasshoppers -...<0000 2 ec cess serene 8,30 
Apple BRONTE Sec cent ce, ean cohen eUaane a> 43) or Locusts. . 29 
ME reMedseR, 40 creaseainespcssocseaes 45-7 
PR CEACUM CUCROPUA sy.0tcoscsecenctescases= + = seayee 22 H 
| : 
B. Hy perchimanion «2-ce-csuietudecesesery atone oe 
Bethune, Rey. C. J. S., articles by...6, 29, 54 I. 
SOI D YXUMORIpectssus.cersrccaseersacveccre-boe-- 23 | 
: Injurious insects, on some..............---- 43 
C. Introductory... .... cccccscsescseceeereascnnerneves 10 
Cabbage Butterfly... cece 8 Tetouthe ; 
Caloptenus MIPTBEa PUM: « Yan ox a sedens lc 38 K 
of femur rubrum.. OO : 
fe Wpratasivc «.ivenn aieces veer 8, 30, 38 P 
Canadian Entomologist, the............... 2 3, 6 | Ratydid, the............0ccesceceseanse cnnaseeecers 30 
| 
Carpocapsa pomonella..............06-60..0 43 i 
Cecropia Car AVE arcana temas her esaesci vers. 26 Locust, description of the insect. ee, 
Ghalcs a PAS re ee ie cre a history of, in America..........-.-..- 30 
ee Ree fOr e Wbisatoltloiie.cevseccaes ss vopp ee eseamen intr 38 
oe fomorata...crs-seerssssesees 7 | ** means of reducing the ravages of 39 
eee ego |. Pate oh Boni a 8S 
Clouded Pe peers Beate Rs 5375 0 26 «  yed-legged . Sas nee 38 
Clytus pictus... : Re 14 | « Se as 30 
¥ speciosus .. ssuseudadperieciersosvarsee 14!) + Bae year. Va ea eg 
oh RR AS OM parasite A CRE 14 
eter ft ee. ,:.. 26, Toc ton Branch, Aanual Moctng of......0 16 
GON PCUR ON OLOS sain iensse ce esveea dee tanenlnss P| amc aig anual Mee ing Ofecnee 5 
a arora fe 26 Long-tailed ophion Rah e a hies BRE te 25 
CTSA ATINesccuccss cxsxvevurene<sthencsettecst 69 
se measuring worm, the.............. 17 ™ 
" J. WORM. CHUGU. |. etmarenerarsceentdase) LT IMs cise fens ielca cl 49 
Jyrt at FULLER tide cece: ¢ Lacroc us C Cc BB wcevsese JS aewestesvensees 
ee a omica vam ahd Montreal Branch, Report of Council..... 5 
D. McMechan, J. H., Report of...............- 1 
Delicate long-sting..............sessccseseees es 49 nN. 
PielephilalmaGnta. 1:7..<.,cesceteceiaryecce OF , 

Divorced! chy pbsc.....~+..Lieqraserestev scours = _ 96 | Nematus ventricosus. ..........cccse ee eeeees 17 
Doryphora decemlineata..................... § | Notes of the past season. ...........+---+- 17 
E:, oO. 

Hllopia ribearia............-ececeeeesseeceeseees 18 | On some of our common insects. ........... 22 
Entomological contributions..... 11} Ophion macrurum........-......0.e:0000 25 
Eorista militaris.........1....0.seea0ss By aceteed 26 | Orgyia leucostigma...................-.... 19 


iv 


P: 
Papilio suhag va-ceaarcet ie a5 oe eee 5 
Parasites on codling + worm. 48 
Pear tree slug...... Safle ekidee Rope RRO 
ce vomedies FOP... 00. vesceeee- . 52 
Phylloxera vastatrix. . ae 54 
«natural history of..... 55 
re “© mode of f spreading. . 59 
Philampelus sattelitia. - San ty) 
Pieris rapz...........0.- subd nce nneee eek ahs CEO 
Pimpla annulipes........... Sonce pg iglriste Naar 
Potato Beetle, Colorado. ...... 8 
R. 
Reeds HB- article Dy. j.j- 511-2 let 
Report of council 5. 2a asassbyae se seser house ce 
Ring-legged pimpla....... 49 


| S. 


Saturnia io.. ak ores 
Saunders, W., , articles s by. AERA, 1c ui 
Secretary’s Report. . 

Selandria cerasi........ 


als 


Tachina fly. . 

Traps for codling worm. 

Trap, Wier’s shingle.. = 
Tussock caterpillar, the white-marked..... 
Tyroglyphus phylloxere. ......-......268 see 


Ww. 


White lined morning sphinx........--..... 


i ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, 


FOR THE YEAR 1874. 


_ INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS AND BENEFICIAL 
INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY. 


BY 


THE REV. C. J. 8S. BETHUNE, M.A. 
Head-Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; President of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario ; 
WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


Editor of the Entomologist ; 


EDMUND BAYNES REED, ‘ 
Vice-President of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO FOR THE 
YEAR 1874. 


To the Honourable the Commissioner of A griculture,— 


Sir,—I have the honour to submit for your consideration the Report of the Entomolo- 
gical Society of Ontario for the year 1874, embracing a detailed statement of receipts and 
expenditures during the year, which accounts have been duly audited, also a list of the office- 
bearers elected for the year 1875. 

The annual meeting of the Society was held at the City of Toronto, at the same time as 
the Exhibition of the Agricultural and Arts Association in accordance with the provisions of 
the statute, when the various reports were then presented and approved of. 

B 


I have also the pleasure of submitting herewith a Report on some of the Noxious, Bene- 
fical and Other Insects of this Province, which has been prepared on-behalf of the Society by 


the Rev. OC. J. S. Bethune, M.A., Mr. Wm. Saunders and Mr. E. B. Reed. 


Tun CANADIAN Enromoxoaist, the organ of the Society is still issued monthly, and 


has now nearly reached the completion of its sixth volume, the regular issue of our journal 


for the past six years has enabled us with the help of our esteemed contributors to disseminate 
a vast amount of practical, as well as scientific knoweledge relating to Hntomology which has” 
done much towards increasing the interest felt in this branch of Natural History so important: 


to the agriculturist. 
In order to illustrate the pages of this Report, we have procured as large a number of 


new wood cuts and electrotypes as the limited means at our disposal would admit of, we can 


only regret that it is not more profusely illustrated as we feel sure that such illustrations add 
greatly to the interest and usefulness of our report. 


I have the honour to remain, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 


J. H. MoMecuan, 
Secretary-Treasurer Entomological Society of Ontario. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The fourth annual meeting of the above Society was held (by the kind permission of the 
Provost) in the library of Trinity College, Toronto, on the 23rd of September, at 3.50, P.M. 
The report of the Secretary-Treasurer was presented, showing a slight increase of membership 
and a satisfactory condition of the finances, after which the President read his annual address, 
which was by request of those present, kindly placed at the disposal of the Printing Committee 
for publication. 

The following Officers were then elected :— 


President.—Rey. C.J. 8. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope. 

Vice-President.—R. V. Rogers, Kingston. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—J. H. MeMechan, London. 

Council.—E. Baynes Reed, W. Saunders, Rev. G. M. Innes, J. M. Denton, London, 
G. J. Bowles, Montreal. 

Editor of Entomologist —W. Saunders. 

Editing Committee.—Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., E. Baynes Reed, J. G. Bowles. 

Library Commitiee.—W. Saunders, EB. Baynes Reed, J. H. MeMechan. 

Auditors. —Chas, Chapman and J. H. Griffiths, London. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER. 


Receipts. 

To Balance from previous year.......0. s.00 -.sesesesesenteecten seonceccesaseseePLdd 62 
“ Government Grant additional for 1873..........0..-.-.-0--cececeeee neces 500 00 
& ug 4 ‘s RCT BAG: RC Tea reel cue ca ce teeeeet cere 750 00 
et) Members’! fees 2: scene tocnecuecs -decsecocscbes scwcccsecencccescneceemmeene ss aL cole 

“Sales cork, pins, labels, &C.........200ss.seeeseenseceneeeeeenees Ba merase LOD SOP 
1760 16 

Disbursements. : 

By CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, printing....... ..+-see Aa Sea Be: - 518 75 
&€ Pind, COLK, WOs.cnsecassescscapecessck! ecnesoneescaccesssnsea-Banasdom) cl stbEp 91 02 


(6 Fimgravings 01... cessseetensecsesconscesceeerececans cosnee sesemerevecaseenes 118 10 


( 


’ 


3 

By Library ... BN Sop Uese td osldess one aan tpeoracnces sateen ea SOCMOE 
Editor's salary i 1D Oe ERR 5 acer 100 00 

- st ROMS) SeAage woemcemeNat os) feiss saree Siece sev eaecnas ee tere 100 00 

ee Secretary’ salary for 1873...... OEE he rene Ba a corre 50 00 
cc UMMC TAG ce aes cesccts ; vas Dau haadanshsewacccnerues 50 00 

© Die pianzes, Grube Gril UCR aspcesee Pope olepereerosbaees-cocae PPE ico rer 120 18 

ROR EV CGM See MEDS Sal Vy plec's Gace 8b. e> sc opetnyussennseoecaseriesmancc cd 80 00 

(TO pergae,, @lesLSGyrrit) Mose se (aaa poseoddereeeerioeabeecneo cacsaccssace ccoeco a) OCG 

CEM ESAIBTICOMOHHE TIMP AU Ry co! vaca sewae sense Seecine ceacnssecee eeeensen anv cap Acton BOF 


“1760 16 


We certify the above as a correct statement of accounts for the year ending September 
23, 1874, as shown by Treasurer’s books and with vouchers for the same. 


J. H. GRIFFITHS, : 
CHAs. ae ee 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


It is gratifying, at the expiration of this the fourth year of the existence of our Society, 
to be able to report its continued well- being and progress, and to know that its efforts are be- 
ing more and more recognized as an aid to those agricultural interests which constitute the 
chief source of the wealth of our Province. 

The Lntomologist is still regularly published, and has now nearly reached the close of its 
sixth volume. By its regular issue there has been placed before our members much useful 
and practical information relating to many of the commoner insect pests, with instructions as 
to the use of the besf remedies to check their ravages. Besides this it has formed, and still 
forms, a valuable medium for the publication of such scientific matter in relation to the life 
history of our insects, which, while of immediate interest to only a limited number of our 
readers, is of great importance to those engaged in the study of the science of Entomology 
We feel that our journal has done and is still doing a good work in this respect ; and it is 
pleasing to know that our efforts in this direction are warmly appreciated by scientific men in 
the adjoining Republic and in Europe, as well as in our own country. 

As mentioned in the Report of the last Annual Meeting, a cordial invitation was ex- 
tended by the “‘ American Association for the Advancement of Science,” at the meeting held 
in Portland, in 1873, to the members of our Society to be present at the meeting in 1874, in 
Hartford. A deputation was appointed by your Council to attend this meeting on behalf of 
our Society, in reference to which the following report appeared in the September number of 
the Entomologist :— 


THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION. 


At the recent gathering of this scientific body in Hartford, Conn., there were brought 
together an unusual number of Entomologists. This was owing partly, no doubt, to the kind 
invitation extended by the Association to the American and Canadian Entomological Socie- 
ties to appoint special meetings of their members to be held at that time and place, with the 
view of having these importaat Societies fully represented. In response to this invitation, a 
number of members of the American Entomological Society were present, while our Cana- 
dian Entomologists were represented by the worthy President of our Society, Rey. O. J. S. Be- 
thune, M.A., and the Editor of the Hntomologist. Several evenings were occupied by these 
“brethren of the net” in interesting and profitable discussions on the habits and peculiar- 
ities of various insects, the time passing so pleasantly that the midnight hours were reached 
ere separation could be effected. After mature deliberation it was resolved to organize 
under the name of “ The Entomological Club of the A. A. A. S.,” and the following consti- 
tution was adopted : — 


TITLE. 


1. The name of the association shall be “ The Entomological Club of the American 
Association for the Advancement of Science.” 


OBJECTS, 


If. The annual re-union of the Entomologists of America, the advancement of entomo- 
logy, and the consideration of all general questions relating to the science that may from time 
to time arise. 

MEMBERSHIP. 


Iii. All members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science who 
are interested in entomology, shall ipse facto be members of the club. 


OFFICERS, 


IV. ‘The officers of the club shall be a President, a Vice-President, and a Secretary, to 
be elected annually by vote of the members. 


DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS. 


VY. ‘The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, shall preside at all meetings ; 
the Secretary shall perform all the usual duties of a recording and corresponding Secretary. 


MEETINGS. 


Vi. A meeting shall be held in each year at the place of meeting appointed by the 
American Asociation for the advancement of Science ; it shall commence at 2.30 p.m., on 
the day before the meeting of the American Association for the advancement of Science, and 
be continued throughout that evening; further meetings may be held as time will permit 
during the week following. 

The following resolutions were also unanimously passed : 

Resolved, That the members of the American Entomological Society and the Entomological 
Society of Ontario, together with all other persons interested in entomological science, be 
cordially invited to attend and take part in the proceedings. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to publish notices of the meeting in such 
periodicals devoted to natural history, and especially in those devoted to entomology as are 
published on the continent ; and further that the members be requested to bring with them 
at the annual re-unions specimens for exchange and exhibition, and especially types of species 
that they may have described during the year. 

At a subsequent meeting of the Clubgthe following officers were elected: President, Dr. 
John L. Leconte, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Vice President, Samuel H. Scudder, Cambridge, Mass. ; 
Secretary, Chas. V. Riley, St. Louis, Mo. We feel sure that under such able direction, the 
Hutomological Club of the A. A. A. S. will prosper, and be the means of stimulating many to 
increased effort, and thus greatly advance the interests of our favourite study. 

As it may interest many to know who were present at these meetings, we furnish the 
following list: Dr. John L. LeConte, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Dr. J. G. Morris, Baltimore, Md. ; 
Prof. 8. S. Haldeman, Chickis, Pa. ; Dr. H. A. Hagen, ‘Cambridge, Mass. ; S. H. Scudder, 
Cambridge, Mass. ; A. R. Grote, Buffalo, N.Y.; Dr. G. M. Levette, Indianapolis, Ind. ; 
C. V. Riley, St. Louis, Mo.; O. 8. Westcott, Chicago, Til; J. A. Lintner, Albany, N. ae : 
H. F. Bassett, Waterbury, Conn. ; George Dimmock, Springfield, Mass. ; B. Pickman Mann, 
Cambridge, Mass. ; E. P. Austin, Cambridge, Mass. ; Dr. R. King, Kalamazoo, Mich. ; Chas. 
P. Dodge, Washington, D. C.; Mr. Patton, Waterbury, Conn. ; Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., 
Port Hope, Ont. ; W. Saunders, London, Ont. During the meetings of the Association 
several interesting ‘and valuable papers on Entomological subjects were read by Dr. LeConte 
and Messrs. Scudder, Riley and Grote. 

The branches of our Society organized at London, Montreal and Kingston, continue to 


thrive, and by their frequent meetings and social intercourse stimulate the members resid ent 
in these cities to greater application in the service of entomology. We trust that such of our 
members as can, will aid the editor of the EnromoLoaisr by sending him from time to time, 
memoranda of their observations, on the habits and life history of our insects with any other 
‘notes they may deem of interest to the lovers of our favourite science. ‘ 


t Subniitted on behalf of the Council by 
' ) J. H. MoMrcwan, 
Seeretary-Treasurer. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LONDON BRANCH. 


The annual meeting of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario was 
held at the residence of Mr. W. Saunders, on the 17th of February. 

A goodly number of members were present, and the following officers were elected for 
1874: President, A. Puddicombe ; Vice-President, H. P. Bock; Secretary-Treasurer, J. 
G. Geddes; Curator, J. Williams; Auditors. Messrs. C. Chapman and .J. Griffiths. 

A box of Lepidoptera from Miss Carey, of Amherstburg, was shown by Mr. E. B. Reed, 
containing some interesting specimens taken in that locality; among others there were fine 
examples of Papilio thoas and Philampelus satellitia. 

W. Saunders exhibited a box of Coleoptera, embracing a large number of species kindly 
donated by Theodore L. Mead, Esq., of New York. Also, several boxes of European insects, 
presented by Francis Walker, Esq., of the British Museum. The Secretary was instructed 
to tender to Mr. Walker the sincere thanks of the Society for his continued liberality in this 
matter—the cabinets of the Society and those of the members also having been repeatedly en- 
riched with valuable specimens through his kindness. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. 


The first annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario was held on May 6th, 1874, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing 
year : 

W. Couper, President; G. J. Bowles, Vice-President ; F. B. Caulfield, Secretary-Trea- 
surer ; G, B. Pearson, Curator ; Council—W. Hibbins, sen., C. W. Pearson, P. Knetzing. 

The reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read, and, on motion, adopted. 
The Branch, although young, is in a prosperous condition, the expenses of the past year hay- 
ing been met, leaving a small balance on hand, and the list of members is gradually inereas- 
ing. Owing to the lateness of the season but little field work has been done, but some rare 
captures have heen made already. The Branch meets as usual at the residence of the Pre- 
sident, No. 67, Bonaventure Street, Montreal, P.Q. All business communications to be 
addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer, F. B. Caulfield, 254, St. Martin Street, Montreal, P. Q. 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH 
; OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


During the summer of 1873 a fortunate circumstance occurred to which this Branch 
owes its origin. The following gentlemen, viz., Wm. Couper, F. B. Caulfield, Wm. Hibbins, 
C. W. Pearson and G. B. Pearson, met by chance on the Montreal Mountain, where the sub- 
ject was discussed, and it was then decided to hold a meeting at the residence of Mr, Caul- 
field, in order to make further arrangements for its formation. ‘This meeting was held on the 
30th of August, when it was resolved to form a branch in connection with the Entomological 
Society of Ontario, and the Secretary pro. tem. was instructed to write to the parent society, 
asking permission to form a Branch Society in this city. This proposition was at once accepted 
by the parent Society. 


On the 16th of October the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Wil- 
liam Couper, President; M. Kollmar, Vice-President ; F. B. Caulfield, Secretary-Treasurer ; 
Council—G. J. Bowles, P. Knetzing and C. W. Pearson; Curator, William Hibbins. 

By-Laws were framed for the guidance of the Branch, which were approved by the parent 
Society. Our monthly meetings have been regularly held and well attended, and your Coun- 
cil congratulate the Society on benefits derived. During the eight meetings which have been 
held, independent of the production of original communications on Entomology, there were 
remarkably good exhibitions of insects, which also tended to give additional information to 
members. 

The first meeting of the Branch in August, 1873, consisted of seven members, and 
since then five additional members have been elected. 

The following papers were read during the winter months :— 

‘“‘A Dissertation on Northern Butterflies,’ by William Couper ; “ On the Cicindelidz 
Occurring on the Island of Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield; ‘On Some of the Benefits De- 
rived from Insects,” by F. B, Caulfield. 

The following works have been donated during the year:— 

“On Some Remarkable Forms of Animal Life from the Great Deeps of the Norwegian 
Coast,” by G. O. Sars, 1 Vol. ; “On Norwegian Crustaceans,” by G. O. Sars, 2 Vol. ; 
“ Synopsis of the Acrididee of North America,” by Cyrus Thomas, 1 Vol. 

Your Council would suggest that the Curator procure store boxes for the preservation of 
the specimens obtained for the Society during the approaching season. In this way the 
nucleus of a collection can be formed prior to the purchase of a cabinet, which your Council 
trusts the Society will be possessed of before next winter. 

Your Council would also suggest that members carry note-books wherein to record En- 
tomological observations, especially relative to insects injurious to the crops; also, of such 
species as are considered beneficial in checking the progress of destructive insects. As this 
is one of the principal objects of the Society, field notes of this nature are always valuable, 
and should form subjects of investigation and discussion at our meetings, Attention should 
be given to the larval forms of insects, as this is a specialty of Kmtomology from which much 
knowledge is yet to be obtained. 

Your Council strongly impress on the members to use their influence in promoting a 
knowledge of the importance of the study of Entomology, more especially with Agriculturists 
and horticulturists, in order to enable them to check the ravages of the numerous insects 
injurious to vegetation. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

C. W. PEARSON, 
Gxo. JNo. Bow.Es. 
Wm. Couper, Chairman. 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SO- 
CIETY OF ONTARIO, 1874. 


To the Members of the Entomological Society of Ontario :— 


GENTLEMEN,—I beg to offer you again, after the lapse of a year, my hearty congratu 
lations upon the continued prosperity of our Society. As you have already learnt from the 
Report of our Secretary-Treasurer, we have been favoured with a slight increase in our list of 
membership—as large, indeed, as can fairly be expected in a Society which confines itself to 
the study of a particular branch of Natural Science, and which cannot therefore attract into 
its ranks many who are not specially engaged, to some extent at least, in this limited field of 
investigation. 

It is especially pleasing to find that our number of branches continues to increase—a 
highly successful one, with its headquarters in Montreal, having been organized since our last 
annual meeting. Its first annual report has been already presented to us in the pages of our 
journal. 

‘ The CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, upon whose success the well-being and fair fame of our 
Society so largely depends, has—I am sure you will agree with me—been more ably sustained 


than ever before. The thanks of the whole Society are assuredly due to the energetic and 
talented Editor, Mr. Saunders, who has been, indeed, its mainstay from the issue of its first 
number till now. It would be well if all our members would aid him, not only by contribu- 
tions, but also by increasing the circulation, and thereby improving the means of support of 
the publication. 

When I applied just now the term “limited” to our field of enquiry, I only did so 
when considering Entomology as one amongst a large number of sections of the great circle of 
natural sciences, which includes within its area the study of all things material which come 
within the range of man’s intellectual powers. - If we look, however, at Entomology and its 
objects alone, we cannot fail to see at once that it is practically without limit—that there is 
work enough for thousands of investigators for almost innumerable generations to come. And 
when we couple with Entomology other kindred sciences, such as Botany, Geology and Phy- 
sical Geography, which are so closely allied that no student can safely overlook them, we 
begin almost to be overwhelmed with the vast extent of this field of knowledge that we seek 
to explore. So vast, indeed, is the field that no one now ventures to survey the whole of it, 
except in a very general way ; each explorer finds himself compelled—if he would do any effec- 
tive work—to confine his labour to some one or two of its sections or subsections. By this 
djvision of labour, all departments of the Science will by degrees be taken up, and much that 
is now a ‘terra incognita’ will become familiar to the patient explorer. 

In our own country—within the bounds of this great Dominion—there is need of many 
more students and explorers. Hyen in this Province of Ontario, the headquarters of our So- 
ciety, where more has been done than in any other part of Canada, there is yet room for a 
great increase to our band of collectors and inyestigators. How incomplete, for instance, is 
even yet our list of Diurnal Lepidoptera, and how many pagesare still blank in the life history 
of some of our commonest butterflies? Our able Editor, my excellent friend, Mr. Saunders, 
has done much to fill up these blank pages, and his work iseverywhere recognized as thorough 
and authoritative ; but yet there remains much more to be done, that we hope our members 
will before long accomplish. If we turn to Crepuscular and Nocturnal Lepidoptera, we must 
feel almost appalled at the extent of our ignorance. For those who have the time and the 
ability, I can think of no more interesting or attractive field of enquiry—none that will sooner 
or better repay the pains-taking student, whether he looks for fame or pleasure, whether he 
sighs for fresh fields to conquer, or desires to set his foot where man has not trodden before. 
In a department where so much remains to be done, we all, [ am sure, offer a most cordial wel-. 
come to one who has recently cast in his lot among us, and has traversed the broad Atlantic 
in order to study the Noctuidee of this country. I allude to Mr. George Norman, of St 
Catharines, late of Forres, in Scotland. 

In another order of insects, the Coleoptera, much, no doubt, has been accomplished. 
Through the pains-taking labours of a Billings and a Pettit, not to mention other good work- 
ers, and by the aid of the great authorities in the neighbouring States, Dr. Leconte and Dr. 
Horn in particular, we have been able to increase our list of Canadian beetles from a few 
hundreds at the birth of the Society, to more than as many thousands now. But stil) how 
very much more remains to be done ? What a field of labour there is before both student 
and collector in the Carabidae, the Staphylinidee, the Curculionide and other numerous families 
of beetles! May we not hope that during the coming winter our present scattered stores of 
knowledge will be utilized and made available for the good of all, by the compilation and 
publication of a large addition to our old and valuable list of Canadian Coleoptera ? 

If there remains so much to be done in these two favourite orders, what shall I say of the 
remainder, that are so generally neglected? It is surely time that some of our members 
should devote themselves to the working up of such interesting orders as the Neuroptera, the 
Hymenoptera, the Orthoptera, the Hemiptera, even if no one can be found at present to take 
up the study of the more difficult Diptera. 

In all these orders there is the nucleus of a collection in the cabinets of our Society, 
while no doubt much additional material would be furnished by individuals to any member 
who will take up in earnest the study of any one of them. It would be a great contribution 
to our knowledge of Canadian insects if there could be published by the Society carefully pre- 
pared lists of as many species as possible in each of these orders. Such lists would, of course, 
be very incomplete at first, but they could easily be so arranged in publication that additions 
might be made to them at any time, as our stores of knowledge increase. 


8 


Such, gentlemen, are some of the modes in which, I think, we should endeayour to ex- 
tend the operations of our Society. If each year, when we assemble together for our annual — 
meeting, we can point to some such work done in the previous twelvemonth, we shall have 
good reason to congratulate ourselves upon real permanent progress—upon building up the 
foundation of an Entomological structure that will prove enduring and substantial in time to 
come. ; 

Thus far I have referred to Entomology as a purely scientific pursuit; there is an- 
other aspect in which we cannot refrain from regarding it, viz., as a subject of very great 
economic importance to every inhabitant of our land. ‘This view of Entomology has been 
especially brought before us of late by the hayoc that has been produced in our farms and 
gardens by hordes of destructive insects. 

The dreaded Colorado Potato Beetle (Doryphora decem-lineata) has spread eastward with 
great rapidity, and has now reached the Atlantic coast in some partsof the United States. T[ 
have been informed by friends who reside in various parts of the Union, that while little, if 
any, diminution in the numbers of the pest is to be observed in the west, it is becoming yery 
destructive where it has attained to its second year of colonization. During the first year of 
its invasion of a particular locality, no appreciable damage is done by it, but as its armies in- 
crease in geometrical progression, the potato crops of the following season generally suffer to 
a terrible extent. It has now covered the whole of the Prevince of Ontario, and is very des- 
tructive throughout the western half of it, though we are happy to say that our intelligent 
farmers and gardeners are effectually using the remedies suggested by our colleagues, Messrs. 
Saunders and Reed, in their Report to the Legislature a few years ago. In Quebec it is but 
beginning to be observed ; no doubt it will be found there in myriads next year. Across the 
border, it has penetrated to the western portion of Vermont, into New Jersey, down to the 
sea coast in Pennsylvania, and in Maryland ; at Baltimore, Md., it is very abundant, while 
straggling outposts have been found as far south as Washington. The whole of New York 
and Ohio have been pretty well covered with the insect, while in Missouri it is as abundant 
as ever. In Indiana and Michigan there is a local diminution in the numbers of the pest, but 
no where are there as yet any signs of its cessation. The people of Europe are now beginning 
—and with good reason—to feel alarmed at the prospect of its crossing the Atlantic. The 
English and French scientific and agricultural publications are commencing to publish notices 
of the insect and to talk of restrictive measures, while in Germany, we are told that stringent 
regulations will probably soon be put in force by the Government to prevent the invasion of 
the country. Unless some regulations of this kind are put in general force throughout the 
whole of Western Europe, I believe that—judging from the spread of noxious European in- 
sects on this side of the Atlantic— the Colorado Beetle will soon become there as familiar an 
object and as destructive a pest as it is here. 

While the Colorado Beetle from the Rocky Mountains has been overspreading the whole 
northern continent eastward, there has been moying southward and westward in a similar 
manner another insect—the Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rape)—that is almost as injurious as 
the other. This insect, an European importation, as of course you all know, starting from 
Quebec some few years aco—there first noticed by our friends Messrs. Couper and Bowles 
has now spread westward over almost the whole of Ontario. At Port Hope it has been this 
year by far the most common of all butterflies ; thousands were to be seen throughout the 
whole season, from early summer to the present time, flitting about along every road, and 
hundreds hovering over or alighting in every garden. here is hardly a cabbage or cauli- 
flower fit to be eaten anywhere in the neighbourhood, while stocks and mignonette have been 
ruthlessly demolished in all the flower gardens. Its spread westward, however, has hardly 
been as rapid as its’ movements to the south. ‘The two maritime provinces of New Bruns 
wick and Nova Scotia, and all the New England States, have for some time been occupied, 
and now I am told that this year it is most plentiful as far south as Washington, and that 
it is by no means rare in Virginia. 

While referring to the wonderful spread of noxious insects during the past few years, 
and to their excessive prevalence now, I must not omit to mention the affliction caused to 
our north-west Province of Manitoba and to many of the western States by the swarms of 
locusts, or grasshoppers as they are termed (Culoptenus spretus). The accounts of the sut- 
ferings caused by this terrible plague are perfectly appalling, and rival anything that we have 
read of the ravages of the Hastern locusts. Happily for us they do not seem to extend 

* 


i 


much further to the east than the Missouri River, though, occasionally they penetrate to- 
some of the broad prairies beyond. As a detailed account of this insect will probably be 
afforded you in the forthcoming Annual Report of our Society, I need not detain you with 
any further remarks upon it. 

The only other insect to which I need now call your attention for a moment, is the 
Grape Vine Phyllowera. I am glad to learn that its ravages in the vineyards to the south of 
us have been comparatively trifling this yezr, and that in all probability the summer droughts 
to which we are so liable, will prevent its ever being as formidable a foe as ‘it was at one 
time apprehended. 

Yo turn from this not very cheerful subject, I may mention, before concluding, that 
Mr. Saunders and myself duly attended the recent meeting at Hartford, Conn., of the Ame- 
rican Association for the Advancement of Science. There we had the pleasure of meeting 
a large number of Entomologists from all parts of the United States, and we had the further 
gratification also, of being presided over, in general session, by the ablest of American Ento- 
mologists, Dr. Leconte, and in the Zoological Section, by another great worker in our 
department, Mr, 8. H. Scudder. Informal meetings of Entomologists were frequently held, and 
finally it was agreed upon to form an Entomological Club of members of the A.A.A.S., who 
should assemble annually a day before the meeting of the Association in the place that may 
be from time to time selected for its sessions, In this way we trust that much may be done 
for the furtherance of our favourite branch of science, and that Entomologists generally, from 
all parts of the continent, will bring together their types of new species and the surplus of 
their collections for mutual information and benefit. 

Without further trespassing upon your time and attention, I beg to thank you, gentlemen, 
for the kind consideration you have shown to my colleagues and myself during our term of 
office, and with hearty wishes for the continued prosperity of our Society, 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, 


Your obedient servant, 


Cuarues J. S. BETHUNE, 
President E. 8. of O. 
Trinity College School, 
Port Hope, September 22nd, 1874. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


ONCE again at the close of another year, a few of the members of the Entomological So- 
ciety of Ontario have undertaken the task of endeavouring to lay before the public, some in. 
formation respecting the habits and lives of the insect world, and more especially those mem. 
bers of it which have a direct or indirect influence upon the growth or well-being of the produce 
of field or forest. 

It is a satisfaction to know that these annual reports are read and appreciated, and that 
many of our practical Fruit-Growers and Agriculturists are desirous of obtaining some know 
ledge of the transformations of the various and beautiful members of the insect world, of those 
beautiful atoms of God’s creation, each in its appointed sphere fulfilling the purpose for 
which it was created, drawing forth our wonder, our admiration and our praise ; for ““ He wh« 
wondereth at nothing hath no capabilities of bliss, but he that scrutinizeth trifles hath a store 
of pleasure to his hand, and happy and wise is the man to whose mind a trifle existeth not.” 

‘* He prayeth best who loveth best 
All things both great and small, 


For the dear God that loveth us, 
He made and loveth all.” 


Pf ll 


——— 


ENTOMOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. 


By E. B. Reep, Lonpon, ONT. 


1. Tue Io Morn (Saturnia Jo). 
2. Tux Fuat-HEADED APPLE-TREE BoRER (Chrysobothris femorata). 
3. Tur Locust TREE Borer (Clytus pictus). 


1. Tue Io Morn Saturnia (Hyperchiria) Io. [Fab]. 
Order, LeprpopTerA ; Family, BomBycIDz&. 


This lovely moth is well worthy a place in the cabinet of the collector, and from its bril- 
liant colouring.and conspicuous markings is always sure to attract notice and admiration. 

The moth belongs to a family which has received the name of “ Bompyces ” from 
Bombyx the ancient name of the silk worm. As, however, it is in the larval or Caterpillar 
state that this insect more frequently meets our eye, we will begin by a description of it in 
that stage. The full grown larva of which, fig. 1 is Fie. 1. 
an admirable representation, is of a most delicate apple 
or pea-green colour with a broad dusky white stripe 
at each side bordered with lilac on the lower edge. 
The body is covered with spreading clusters of green 
bristles tipped with black. These bristles are exceed- 
ingly sharp, and when the insect is handled will pro- 
duce avery irritating sting similar to but much sharper 
than that of the nettle, and the effect of which causes 
a reddening of the flesh and the immediate appearance 
of raed white blotches which last for a considerable 
time. Fig. No. 2 shews the appearance of these 
bristles, some of them as 0, being stouter and more 
acute than the others and able to inflict a sharper and 
more penetrating sting. This stinging property is 
very curious and is not very easily explained ; Mr. C. 
V. Riley writing of’ a very similar insect, the Saturnia 
Maia, says, “ that the sting is caused by the prick of 
the spines. and not by their getting broken in the 
flesh. From the fact that the spines appear hollow, 
one would naturally attribute their irritating power to some poisonous Fia 
fluid which they eject into the puncture. But I have been unable 
to resolve any apical aperture, nor was Mr. Lintner more successful. 
Hence I infer that the irritating property belongs to the substance of 
which the spines are formed, and this opinion is strengthened by the 
fact that those of a dead larva, or of a cast-off skin which has been in 
my cabinet for several years, still retain the irritating power, though so 
brittle that it is not easy to insert, them.” 

In the earlier stages the caterpillars are gregarious, feeding together side by side and in 
going to and returning from their place of shelter, moving in regular files after the manner of 
the processionary caterpillars of Hurope (Cneocampa processionea). This marching habit is 
so very peculiar that it is well worth describing. Though the insects move without beat of 
drum they maintain as much regularity in their steps as a file of soldiers. The celebrated 
naturalist Reaumur, writing of the European Procession Moth says, “I kept some for a little 


12 


time in my house in the country, I brought an oak branch which was covered with them 
into my study, where I could much better follow the order and regularity of their march thar 
1 could have done in the woods, I was very much amused and pleased at watching them for 
mony days. I hung the branch on which | had brought them against one of my window 
shutters. When the leaves were dried up, when they had become too hard for the jaws of the 
caterpillars, they tried to go and seek better food elsewhere. One set himself in motion, a 
second followed at his tail, a third followed this one. and so one. They began to defile anc 

murch up the shutter, but being so near to each other that the head of the second touched the 
tail of the first. The single file was throughout continuous ; it formed a perfect string of 
caterpillars of about two feet in length, after which the line was doubled. Then two cater - 
pillars marched abreast, but as near the one which preceded them, as those who were march- 
ing in single file were to each other. After a few rows of our processionists who were twc 
abreast, came the rows of three abreast ; after a few of these came those who were four abreast ; 
then there were those of five, others of six, others of seven and others of eight caterpillars, 
This troop so well mershalled was led by the first. Did it halt, all the others halted ; did it 
begin again to march, all the others set themselves in motion and followed it with the greatest 
precision. That which went on in my study goes on every day in the woods where these cater. } 
pillars live. When it is near sunset you may see coming out of any of their nests by the 
Opening which is at its top, which would hardly afford space for two to come out abreast, one 
caterpillar, as soon as it has emerged from the nest, it is followed by many others in single 
file ; when it has got about two feet from the nest, it makes a pause during which those who 
are still in the nest continue to come out; they fall into their ranks, the battalion is formed 4 
at last the leader sets off marching again, and all the others follow him. That which goes on 
in this nest passes in all the neighbouring nests ; all are evacuated at the same time.” 

According to “ Harris,” the caterpillars of the Io Moth do not spin a common web, but 
when not eating they creep under a leaf where they cluster side by side. When about half 
grown the caterpillars disperse, each seeking a location for itself, They moult five times, the 
larvae devouring their cast off spinous skins. After being in the larval state about eight weeks, 
they arrive at maturity, and are then about two and a half inches long, and present the ap- 
pearance of Fie. No, 1. 

Their food plants are very numerous. They have been found on Black Locust, Indian 
Corn, Willows, Sassafrass, Wild Cherry, Elm, Hop Vine, Balsam, Balm of Gilead, Dogwood, 
Choke Cherry, Currant, Cotton and Clover. I this year found two larve on the English Fil- 
bert, and bred them to maturity on that plant. I have, however, more commonly found them 
on the Choke Cherry. The larvae when full grown ceases eating, and crawls to the grbund, 
where, amongst the loose leaves and rubbish, it forms a rough outer covering, within which it 
makes a slicht coecon of tough, gummy, brown silk. In this retreat a transformation is soon _ 
effected to the pupal or chrysalis state, from which, having remained therein during the winter 
aad spring months, the moth emerges in the perfect winged condition about the month of 
June. 


The moths are remarkable for the difference between the sexesboth in size and colour, 
gS. The male (Fig. 3), which is much the 
smallest, is of a deep Indian or maize yel- 
low colour. j 
On the forewings are two oblique, wavy 
lines near the hind margin and a zig-zag 
line near the base. There is also a large, 
dark, reddish, central reniform spot or 
blotch ; this is very marked in all the Cana- 
dian specimens I have seen, although in the 
cut, which is drawn by Mr. Riley, probably 


13 


: q classical Grecian fable of the beautiful Io who, having incurred the displeasure of the 
ealous Juno, was placed by her under the watchful vigilance of the hundred-eyed Argus. 

__ The under side of the wings is of the same deep yellow—the forewings having the inner 
‘aaa broadly shaded with purple and shewing the reniform eyed spot very distinctly ; the” 
hinder wings are more uniform in colour, with a transverse purple line, and a very small 
distinct white spot representing the centre of the large spot on the upper side. The body is 
also deep yellow—somewhat darker on the thorax. The antenne, as usual in the males of 
the bombyces, are beautifully pectinated, presenting a double comblike appearance The 
male varies slightly in size, from two and a half to two and three-quarter inches in width, 
Rene The female (Fig. No. 4) is 
considerably larger, ranging from 
three to three and a half inches. 
The specimens vary much in 
colour, from a dark purplish 
brown to a warm ochreous red. 
The fore wings have similar 
wavy zig-zae lines, the reniform 
blotch being less distinet than 
that in the male ; the inner mar- 
gin is of a deeper colour, and 
with the head and thorax is 
thickly coated with a short, 
woooly, pilose covering. The 
hind wings are marked in a similar manner to those of the male. The undersides of the 
Wings haye the same uniform colour, and are marked much like those of the male, 

The body is ochreous yellow, a little lighter above, and each segment is bordered with a 
narrow, reddish band. 

«The moths have a fashion of sitting with their wings closed, and covering the body like 
a low roof, the front edge of the underwings extending a little beyond that of the upper wings. 
and curving upwards.” 

The eggs are deposited on the under side of the leaf, and are described by Mr. Riley as 
being compressed on both sides and flattened at the apex, the attached end smallest. Their 
colour is cream white with a small black spot on the apical end and a larger orange one on the 
sides. A cluster found on Sassafrass by a western lady contained about thirty eges. The 
moths are nocturnal, flying only by night. ’ 


Tur Frat-HEApED AppLe-TREE Borer. 
Chrysobothris femorata, (Fabr). 


Order, CoLeopTera ; Family, Buprestip& 


Among apple-growers there has been during the past year or two a great complaint of 
some borer infesting their trees, and investigation has shown that it is to this little beetle that 
the injuries may be traced. 

Big. 6 Although insignificant in size, yet its larva is capable of doing immense mischief 
in our orchards. The beetle belongs to a family of insects which is especially 
remarkable for their rich and varied colouring, many haying most brilliant tints. 
The one we are describing, fig. 5, is of a greenish brassy black colour aboye, the 
under side having a bright coppery hue. It is about balf an inch in length 
It is of an oblong oval shape, blunt-round head, and tapering towards the tail, 
It flies by day and is very swift on the wing. It may often be seen during the 

summer months running up and down the trunk and limbs of trees or resting itself, basking 
in the sunshine. 

The larva, fig. 6., is a pale yellow, footless grub, its anterior end being enormously 
enlarged, round and flattened. Dr. Fitch worked up the history of this little pest some 
years ago. According to his account “ the parent beetle deposits its egg on the bark 
from which a worm hatches and passes through the bark, and during the earlier stages of 


14 


its life, consumes the soft sap wood immediately under the bark. But when the worm 

Fig. 6. approaches maturity and has become stronger and more robust, it gnaws into 
the more solid heart-wood, forming a flattish and not a cylindrical hole such 
as is formed by most other borers, the burrow which it excayates being twice 
% as broad as it is high, the height measuring the tenth of an inch or slightly 
over. Within this hole the larva may be almost always found with its tail curled 
round completely towards the head, in a manner peculiar to the larvee of beetles 
belonging to the family Buprestide. It remains in the tree about a year. It 
is in the latter end of the summer, that the larva penetrates into the hardwood of the tree; its 
burrow extending upwards from the spot under the bark where it had previously entered. On 
laying open one of the burrows Dr. Fitch found it more than an inch in length, and all its 
lower part filled and blocked up with the fine sawdust like castings of the larva. With regard 
to remedies, Dr. Fitch advises three : “ First, coating or impregnating the bark with some sub- 
tance, repulsive to the insect. Second, destroying the beetle by hand-picking ; and Third, de- 
stroying the larva by cutting into and extracting it from its burrow.” 

His advice is so plain and comprehensive than I cannot do better than quote it at length. 
“ Ag it is during the month of June and forepart of July that the beetle frequents the trees 
for the purpose of depositing its eggs in the bark, it is probable that whitewashing the trunk 
and large limbs, or rubbing them over with soft soap early in June, will secure them from mo- 
lestation from this enemy. And in districts where this borer is known to infest the apple trees 
the trees should be repeatedly inspected during this part of the year, and any of these beetles, 
that are found upon them should be captured and destroyed. It is at mid-day of warm sun- 
shiny days that the search for them will be most successful, as they are then most active, 
and shew themselves abroad. The larvae, when young, appear to haye the same habit with 
most other borers, of keeping their burrow clean by throwing their castings out of it through 
a small orifice in the bark. They ¢an therefore be discovered, probably, by the new, saw- 
dust like powder, which will be found adhering to the outer surface of the bark. In August 
or September, whilst the worms are yet young, and before they have penetrated the heart- 
wood, the trees should be carefully examined for these worms. Whenever, from any particles 
of the sawdust-like powder appearing externally upon the bark, one of these worms is sus- 
pected, it will be easy, at least in young trees, where the bark is thin and smooth, to ascer- 
tain by puncturing it with a stiff pin, whether there is any hollow cavity beneath, and if ‘one 
is discovered, the bark should be cut away witha knife until the worm is found and destroyed. 
After it has penetrated the solid wood, it ceases to eject its castings and consequently, we are _ 
then left without any clue by which to discover it. Hence the importance of searching for it 
seasonably.” 

The natural food of this insect is believed to be the white oak, but itis found also on 
many other trees, such as apple, peach and plum, and, according to Mr. C. V. Riley has most 
seriously affected the soft maples in the valley of the Mississippi. The beetle when caught 
contracts all its limbs and feigns death. 


TBE Locust-TrreE Borer. [ Clytus Pictus.—F ar. | 


Order, CotEorTERA ; Family, CeraMBYCIDa. 


This active little beetle belongs to the same family as the Clyius Speciosus, of Say, whose 
attacks on the maple tree I described in my report for 1872. 

This is a very common insect, and a most fatal obstacle to the cultivation of the locust 
tree in Ontario. 

In 1866, at the meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada, Prof. Croft, of Toronto, 
drew the attention of the members to the ravages during the past summer, of this beetle, 
and stated that many of the acacia trees of Toronto and the vicinity, had fallen victims to the 
larvee. Since that date the writer has watched with interest the steady westward progress of 
this destructive pest. Indeed, so rapid has been its spread, that there is hardly a locality in 
Ontario now, where it has not made its appearance, and we may almost give up any attempt 
to check its ravages, or to successfully procure the cultivation of the locust tree. 

These beetles are so common now that they will be readily recognized without any 
engraving. They are from three quarters to half an inch in length. Colour, velvet black, 


15 


with transverse lemon-yellow bands, of which there are three on the head, four on the thorax 
and six on the elytra or wing covers, making thirteen in all ; the tips of the elytra are also 
edged with yellow. The third band on the body is very noticeable, as it forms a very distinct 
representation of the letter W. The thorax is very globular. The antennz are dark brown. 
The underside of the body has the outer edges of the segments, bordered with yellow stripes. 
The legs are rust-red. » : 

“Tn the month of September,’ writes Dr. Harris, “these beetles gather on the locust 
trees, where they may be seen glittering in the sunbeams, with their gorgeous livery of black 
velvet and gold, coursing up and down the trunks in pursuit of their mates, or to drive away 
their rivals, and stopping every now and then to salute those they meet with a rapid bowing 
of the shoulders, accompanied by a creaking sound, indicative of recognition or defiance. 
Having paired, the female, attended by her partner, creeps over the bark, searching the cre- 
vices with her antennz, and dropping therein her snow-white eggs, in clusters of seven or 
eight together, and at intervals of five or six minutes, until her whole stock is safely stored, 
The eggs are soon hatched, and the grubs immediately burrow into the bark, devouring the 
soft inner substance that suffices for their nourishment till the approach of winter. During 
winter they remain at rest in a torpid state. In the spring they bore through the sap-wood, 
more or less deeply into the trunk, the general course of their winding and irregular passages 
being in an upward direction from the place of their entrance. or a time they cast their 
chips out of their holes as fast as they are made, but after a while the passage becomes clogged, 
and the burrow more or less filled with the coarse and fibrous fragments of wood, to get rid of 
which the grubs are often obliged to open new holes through the bark. The seat of their 
operations is known by the oozing of the sap, and the dropping of the sawdust from the holes, 
The bark around the part attacked begins to swell, and in a few years the trunks and limbs 
will become disfigured and weakened by largé porous tumours caused by the efforts of the 
trees to repair the injuries they have suffered.” The habits of this insect seem to have 
been known for a long time, for we find a description of them made-in 1771, by Dr. J. R. 
Forster, and Dr. Fitch records that Petivera gave a figure and description of it in his ‘‘ Gazo- 
pbylacium,” published in London in 1702. 

The beetle is, undoubtedly, a native species, it never having been found in any other 
country. In remarking on their destructive powers, Dr. Fitch states, ‘‘ that one of the prin- 
cipal thoroughfares leading east from the city of Utica was formerly planted on its south side 
with locust trees, these had become so large and ornamental as to render this one of the most 
admired avenues in the suburbs of that city. When some thirty (now 40), years since, these 
trees were invaded by this insect, to such an extent, that in the course of two or three seasons, 
they were totally ruined, many of them being killed outright, and the remainder having their 
limbs and branches so lopped off, that they could never recover from the deformity.” Miche- 
aux also reported that fifty years ago this insect had become so destructive, that many people 
in different parts of the States were discouraged from planting the locust. 

In my own experience, three or four seasons have completely killed the largest trees, and 
about half that time for many of those of smaller size. The numbers and fecundity of the 
beetle are very great. I well remember in the early fall of 1873, on passing a small clump of 
locusts growing in St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, Ont., my attention being arrested by the 
breaking off of a branch of considerable size from one of these trees, and my curiosity being 
excited, I made an examination, and found that the branch had been eaten almost through 
by the larvee, and on looking up at the trunk of the tree, I counted over fifty beetles running 
up and down ; that tree was completely killed that season. I had oceasion to pass these trees 
going up and down to my office, and I am satisfied I must have killed fully one hundred that 
year, merely treading on them as I found them on the sidewalk beneath, or in the neighbour- 
hood of these trees. 

These beetles may often be found feeding on the pollen of the Golden Rod (Solidago). 
Dr. Fitch suggests, “as a feasible plan of checking the multiplication and destructiveness of 
these borers, to plant a small patch of the Golden Rod where locust trees are grown, that the 
beetles when they issue from the tree may resort to the flowers as is their habit. They can 
readily be found thereon, and captured and destroyed. It will be a pastime to the children 
of the household, whose sharp eyes qualify them well for this employment, to search their 
flowers.” ; 

The gathering should be begun as soon as the beetles begin to appear, and should be 


16 


continued for several successive seasons ; if none of the Golden Rod can be conveniently grown. 
numbers of the beetles may still be caught while pairing on the trunk of the trees ;if too 
high to reach, a sharp rap against the tree will cause them to drop to the ground. when with 
a little activity they can be secured. 


The grub remains in the tree about a year ; the beetle when handled, makes a peculiar 
sharp creaking noise. 


17 


NOTES OF THE PAST SHASON, 


By W. SaunDERs. 


Toe Currant Worm (Nematus ventricosus, Kiva). 


This: troublesome pest has been in most localities as abundant as ever during the past 
summer. Whatever checks nature may have provided to prevent its excessive increase, they 
seem, as yet, to avail but little, for the larvee continue to swarm in hundreds and thousands on 
currant and gooseberry bushes throughout the summer, demanding constant vigilance and 
liberal supplies of hellebore if the foliage is to be preserved. 

For the benetit of those who may not possess copies of our previons reports we have in- 
troduced again figures of this insect with such additional notes on this species in its various 
stages as we have been able to gather during the summer. 

Fis. 7. Fig. 7 shows the eggs as they are laid on the 
under side of the leaves. These eggs (deseribed from 
specimens found on the 28th June) are when first 
laid about ;8},ths of an inch long. nearly cylindrical, 
rounded at the ends, white, glossy and semi-trans- 
parent. Eggs found on the same bushes, the same day, 
but probably laid some days before, measured ;4},,ths 
of an inch in length with a corresponding increase in 
diameter. From this it is reasonable to infer that 
the eggs increase in size befire hatching, the elastic 
membrane which forms their covering expand'ng with 
the development of the enclosed lurve. The eggs, 
of which we have examined large numbers, we have 
never found embedded in the substance of the leaf 
(as some have stated they are) to any ;crceptible 
extent ; careful examination under a powerful micros- 
cope has failed to reveal any abrasion of the surface 
after the ego Has heen forcibly removed. 

Fig. 8 represents the larvee nearly full grown, 
and Wig. 9 the perfect insects, the smaller one being 
the male, the larger one the female. 

On the 19th of June, on going into the garden 
about 7 A.M., we noticed these perfect insects flying 
about in scores in sunny spots, around snd under 
zooseberry bushes; in about an hour afterwards 
when visiting the same spot for the purpose of 
capturing some, only one here and there could be 
found, and these had settled on the bushes. A male 
and female were captured ani enclosed in a gauze 
bag, which was tied so as to enclose a small branch 
of a gooseberry bush, with several leaves on it, all 
quite free from eggs. When examined in ‘he even- 
ing of the same day, the female was seen laying ber 
eges; the next morning, on opening the bag, it was 
found that 48 eggs had been deposited during the 
interval, the female being still very active. On the 


18 


24th of June, this branch was examined again, when quite a number of the young 
laryee were found just hatched from the eggs which had ihen only been laid between four 

Fic. 9. and five days; many of the eggs, however, were 
found dried up, for which no cause could be dis- 
covered, 

On the 30th of June, the larvee of a lace wing fly 
Chrysopa was observed sucking the juices from the young 
larvee of NV. ventricosus. This friendly helper was a little 
more than a qnarter of an inch long, and had placed itself 
in the midst of a colony of the young currant worms and 
had already consumed several before it was taken in the 
act, Fig. 10) represents one of their lary about half- 
grown, the fly isshown in Fig. 11. The female lace wing fly 
lays her eggs on long slender stalks, fig. 10 a, placing quite 
a group of them together ; they are very pretty objects. 
It is supposed that these long stalks serve the purpose of 
keeping the unhatched eggs at a safe distance from the 
young larvee first hatched who would, otherwise, probably 
eat them up. The perfect insect deposits these egos 
quite rapidly. On the 18th of June, when out col- 
lecting with some friends, one of them captured a lace 
wing fly and shut it up in a small box. In a few moments after, 
having occasion to look at it, he found one egg deposited; after walk- 
ing a few yards with it to show it to us, which could not have occupied 
him more than three or four minutes, the box was opened again when 
it was found that three more eggs had been deposited, we had no oppor- 
tunity of watching the fnrther deposition or maturing of these eggs. The 
lace wing fly larvee are very voracious, and if sufficiently numerous would 
prove formidable foes to the currant worm. 

From about the 12th of May to the end of the season, the 
currant worms were very abundant. (The earlier broods seem to 
confine their operations almost entirely to the gooseberry bushes, 
but after two or three weeks they attack the currant bushes with 
equal vigour. On the 16th of June, we noted the fact that the 
full grown larve in great numbers, others half grown or more and 
young colonies of the newly hatched larva were all to be found at 
that date on the same bushes. About the last of July, many colonies of these newly hatched 
larvze were found almost entirely destroyed by some undiscovered foe; probably some beneficial 
insect. Many leaves were found with the rows of empty egg shells on them and with a few 
holes eaten in them, but with the greater part of their substance uninjured, and with but little 
or no injury to the leaves surrounding ; here evidently the greater portion of the larva had been 
destroyed soon after hatching. 

On the 10th of July, while emptying out a number of the perfect flies from a box, search- 
ing for the empty pupa case of an icheunion fly found dead in the box, two pupa of ventri- 
cosus were found. They were very pretty objects, about one quarter of aninch long, of a 
very pale and delicate whitish green colour, becoming yellowish green at each extremity ; 
remarkably transparent and delicate looking. The eyes were black and prominent ; the feet, 
antennz and mouth parts all separately cased, with the same glossy transparent covering 
almost erystal-like. The wing cases were similar in appearance, but of a little deeper green, 
bent under and reaching to the first abdominal segment. The pupa seems to be incapable of 
movement, a slight quivering only of the limbs could be detected under the microseope when 
pressed on. he feet all terminated in rounded knobs with no visible claws. 


Tue Currant Measurina Worm Ellopia (Abrazis), ribearia, Fircu. 


This insect has also been very abundant during the past summer. As early as the third 
week in May, the young larves were found quite common on red currant, gooseberry and 
black currant, and by the first of June many of them had grown to, an inch in length; judg- 


iS 


ing from the numbers infesting the bushes, they appeared to prefer the black currant to 
either the red or the gooseberry. By the 15th of the month they were well grown, and ap- 
peared as shown in fig. 12, (after Riley). They are 
then nearly an inch anda quarter long, of a whitish 
colour with a number of black spots on each ring or 
seement ; a wide yellow stripe down the back, and 
another of the same character along each side, the 
latter somewhat broken. The underside is white 
with a slight tinge of pink, also spotted with black, 
and with a wide yellow stripe down the middle. 
: The length of the chrysalis see fig. I, is 
SS about half an inch; it is of a dark reddish brown 
<= colour, paler between the segments, appearing under 
ya magnifying glass roughened with minute punc- 
~.tures and irregularities of surface ; the abdominal 
segments are dotted with round punctures of vary- 
Wy, “6k ing sizes, while the terminal one is armed with two 
iy < short sharp brown spines. By the 2nd or 3rd of 
mM AK July, fresh specimens of the moth fig. 13, were on 
the wing becoming much more abundant about the 
6th, when they were observed flying in almost 
every direction about the bushes. ‘The moth when 
its wings are expanded measures an inch or more 
across ; the wings are of a pale yellowish colour 
; : with several dusky spots, varying in size and form, 
and more distinct in some specimens than in others ; sometimes these 
spots are so arranged as to form one or two irregular bands across 
the wings. About the middle of July, some of these active speci- 
3 mens were captured, and one of the females, confined in a box by it- 
self, laid a large number of eggs, 140 in all, between the 22ud and 
23rd of July. These were laid loose in the box excepting 24 of 
them which were slightly attached to the sides, The egg when 
viewed through a microscope is a very beautiful object ; its length 
is nearly ;¢,ths of an inch, width nearly ,2,ths ; in form it is an elongated oval, rather 
blunt at each end. Colour dull yellowish grey, sometimes with a bluish tinge with the sur- 
face honeycombed with regular depressions, the ridges bordering each cell having several 
bright minute whitish dots, which give the egg a very pretty and brilliant appearance when 
brought under the strong light of the condenser of the microscope. At the present date, 
December Ist, these eggs are still unchanged, excepting slightly in colour, owing to the 
developing larvae showing through the semi-transparent shell in spots, the larva in all prob- 
ability will not emerge until early spring. As there is only one brood of this insect with us 
during the year, it is never likely to prove very troublsome ; a seasonable application of helle- 
bore will in any case keep it within bounds, 


Fie. 12. 


b 


eSaritS 
fesfesieseae 


a Bi 


THe WaitrMarKED Tussock CATERPILLAR, Orgyia leucostigma. 
The orgyia caterpillar is always common in our section of Ontario, The clusters of eges 
from which the larvae are produced are quite numerous in winter on our fruit trees especi- 
ally those of the apple, pear and plum, they are securely fastened to the tree along with a 


dead leaf or two by threads of silk. 
Pig. 14. 


Fig. 14, (after Riley), represents the full- 
grown caterpillar which, when about to change 
to achrysalis,selects a leaf on which to undergo 
this important transformation, and this leaf in 
such a position that while the chrysalis is 
firmly attached to it on the one side, i is 
firmly secured by silken threads to the under 
side of a branch on the other, thus securing 
the leaf from falling to the ground in the Au- 


20 ‘ 


tumn. In about a fortnight after the change to chrysalis takes place, the moths begin to 
make their appearance. The male which comes forth from a chrys lis not more than about 
half the size ot that which produces the female, (d fig. 16 shows the chrysalis of the male, ¢ 

Fig. 1b. that of the female),is a very pretty winged moth, see fig. 15, (after Riley). I's 

antennae are beautifully feathered or pectinate, and its wings are dark 
| brown, with a white spot on each front wing near the inner hind angle. 
| | When at rest its outline is heart-shaped, and its long front feet heavily 


clothed with hairs and seales are thrust forward to their full length. Very 
different indeed in appearance is his mate; the female is wingless or fur- 
nished with but the merest rudiments of wings which no one would 
observe without the closest inspection, she is represented at fig 16 
resting on the cocoon from which she rarely moves more than a few 
Fees There she waits the attendance of the male after which the 
process of ege depositing begins. Dr. Fitch says that the eggs are ex- 
Fig, 16, truded in a continuous string wich is folded 
and matted together so as to form an irregular 
mass which is glued to the top of the cocoon ; 
on removing this mass of eges from its place 
of attachment, the surface of the cocoon ap- 


ING pears covered with fragments of a transpar- 
Se ent gelatinous-looking substance, which has 
aR evidently been applied in a fluid state. The 

AN bottom layer of eggs w Il usually number one 
hundred or more, and their interstices are 
6 well filled with this same gelatinous material, 


ColonraWellow and Bleek which adheres so strongly to the eggs that 
when the nest is torn open, they cannot be separated without bringing away portions of this 
substance firmly attached. Avother irregular layer of egys is placed on this, then a third, and 
sometimes a fourth before the total number is exhausted, and through the whole of these the 
gelatinous matte is so placed as to secure every egg, not by its being imbedded in a slid mass, 
but surrounded by the material worked into a spongy or frvthy state. Over all is a heavy layer 
of the same, with a nearly smooth greyish white surface, the whole number of eggs being so 
placed as to present a convex surface to the weather which effectually prevents the lodyment 
of any water on it. , 

Within this enclosure from 375 to 500 eggs are securely plated. We have counted the 
contents of several and 375 is the lowest and 5(0 the highest number we have found. The 
ege isnearly globular, flattened at the upper side, not perceptibly hollowed, with a dark 
peint on the centre of the flattened portion surrounded by a dusky halo. Its surface is 
smooth under a magnifying power of 45 diameters, but when subumitted to a higher power, 
appears lightly punctured with minute dots. Its colour is uniformly white to the unaided 
vision, but the microscope reveals a ring of dusky yellow surrounding it immediately below 
the flattened portion. Its diameter is 1. of an inch. 

A careless observer seeing a dead Jeaf here and there upon his trees might readily con- 
ceive that they were blown into the position they occupied by accident. and retained there by 
threads of spiders’ webs or something of that sort, but a closer examination will furnish fo d 
for thought, in the wise arrangements made by the parent moth, in providing for the safety 
of her future offspring, and at the same time muy well excite alarm in the mind of the fruit 
grower when he perceives promise of the approaching birth of sucha horde of hungry caterpil- 
lars as even one of these egg masses will produce. 

Early in June these eggs begin to hatch and continue to hatch on different trees 
for several weeks. During the past season we found the larvae about half an inch long 
on the 3rd of July, and by the 22nd, some specimens were nearly full srown. There 
must, however, have been earlier larvae than these which escaped notice, for on the 29th of 
July we found a freshly hatched cluster of young larvee belonging to the second brood. 
The cocoon had been made and the eggs laid between two young green leaves of a pear tree, 
ihe following description was taken the day after. 

Length one eighth of an inch. Head, reddish brown slightly bilobed, dotted with black 
on the sides. Body above, yellowish green, semi-transparent, dotted and spotted with dark 


pti 


21 


brown. Each segment or ring is provided with a transverse row of tubereles from which 
arise clusters of long spreading hairs, one pair of tubercles on the sides of the second sezment 
much larger than any of the others and with a larger cluster of hairs ; in each cluster there is 
one or more hairs, very long, longer in some instances than the entire body of the larva, there 
is a dark brown broken stripe along each side, Hairs mixed, brown and whitish. Changes 
take place in its appearance at each successive moult until finally it presents the appearance 
given in fig. 14, and is in adornment one of the most beautiful caterpillars we know 
of with its vermillion red head and collar, the graceful pencils of long black hairs at each 
extremity, and the cream coloured brushes or tufts along its back. 

Nine different parasites have bven found infesting this larve. These friendly helpers 
must do much towards keeeping this destructive creature within reasonable limits. Of 34 
cocoons lately taken at random from different trees, only ten were found with eges attached 
and quite a large proportion of the remainder were infested with parasites. Hence when 
collecting these evcoons in winter none should be taken or destroyed, but those which 
have ege masses on them, as all the others will contain either useful parasites or else the empty, 
harmless male chrysalis. As the female never travels beyond her cocoon, it is clear that this 
insect can only spread by the wanderings of the caterpillar or the careless introduction of eggs 
on young trees, no doubt the latter has been the most prolific source of evil. 


THE APPLE-TREE BLIGHT. 


This strange disease, affecting the tips of the branches of apple and quince trees, has 
been very common during the past summer, and has extended over a large portion of the 
western part of Ontario. ‘The first specimens we received this year were from Mr. James 
Dougall, of Windsor. He writes, on the 27th of June, as follows—‘‘ I send you to day, by 
express, some twigs and shvots of apple and quince trees, affected by what I presume is the 
twig borer. I have never been able to discover any insects or larve in the shoots, but possibly 
I may have been late in looking for them. The year before last this pest was very bad down 
the lake shore, about Ruthven, the orchards were browned with it. Last year it attacked my 
larger apple trees badly, and in the nursery rowssome Alexander trees, which were five years 
old suffered, while the younger ones were not touched ; this year it is worse than last. My 
quinees have heen badly injured for the past three years.” 

On the same day we reecived another package from C. I. Treffry, of Hawtry, Ontario, 
with the following note—* I herewith enclose for your inspection some small branches from 
some of my appletrees. In passing through my orchard I was surprised to find three of my 
finest young trees affected as enclosed. 1 have watched closely for the insect which must 
have caused such damage, but without success; neither can I find anything in the Society's 
Report for 1873 which will give me any information respecting it.” 

This same disease affected the trees very much on the grounds of \ir. Charles Arnold, 
of Paris, and many or hards in that section of country were similarly injured. In our own 
location we observed it in one instance only, affecting a few fruit-bearing twigs on a quince 
tree. About Hamilton, and between that city and Dundas, we saw, in July, many trees 
which had been badly injured, and, on returning from New York, a few weeks later saw evi- 
dences of the same trouble in some of the apple orchards in the western portion of that state. 
Thus it will be seen that this disease has affected many trees in widely distant portions of 
our country, and probably has extended much further thin we are at present aware of. We 
shall be glad to hear from our fruit-growing friends in reference to this matter. 

The advent of this disease is shown by a sudden withering of the twigs and extremities 
of the branches, particularly the fruit bearing portions, and embracing the whole of the new 
growth. Soon the leaves appear as if scorched, and the wood of the affected portions becomes 
black. Here the trouble seems to end, and later in the season the tree partially recovers its 
vigour and throws out new shoots from below the base of the affected portion. The fact of 
the fruit branches being principally involved tells heavily on the erop for the year, and makes 
this disease a much more serious matter than it would otherwise be. The effeets produced 
are so similar in appearance to the damage done, in some instances by the twig borers that we 
do not wonder at the prevailing opinion that the injury is in some way caused by insects. 
The most careful examination, however, fails to reveal the slightest evidence of insect work, 
and, like the mysterious pear tree: blight, its origin and progress are at present involved in 


22 


obscurity. From the fact of its affecting only the new and tender growth we sheuld inter 
that some atmospheric agency is probably concerned in the production and propogation of 
this disease. At present we have no remedy to suggest. 


ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 


By W. SAUNDERS, 


Toe Crcropia Motu (Altacus Cecropia, Linn.) 


Among the many beautiful and wonderful insects native to this country, there 1s mone 
which excites yearly more wonder and astonishment than the cecropia moth. Its size is 
enormous, measuring when its wings are spread from five and a half to six and a half inches 
across, and sometimes even more while its beauty is proportionate to its size. The accom- 
panying figure 17 (after Riley) is a faithful representation of this magnificent creature. 
Both front and hind wings are of a rich brown, the anterior pair greyish, shaded,with‘red, 


Fie. 17. 


the posterior more uniformly brown ; near the middle of each of the wings there is a nearly 
kidney shaped white spot shaded more or less with red, and margined with black. A wavy 
dull red band crosses each of the wings, edged inside on the front wings more or less faintly 
with white, while on the hind pair the band is widely and clearly margined with the same 
eolor. The outer edges of the wings are of a pale silky brown in which on the anterior pair 
runs an irregular dull black line, which on the hind wings is replaced by a narrow, double 
broken band of the same hue. The front wings next to the shoulders are dull red, with a 
eurved white and black band, varying much in distinctness in different specimens, and near 
their tips, there isan eyelike black spot with a bluish white crescent. The upper side of the 


23 


body and the legs are dull red, with a wide band behind the head and the hinder edges of the 
segments of the abdomen white ; the under side of the body is also irregularly marked with 
white. The under surface of the wings is very much like the upper, but somewhat paler. 

Cecropia was the ancient name of the City of Athens, and it has been a matter of sur- 
prise to some that Linnaeus should have given this name to our moth, Dr. Fitch throws light 
on this subject in the following words, “‘ The great legislator of this department of human 
knowledge, as he is expressively styled by Latreille, it has been frequently remarked, was 
endowed with a genius which, but few of his disciples have inherited, for selecting names for 
natural objects, which are most appropriate and happy. The idea which was present in the 
mind of Linnaeus when he named this splendid moth, we think is sufficiently evident. The 
Athenians were the most polished and refined people of antiquity. The moths are the most 
delicate and elegant of insects; they were the Athenians of their race. Cecrops was the 
founder, the head of the Athenian people. When the names of men were bestowed upon cities, 
ships, or other objects regarded as being of the feminine, gender, classical usage changed these 
names to the.feminine form. The moths (Phalena) being feminine, and the name of Cecrops 
being more euphonious in this form, probably induced Linozus to change it in the manner 
he did. The name thus implies this to be the leader, the head of the most elegant tribe of 
insects, or in other words the first of all insect kind. What name more appropriate can be 
invented for this sumptuous moth.” The figure we have given is that of a male which differs 
from the female in having a smaller abdomen and larger and more deeply feathered antenne 
or feelers. 

During the winter months, when the apple trees are leafless the large cocoons of this 
moth may be found here and there, firmly bound to the twigs, they are also frequently found 

Fig. 18. on currant bushes, and occasionally also on lilac, cherry, hazel, 
plum, blackberry, maple, willow and some other shrubs and trees ; 
for this insect in ite larval stage is a very general feeder. The 
cocoon, see fig. 18, (after Riley) is about three inches long, pod 
shaped and of a dirty brown colour, and is entirely constructed of 
silk, the fibres of which are very much stronger than those’of the 
common silk worm Bombyx mori. The silk has been worked toa 
limited extent and manufactured into socks and other articles, 
which have been found very durable; but a drawback to the 
advancement of this branch of industry lies in the fact that the 
. caterpillars do not bear confinement well, and hence are not easily 
. reared. 

The exterior structure of the cocoon is very close and papery- 
like, but on eutting through this, we find the interior —surround 
ing the dark brown chrysalis—made up of loose fibres of strong 
yellow silk. This snug enclosure effectually protects the inseet in 
its dormant state from the extremes of weather during the long 
wintry months. When the time approaches for the escape of the 
SE, moth, which is about the beginning of June, the internal dark 
#8 brown chrysalis is ruptured by the struggles of the oceupant, and 
) the newly born moth begins to work its way out of the cocoon. 
As it is possessed of no cutting instrument of any kind, this would 
indeed be a hopeless task had not the all-wise Creator made a 
special provision for this purpose, and to this end a fluid adapted 
for softening the fibres is furnished just at this juncture and 
secreted from about the mouth. On listening to the creature as 
it works its way through, you hear a scraping, tearing sound, 
which is made by the insect working with the claws on its fore- 
feet, tearing away the softened fibres and packing them on each 
side to make a channel for its escape. The place of exit is 
the smaller end of the cocoon, which is more loosely made than 
any other part and through which, after the internal obstacles are 
overcome, the passage is effected without much further trouble. 

We have frequently watched their escape. First through 
the opening is thrust the anterior pair of bushy looking legs, the 


24 


sharp claws of which fasten on the outside structure ; then with an effort the head is drawn for- 
ward, suddenly displaying the beautiful featherlike antennae; next, the thorax, on which is 
b rne the other two pairs of legs, is liberated, and finally, the escape is completed by the 
withdrawal of the abdomen, through the orifice thus made. Queer looking creatures they 
are when they first put in an appearance, with their large, fat, juicy bodies, and tiny wings. 
When the wings are fully expanded they measure from five to six inches or more across, but 
when fresh from the chrysalis they are but very little larger than the wings of a bumble bee. 
The first necessity now for the welfare of the individual is to find a suitable location where 
the wings may be held in a good position for expanding, for without such favourable cireum- 
stance they would never attain a serviceable size. It is necessary that a position should be 
secured where the wings may hang down as they are expanding, for which purpose the under 
side of a twig is often selected ; and here, securely suspended by the claws, the wings undergo 
in a short time the most marvellous growth it is possible to imagine. The whole process, from 
the time of the escape of the moth to its full maturity, seldom occupies more than from half 
an hour to an hour, and during this time the wings grow from the diminutive size. already 
mentioned to their full measure and capacity. 

A wing clipped from the insect immediately after its escape, and examined under the 
microscope, reveuls the fact that the thousands and tens of thc usands of scales with which the 
wings are coyered, and which afterwards assume such beautiful feather-like forms, are now 
nearly all threadlike and undeveloped. Impressed with this thought, the mind is fairly 
astonished at the almost incredible change wrought in so limited a time, for the growth em- 
braces not only the extension of the surtace of the wing, but the enlargement and maturity of 
every scale or feather on it, the individuals of which are but as dust to the naked eye. What 
a wonderful and intricate system of circulation and power of nutrition must’ be possessed to 
accomplish this marvellous result ! 

Soon after their exit these moths seek their mates, and after pairing, the female begins to 
deposits her eggs, a process which occupies some time, for the eggs are not laid in patches 
or groups, but singly ; and are firmly fastened with a glutinous material to the under side of 
a leaf ; and as it is seldom there are more than one or two laid on any single tree or bush, a 
considerable distance must be traversed by the parent in the transaction of tnis all important 
business. 

The number of eges which these moths lay is astonishing, we have known a single female 
to deposit within three days as many as 217. The eggs are aout one-tenth of an inch long, 
nearly round and of a dull creamy white colour, with a reddish spot or streak near the centre, 
the duration of the egg stage is usually from about a week to ten days. 

At the expiration of this period the larva eats its way out of the egg, the empty shell of 
which furnishes the young creature with its first meal. On its first appearance it is black, with 
little shining black knobs on its body, from which arise hairs of the same colour. Being 
furnished with a ravenous appetite its growth is very rapid ; and from time to time its exterior 
coat or skin becomes too tight for its comfort, when it is ruptured and thrown off. At each 
of these changes or moultings, the caterpillar appears in an altered garb, gradually becoming 
more like the full grown larva represented by Fig. 19. It is very handsome. Its body is pale 

* 


Fie. 19. 


ee 


green, the large warts or tubercles on the top of the third and fourth segments are coral red, 
the remainder are yellow excepting those on the second and terminal segments, which, in 
common with the smaller tnbercles along the sides, are blue. During its growth from the 
diminutive creature as it escapes from the ee¢ to the monstrous-looking full grown specimen, 
it consumes an immense amount of vegetable food ; and especially as it approuches maturity 
is this voracious appetite apparent. Where one or two have been placed on a young apple 
tree, they will often strip it entirely bare before they have done with it, and thus prevent the 
proper ripening of the wood entailing damage to the tree, and, sometimes, endangering its life ; 
hence, during their season, they should be watched for and destroyed. During the winter 
months, their cocoons may be looked for, and removed in time to check their further spread. 

The natural increase of this insect being so great, wise provisions have been made to 
keep it within bounds. Being such a conspicuous object it sometimes forms a dainty meal 
for the larger birds ; there are also enemies which attack the egg and young larvee and besides 
these there are several parasites which live within the body of the caterpillar and destroy it 
before reaching maturity. One cf the largest of these parasites is the long tailed Ophion 
(Ophion macrurum, Linn.) Fig, 20 (after Riley). This is a large yellowish brown Ichneumon 

Fe. 20. fly, and is perhaps one of the commonest parasites uffect- 
ing the cecropia. The female of this fly deposits, ac- 
cording to Mr. Trouvelot, from eight to ten eggs upon 
the skin of her victim. These eggs soon hatch into 
young larvee which eat their way through the skin of 
the caterpillar, and at once begin to feed upon the fatty 
parts within. As only one of these parasitic larvae ean 
find food sufficient to mature, the rest either die from 
hunger or are deyoured by the strongest survivor. 

Mr. Riley, in Am. Ent., Vol. IL., says, “ After 
the Cecropia Worm has formed its cocoon, the parasitic 
larva which had hitherto fed on the fatty portions of its 
victim, now attacks the vital parts, and when nothing 
but the empty skin of the worm is left spins its own 
eocoon, which is oblong oval, dark brown inclining to 
bronze, and spun so closely and compactly, that the 
inner Jayers when separated have the appearance of gold beater’s skin. If we eut open one of 
these cocoons soon after it is completed, we shall find inside a large, fat, legless grub, Fig. 21, 
which sometimes undergoes its transformations and issues 
as a fly in the fall, but more generally waits until the 


t L 4 following spring. 
t 


Po “The Ichneumon Fly, last mentioned, usually cau-es 
W AA if, A a dwarfed appearance of the worm which it infests, and 
aren ra parasitized cocoons can generally be distinguished from 
"7 healthy ones by their smaller size, The larvee of the Ta- 
china Fly which we now introduce to our readers, as parasitic on the Cecropia Worm, seem to 
_ produce an exactly opposite effect, namely, an undue and unnatural growth of their victim. 
In the beginning of September, 1866, we received an enormous Cecropia Worm. It mea- 
sured over four inches, wasa full inch in diameter, and weighed nearly two ounces, butlike 
many other large specimens which we have sinceseen, it was covered with small oval, opaque, 
white eggshells, clusters of four or five occurring on the back of each segment. invariably 
Fig. 22. deposited in a traverse direction. The skin of the’ worm was 

black, where the young parasites had hatched and penetrated. 
The large worm soon died and rotted, and in about twelve days 
a host of maggots gnawed their way through the putrid skin. 
These maggots averaged about one-half inch in length, and in 
form were like those of the common Blow-fly. The head 
was attenuated and retractile and furnished with two minute 
curved hooks, and the last segment was squarely cut off, slightly 
concave and with the usual two spiracles or breathing holes 
which this class cf larve have at their tails. Their colour was 
of a translucent yellow, and they went into the ground and 


26 


remained in the larva state all winter, contracted to pup in the April following, and the 
flies commenced to issue the last of May.” This fly differs so little from the red tailed 
Tachina Fly (£xorista militaris, Walsh), see Fig. 22, which infests the army worm that Mr. 
Riley is inclined to regard it as a variety of that species. 

The Cecropia chaleis fly (Chalcis Maria Riley). We quote again from Mr. Riley.—‘ In 
May, 1869, we received from Mr. V. T. Chambers, of Covington, Ky., numerous specimens 
of the beautiful large chaleis fly figured herewith & “ 
(Fig. 23), which he had taken from the cocoon of 
the Polyphemus moth, which is quite common and 
issues as early as the middle of February in that 
locality. He says, ‘J was satisfied that the cocoon 
did not contain a living Polyphemus, and therefore 
opened it. It contained so little besides these in- 
sects and their exuviae as to suggest strongly the 
old idea that the caterpillar had been metamor- 
phosed into them (2s in a sense it had). There 
were 47 of them, of which 23 were females. As all 
the males and some of the females were dead when QolouiBincriacdevellows 
I opened the cocoon, I think it likely that the former never do emerge, and perhaps but few 
of the latter ; otherwise Polyphemus would soon be exterminated.’ 

“We can very well imagine that most of these chalcis flies would die in their efforts to 
escape from the tough cocoon of the Polyphemus, but it so happens that these same insects 
have been found by Mrs. Mary Treat, of Vineland, New Jersey, to prey upon the cecropia 
worm, from the cocoon of which they can much more easily escape. 

Fig. 24 “The Divorced Cryptus (Cryptus nuncius, SAY,—ezxtrematis, CRESSON), 

jw) another Ichneumon fly, infests the cecropia worm in great numbers, 
filling its cocoon so full of their own thin parchment-like cocoons that a 
transverse section (Fig. 24) bears considerable resemblance to a honey- 
comb. ‘The flies issue in June, and the sexes differ sufficiently to have 
given rise to two species. We haye bred seven females and twenty-nine 
males from a cocoon of the cecropia moth, all the males agreeing with the 
species described by Say as nwncius, and all the females agreeing with that 
described afterwards as extrematis by Mr, Cresson. 


Tue CLroupep Sutpuur Burrerriy (Colias Philodice, Govt). 


The clouded sulphur is everywhere one of our commonest butterflies, abundant in its 
Fig 26. season, in fields and roadwavs, frequently congrega- 
ting in groups on the borders of streams and springs, 
where, in hot weather, they seem to enjoy settling on 
the cool, moist ground. They are still more abund- 
ant in clover fields as the season advances. 
The female of this species differs somewhat in its 
markings from the male, as will be readily seen by 
reference to the figures, 25 representing the male, 
26 the female. The ground colour of the wings in 
‘both sexes is bright yellow marked on the outer edge 
with a dark brown or blackish border, narrower in 
the male than it is in the female, while in the 
F latter it encloses on the anterior wings a broken 
row of irregular yellow spots, there is also a 
spot of black placed near the front edge of the fore 
wings, about halfway between the base and tip, 
varying in form and distinctness. The hind wings 
in both sexes are less heavily margined, and near the 
middle isa dull, pale orange spot. Both wings are 
dusky towards the base, and the fringes are pink. 
Colours Yellow and Black: On the under surface the yellow colour is less 


27 


bright, while the dark margins are either entirely wanting or else represented by a dusky 
shade margined oceasional!y within by a few dull brownish dots. The spot on the forewings 
is distinct, but paler and usually centered with a small silvery eye. That on the hind wings 
is much more distinct than above, being composed of a bright silvery spot in the centre de- 
fined by a dark brown line which is in turn encircled with duli orange. Immediately 
above and alittle towards the outer edge is a much smaller spot of the same character ; there 
is also a reddish dot on the anterior edge, about the middle of the wing. The antennw are 
pink, with the knobs at their tips of a darker shade; the body is dark above; paler at the 
sides and underneath. 

The insect appears first on the wing about the middle of May, becoming more plentiful 
towards the latter end of the month, but the time of its greatest abundance is later in the 
season, after the appearance of the second brood, which is during the latter part of July and 
throughout August. In the second volume of the ‘“ Entomologist,” p. 8, Mr. Bethune re- 
marks as follows: “On the 3rd of August, a lovely, bright, warm morning, after an exccs- 
sively wet night, I drove about ten miles along country roads ; every few yards there was a 
patch of mud, the effects of the heavy rain, and at every patch of mud there were from half 
a dozen to twenty specimens of Colias philodice, at least one, I should think for every yard of 
distance J travelled. I must then have scen, at a yery moderate computation, about ten 
thousand specimens of this butterfly.” 

The caterpillar of the Clouded Sulphur feeds on the cultivated pea, on clover, on the 
Blue Lupin, Zupinus perennis, and no doubt on many other plants belonging to the order 
Leguminose. The egg, which is a beautiful object, is about one twenty-third of an inch in 
length, tapering at each end, with twelve or fourteen raised longitudinal ribs, with smaller 
cross lines in the concave spaces between them. Its colour when first deposited is of a pale 
lemon yellow, which changes in three or four days to a pale red, then gradually to a bright 
red, and from that to dark brown just before the time of hatching. The duration of the ege 
stage is about seven days. 

The young caterpillar just hatched is one-twelfth of an inch long and of a dull yellow- 
ish brown colour, but when a little older it changes to a dark green. When full grown it is 
about an inch long, with a dark green head and body, the,latter with a yellowish white stripe 
on each side close to the under surface, with an irregular streak of bright red running through 
its lower portion. The body also has a downy look occasioned by its being thickly clothed 
with very minute pale hairs. 

The chrysalis is about seven-tenths of an inch long, attached at its base, and girt across 
the middle with asilken thread. Its colour is pale green with a yellowish tinge, with a pur- 
plish red line on each side of the head, darker lines down the middle both in front and behind, 
and with a yellowish stripe along the sides of the hinder segments. 

During the heat of summer the chrysalis state usually lasts about ten days. A day or 
so before the butterfly escapes the chrysalis becomes darker and semi-transparent, the mark- 
ings on the wings showing plainly through the enclosing membrane. 


THe Wairr-LinED Mornina Spuinx (Deilephila lineata, Fasr.) 


Fig. 27. Bcd : 
a The white-lined morning 


sphinx is a tolerably common 
insect throughout Ontario. It 
is seen on the wing generally 
about twilight or later,although 
it has been met with occassion- 
ally in the day time. In its 
flight it much resembles the 
humming bird, hovering over 
flowers into which it inserts its 
long and slender tongue in 
search of thenectar there stored, 
which constitutes its food. In 
common with many other sphinx 
moths its structure is robust 
and its flight rapid and power- 


Colours Olive, white and rose. 


ful: hence it is difficult to capture, and even when taken will often flutter with such forve as 
to seriously damage the covering and structure of its beautiful wings. When its wings are 
fully spread they measure from three to three-and-a-half inches across, (see Fig, 27, after 
Riley). The ground colour isa rich greenish olive. On the fore wings there is a pale band 
about the middle, extending from near the base to the tip,and along the outer margin 
runs another band nearly equal in width, but darker and less distinct ; the veins also are 
lined with white. The hind wings which are small, are nearly coyered by a wide central 
rosy band, becoming paler as it approaches the body, the hinder edge is fringed with white. 
On the anterior portion of the body there are six longitudinal stripes or lines, while the hind- 
er part is alternately spotted with white and black. The entire under surface is much paler 
and duller in colour than the upper. ; TOA 

“The larva,” Mr, Riley says, “ feeds upon purslane, turnip, buckwheat, water melon, 
and even apple and grape leaves, upon any of which it may be found in the month of July. 
It descends into the ground, and within a smooth cavity, changes into a light brown chrysalis, 
from which the moth emerges during the month of September.” 

“The most common form of the larva is that given at Fig. 28. Its colour is yellowish 
green, with a prominent subdorsal row of elliptical spots, each spot consisting of two curved 

Fig. 28. 


black lines, enclosing superiorly a bright crimson space, and inferiorly a pale yellow line— 

the whole row of spots connected by a pale yellow stripe, edged above with black. In some 

specimens these eyelike spots are disconnected, and the space between the black crescents is 

of a uniform cream colour. The breathing holes are either surrounded with black or with 

black edged with yellow. The other form is black, and characterized chiefly by a yellow 

line along the back, and a series of pale yellow spots and darker yellow dots, as represented 
Fig. 29. 


in the illustration Fig, 29, even this dark form is subject to great variation, some specimens 
entirely lacking the line along the back, and having the spots of different shape.” 

“ This inseet has a wide range, as it occurs in the West Indies, Mexico and Canada, as 
well as throughout the United States. Feeding asit does, principally on plants of but little 
value, and being very commonly attacked by the larvae of a Tachina fly, this insect has never 
become sufficiently common to be classed as injurious.” 


GRASSHOPPERS OR LOCUSTS. 


By tHe Rev. C. J. S. Beruune, M.A. 


Few, probably, of our Canadian fellow-countrymen are aware that the terrible Locust, 
“the scourge of nations,” as it has been fitly termed, about whose destructive powers they 
read such appalling accounts in books of Oriental travel, is one of the insect enemies that 
some of the denizens of our Dominion have to contend against. And yet itis too true—as 
the records of the past season in our North-west Province of Manitoba abundantly prove. 
The locusts (or grasshoppers, as they are incorrectly termed) have laid waste great tracts of 
fertile country, and have brought ruin and desolation to many an unhappy settler in that 
far off region. ; 

It is much to be regretted—to quote our remarks made on a former occasion*—that so 
much confusion exists in the popular use of terms in Natural History, and particularly in 
entomology, in consequence of which very serious errors become matters of common faith, 
much mischief is allo ved to go unheeded, and the innocent are oftentimes punished for the 
guilty. The term “bug,’’ for instance, is almost universally applied in the neighbouring 
States, and very generally in this country, to every kind of insect, so that it is no uncommon 
thing to hear a beautiful butterfly or lovely moth designated by the odious name of “bug,” 
whereas the «appellation belongs exclusively to those foul-smelling sucking insects of the order 
Hemiptera, which feed upon the juices of plants, and in some cases upon the blood of other 
insects, of animals and man. Aguin, the larva of almost every kind of insect is called “the 
grib;” larvae that burrow into the trunks of trees and timber, “ ¢ie borer,” and so on to any 
extent. The consequence is that what is a remedy for one grub or borer, or so-called “ bug,’” 
is indiscriminately made use of for the destruction of every other grub, or borer, or “ bug “ 
unmindful that the old proverb may be read iu this way also—‘ What is one insect’s meat is 
an }ther’s poison,” and that the treatment that will exterminate one injurious insect is some- 
times perfectly harmless in the case of another. 

This confusion of terms is particularly unfortunate in the case of the insects that we 
are now treating of, Every one in this country is perfectly familiar with what is commonly 

Fig. 30. called a “ grasshopper,” but how very 
few are aware that what they term a 
grasshopper, and see too often to think 
much about, is really the same kind of 
insect as the much dreaded, famine- 
producing Locust, that constituted one 
of the plagues of Keypt, and that is 
an object of so much terror wherever 
it prevails. A trae locust it never- 
theless is, and it were well, for many 
reasons, that our people became accus- 
tomed to call it by its right name. 
Our common species in this Province, 
while it does not possess the power of 
suddenly appearing in vast numbers 
and emigrating from place to place, 
occasionally becomes greatly multiplied 
and proves very destructive. The 
western locust (or grasshopper), how- 
ever, differing but very slightly from 
our species, is, as we shall presently 
shew, quite as formidable a destroyer as its Oriental congener. 


* Canada Farmer, 1867, page 87. 


30 


While the true American Locusts are commonly called * grasshoppers, and the true 
grasshoppers are termed crickets, katydids, &., another element of confusion is mingled 
with our insect nomenclature by the common practice of giving the name of locust to the 
cicada, a totally different insect belonging to an entirely different order. The accompany- 
ing illustration will shew the reader the difference between these three kinds of insects better 
than any written description. Figure: ‘30 represents different stages in the life of the Cicada or 
so-called ‘‘Seventeen year Locust” (C. Septem-decim Linn). a is the pupa ; ) the empty pupa 
case after the perfect insect has emerged from it ; ¢, the perfect or winged insect; d, the per- 
forations in a twig for the deposition ‘of egos; @, the ege. Figure 32 represents ‘a katydid or 
true grasshopper (Cyrtophyllum concavum, Say); and Figure 31 a true locust or so-called 
grasshopper (Caloptenus spretus, UHLER). 
A single glance at these illus- 
trations will shew the reader, the 
main differences between the three 
kinds of insects that we have been 
referring to. We wish it, there- 
fore, to be plainly understood 
that in the account that follows : 
we shall use the term “ Locust” 
in reference to the devastating y 
insect represented in Figure 31, which is so often called a “ grasshopper.” 


Fig. 32. 
History or THE LocusT IN AMERICA. : . 


From the various works that we have been able to con- 
sult we gather that visitations of locusts have occurred on a 
more or less extensive scale, from time to time, ever since 
the Central and Western portions of this Northern Conti- 
nent have been occupied by Europeans. We have no diffi- 
culty, then, in believing that from time immemorial these 
destructive insects have played their important part in 
maintaining the balance of animal and vegetable life in 
accordance with the grand laws of the Omnipotent Creator. 
The earliest notice that we have found of a visitation of 
locusts refers back more than two centuries, to a period 
much anterior to the discovery of the Mississippi River by 
La Salle. In Gage’s West Indies the following account 
is given of one of these visitations in Guatemala in the year 
1632 :— 

“ The first year of my abiding there it pleased God to 
send one of the plagues of Egypt to that country, which was 
of locusts, which I had never seen till then. They were 
after the manner of our grasshoppers, but somewhat bigger, 
which did fly about in numbers so thick and infinite that 
they did truly cover the face of the sun, and hinder the 
shining forth of the beams of that bright planet. Where 
they lighted, either upon trees or standing corn, there was 
nothing expected but ruin, destruction and barrenness ; for 
the corn they devoured, the fruits of trees they ate and con- 
sumed, and bung so thick upon the branches that with their 
weight they tore them from the body. The highways were so covered with them that they 
startled the travelling mules with their fluttering about their heads and feet. My eyes were 
often struck with their wings as I rode along ; and much ado I had to see my way, what with 
a montero wherewith I was fain to cover my face, what with the flight of them which were 
still before my eyes. The farmers towards the South sea-coast cried out, for that their 
indigo, which was then in grass, was like to be eaten up; from the Jngenios of sugar the like 
moan was made, that the young and tender sugar-canes would be destroyed ; but, above all, 
grievous was the cry of the husbandmen of the valley where J lived, who feared that their 


31 


corn would in onenight be swallowed up by that devouring legion. The care of the magistrates 
was that the towns of Indians should all go out into the ficlds with trumpets, and what other 
instruments they had, to make a noise and to affright them from those places which are most 
considerable and profitable to the commonweath ; and strange it was to see how the loud 
noise of the Indians and sounding of the trumpets defended some fields from the fear and 
danger of them. Where they lighted in the mountains and highways, there they left behind 
them their young ones, which were found creeping upon the ground, ready to threaten such a 
second year’s plague, if not prevented ; wherefore all the towns were called, with spades, 
mattocks and shovels, to dig long trenches and therein to bury all the young ones. Thus, 
with muck trouble to the poor Indians and their great pains (yet after much hurt and loss in 
many places) was that flying pestilence chased away out of the country to the South Sea, 
where it was thought to be consumed by the ocean, and to have found a grave in the waters, 
whilst the young ones found it in the land. Yet they were not all so buried, but that shortly 
some appeared, which, being not so many in number as before, were with the former diligence 
soon overcome.” 

About a century later than the date of the above account, the locusts are recorded to 
have laid waste, on several occasions, all the vegetation of Mexico and Yucatan, and to have 
produced famine and much consequent suffering among the people. ‘To California, they ap; 
pear to have been especially partial from the earliest times. The Jesuit Mather Michael del 
Barco, who lived for thirty years in that country as a missionary among the heathen Indians, 
relates that from the arrival of the Jesuits in 1697 to the year 1722, they were free from any 
plague of locusts, but that in this year they caused fearful sufferings among the inhabitants. 
In 1746 and for three years following without intermission, they again invaded the land ; 
after this they did not appear until 1753 and 1754 ; and finally, before the expulsion of the 
Jesuits, in 1765 and the two foliowing years. Clavigero, in his History of California, gives 
a yery interesting account of these several invasions, and describes the appearance and 
natural history of the insect with much minuteness; from his work we make the following 
extracts :— 

“ The female, at the latter part of July or early in August, lays a number of fine small 
eggs of a yellowish colour, ina string, united with a glutinous matter, which appears like a cord 
of fine silk. These are deposited together and dropped into a small hole which they make in 
the ground with a small apparatus attached to their tails. Hach female lays from seventy to 
eighty eggs, and sometimes more. 

“The birth of these new grasshoppers has no particular time, but is dependent upon the 
early or late appearance of the rains, but they generally hatch during the latter part of Sep- 
tember or early in October. . . . . . heir life, from birth to death, lasts ten months, 
during which they cast their coats twice and change their colours five times. When the wings 
have become of sufficient strength and the body at its maturity, they then begin to ascend 
into the air and fly like birds, and commence their ravages in every direction, desolating the 
fields of every green thing. Their numbers become so extraordinary, that they soon form 
clouds in the atmosphere, of which the rays of the sun cast a shadow as they fly. They unite 
in masses of ten to twelve thousand, always following their conductors and flying in a direct 
line without falling behind, for they consume every growing thing before them. To whatever 
height their guides conduct them to obtain a sight of their food they follow, and as soon as 
growing crops or any verdure is sighted, instantly the swarm will alight and speedily devour 
and devastate the fields around to that extent, and with that promptitude, that when they 
are seen by a new swarm of their fellows, there is not anything more left to injure or con- 
sume. 

“This lamentable insect plague is bad enough in old and cultivated countries, but in 
the miserable peninsula of California, where they eat up the crops, green trees, fruits, and 
pastures, they cause great mortality in the domestic animals of the missions, and with the 
effect of their ravages on the cereals and other garden productions cause great famines and 
sickness among the inhabitants and neophytes of the establishments. At one time immense 
multitudes of these voracious insects died, infecting the air dreadfully with the stench of 
their corruption and deeay.”’ 

In Upper California, the Franciscan Missions of the early part of the present century, have 
suffered in a very similar manner. About the year 1827 or 1828, they ate up—we are told 
—nearly all the growing crops, and occasioned a great scarcity of wholesome food ; again in 


32 


1834, they “destroyed all the crops of the rancheros and missions, with thé exception of the 
wheat.” In 1°38, the field crops und gardens were again nearly destroyed. In 1846, there 
was another serious visitation, which extended over some of what are now termed the Western 
States, as well as California. In 1855, to pass over lesser visitations, there came one of the 
most terrible of all the recorded plagues of Locusts in California. As related by Mr. Taylor, 
of Monterey, (Smithsonian Report, 1858), between the middle of May and October, 1855, 
“these insects extended themselves over a space of the earth’s surface, much greater than has 
ever before heen noted. They covered the entire Territories of Washington and Oregon, and 
every valley of the State of California, ranging from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern base of 
the Sierra Nevada ; the entire Territories of Utah and New Mexico ; the immense grassy 
prairies lying on the eastern slopesof the Rocky Mountains ; the dry mountain valleys of 
the Republic of Mexico, and the countries of Lower California and Central America, and also 
those portions of Texas which resemble, in physical characteristics, Utab and California. The 
records prove that the locusts extended themselves, in one year, over a surface comprised within 
thirty-eight degrees of latitude, and in the broadest part, eighteen degrees of longitude.” The 
Sacramento newspapers of that year were filled with details of the plague; most accounts 
compared the swarms, when in flight, to dense snow-storms ; they consumed everything before 
them—the foliage of trees, orchards, gardens, vineyards, fields of young grain, of crops and 
vegetables—everything was eaten up in a particular locality in a single day, leaving the ground 
a withered, blackened desert. That summer of 1855, was observed to be the hottest and 
driest that had been known for ten years.” 

During the next two years, 1856-7, the plague was almost entirely confined to the 
region lying east of the Rocky Mountains, and extending in places as far as the Missis- 
sippi River ; throughout the States of Minuesota, Nebraska and Kansas, the locusts were es- 
pecially destructive, Ten years later, in the summer of !866, another noteworthy visitation 
took place throughout the same region, A correspondent of a Rock Island, [Il., paper (see 
Practical Entomologist, vol. ii., page 3), thus describes the plague in Nebraska: ‘“‘ The last day 
of August, near the middle of the afternoon, quite a number of grasshoppers were seen alight- 
ing, and that number rapidly increased till a little before sunset. The next morning they 
appeared much thicker, but were only so from having crawled more into the open air to 
sun tlemselyes. Aboutnine o’clock they began to come thicker and faster from a northerly 
directi n, swarming in the air by myriads, and making a roar like suppressed distant thun- 
der. By looking up to the'sun they could be seen as high as the eye could discover an 
object so small, in appearance like a heavy snow storm. Each grasshopper very much like a 
very large flake, save that it passed by instead of falling. The number was beyond imagination, 
the air was literally full of them and continued so till late in the afternoon, countless millions 
passed on leaving other countless millions covering the earth and devouring the vegetation.” 
Another writer from Kansas states that ‘“ Yesterday, September 10th, the locusts made their 

“appearance here, and ure devouring everything green, They almost darken the sun in their 
flizht. I putin 65 acres of wheat in the last week of August, which looked fine, but it has 
nearly all disappeared ; by to-morrow night there willnot be a spear left. Early sown wheat 
will be totally destroyed.” From the description given by another writer in Kansas, we may 
quote the following graphic account :—‘ There is something weird and unearthly in their 
appearance, us in vast hosts they scale walls, housetops and fences, clambering over each 
other with a creaking, clashing noise. Sometimes they march in even regular lines, like hosts 
of pigzmy cavalry, but generally they rash over the ground in confused swarms. At times they 
rise high in the air and cirele round like gnats in the sunshine. At such times, I think, they 
are caught hy currents of our prevailing westerly winds and are thus distributed over vast 
tracts of country.” he foregoing extracts will give our readers some little idea of the mode 
of appearance and the destructive powers of the locusts in the west. We might fill pages, a 
volume indeed, with similar accounts. 

The next year 1867, and to some extent also in 1868 the locusts reappeared through- 
out the sawe region, and extended further to the eastward as wellas westward. They 
proved more or less destruetive in Western and Central Iowa, and in North Western Mis- 
souri, as well as almost all over Nebraska, Kangas, Texas and Utah. They have never, so far 
as we have been able to ascertain, passed to the eastward of the Mississippi River. 

Tau 1869 and 1870, the ravages of the locusts seem to have been confined on this side of 
the Rocky Mountains, to portions of Nebraska, Colorado and Utah. 


33 


—I>IIlIIIl—>>—>>~_L__——_—_—S=—————— 


Tae PLAaus or Locusts 1n 1874. 


Let us now turn to the terrible visitation of the present year, from the effects of which 
so many thousands are now suffering the privations of famine throughout immense tracts of 
country. 

Last year (1873) the locusts or grasshoppers were stated to have infticted considerable 
damage upon crops of various kinds in some of the Western States, principally Nebraska and 
Kansas; here and there also in Minnesota, Iowa and Dakota there were comparatively trifling 
visitations. But in the month of July of this year there began one of the most 
serious invasions that has ever occurred in the west. In point of numbers and in extent of 
area affected, the plague was probably; no greater than on some previous occasions, notably 
that of 1855 that we have referred to above; the great difference, however, is caused by the 
fact that twenty years ago the country west of the Mississippi River was an almost unin- 
habited wilderness of prairie, while now it is traversed by a net work of railways, covered 
with populous towns and villages, and occupied to a very large extent by multitudes of in- 
dustrious people. Twenty years ago the locusts affected the food supply, perhaps, of the buf- 
falo, the Indian, and the scattered frontier settlers, but now their ravages cause destitution and 
misery in tens of thousands of homes. 

Up to the beginning of July this year, all looked bright and fair for the western farmer. 
His crops of all kinds were, as a rule, growing luxuriantly ; the prospect of a bountiful har- 
vest was quite as good as usual. After that date, however, sooner or later in different 
localities, all these bright prospects were overelouded, in many instances utterly destroyed. 
The following extracts from various newspapers will abundantly tell the tale. 

As early as the 19th of July a correspondent of the Prairie Farmer writes from How- 
ard County, Nebraska: “Corn and potatoes were doing well until recently, when the grass- 
hoppers [locusts] put in an appearance, and the result undoubtedly is, at the present moment, 
that there is not ten per cent. of these crops and of late oats left in this and the two neigh- 
bourirg counties ; and it is very doubtful if the countless millions of Vandals will leave a 
vestige of any green thing. The result must be almost certain starvation for new-comers, and 
must retard the development of this beautiful country for many years.” 

A lady correspondent of the same paper writes a few days later from Butler County, 
also in Nebraska :— ‘The low-hung clounds have dropped their garnered fullness down.’ 
But alas! and alack! they were not the long-looked-for rain clouds, but grasshoppers. As I 
told you before, they passed over on the 23rd, only a few alighting ; but a strong south-west 
wind on the 24th brought back countless millions; and on the 25th their numbers were fearful 
to contemplate. They would rise in the air when the sun shone hot, but as it grew cooler 
they came down like the wolf on the fold. They settled like huge swarms of bees on every 
living thing. Fields of corn that had been untouched before were now stripped of tassel and 
blade. A field of early corn was being eaten so fast, that the girls went to save a few ears, 
instead of going to visit a sick schoolmate according to promise. Trees were so loaded with 
the pests, that those four and five feet high bent down till the tops touched the ground, and 
in some instances broke off ; for three dreadful hours they dashed against the house like hail. 
So many came in at doors and windows that every aperture was closed ; but not till they 
were so thick on the windows, that we were forced to make a business of slaying. The 25th 
of July will be remembered by the citizens of this and some other counties as the dark day, 
when desolation and devastation stared us in the face. * * * The wheat which 
was at first thought to be out of harm’s way was cut off about one-fourth by the destroying 
angels. A statement in our county paper says the average will be about 8 or 9 bushels per 
acre. After the grasshoppers stopped their depredations, there were several damp cloudy 
days, that brought out new tassels and silks on the corn, but more than a week of hot, dry 
weather, with scorching winds checked its growth, so there will be none, excepting a very 
few fields that partially escaped. Turnips have been grown since the rain ; and it is to be 
hoped there will yet be some potatoes ; sweet potatoes were not hurt so badly as the common 
potato. Broom corn, cane and Hungarian grass were unscathed.” 

A writer from St. Paul, Minnesota, to the paper above mentioned, says that the locusts 
“have undoubtedly destroyed five hundred thousand bushels of wheat, and are likely to des- 
troy another half million of bushels.” Later on in the season the St. Paul Press publishes 
the following statement in reference to the plague of locusts in Minnesota:—‘“ It is safe to 

D 


34 


———s 


estimate the tilled area in the ravaged district at 275,000 acres, and of the area in wheat in 
that district at 200,000 acres. Of this area, probably not less than 150,000 acres have 
been destroyed. This represents not less than 2,500,000 bushels of wheat devoured in the 
germ by the grasshoppers, or about one-twelth of the wheat crop of the state. Add to this 
area 50,000 acres of oats, at 33 bushels per acre, or 1,320,000 bushels in all, or one-twelfth of 
the oat crop of the state; 20,000 acres of corn, at 32 bushels per acre, 340,000 bushels, or 
one twelfth of the corn crop of the state, and perhaps 20,000 acres more in rye, buckwheat, 
barley, potatoes and other crops—and the full extent of the grasshopper hayoe cannot be 
easily estimated.” 

Our readers may further judge of the extent of the calamity and sufferings consequent 
upon it, from the following Pastoral Letter, issued by the Bishop of Minnesota, and appointed 
to be read in all the Churches in his Diocese :—To the Clergy and Congregations of the Diocese 
of Minnesota ; You are aware that several counties of the State have been desolated by locusts. 
In May I visited Martin county and saw the beginning of their ravages. [ laid the facts 
before the Governor. The plague hasincreased. Many homes are desolated. They have 
the right to look to us for relief. They are our own flesh and blood. They are our brothers. 
They are God’s children. The scourge is an awful one. It may be for ovr sins. It may 
be to try our faith in God. It may be to test our humanity, 

I ask your prayers and your alms, I recommend that an offering shall be taken up on 
the last Sunday in July, and that a further special contribution of money and provisions 
shall also be taken at our Annual Harvest Home Festival. 

Please send your offerings to Hon. Isaac Atwater, Minneapolis, who will send them to 
the Committee in St. Paul. 

Praying God to bless you, 
Your friend and Bishop, 


H. B. Waurppte. 
Extract from a Widows letter in Brown County.” 


“JT mortgaged my farm to get seed last Spring. Allis lost. What to do I do not know. 
It would take a tear out of a stone to hear the people talk. I had a nice piece of barley al- 
most ready to cut. There is nothing left but the straw, the heads lying thick on the ground. 
Dear Bishop, I am almost heart-broken, and nearly crazy, to think of the long, cold winter, 
and nothing to depend on. May God help us. May the Lord look to every orphan and 
widow, and put it in the hearts of His children to help.” 

«The widow must not plead in vain.” 

The Bishop also issued a form of prayer for relief from the plague of locusts, to be used 
in the Churches throughout his Diocese. 


From the September “ Report of the Department of Agriculture,” at Washington, we cull 
the following note from Kansas :—-.‘‘ The late summer and fall crops have been almost entirely 
destroyed by grasshoppers. The common jumping grasshopper did much damage through 
the early part of the season, but about the middle of August clouds of the flying ones made 
their appearance over the county, devouring and destroying vast quantities of vegetation. 
Gardens were quickly eaten up, corn-fields were stripped of leaves, and in many cases the corn 
was entirely eaten off ; fruit trees are left with naked branches, and in many cases the half- 
ripened fruit is left hanging on the trees, presenting a sickening sight of death and destruction. 

In addition to the actual loss by devastation, the loss caused by discouragement will be 
ereater. Years of patient waiting, hard work, and self-sacrifice have been destroyed in a few 
days, with no known remedy for protection —just as the fruits of labour were beginning to be 
realized, destruction came—and the question with many is, “ Isit of any use to try again 7?” 

Here is a field for the Department of Agriculture. Some method of protection or relief 
must be had against the destruction of this insect, or an immense tract of magnificent country 
will never be what it would without this curse. L am one of those who believe all such things 
may be controlled by some practical method ; it only requires study, enterprise and means 
to learn how. This county (Doniphan) could well afford to pay $100,000 for a guarantee that 
no grasshoppers should ever trouble it again. I have learned that vegetation highly culti- 
vated and growing vigorously is less liable to be destroyed than when on the decline or 
growing feebly. Thus it is we often see a single tree in an orchard eaten even to the bark, 


35 


while others of the same variety are not damaged so much ; and upon examination it will be 
invariably found that those mostly eaten were diseased, or had their vitality in some way 
impaired. This thing was noticeable when the same kind cf insects were here six or seven 
years ago. fall fruit trees, apple and pear trees suffer the most, while peaches, plums and 
cherries suffer the least. They eat the leaves off the apples, and leave most of the apples on, 
but of the peaches they will eat the fruit and leave the foliage ; but in many instances, when 
yegetation is not plenty, I understand they clean all as they go, and I have seen instances of 
this kind. The damage to vineyards in this county is not so great. They do not seem to 
relish grapes, and are satisfied by eating off the stems and letting the bunches fall to the 
ground. There will not be enough corn in this county to feed what stock there is in the 
county as it should be fed.” ’ 

The same report states that “the plague ”—as it justly terms it—is reported in two 
counties in Wisconsin, seven in Minnesota, five in Iowa, four in Missouri, thirty in Kansas 
and seven in Nebraska. It adds that “the wide-spread destruction which they (the locusts) 
haye caused in the north-west has not been adequately described. In many places large 
masses of people will probably suffer during the coming winter for the necessaries of life, 
their crops having been swept by this remorseless enemy.” 

The next Monthly Report—that for Uctober—records the prevalence of the plague in two 
more counties in Minnesota, two more in Iowa, four more in Missouri, four more in Kansas, 
four more in Nebraska, three in Texas, two in Colorado, and one in California. The fol- 
lowing letter from Kansas is recorded “ to give some idea of its ravages :”—‘ The farmers in 
"unty had their land for wheat prepared in good time, and in a better condition than L 
é ‘saw. On the 6th of September the grasshoppers made their appearance all over the 
c4 “ty. Farmers became alarmed and did not sow any wheat. About the18th to the 20th 
ey appeared to go away. Farmers commenced sowing and got in about two-thirds of their 
crop. On the 28th and 29th they came the second time, filling the air, reminding one of a 
snow-storm in December. Some who had sown early had wheat up nice, but you cannot find 
a spear in any place. Wheat which was sown before the grasshoppers came the first time has 
been eaten down, until the grain has finally ceased to grow. I am candidly of the opinion 
that every acre which is sown to-day in this county will have to be sown again. There is no 
other chance for it, and the great trouble will be that so many of our farmers have sown all 
their seed and are not able to buy again. And what will they do? Some who have not been 
two years on their claims are leaying them and going over into Missouri and Arkansas to 
winter—to find something to live upon.” 

We might go on to an almost unlimited extent with similar descriptions of the wide- 
spread devastation caused by these insects, and the consternation they have produced through- 
out the west. very agricultural newspaper and a large number of city papers have pub- 
lished throughout the past season similar records of ruin and suffering. To assist their 
brethren in the afflicted regions, large sums of money have been contributed both by State 
Governments and by individuals; but it is greatly to be feared that the utmost liberality will 
hardly save from ruin, though it may relieve temporarily, many farmers who had recently set- 
tled on those hitherto attractive plains. Not only, it should be remembered, have they suffered 
from a dire plague of locusts, but they have also been the victims of a long-continued drought ; 
accompanied in some localities by a terrible hot wind, resembling the sivocco that blastssouthern 
Hurope with the dry heat of the African desert ; to add also to their series of calamities, the 
Chinch-bug* destroyed in many places those crops that the Locusts spared. 

To illustrate the reality and intensity of the sufferings that we have alluded to, we shall 
give one extract only out ofa large number that might be quoted. The writer of a letter to 
the Prairie Farmer, dated Kearney, Nebraska, November 16th, thus describes the condition 
of things in his neighbourhood :—“ Your readers have been pretty fully posted as to the ravages 
of locusts over this entire region, the devastation extending from Central Minnesota to the 
southern limit of Kansas, the whole country being almost as utterly destroyed, so far as pro- 
visions are concerned, as if it had been swept by the scathing flames. I speak more under- 
standingly of my own neighbourhood, and shall endeavour to state facts that may be firmly 
relied upon, and which can be verified if necessary, by the testimony of others in my own 


* For a description of the Chinch-bug, see the report of the Entomological Society of On- 
tario, for 1871. 


36 


ee ee’ 


vicinity. The wheat crop, what there was of it, considering the dry weather, was good. But 
fully one-half of the settlers had no wheat at all ; their sole dependence was corn and potatoes. 
In many instances the very uncertain product of prairie sod. Thus nearly half of our 
people were dependent solely upon the two above articles, both of which were almost entirely 
swept away by drought,#bugs and locustscombined. very family nearly, that was able to do 
so, having friends in Iowa and Missouri, have gone there to winter, some may return, others 
never will. Many proved upon their claims and have left the country forever. The number 
of actual homestead settlers is thus reduced fully one-half in my own neighbourhood, and of 
that one-half, not one family in ten have provisions, fuel or clothing to last them through the 
winter. Fully two-thirds have not food enough to last until the Ist of December. [I find 
from conversation in Kearney, with settlers both north and south for a distance of thirty to 
fifty miles, that the same statement holds true over almost the entire region. Thus nofwith- 
standing the cry of some of our papers that “we are not beggars,” more than two-thirds of 
those now on their homesteads must either beg or starve. In less than thirty days there will 
be starvation and death unless these needs are promptly met. 

“There is no corn, no oats, no feed of any kind for stock, except what is shipped in from 
a distance. There is no fuel except coal, at from $8°to $11 per ton. There is no work, no 
money. ‘There is no seed corn, and in very many instances, no seeds of any kind for another 
year’s planting. On the 13th inst., I met two of my neighbours. One has a family of six 
to provide for, three of them young children. Says he: ‘1 have just flour enough to last 
until Saturday night.’ The other has a family of ten, four of whom are sick, and have been 
since September. One child, a bright boy of some four years, has lost the entire use of his 
limbs, and now has to have the care of a helpless babe. This man has flour for ten days, and 
potatoes that will enable him to get along for a week or two longer. Last winter this family 
of children were entirely without shoes or stockings, with clothing just sufficient to cover 
nakedness, and ragged at that. The writer of this article has flour for a week—fifty pounds 
and pays for it in breaking one aere of prairie, thus giving three dollars in work for $1.20 
worth of flour. He does not state this complainingly, being glad to get work to feed his 
five babies at any price. I merely give these three cases as a sample. While I give but 
three, there are many others all around me in fully as deplorable a situation. This want ex- 
tends over the whole area of country, west, north and south, and the farther the settlement 
is from the supplies, the greater the wants and privations of the settlers.” 


THE PLAGUE oF Locusts IN MANITOBA. 


Thus far we have been describing the extent and the terrible results of this year’s 
plague of Locusts in the Western States of the Union. We have now, unhappily, to record 
its occurrence in our own new Province of Manitoba, which adjoins the State of Minnesota, 
so frequently referred to above. From the following record of visitations previous to this 
year, it will be observed that they were, in almost all cases, simultaneous with those in the 
neighbouring States, that we have described in the earlier part of this paper. For this record 
we are indebted to the letter of the Winnipeg Correspondent of the Toronto Globe, which ap- 
peared in that paper on the 5th of August last :— 

“Grasshoppers first appeared in Red River towards the end of July, 1818, six years 
after the commencement of the settlement. They covered the settlement belt, but did not 
utterly destroy the wheat crop, it being nearly ripe at the time. Barley and other crops 
were swept away. They deposited their eggs and disappeared, and the following spring the 
crop of young grasshoppers was immense. These departed before depositing their eggs, but 
deyoured all vegetation on their route, thus destroying all the crops of 1819. Great num- 
bers came in during the season of 1819 and deposited their eggs, so that in 1820 the crops 
were again all destroyed. Thus for three successive years were the crops in this country 
destroyed by these pests. They then disappeared for thirty six successive years, the next 
visitation being in 1857, when they visited the Assiniboine settlement, doing but little injury — 
beyond depositing their eggs. The following season their progeny destroyed all«the crops — 
within their reach, In 1864 they again appeared in considerable numbers but did little 
injury to the wheat crop. The following year the young grasshoppers partially destroyed the — 
crops, leaving many districts entirely untouched. The largest swarm ever known came ~ 
in August, 1867, but the crops were so far advanced that season that they did but little in-— 


Bit copia 


aed 7, 


37 


. jury. Their eggs produced such immense swarms the following spring that they destroyed 
everything that had been sown throughout the settlement, and famine ensued. In 1869 they 
again visited the country, but too late to do much harm. The season following, however, 
they destroyed most of the growing crops. In 1872 immense hordes of these winged pests 
again visited a part of the country about the beginning of Augusf The country west of 
Headingly escaped, and generally the wheat was not much injured, but they played sad havoc 
with the gardens. Nothing was sown the following spring throughout the infested district, 
but throughout the western settlements a large crop was grown and saved.” 

- From the same source we have obtained the following particulars respecting the 
ravages of the Locust in different parts of the Province :— 
“THe Soura.—From West Lynne (Pembina) northward as far as Scratching River 
the oats and barley have been entirely destroyed, and the wheat partially. 


“ PaLESTINE.—The latest reports from this settlement confirm the accounts that the , 


settlement is laid waste. 

“ManrropA LAKe.—The shores of this lake are strewn three feet in many places with 
dead grasshoppers, the wind haying driven them into the lake, where they were drowned 
and cast ashore. 

“Tue Boyne SETTLEMENT.—They are yery thick here, and have completely destroyed 
the oats and barley, and about half ruined the wheat. 

“ PorTAGE LA PRAIRIE.—From Poplar Point to the Portage the fields are swarming 
with grasshoppers, which have devoured the crops, Scarcely anything has escaped. 

“Rar Creexk.—In this neighbourhood it is reported that the erops of Kenneth Me- 
Kenzie, Hugh Grant and others, are being destroyed, and that the former had commenced 
cutting his oats and barley for fodder rather than let the pests take all. 

“ Rockwoop.—The crops in this settlement have suffered severely. Oats and barley 
completely destroyed, and wheat badly injured. 

“ WoopLANnD.—Most of the settlers in this neighbourhood are entirely cleaned out. 

“ CounTy oF PROVENCHER.—All the crops along the Red River, from Pembina to Stink- 
ing River, have been eaten up, excepting, in some instances, a portion of the wheat and 
potatoes have escaped. 

“ WinnrprG.—The gardens in this city, and the oats and barley in the neighbourhood, 
are being destroyed. During the evenings, at the going down of the sun, they seek the board 
fences and sides of houses in such numbers that in many cases it is impossible to distinguish 
the colour of the houses, or the material of which they are built.” 

As yet we do not know whether the Locust ravages are wont to extend over the great fer- 
tile region to the north-west of Manitoba—that magnificent agricultural region drained by the 
Saskatchewan River ; we hope, and we are strongly inclined to think, that the plague, if notice- 
able at all, is there trifling in character and moderate in extent. Should it be otherwise, 
should that “fertile belt” be as subject to these visitations as the States to the south of it 
unhappily are, it must prove a great hindrance to its rapid settlement. If, on the other hand, 
it possesses an immunity not shared in by the Western States, it will certainly draw from 
them, before many years are over, and as soon as railway facilities are afforded for transporta- 
tion of goods and produce, a very large portion of those settlers who are now eaten out of 
house and home. We fully expect to see the tide of immigration which for a few years past 
has been setting so strongly towards the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, turned towards our 
own mage highly-favoured, even though more northern regions of Assiniboine and Saskatchewan, 


DerscRIPTION OF THE INSECT. 


Let us turn now to a description of the insect respecting whose powers of destruction we 
haye heard so much. As we have already remarked, there is very little difference in appear- 
ance between our common “grasshopper” and the famine-producing Locust of the West. 
They both belong to the same genus (Caloptenus) of the family Acrydidz and of the order of 
Orthoptera—straight-winged insects. The Acrydide, or Locusts, are distinguished from 
their kindred, the true grasshoppers, by the following characteristics :—The former have 
short antenne (or feelers), never exceeding the body in length ; the latter have very long 
thread-like antennx. The tarsi, or feet, of the former are three-jointed ; of the latter four- 
jointed. The female of the former has the tip of the abdomen furnished with four very short 


! 38 


bony pieces, two of which curve upwards and two downwards (they may be observed in 
figures 33 and 34) ; the female of the latter has a long curved, often sword-shaped, ovipositor. 
The former, again, live upon the ground ; the latter for the most part on grass and trees. 

All Orthopterous insects—including, of course, those we are now treating of—undergo 
what is termed an incomplete metamorphosis—that is to say, their larvae and pups resemble 
all along the perfect insect, except that the wings are not fully developed and the size of the 
mature insect is not attained. To make our meaning clearer, we may mention that Lepi- 
dopterous insects (butterflies and moths) undergo a perfect or complete metamorphosis ; as 
every one knows, the caterpillar, or larva, is totally different from the winged insect, while 
the chrysalis or pupa is entirely different from either. In food, habits and appearance, the 
insect undergoes a complete change at each metamorphosis. In the case of Locusts, on the 
contrary, one can hardly say with certainty when the larval state ends and that of the pupa 
begins ; or when, again, the pupal condition merges into that of the perfect insect. 

The genus Caloptenus, to which we are now confined, is represented almost all over the 
world. In North America eight different species have been described by entomologists, but 
we are inclined to think that some of these are little more than varieties of others. Three 
species only are prevalent in large numbers—viz., ©. spretus, C. femurrubrum, and C. binit- 
jatus ; the last mentioned does not occur in Canada, so far as we are aware, and is of small 
importance economically as compared with the other two. We are thus reduced to the 
two. species that we spoke of at the outset: our common red-legged Locust, or ‘ grass- 
hopper” (Caloptenus femur-rubrwm Burm.), represented in figure 6 ; and the hateful Locust 
(C. spretus Uhler), figure a. 

BiG: 88, The reader will observe ee 
that there is but a very 
slight difference in appear- 
ance between the two spe-£ 
cies. The left hand, our * 
common species, only dif- 
fers, one may say, from its most destructive fellow on the right, by its having shorter wings. 
It is owing to this difference in length and expanse of wing that the one species is confined to 
the neighbourhood where it was born, while the other rises aloft into the air, and is literally 
“borne upon the wings of the wind” to regions far away from its place of birth, 

As the Red-legged Locust must be so familiarly known by every one—during most 
summers, indeed, it is hardly possible to walk a few yards in the open air without startling 
numbers into flight—and as it is fairly represented in the above figure ()), we may content 
ourselves with quoting the following brief description hy Dr. Harris. The insect is ‘‘ grizzled 
with dirty olive and brown, a black spot extending from the eyes along the sides of the 
thorax ; an oblique yellow line on each side of the body beneath the wings; a row of dusky, 
brown spots along the middle of the wing covers; and the hindmost shanks and feet blood- 
red, with black spines. The wings are transparent, with a very pale, greenish-yellow tint, 
next to the body, and are netted with brown lines. The hindmost thighs have two large spots 
on the upper side, and the extremity black ; but are red below, and yellow on the inside. 
The appendages at the tip of the body in the male are of a long triangular form. Length 
from three quarters of an inch to an inch; expansion of the wings from 1} to 1? of an 
inch.” 

The Hateful Locust (C. Spretus), figure a, can scarcely be distinguished in coleur or 
general appearance from the foregoing species ; the principal difference, as already stated, is 
in the length of the wings. In this species they are about one-third longer than the body of 
the insect ; they are quite transparent with slightly dusky nerves, and when seen high up in 
the air against the sun, have the appearance of large snow-flakes. The eggs are deposited in 
the ground, in a cocoon-shaped mass, covered with a tough, glutinous secretion, and vary in 
number from fifty to ahundred. They are laid in the latter part of the summer and remain 
in their place of deposit until the following spring ; usually they hatch out in March, making 
their appearance with the earliest vegetation of the locality. There is a good deal of difference 
of opinion with regard to the head-quarters of this insect ; many writers affirm that all the 
swarms comes from the canons of the Rocky Mountains ; others again, and with more reason, 
we believe, hold that they breed throughout all the mountain valleys and plains of the west, 
but chiefly in those vast tracts of uninabited country, lying on the slopes of the Rocky 


Mountains in Arizona and New Mexico; they breed also, there can be no doubt, in the 
regions that they invade, but owing to differences of climate, these broods do not always 
mature. They delight most in a very dry, hot atmosphere. 

Like many other species of Orthoptera, the males produce sounds by means of an appa- 
ratus that may be “likened to a violin, their legs being the bows, and the projecting veins of 
their wing-covers the strings. When a locust begins to play, he bends the shank of one hind 
leg beneath the thigh, where it is lodged in a furrow designed to receive it, and then draws 
the leg briskly up and down several times against the projecting lateral edge and veins 
of the wing-cover. He does not play both fiddles together, but alternately, for a little time, 


_ first one and then the other, standing meanwhile upon the four anterior legs and the hind leg 


which is not otherwise employed.” (Harris.) When in flight, the swarm produces a loud 
pattering sound, which as Dr. Thomas remarks, is probably due to the beating of the air by 
the wings, as it is not confined to the male sex. If any of our readers are curious upon the 
subject of insect music, they will find an interesting paper upon ‘“ the Songs of the Grasshop- 
pers,” by oyr much esteemed friend, Mr. Scudder, in the American Naturalist (vol. 9, page 
113); in it not only is the apparatus described, but the notes are se t to music, and no doub 
ean be sung by any accomplished vocalist !" 

Before closing this portion of our remarks, we would acknowledge our indebtedness, and 
call attention, to the admirable “ Synopsis of the Acrididee of North America,’ by the Rey. 
Cyrus Thomas, Ph.D., published by the Government of the United States as a portion of Dr. 
Hayden's Report on the U. S. Geological Survey of the Territories. It is magnificently 
printed in quarto form, and is a complete monograph of the family. We take this opportu- 
nity of thanking Dr. Hayden for his courtesy in favouring us with a copy. 


MEANS OF REDUCING THE RAVAGES OF THE LOCUSTS. 

When a species of insect comes in countless millions suddenly, without any forewarning, 
upon a locality hundreds of miles away, it may be, from its place of birth, and devours in a 
single day every green thing upon the surface of the country, it seems almost impossible to 
suggest any remedy. Something, however, may, we believe, be done, but avy measure to be 
in the least degree efficacious must be adopted universally over a large area of country. Before 
considering any method of combatting the plague, we must mention one remedy that has been 
received by the press with some degree of amusement, though gravely propounded by the 
editors of the American Naturalist. After referring to the destitution in Minnesota and the 
application from its State authorities to the general government for aid, they put the ques- 
tion :— 

“Why should not the grasshopper be eaten in turn?’ Why not, indeed? For, as 
they state, ‘the grasshopper, or locust of the East, is universally eaten in portions of Africa 
and Western Asia, and pronounced « nutritious and palatable article of diet by Arab chiefs 
as well as Hottentot savages. They are eaten roasted whole, minus the legs, or roasted and 
powdered. We would recommend that experiments be made as to the best modes of prepar- 
ing the locust for food. They should be thoroughly cooked to guard against parasitic worms. 
Not willing to urge the use of grasshoppers as food for others, without first eating them our- 
selves, we may say that we have found the grasshopper, first killed by boiling water, and then 
fried in butter, at least as palatable as many articles of food eaten by civilized people; and to 
people actually famishing, as is said to be the case in Minnesota, it will be worth their while 
to ayail themselves of a food stuff which millions, perhaps, of people in other lands regard as 
wholesome.” 

In corroboration of this use of the locusts, we may add, that Dr. Livingstone speaks 
highly of the locust as an article of food in Africa, and considers them superior to shrimps. 
Honey, when it can be obtained, is often eaten with them, and, while improving the flavour, 
renders them more digestible. We need hardly remind our readers that this was the food of 
St. John the Baptist in the wilderness. The ancient historian, Herodotus, relates that lo- 
custs are used for food, being first dried in the sun, than reduced to powder, and drunk in 
milk. In his well-known work, on South Africa, Cumming states that ‘“ Locusts afford fat- 
tening and wholesome food to man, birds and all sorts of beasts ; cows, horses, lions, jackals, 
hycenas, antelopes, elephants, &e., devour them. Our hungry dogs made a fine feast on 
them. . . . . Weroasted a quantity for ourselves and our dozs.”’ Kirby and Spencet 


40 


(People’s Edition, page 173,) state that, “as locusts are the greatest destroyers of food, so 
as some recompense, they furnish a considerable supply of it to numerous nations.” After 
quoting a number of authorities for this statement, they add that ‘they are preferred by the 
Moors to pigeons; and a person may eat a plateful of two or three hundred without feeling 
any ill effects. They usually boil them in water halfan-hour (having thrown away the head, 
wings and legs.) then sprinkle them with salt and pepper, fry them, adding a little vinegar.” 
We trust that the editors of the Naturalist will try this recipe next summer! Among the 
food products of the North American Indian (Report of Agricultural Department, Washing- 
ton, 1870,) we find enumerated grasshoppers or locusts, which are eaten by the Diggers of 
California and the Plains. They roast them in holes in the ground and mix them with pow- 
dered acorns ; sometimes they make of them a soup or mush. Mr. Taylor, however, (Smithsonian 
Report, 1858,) referring to the same custom, declares that this kind of food is always found 
to sicken the Indians, and that this result is vouched for by the early settlers and the natives, 
and also by many travellers and voyagers who have visited California and the Rocky Mountain 
country, and by the Jesuits of Lower California. From these statements we may ,infer that 
the locusts on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, considered to be a distinct species 
from the C. sprefus of the eastern side, are unwholesome, but it remains to be proved that a 
nutritious article of diet may not be obtained from the latter. Certainly, it is an experiment 
worth trying; if successful, we should have a double benefit—the lessening of the numbers 
of the locusts, and a supply of food wherewith to meet the famine that they have produced. 
Such a fate for the invaders would be true poetic justice. 

In the Smithsonian Report for 1858, to which we have already referred, there is an 
interesting article, translated from the Russian of V. Motschulsky, in which much valuable 
information is afforded respecting the mode of dealing with locusts in Southern Russia and 
other neighbouring countries with regard to natural remedies. He states that ‘“ whole gene- 
rations of them succumb to the climatic influence of those countries to which, impelled by 
hunger, they betake themselves. Winds and storms not unfrequently cast vast swarms of 
them into lakes and seas, and other millions perish in crossing rivers. Frogs, lizards and 
various birds, especially of the starling, blackbird, lark, crow, jackdaw, stork and other spe- 
@i s devour them with great avidity. Domestic fowls, as geese, ducks, turkeys and chickens 
are exceedingly fond of such food.” Among insects several species of ichneumons (Hymenop- 
tera) destroy them both in the egg and larval states. He concludes that “ of the eggs laid 
by the locusts about one-tenth only succeed in passing through all the transformations of their 
existence, and with this tenth part alone it comes in contact with the husbandman. But even 
this is sufficiently great to furnish matter for reflection to every one who knows by experience 
what an attack of locusts is.” 

After describing a large number of artificial modes of contending against the locusts, some 
of which are quite useless, and others more or less successful, he draws up a number of gene- 
ral conclusions. Those at all applicable to North America we shall quote, with afew remarks 
upon them. 

(a) “It is necessary to observe in the autumn, especially after a hot summer, where the 
locusts have deposited their eggs, and to accustom persons appointed for the purpose to do 
so.” Much might, we think, be done in this way both by the State authorities in the west, by 
municipalities and by individuals. 

(b) “ As soon as the labours of tillage will permit, people should be sent out in the fall to 
collect the locusts’ eggs, provided with instruments for turning up the ground. _ If the eggs 
are deposited where ploughs and harrows can pass, these should be made use of. The egg- 
tubes of the locusts should be poured into sacks, and either measured or weighed, and a 
suitable award paid for the amount collected, so as to stimulate numbers to busy themselves 
in this useful labour.”’ 1f a c.rtain price per bushel or hundred-weight were offered for the 
ego-eases by the various local authorities in the regions affected, not only would the numbers 
of the locusts be greatly reduced, but remunerative employment would be afforded to those 
who have been suffering by their ravages. In many places the locusts deposit their eggs 
where they have just ravaged the fields, consequently the inhabitants will not have far to 
go in order to find the germs of the next year’s trouble. It would be desirable, too, that well- 
equipped expeditions of competent persons should be sent out to explore the regions border- 
ing on the Rocky Mountains, from which the swarms emanate in the first instance. 

(c) “ All the places where locusts’ eggs are found should be ploughed over, if possible, 


— —_” 


41 


two or three times very late inthe autumn. Special attention should also be given to bar- 
spots in the fields, where not unfrequently great quantities of egg-tubes may remain unobserved.” 
This plan of deeply ploughing under the eggs of the grasshoppers, or of ploughing them up so 
as to expose them to all the changes of the weather, has been found very effective in Mani- 
toba and other places. 

(d) “ Breeding large quantities of domestic fowls and training them to feed on young 
locusts, is exceedingly advantageous to the husbandman.” Geese, chickens, turkeys and 
guinea-fowl are especially mentioned. This plan would be of very slight use as a protection 
against the migrating swarms of locusts, but it might be of some little value in places where 
they breed. It is well known that a large brood of turkeys is invaluable to a farmer where 
the common red-legged locust abounds, 

(e) If the locusts settle anywhere in a thick mass, large numbers may be destroyed in 
the evening, when they are quiet, by means of heavy iron or wooden rollers drawn by horses 
or oxen. This method might be of some slight advantage if generally adopted, but usually, 
by nightfall, most of the damage is done. 

A large number of other methods are mentioned, but they are entirely inapplicable to the 
yast and thinly populated regions of the west. 

A vemedy is much employed, on the other hand, in America which could not be made 
use of in Russia, viz., fire. It is only during dry and very hot weather that the invasions 
take place. When a swarm has oncealighted and has commenced the work of destruction it 
is often practicable to set fire to the fields and crops in places and thus kill or drive away 
the destroyer. In this case the remedy is almost as bad as the disease, but yetit has been 
adopted in many instances with good results. 

Noises made by trumpets, guns, cannons, &c., sometimes drive away a small body of 
locusts, but they are utterly useless when the inyasion takes place on a large scale. 

On the whole, it seems as if man can do but yery little to ward off the attacks of this 
fearful scourge. Still it is proper that every effort should be made to find out the exact 
habits of the insect, and the particular localities from which it emanates; it is fitting, too, that 
no means should be left untried that affords any prospect of lessening the destruction that 
they occasion. The Arabian fable we cannot but feel, has much truth at the bottom of it ; they 
represent a locust as saying to Mahomet, “‘ We are the army of the Great God; we produce 
ninety-nine eges, if the hundred were completed we should consume the whole earth and all 
that is in it.” While the people of the West are in the hands of Providence to protect them 
from such mighty armies as these, they can best help themselves by going to the root of the 
evil—that is to say, by reducing to the utmost extent the numbers of eggs that are laid for 
future broods. 

After all the accounts that we have given of these insects, we feel that nothing can equal 

_ in sublimity and correctness the description afforded by the Prophet Joel, ii. 2—11. 

“ A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of’ clouds and thick darkness, as the morning 
spread upon7the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, 
neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire de- 
voureth before them and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of 
Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness ; yea, and nothing shall escape 
them. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains shall they leap, like the noise 
of a flame of fire that deyoureth the stubble ; as astrong people set in battle array. Before 
their face the people shall be much pained ; all faces shall gather blackness. They shall run 
like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march 
every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks, neither shall one thrust another, 
they shall walk every one in his path, and when they fall upon the sword they shall not be 
wounded. They shal] run to and fro in the city, they shall run upon the wall, they shall 
climb up upon the houses, they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall 
quake before them, the heavens shall tremble, the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the 
stars shall withdraw their shining, and the Lord shall utter His voice before His army, for 
His camp is very great, for He is strong that executeth His Word, for the day of the Lord is 
great and very terrible, and who can abide it ?” 


While the foregoing pa er was passing through the printer’s hands, we cut from the Albany 
Country Gentleman, the folloving official statement of the misery caused by the plague of 


Locusts in the Western States, which fully corroborates any expressions that we have used 
above :— 

“Tue Western GRAssHOPPERS.—Commissioner-of-Agriculture Watts has issued a 
synopsis of information received concerning the extent of suffering from the grasshopper 
plague, which we copy, somewhat condensed : 

“« Fiyst_—The area of this visitation comprises a zone 200 to 225 miles wide, extending 
from the settlements of Southern Dakota, through Nebraska and Kansas, over 500 miles in 
length, and inclining to south. A few western counties of Iowa aud Minnesota report injuries. 
The extent of territory visited by these insects in 1874 very considerably exceeds 100,000 
square miles. 

“ Second.—The grasshopper district west of Missouri embraces population of Kansas, Ne- 
braska and Southern Dakota, amounting to over 500,000 in 1870, with a large increment 
since. Including counties east of the Missouri in Iowa and Minnesota more or less affected 
by the plague, I think it not extravagant to assign 750,000 as the approximate population of 
these districts. 

“ Third.—In Kansas, cases of total destitution in 50 counties reported vary from 40 to 
2,000 ; reports from counties not in this list show injuries as severe as in any others, The 
average of such cases 555 in each county. These do not include cases of partial destitution, 
which, in some counties are quite large, ranging from 26 to 1,000. The cases of total and 
partial destitution in these 30 counties amount to over 40,000, while in other counties there 
are, probably, cases unreported sufficient to swell the aggregate to 50,000 .In the more thinly 
populated counties of Nebraska and Dakota the number of such cases is, of course, smaller. 
Adding the cases east of Missouri, I do not think it out of the way to estimate the number 
of people affected by this pest at 75,000 to 100,000.” 


43 


ON SOME INJURIOUS INSECTS. 


By W. Saunpers, Lonpon, ONTARIO. 


THE CopLING MorH (Carpocapsa pomonella, Linn). 
THE PEAR TREE SLUG (Selandria cerasi, PECK). 


THE Copiine Mora (Carpocapsa pomonellu, Linn). 


This is, indeed, one of the most troublesome insects with which we have to contend, and 
one of the most difficult to deal with, and, although of foreign introduction, has spread 
over the greater part of our country entailing a yearly loss on our apple crop which it would 
be difficult to over estimate. We shall briefly give the various features in its life history with 
a cut illustrating the insect as it appears in its various stages, and then detail such measures 
as haye been suggested with a view to its destruction. 

Migs Sb. Fig. 35 represents a section of an apple which has 
been occupied by a codling worm—d shews the point 
of entrance of the young worm, the place of exit of 
the matured larva being shown at the left hand side of 
the figure ; ¢, the full-grown worm : h, its head and first 
segment magnified ; 7, the cocoon; d, the pupa re- 
moved from the cocoon; f, the moth with wings 
closed ; g, the same with wings expanded. 

Soon after it leaves the fruit in the fall, the 
larva selects some secluded of nook or cranny, un- 
der loose bark of tree or other convenient hiding 
place, and there spinsits tough papery-looking cocoon, 
and within this secure retreat it remains in the lar- 
val condition until early in spring, when, a few weeks 
before the final change takes place, it enters the chrysalis 
state. It seems strange that this tiny creature should 
be endowed with such a power of varying the length 
of its larval existence, that at this season the larva 
should remain so long unchanged, while, in the case of the earlier summer brood, the change 
to chrysalis takes place almost immediately after the spinning of the cocoon. About the 
time of the opening of the apple blossoms this insect bursts its prison house and appears as a 
winged moth, See Fig. 35, g. 

The moth deposits her eggs singly, and usually in the calyx or eye, just as the young 
apple is forming. In about a week the larva is hatched, and at once the tiny worm begins 
to eat its way through the apple to the core. Its castings are commonly pushed out through the 
hole by which it has entered, which is from time to time enlarged for the purpose ; these usually 
adhere to the apple, so that, before the worm is full grown, infested fruit may generally be 
detected by the mass of reddish-brown exuvie protruding from the eye. Sometimes, as the 
larva approaches maturity, it eats a passage through the apple at the side, and out of this 
opening its castings are thrust, and here the mature worm escapes when full grown. The 
occupied apple generally falls prematurely to the ground, sometimes with the worm in it, but 


44, 


more commonly after the worm has escaped. The larvee which leave the apples while still 
on the trees, either crawl down the branches to the trunk of the tree, or otherwise let them- 
selyes down by a fine silken thread, which they spin at will, to the ground ; in either case, 
the greater portion of them take refuge under the rough loose bark on the trunk of the tree, 
and there spin their cocoons. The second brood of moths appear from about the twentieth 
to the last of July. We have taken them on the wing at night as early as the nineteenth, 
but specimens confined in breeding boxes, have not, as a rule, made their appearance until 
about the end of the month. In the winged state they seldom live more than a few days, and 
in this brief space they pair, and the female deposits her eggs for the second brood of larvee, 
and, for this purpose, wisely shows a preference for the later apples. The codling moth also 
attacks the pear, in some localities, most disastrously for the crop; the fruit, however, seldom 
falls to the ground until some time after the worm has left. 

Dr. Wm. Le Baron, State Entomologist, of Illinois, has devoted much time and atten- 
tion to the study of the history and habits of this insect, and has published in his last annual 
report an excellent paper on this subject. Mr. Riley, of St. Louis, has also made observations 
and experiments on this same insect, which corroborate those of Dr. Le Baron, these are re- 
ferred to in the fifth and sixth annual reports on the noxious, beneficial and other insects of 
the State of Missouri; from both these sources we shall glean and make free use of such facts 
as we think will interest our readers. 

The number of eggs each moth is capable of laying will, probably, average not less than 
fifty, but these are not all matured at once, but may be found, by careful dissection of the 
body of the moth, in various stages of development. Hence they must be deposited succes- 
sively, the period probably extending over a week or more. 


REMEDIES. 


This is an all important matter in which, in this instance, man must rely chiefly on his 
own efforts, for although, doubtless, a large number of the worms and chrysalids are annually 
destroyed by birds, and another limited portion by parasitic insects, still from the advantage- 
ous shelter afforded them by the apple, and the fact of their movements after leaving it being 
mostly in the night time, the codling worm enjoys much immunity from natural foes. 

Dr. Le Baron divides this practical portion of the subject, as far as man’s work is con- 
cerned, into four heads, and here we cannot do better than quote from his excellent 
paper :— 

“1st. Destroying the insects in their winter quarters. 

“2nd. Picking the wormy apples from the trees. 

“3rd. Gathering the wormy apples from the ground, or letting swine and sheep have 
the range of the orchard. 

“4th. Entrapping the worms in bands and other contrivances.” 

Ist. Destroying the insects in their winter quarters—When we consider that each fe- 
male moth is capable of laying fifty eges or more, and that every worm of the first brood 
ruins an apple, we can see the importance of destroying these insects before they leave their 
winter quarters. We have already mentioned that in the state of nature, these worms pass 
the winter in cocoons, concealed under the bark, or in the crevices of apple trees. The sum- 
mer brood of worms, which remain but two weeks in the pupa state, sometimes content them- 
selves with a very slight protection, but it is the nature of the insect to seek deep conceal- 
ment, and the instinct of the second brood, which is to survive the winter, leads them to 
search for the deepest protection they can find. We, therefore, rarely find them under shal- 
low and loose scales of bark, but very often in deep cracks and crevices, partially embedding 
themselves in the substance of the wood or bark. Any superficial scraping of the trees, or 
whitewashing, or other outward applications would not, therefore, be likely to reach many of 
them ; and inasmuch as they may be hidden upon any part of the trunk or large branches,’ 
any attempt to discover them with the intention of digging them out would, evidently, be im- 
practicable; but at the point where we become powerless the woodpeckers come to our aid, 
In their search for just such hidden worms as these, those busy foragers unite business with 
pleasure, and all through the wintry day the sharp rattle of their beaks may often be heard in 
the orchard, as with ear intent and sharpened beak, and appetite not less sharp, they pursue 
their hidden prey with unerring and fatal precision, 


45 


‘A more efficacious way of destroying these worms as far as our own instrumentality is 
concerned, is to search for them about the barrels and bins in which fall and winter apples 
have been kept. I have heard of instances where the sideboards of the bins have been taken 
away from time to time, as the apples were removed and thrown one upon another, in which 
these boards became so fastened together by the webs of the worms between them, that a 
number of boards could be raised by taking hold of the-upper one only. ‘There can be no 
doubt that the destruction of the codling-worm at this stage of its existence, would be very 
effective, and that it has been by far too much neglected.” 

Our esteemed President, Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune in his remarks on this subject in our 
report for 1870, says “a very favourite locality for these worms is the space between the hoops 
and staves of the barrels. We have found hundreds in such positions especially in the winter 
of 1868-9. Where this occurs it is by all means worth while to scald the barrels thoroughly 
outside as well as inside, as soon as they are emptied or even to burn them. When boxes or 
bins are made use of for storing the fruit, the worms are sure to find some crevices to suit 
them, which should be searched for, and treated as in the case of the barrels.” 

2nd. Picking the wormy apples from the trees—We have stated above that the young 
worms, soon after they have entered the apple, begin to throw out their castings through the 
hole which they made in entering, As this hole must be originally almost microscopically 
minute, it is evident that they must enlarge the opening for this purpose. We further stated 
that a portion of the castings adhere to the rough and shrivelled calyx, forming a rust 
coloured mass, which is easily seen from the ground below. Some horticulturists have availed 
themselves of this circumstance for the purpose of removing the wormy apples from the trees 
before the worms have escaped. The plan is to beat off the wormy apples, or else pick them 
off by means of a wire hook attached to the end of’ a pole. These two methods can be very 
usefully combined by first jarring or beating off those apples which readily fall, and then 
going over the trees a second time with the pole and hook. The apples thus removed should 
of course be fed to swine, or otherwise treated so as to destroy the worms within. Too much 
value cannot be attached to these simple expedients, which in the case of a few choice trees, 
or eyen a small orchard, might almost be made to supercede the necessity of any other treat- 
ment.” 

“ 3rd.. Gathering the wormy wind-fall apples from the ground, or letting swine or sheep 
have the range of the orchard.—This plan has been generally recommended as of very great 
importance. Its efficacy will depend, of course, upon the proportion of worms which fall to 
the ground in the apples, as compared with those which leave the apples whilst hanging upon 
the tree. Those which crawl down the branches spin up before reaching the ground, and 
those which let themselves down by a thread, would, for the most part, be detected only by 
birds or by domestic fowls, and as there is reason to believe that they usually perform this act 
in the night, even these must fail to capture them.” 

“ With regard to those wind-falls which contain worms, it is necessary to gather them 
frequently, that is every day or every second day at farthest. |The apples do not usually fall 
until the worms are nearly matured, and they leave them in the course of afew days. If you 
examine indiscriminately a large number of wind-fall apples lying under the trees, you will be 
surprised to find how few worms they contain, they evidently having left the fruit before it 
fell, or soon after.” 

“But the most important question in this connection is, what proportion of the worms 
leave the apples before they full from the tree? I have endeavoured to arrive at an approxi- 
mate estimate upon the subject by putting two or more bands upon the same tree, upon the 
presumption that the worms descending from above will spin up in the upper band, and those 
crawling up from the ground in the lower. The following tables numbered for the purpose 
of reference give the results of these experiments. The wind-fall apples were left in every 
case as they fell upon the ground. 

«On the tenth of July, 1871, I put bands as follows, upon four trees, the ground under- 
neath being bare, or free from grass or rubbish of any kind. One band was put about a foot 
from the ground, another about two feet higher on the trunk, and others on two or three of 
the larger branches, eight or ten feet from the ground, They were examined July 28th, 
eighteen days after they were put on,”’ 

No. 1. 
Whole number of worms in all stages.....csscseccesserssseeessceceeeee 20 


46 


2 SS ESS, 


Number oft: emptiy pupajcases:. 20. .osiuss-sueticcmcewses pes sea seareaven 2 
Number: of pupse tess .-renses fopaccainaipcss atl a meres manret te emaoti 127 
Number of enclosed. but unchanged Jarve.. Weldare Ge Hates ilvaite oriole oo OD 
—- 220 
Number of all stages in lowest bands............0. sssscee-eeeeseoeree 94 
Number of all stages in upper trunk bands................:e000ee es 83 
Number of all stages in bands on limbs...........6..0. s-eeseeeereeenee 43 
No. 2. 


(Same trees examined August 11th, two weeks later.) 


Number) ofypupatcases:<s.<s0-er) vecsiecenes nee peer esiee Sepia sua ren at 16 
Nam ber) obi pm pea yosen ack sve nesolise<ateeieneacae terre rn swes =e -adsr-teeenoes », 24 
Number of larve...... Bebo ocrtinec: trvantuantn to idencsdieteperaac so. adel vl) 


Of these there were in lowest bands 21, middle or upper trunk 13, and on limbs 31. 
No. 3. 


(Same trees August 25th, two weeks from last.) 


Number of pupa cases........... ae pe Bch a sn dense te ck ih 1 
Number of pupz.. Edoede joc socoddnoduedy + ayeoepanbemnapeHoos! seca de 
Number of larvee unchanged ad Hdoth oon Sa tobaecanasncnreeriddsasosborigd: 41 


— 46 


Distributed as follows, in lowest bands 24, middle or upper trunk 15, in bands on limbs 7. 


No. 4. 


(Same trees September 9th, fifteen days later. Found larve only.) 


Numberiin: lowest: ibandsteescacscck acncee aclkeseain eo ce cecke tones emeeee 33 
Numberinimiddlenbands |) scseseherwceeatee<.2 cece aetelen eas ouickeacse 39 
Numberin’ bands om. limbslasrscr staenesbocinomocabeceesnens seaceasenseeeee 9 

— 8 

No. 5 
(Same trees September 23rd, two weeks later. Laryz only.) 

Numbertinmlowest) bands’. csccess\casessssceke once Sec sc can ceceoasneeeeeee 28 
Numibersinimiddletpands) s.iuisnscnecue clea cose dade tadtocacsaecee en sbee 22 
Numbervin) bandsion limba asncit cb. ctosccdotkec scacei dee ccsesdh eee 4 

1) SE 


“On the fourth of July, 1872. I selected a smooth thrifty apple-tree, six inches im 


diameter, growing upon grass land, and well filled with apples, bearing many ‘marks of being 
wormy, but remark: ibly tenacious, and consequently but few lying upon the ground, Put 
two bands upon the trunk, one a foot and a half above the other. 

“ Hxamined Jaly 23rd, a moderate number of apples having in the meantime fallen upon 
the ground, 


Whole’number im the lower band ri. -0 ic... csecstepnesess.cso.oonabncs 150 
Whole number in the upper band 1.0... ..sscsterseescsssnsee cease» LLO 


47 


“The bands in this experiment were made of carpet six inches wide, and long enough to 
go twice around the tree, making a very abundant covert for the worms, As might haye 
been anticipated, in this case the greater part of the: worms in the upper band were found in 
its upper half, indicating that the worms had reached it by descending from above ; and on 
the other hand, the greater part of the worms in the lower band were in its lower half, show- 
ing that they had come up from the ground. We say the greater part, but not all, implying 
that some worms in each case had passed over one band and gone on to the next.” 

The above tables furnish data for many interesting and practical deductions. 

“ First, as respects the question now under consideration, namely, what proportion of 
the worms leave the apples before they fall from the tree ; if we add together all the worms 
found in the highest and the lowest bands respectively, and divide those in the middle or upper 
trunk bands equally between the other two, we shall have 436 in the lower bands, and 290 
in the upper, implying at first view that much the larger number came up from the ground. 
But there are several circumstances in these experiments which must be taken into account. 
and which will somewhat modify this conclusion. First, many of the limbs haye no bands 
upon them, and the worms from these may be presumed to have found coyert chiefly in the 
upper bands on the trunk. Second, two of the trees experimented upon were large rough 
trees, and a part of the worms undoubtedly spun up under the scales of bark on the limbs 
above the bands. And thirdly, we do not know what proportion of the worms may haye let 
themselves down to the ground by threads, and thus found shelter under the lowest bands. 
Taking these cireumstances into account, we shall perhaps arrive at au approximation sufficient- 
ly accurate for practical purposes, if we divide the whole number of worms equally between 
the upper and lower bands, from which we infer that about half the worms crawl down the 
tree, and the other half reach the ground either in the apples or by threads. We must infer 
from this as far as one series of experiments enables us to judge, that the gathering of wind- 
fall apples, either by ourselves or by the aid of domestic animals, enables us to destroy less 
than half of the codling worms. 

“The animals used for this purpose are hogs and sheep, the latter are more cleanly, and 
equally effective, but they are liable to damage young trees by gnawing the bark.” 

4th. Entrapping the worms under bands,de.—Our own experience in aseries of experiments, 
very similar to those above detailed, was much the same, excepting in the number of larvze 
captured, which from five trees did not, at any one time, exceed 47, the distribution in the upper 
and lower bandages being nearly in the same proportion as that given by Dr. Le Baron. This 
method of entrapping the worms under bands is without doubt the most effective remedy yet de- 
vised, andif it were generally and persistently followed would effect a large yearly saving in the 
crop of this valuable fruit. It is of great importance that united effort should be made in 
this case, as the evil is an increasing one, and the yearly loss now entailed something enor- 
mous. With us we have known the full-grown larva to be found under bandages as early as the 
4th of July, hence we think that their application should not be delayed later than the Ist. 
Indeed it would be wise to apply them a few days earlier than this. By referring to the first 
and second captures in Dr. Le Baron’s first experiment, it will be observed that quite a num. 
ber of empty pupa cases were found, 54 in all, showing that sufficient time had elapsed before 
examination to allow of the larve passing through the stage of chrysalis, and escaping as a per- 
fect insect to continue its work of destruction. To prevent escapes of this sort we should 
recommend that the bandages be examined every ten days until the latter end of August. 
After this, worms of the second brood only will be found, aud since these remain in the laryal 
state until the following spring, the bands subsequently might be examined at leisure. 

As to the material to be used for bandaging we have found old sacking, (which ean often 
be obtained at trifling cost), to answer a very good purpose, cut into strips from six to eight 
inches wide, and long enough to go two or three times around the tree, and tied in the middle 
with a piece of stout twine. Strips of old carpet or cloth where they can be obtained, would, 
of course, prove equally good, In the excellent report of the Michigan Pomological Society, 
for 1873, we find that much interest is being excited throughout that State in reference to the 
codling moth, and many practical discussions are reported on the best means of fighting it, all 
however, agreeing in recommending the use of bandages. One apple grower recommends a 
bandage of common brown paper tied around the tree with astring ; another while reeommend- 
ing the paper thinks the string too much trouble, and advises the use of a tack to fasten the 
end of the bandage with. One advantage claimed for this material for bandaging is that birds 


48 


eee ———————— eee 


readily find the hiding places of the larva, pierce through the thin covering and capture the 
worms, thus employing the efficient aid of our feathered friends in this useful work. One 
gentleman is reported to take no trouble to remove his paper bandages, merely securing them 
to the tree and allowing the birds to do the capturing, replacing the paper only when it is 
torn to shreds. Another prefers to use bands of cloth four inches wide, fastening the end 
with a tack, he usually finds all the worms by simply turning the edges of the cloth up and 
down without taking off the band. Still another thinks all strings and tacks a bother, and 
fastens the bandage quite securely by merely tucking the end under. 

With reference to the economy of paper bandages, Mr. Riley in his fifth annual report, 
thus writes, “common straw paper 18 x 30 can be bought for 60 cents per bundle. Each 
bundle contains 240 sheets, and each sheet folded lengthwise thrice upon itself, will give us 
eight layers between two and three inches wide, and be of sufficient length to encircle most 
ordinary trees. It is easily drawn around the tree and fastened with a tack, and so cheap that 
when the time comes to destroy the worms, the bandages containing them may be detached, 
piled in a heap and burned, and new ones attached in their place. If eight bandages are 
used to each tree during the season the cost will be just two cents per tree.” 

Fig. 36. Fig. 87. 


Wier’s shingle trap, (see Figs. 36 and 37, 

_ 36, the trap closed, 37, the same opened), 
“ has also been recommended, it is made ///9, 
usually of three pieces of old shingle about 
a foot long, and from four to six inches “S 
wide, fastened together and then nailed or 
screwed to the tree. In arranging the 
@ pieces the narrower ones should be placed 
next to the tree ; it is also recommended 
to put a few bits of straw between the 
shingles so as to keep them slightly apart, 

3 experience, however, teaches that this 
trap is not so efficient or convenient as 
either of the bandages already referred to. 


Brier SUMMARY. 


While all other available means tending to the lessening of the numbers of the codling 
moth worms should be unhesitatingly employed, the chief reliance should be placed on the 


bandages, use strips of cloth, old carpet or sacking where these can be had, but if these — 


materials are not readily procurable use paper or cotton. Bandages should be from four to 
eight inches wide and either fastened with a string or with a tack at the end, and will be all 
the better if long enough to go twice around the tree ; they should be fastened about half way 
up the trunk of the tree some time during the latter part of June, and be examined every ten 
days from the first of July until the last of August and at least once after the crop is secured. 
Care must be taken in unwinding the bandages to prevent the worms from escaping by drop- 
ping to the ground, which they readily do when their cocoons are thus torn asunder. A 
common clothes wringer, to pass the bandages through, is one of the readiest and surest 
methods of destroying the worms; and in this way the bandages can be rapidly handled and 
re-applied. Be careful to serape the rough bark off old trees so that the worms may not find 
suitable hiding places either in descending or ascending the trunk until they reach the band- 
age ; attend to these instructions regularly and thoroughly, and try and induce all your neigh- 
bours to follow your example and rest assured that good results will attend united effort. 


PARASITES RECENTLY DISCOVERED. 


To Mr. Riley, of St. “Louis, belongs the honour of being the first to discover true para- + 


sites affecting the codling moth worm, descriptions of which are given in his Fifth Annual 
Report (873). ‘ Both of them are Ichneumon flies and the first may be called 


49 


Y 
“Tue Rine-Leaaep Pimpxa (Pimpla annulipes, Br). 


Fig. 38. 


“ This is a black fly, varying considerably in size, the female 
sometimes measuring but 4, at others fully $ inch exclusive 
of ovipositor ; the male somewhat smaller. The genus 
Pimpla was briefly characterized in my last report, p. 43, 
where it was shown that this same species attacks the walnut 
care bearer (Acrobasis juglandis, LEB). I annex a lateral 
outline of a female Pimpla, Fig. 38, the male has a more 
slender abdomen which is unarmed. 

“PimpLA ANNULIPES is black: the abdomen rough 


SS WN punctured above, with the borders of the joints polished and 


inclined to brown. The tegule are white, and the legs are 
‘, reddish, with the exception of the middle and hind tibia, 


%, | which are dusky—especially the hind pair—and have a broad 
=~ white annulus, sometimes indistinct on the middle pair. The 


posterior tarsi are dusky, especially at tip. The palpi are pale yellow. Cresson says it may 
be distinguished from the other species of the genus, by the scutellum being black, the tegulze 
white, and the anterior coxe yellowish red. 

“This fly eats its way through the chrysalis and the cocoon of the Codling Moth, with- 
out having previously made any cocoon of its own. It was quite abundant last summer as 
from one lot of Carpocapsa coccons, I obtained 21 parasites—all of them females but one. It 
is a widely distributed and common species. The second parasite may be called the 


“DeicaATE Lone-stine (Macrocentrus delicatus, CRES). 


“Tt has recently been described by Mr. E. T. Cresson (Z'rans. Am. Ent. Soc. iv., p. 178), 
and is a somewhat variable species, occurring throughout the Eastern, Middle and Western, 


States, and in Mexico. I subjoin a description drawn up from my bred specimens. 
Fia. 39. 


“Male. Length 0:25; expanse 0°45 ; inch. 
Slender, colour pale, polished, honey yellow ; 
uniformly and sparsely pubescent ; tinged with 
brown superiorly, the basal joint of abdomen and 
a medio-dorsal line on the other joints being 
quite brown. Head, with the eyes (except at 
disc), and a spot between ocelli, brown-black ; 
palpi long and almost white ; antenne one-fourth 
longer than the whole body, about 48 joints, ex- 
elusive of bulbus, curled at tip, the ends of basal 
joints and the whole of joints dusky. Thoraz, 
with the sutures well defined, and two small 
triangular black spots behind front tegulee, 
the metathorax strongly trilobed ; legs very 
long, pale honey yellow, with tips of tibize and 
tarsi faintly dusky ; wings yellowish, hyaline 
and iridescent, with the veins luteous, and the 
stigma pale honey yellow. 

“Female. Rather larger and with the 
abdomen somewhat paler, otherwise similarly 
marked. Ovipositor yellow, } longer than body, 
the sheaths quite pilose, and inclining to fus- 
scou. Described from 2 females and 1 male. 

“Tt is a graceful fly with very long an- 
tennz and legs, and the female with a long 
ovipositor Fig. 39, ‘(the hair lines at the side 
of the figure show the natural size of the fly).”’ 


The colour is pale honey yellow inclining to brown above. The unfortunate apple-worm is 
probably pierced while yet in the fruit, as it always succumbs soon after forming its cocoon, 


E 


50 


# 
and before changing to chrysalis ; while in the case of Pimpla, it is probably attacked either 
while leaving the fruit or after having spun its cocoon. The larva of the Delicate Long-sting 
forms, for itself, within the cocoon of its victim, a sufficiently tough, thin, oblong-oval, shiny, 
brown cocoon from which the perfect fly issues by cutting open a lid at one end. 

‘“‘ As both these parasites transform within the Carpocapsa cocoon, it is next to impossible 
and quite impracticable, to separate friend from foe in removing and destroying the contents of 
the bandages. But where itis desired to disseminate the parasites they may be bred by enclos- 
ing large numbers of Carpocapsa cocoons in some tight vessel.” 

On the 13th of August, 1873, we took a number of chrysalides of the Codling Moth 
under a bandage on an apple tree and among them there was one which was infested by Icheu- 
mons. ‘The chrysalis when emptied was found to contain six of the parasitic larvae of which 
the following description was taken. Length a little over one-tenth of an inch, body tapering 
almost to a point towards the head. Colour, dull, yellowish white with a tinge of yellow 
along the dorsal region, very transparent the internal organs showing plainly through. On 
each segment is a transverse row of short whitish spines, terminal segment encireled with 
stouter whitish spines. No proper feet or prolegs, but in moving, the mouth-parts attach 
first with a sucker-like disk and the hinder portions of the body are drawn gradually forward, 
different portions of the under surface bring furnished with small fleshy prominences which 
are attached and in turn withdrawn from the surface on which the larva is moving ; the 
principal points of attachment, however, seem to be the first and terminal segments, under the 
latter when viewed sideways, there appears a fleshy projection much larger than any of those 
on the other segments, and this projection expands into a flattened disk which holds the larva 
firmly to the place of attachment. 

We did not succeed in rearing these larvee ; after the chrysalis which contained them 
was broken open they, one after another died in spite of all our efforts towards their preserya- 
tion, Whether this would have proved distinct from the species last described by Mr. Riley, 
and thus made a third true parasite on this pest we are unable at present to determine. 


Tue PEAR TREE Siva. 
Selandria Cerasi. Peck. 


In the year 1790 Prof. Peck wrote a pamphlet entitled ‘‘ Natural History of the Slug 
Worm,” which was"printed in Boston the same year by order of the Massachusetts Agricul- 
tural Society, and which obtained the Society’s premium of fifty dollars and a gold medal. 
This, as far as we have been able to learn, was the first published record relating to the ravages 
of this insect in America. Forty-two years later (in 1841) Dr. Harris published his valuable 
treatise “‘ On some of the insects injurious to vegetation in Massachusetts,’ in which when 
treating of this insect he gives the substance of Prof. Peck’s remarks in a condensed form, por- 
tions of which material we shall avail ourselves of without further acknowledgement. Although 
seventy-five years have passed since Prof. Peck’s memoir was written, but very little has been 
added during the interval to our common stock of knowledge in reference to this pest. In the 
meantime, however, it has spread over the whole country, damaging more or less seriously 
the foliage of our pear, cherry, quince and plum trees every year. 

These insects pass the winter in the chrysulis state, the parent flies, the progenitors of the 
mischievous brood of slugs, appearing on the wing from about the third week in May until 

Fig 40. the middle of June. ‘The fly (See Fig. 40) “ is of a glossy black colour, ex- 
cepting the first two pairs of legs, which are dirty yellow or clay coloured 
with blackish thighs, and the hind legs which are dull black with clay coloured 
knees. The wings are somewhat convex and rumpled or uneyen on the up- 
per side like the wings of the saw flies generally. They are transparent, re- 
flecting the colours of the rainbow, and have a smoky tinge forming a cloud or broad band 
across the middle of the first pair ; the veins are brownish. The body of the female measures 
more than one-fifth of an inch in length, that of the male is smaller.” Early in June these 
flies may be found resting in the early morning, or in the cool of the evening, on the upper 
or under side of the leaves of pear, cherry or plum trees, some seasons they are very plentiful, 
while at other times but few are met with. When jarring our plum trees for curculios at 
this season we usually find some on the sheets after jarring, they fall to the ground very 


———————_— ee, ee 


much like the curculio does, and remain for a short time motionless ; their structure, how- 
ever, is not such as will permit of their disguising themselves as thoroughly as the “little 
turk” does, and hence they are easily detected. During the past season these flies were very 
numerous during the early part of June, and their progeny was destructive in a correspond- 
ing degree later in the summer. 

After pairing the female places her eggs singly within little semicircular incisions through 
the skin of the leaf, which is frequently followed by some discolouration at the point of inser- 
tion. Harris says that the eggs are generally placed on the lower side of the leaves, whereas 
in our experience we have found them quite as often on the upper side. According to the 


| their backs with an olive-coloured sticky coat. They 
have twenty very short legs, or a pair under each 
segment of the body excepting the fourth and the 
last. When fully grown (See a Fig. 41) they are 

— about nine-twentieths of an inch in length. The 
head which is of a dark chestnut colour is small,and is entirely concealed under the fore part of 
the body. They are largest before, and taper behind, and in form somewhat resemble minute 
tadpoles. They have the faculty of swelling out the fore part of the body, and generally rest 
with the tail a little turned up. These disgusting slugs live mostly on the upper side of the 
leaves of the pear and cherry trees, and eat away the substance thereof, leaving only the veins 
and the skin beneath untouched. Sometimes twenty or thirty of them may be seen on a 
single leaf ; and in the year 1797 they were so abundant in some parts of Massachusetts that 
small trees were covered with them, and the foliage entirely destroyed, and even the air by 
passing through the trees, became charged with a very disagreeable and sickening odour, given 
out by these slimy creatures. The trees attacked by them are forced to throw out new leaves, 
during the heat of the summer, at the ends of the twigs and branches, and this unseasonable 
foliage which should not have appeared until the next spring, exhausts the vigour of the trees, 
and cuts off the prospect of fruit.” 

“The slug worms come to their growth in twenty-six days, during which period they 
cast their skins five times. Frequently as soon as the skin is shed, they are seen feeding 
upon it ; but they never touch the last coat which remains stretched out upon the leaf. After 
this is cast off, they no longer retain their slimy appearance and olive colour, but have a clean 
yellow skin, entirely free from vicidity. They change also in form and become proportion- 
ally longer, and their head and the marks between the rings are plainly to be seen. In a few 
hours after this change they leave the trees, and, having crept or fallen to the ground, they 
burrow to the depth of from one inch to three or four inches, according to the nature of the 
soil. Ty moving their body the earth around them becomes pressed equally on all sides, and 
an oblong, oval cavity is thus formed, and is afterwards lined with a sticky glossy substance, 
to which the grains of earth closely adhere. Within these little earthen cells or cocoons the 
change to chrysalids takes place, and in sixteen days after the descent of the slug worms, finish 
their transformations, break open their cells, and crawl to the surface of the ground, where 
they appear in the fly form. ‘These flies usually come forth between the middle of July and 
the Ist of August, and lay their eges for a second brood of slug-worms. The latter come to 
their growth and go into the ground in September and October, and remain there till the fol- 
lowing spring, when they are changed to flies and leave their winter quarters. It seems that 
all of them, however, do not finish their transformation at this time; some are found to re- 
main unchanged in the ground till the following year ; so that ifall the slugs of the first hatch 
in any one year should happen to be destroyed, enough from a former brood would still re- 
main in the earth to continue the species.’’ 

“The disgusting appearance and smell of these slug-worms do not protect them from the 
attacks of various enemies. Mice and other burrowing animals destroy many of them in 
their cocoons, and it is probable that birds also prey upon them when on the trees both in the 


52 


slug and winged state. Professor Peck has described a minute ichneumon fly, stated by Mr. 
Westwood to be a species of Encyrtus, that stings the eggs of the slug fly, and deposits in 
each one a single egg of her own. From this in due time a little maggot is hatched, which 
lives in the shell of the slug-fly’s egg, devours the contents, and afterwards is changed to a 
chrysalis, and then to a fly like its parents. Professor Peck found that great numbers of the 
eggs of the slug-fiy, especially of the second hatch, were rendered abortive by this atom of ex- 
istence. 

Sand, ashes, lime and hellebore have been recommended as remedies for this pest but the 
last mentioned is by far the most reliable. In 1870 we tried some experiments with these rem- 
edies, and reported in the CANADIAN ENToMoLoais® for September of that year, as follows :— 


THe Pear TREE Siva. 


This disgusting little larva, the progeny of a little blackish sawfly, has been very abun- 
dant during the past season and has been the subject of some notes and experiments. In the 
first place we noted that there were two broods in the season. The parents of the first brood, 
which pass the winter in the chrysalis state, appear on the wing about the second or third 
week in May, depositing eggs from which the slugs are hatched, becoming full grown from 
the middle to the end of June, then entering the chrysalis state underground ; the second 
brood of the flies make their appearance late in July. This year we noticed them at work 
depositing eggs on the 21st, the young slugs were abundant and about a quarter of an inch 
long on the eighth of August, and by the sixth of September many of them were full-grown. 
With us they were much more destructive to cherry trees than to pear, consuming the upper 
surface of the leaves, soon giving the trees a scorched and sickly aspect, and in many cases 
the foliage fell off, leaving the trees almost bare. 

As soon as the slugs were observed at work in Spring, they weretreated to a plentiful supply 
of dry sand, thrown up into the higher branches with a shovel, and shaken oyer the lower ones 
through a sieve, which stuck thickly to their slimy skins, completely covering them up. 
Thinking we must haye mastered them by so free a use of this long trusted remedy, we took no 
further heed of them for some days, when to our surprise, they were found as numerous as ever. 
The next step was to test this sand remedy accurately to see what virtue there was in it. 
Several small branches of pear trees were selected and marked, on which there were six slugs, 
and these were well powdered over—entirely covered with dry sand ; on examining them the 
next morning it was found that they had shed the sand-covered skin and crawled out free and | 
slimy again. The sand was applied a second and third time on the same insects with similar 
results; and now being convinced that this remedy was of little value, they were treated to a 
dos of hellebore and water, which soon finished them. Ashes were now tried on another lot, 
the same way as the sand had been, with very similar results. It was also intended to try 
fresh air slacked-lime, which we believe would be effectual, but having none on hand just then, 
the experiment was postponed, and the opportunity of testing it lost for the season. We 
must not omit mention of an experiment with hellebore. On the 13th of August, at eight 
a.m., a branch ofa cherry tree was plucked, on which tkere were sixty-four slugs ; the branch 
had only nine leayes, so that it may be readily imagined that they were thickly inhabited. A 
dose of hellebore and water was showered on them about the usual strength, an ounce to the 
pailful, when they soon manifested symptoms of uneasiness, twisting and jerking about in a 
curious manner; many died during the day, and only six poor, sickly-looking specimens 
remained alive the following morning, aud these soon after died. 

During the past season these slug worms have been unusually abundant on our pear 
trees, in many cases destroying the foliage so thoroughly that they looked asif they had been 
seorched by a fire, every leaf in some instances dropping from the trees, so that for a time they 
were bare as in mid-winter. Nearly a thousand trees in the young pear orchards of the 
writer suffered severely, During the latter part of June and the early days of July we had 
no opportunity of inspecting these trees, and when we visited them on the 7th of July they 
were so much injured that we thought they could not be much worse, and as the slugs were 
then full-grown and fast disappearing and the application of a remedy to so many trees a 
matter of much labour nothing was attempted to remedy the evil then. 

It was observed that some trees were remarkably exempt from the attacks of these slugs 
Clapp’s favourite deserves to be especially mentioned on this account, its thick glossy leave s 


seemed to be uninyiting, and when all around were seared, and browned, and withered trees of 
this variety wherever found were covered with a foliage rendered doubtly attractive and 
beautiful by the waste and dismal appearance of those about them. The following notes were 
taken at the time in reference to the relative damage inflicted on the different varieties of pear 
trees in those portions of the orchards most injured. Beurre Giffard most of the trees 
slightly, a few badly damaged. Ananas d’Ete, but slightly injured. Beurre d’Amaniis, 
same as Beurre Giffard. Beurre Goubault, entirely stripped. Brandywine, some stripped, 
others but little affected in the same row. Doyenne d’Ete, badly injured. Bartlett suffered 
very much, nearly all the trees being stripped. Edmunds injured badly, but not so much 
as Bartlett. Souvenir de Congress, nearly stripped. Kirtland, Dwarfs, not much affected. 
Standards, badly injured. Leech’s Kingsessing, scarcely touched. Osbands Summer, badly 
damaged, not a leaf left on many of the trees. Rostiezer, some very badly injured, others not 
so much. Dearborns Seedling, nearly stripped. Tyson, badly affected. Ott’s Seedling, not 
much injured. Marechale de la Cour, nearly free. Beurre de Montgeron, Frederica Bremer, 
Abbott and Ffeur de Niege, scarcely touched. Beurre Diel, some few trees very much in- 
jured, others not so badly. Gansel’s Bergamot, stripped. Buffum and Beurre Superfin, 
scarcely injured. Sheldon, injured, but not badly. Beurre de Waterloo, scarcely touched. 
Beurre Amande, singularly free. Beurre St. Nicholas, Oswego Beurre and Golden Beurre, 
not much injured. Beurre de Paimpool, nearly stripped. It was intended to go over all the 
other varieties in a similar manner, but opportunity did not offer. In the course of another 
fortnight new leaves began to push out vigorously on the defoliated trees and within a month 
or six weeks all was green again. 

In the meantime these mischief makers were preparing for a second descent, and we in 
turn were preparing to receive them ; on the 29th of July, when going through the orchards 
in the afternoon, the new brood of flies were found in the greatest abundance, resting on the 
young leayes, or on these portions of green which still remained on the leaves partially eaten 
by the last brood, they were congregated, however, more especially on those trees where green 
leaves were most abundant. On disturbing them they would fall to the ground with the 
antennz bent under their bodies, and the head bent forward. On half a dozen trees we 
caught about 60 specimens, and might have taken hundreds, they were so thickly spread that 
in many instances there were two and three ona single leaf. By the last week in August, 
the second brood of slugs were hatched ; some yery tiny creatures, others by this time half 
grown. Now, those trees which had previously escaped were all more or less covered, and 
would no doubt soon have been stripped, had not some measures been at once taken to destroy 
them. A raised platform was rigged up in a one horse cart in which was placed a barrel of 
water in which a pound of powdered hellebore had been mixed, and from the elevated stand 
this mixture was showered lightly on the trees from the rose of a watering pot. It was 
astonishing how quickly the trees were cleaned scarcely one could be found on a 
tree the morning after the application had been made, and ten pounds of hellebore with five 
or six days work of man and horse served to go over the whole ground, the work being com- 
pleted in much less time than we had supposed it could. 


54 


THE GRAPE VINE PHYLLOXERA. 


(Phylloxera vastatriz, PLANCHON.) 


CoMPILED BY THE Ruy. C. J. S. Beruuns, M.A. 


With the exception of the Colorado Potato Beetle, and the Locust of the Western States, of 
which we have given an accountin another article, there is probably no insect that attracts more 
general attention at the present time than the destructive Grape-Vine Phylloxera (. vastatriz, 
Planchon). To us in Canada it is but little known, but as its ravages may spread over our own 
vineyards at any time, and as it must be an object of interest to all vinegrowers, we think it 
proper to present to the readers of this Report an account of the insect and such other parti-’ 
culars as we are enabled to gather together. The fact of the rare occurrence of the insect in 
this country, and the consequent difficulties in the way of its study, is a sufficient reason, we 
trust, why we should offer a compilation from the writings of others, rather than attempt any 
original remarks of our own. Our quotations, unless otherwise specified, will be taken from 
the admirable paper on the Phylloxera, by our valued friend, Professor C. V. Riley, State 
Entomologist of Missouri, contained in his last Report (Siath Annual Report on the Insects of 
Missouri, 1874, pages 30-87.) The estimation in which Mr. Riley’s work in this respect is 
held in the great vine-growing countries of Europe, may be judged from the fact that, in the 
month of February last, he was presented with a very handsome gold medal by the Minister 
of Agriculture and Commerce of France, “in appreciation of his discoveries in Economic 
Entomology, and especially of his services rendered to French grape culture.” 

Though one form of the insect, the gall-inhabiting type, was noticed by Dr. Fitch, State 
Entomologist of New York, as long ago as 1856, very little attention was paid to it for some 
years. At length the serious disease of the grape-vine began to attract attention in France, 
and to cause so much alarm, that the authorities offered a prize of 20,000 franes for an effec- 
tual and practicable remedy. The disease was at first termed powrridie, or rotting—the roots 
becoming swollen and bloated, and finally wasting away. There were no end of surmises and 
theories as to cause, until Professor J. H. Planchon, of Montpellier, in July, 1868, announced 
that it was due to the puncture of a minute insect belonging to the plantlouse family (Aphi- 
dide), and bearing a close resemblance to our gall-louse.” The following January, Professor 
Westwood, of Oxford, England, announced that he considered both the gall and root-inhabit- 
ing types to b2 different forms of the same insect. Shortly after a French writer gave it as 
his opinion that the European insect was identical with the American species long before de- 
scribed by Dr. Fitch. ‘This opinion,” says Mr. Riley, “ gave an additional interest to this 
insect, and I succeeded, in 1870, in establishing the identity of the French gall-insect with 
ours. During the same year I also established the identity of the gall and root-inhabiting 
types, by showing that in the fall of the year the last brood of gall-tlice betake themselves to 
the roots and hibernate thereon. In 1871, I visited France and studied their insect in the 
field; and in the fall of that year, after making more extended observations here, I was able 
to give absolute proof of the ideutity of the two insects, and to make other discoveries, which 
not only interested our friends abroad, but were of vital importance to our own grape- 
growers, especially in the Mississippi Valley. Ihave given every reason to believe that the failure 
in the European vine, (Vitis vinifera), when planted here, the partial failure of many hybrids 
with the European vinifera, and the deterioration and death of many of the more tender-rooted 
native varieties, are mainly owing to the injurious work of this insidious little root-louse. It 


55 


——- 


had been at its destructive work for years, producing injury the true cause of which was 
neyer suspected until the publication of the article in my fourth Report. I also showed that 
some of our native varieties enjoyed relative immunity from the insects! attacks, and urged 
their use for stocks, as a means of re-establishing the blighted vineyards of Southern 
France.” 

« The disease continued to spread in Hurope, and became so calamitous in the last- 
named country that the French Academy of Sciences appointed a standing Phylloxera Com- 
mittee. Itis also attracting some attention in Portugal, Austria and Germany, and even in 
England, where it affects hot-house grapes.” . 


Naturat History or THE INSECT. 


The genus Phylloxera is characterized by having threejointed antennz, the third or 
terminal being much the longest, and by carrying its wings overlapping, flat on the back in- 
stead of roof-fashion. It belongs to the sub-order of whole-winged bugs (Homoptera), and 
forms a connecting link between two of its great families, the Plant-lice(Aphididw) on the 
one hand, and the Bark-lice (Coccide) on the other. It is generally considered, however, to 
pertain to the former family, though some naturalists, with the not uncommon love of intro- 
ducing new names and minute classifications, have desired to found a new family for this 
special insect. 

Not the least interesting feature in the economy of the Phylloxera is the different phases 
or forms under which it presents itself. Among these forms are two constant types which 
have led many to suppose that we have to do with two species. The one type, which for 
convenience Mr. Riley terms gallecola, lives in galls on the leaves; the other which he calls 
radicicola, lives on swellings of the roots. They may be tabulated thus :— 


Typel. Gallcola (see Figure 43, f, g, h), 

Type 2. Radicicola. 
A, Degraded or wingless form (see Figure 44, e, f, 9.) 
B, Perfect or winged form (see Figure 45, g, h.) 


“ TypE GALLACOLA OR GALL-INHABITING.—The gall or exerescence produced by this 
insect is simply a fleshy swelling of the under side of the leaf, more or less wrinkled and 
hairy, with a corresponding depression of the upper side, the margin of the cup being fuzzy, 
and drawn together so as to form a fimbriated mouth. It is usually cup-shaped, but some- 
times greatly elongated or purse-shaped. 

Soon after the first vitte-leaves that put out in the spring have fully expanded, a few 

Hig 42. scattering galls may be found, mostly on the 
lower leaves, nearest the ground. These ver- 
nal galls are usually large, (of the size of an ordi- 
nary pea), and tne normal green is often blushed 
with rose where exposed to the light of the sun. 
On carefully opening one of them (Fig. 43, d) we 
shall find the mother-louse diligently at work 
surrounding herself with pale-yellow eggs of an 
elongate oval form, seareely .01 inch long, 
and not quite half as thick (Fig. 43, ¢). She is 
about .04 inch long, generally spherical in shape, 
of a dull orange colour, and looks not unlike an 
immature seed of the common purslane, At 
times, by the elongation of the abdomen, the 
shape assumes, more or less perfectly, the pyri- 
form. Her members are all dusky, and so short 
compared to her swollen body, that she appears 
very clumsy, and undoubtedly would be out- 

Under side of Leaf covered with Galls. side of her gall, which she never has occasion 
to quit, and which serves her alike as dwelling-house and coffin. More carefully examined, 
her skin is seen to be shagreened or minutely granulated and furnished with rows 
of minute hairs. The eggs begin to hatch when six or eight days old into active 


56 


little oval, hexapod beings, which differ from their mother in their bright yellow — 


colour and more perfect legs and antennez, the tarsi being furnished with long, 
pliant hairs, terminating in a more or less distinct globule. In hatching, the eggs 
split longitudinally from the anterior end, and the young louse whose pale yellow is 
in strong contrast with the more dusky colour of the ege-shell, escapes in the course 
of two minutes. Issuing from the mouth of the gall, these young lice scatter over the vine, 
most of them finding their way to the tender terminal leayes, where they settle in the downy 
bed which the tomentose nature of these leaves affords, and commence pumping up and appropriat- 


ing the sap. The tongue-sheath is blunt and heavy, but the tongue proper—consisting of 


three brown, elastic and wiry filaments, which, united, make so fine a thread as searcely to be 
visible with the strongest microscope—is sharp, and easily run under the parenchyma of the 
Fie. 43. leaf. Its puncture causes a curious change 

g in the tissues of the leaf, the growth being 

so stimulated that the under side bulges 
and thickens, while the down on the upper 
, Side increases in a circle around the louse, 
and finally hides and covers it as it recedes 
more and more within the deepening cavity. 
Sometimes the lice are so crowded that two 
occupy the same gall. If, from the prema- 
ture death of the louse, or other cause, the 
gall becomes abortive before being com- 
pleted, then the circle of thickened down 
or fuzz enlarges with the expansion of the 
leaf, and remains (Fig. 43, c) to tell the 
tale of the futile effort. Otherwise, in a 
few days the gall is formed, and the inheld 
Ig louse, which, while eating its way into 
TyPE GALLECOLA :—a, b, newly-hatched larva, ventral and dorsal house and home, was also growing apace, 
view. ¢, oa th ston of gal; swelling of tend: 9» begins a parthenogenetic maternity by the 
na ;j, her two jointed tarsus. Natural sizes indicated at sides. depc sition of the fertile eggs, as her imme- 
diate parent had done before. She increases in bulk with pregnancy, and one egg follows 
another in quick succession, until the gall is crowded. The mother dies and shrivels, and the 
young, as they hatch, issue and found new galls. This process continues during the summer 
until the fifth or sixth generation. Every egg brings forth a fertile female, which soon be- 
comes wonderfully prolific. The number of eges found in asingle gall averages about 200 ; 
yet it will sometimes reach as many as 500, and, if Dr. Shimer’s observations can be relied on, 
it may even reach 5,000. I have never found any such number myself; but, even supposing 
there are but five generations during the year, and taking the lowest of the above figures, the 
immense prolificacy ef the species becomes manifest. As summer advances they frequently 
completely cover the leaves with their galls, and settle on the tendrils, leaf-stalks and tender 
branches, where they also form knots and rounded exerescences (Fig. 43, e) much resembling 
those on the roots. In such a ease, the vine loses its leaves prematurely, usually, however, 
the natural enemies of the louse seriously reduce its numbers by the time the vine ceases its 
growth in the fall, and the few remaining lice, finding no more succulent and suitable leaves, 
seek the roots. Thus by the end of September, the galls are mostly deserted, and those 
which are left are almost always infested with mildew, and eventually turn brown and decay. 
On the roots the young lice attach themselves singly or in little groups and thus hibernate. 
The male louse has never been seen, nor does the female ever acquire wings. Indeed, too 
much stress cannot be laid on the fact that Gallacola occurs only as an agamic 
and apterous female form. It is but a transient summer state, not at all essential to the 
perpetuation of the species, and does, compared with the other type, but trifling damage. It 
has been found oceasionally by Mr. Riley on all species of the grape-vine (vinifera, riparia, 
estivalis and Labrusca) cultivated in the Eastern and Middle States, and on the wild cordifolia ; 
but it flourishes only on the river-bank grape (riparia), and more especially on the Clinton 
and Taylor, with their close allies. Thus while legions of the root-inhabiting type (radicicola) 


are overrunning and devasting the vineyards of France, this one is almost unknown there _ 


except on such American varieties as it infests with us,” 


57 


“Type Rapicicoua oR Root-INHABITING.— We have seen that, in all probability, 
gallecola exists only in the apterous, shagreened, non-tubercled, fecund female from. Ladici- 
i cola, however, presents itself in two principal 
forms. The newly-hatched larvee of this 
type are undistinguishable, in all essential 
characters, from those hatched in the galls, 
but in due time they shed the smooth laryal 
skin, and acquire raised warts or tubercles ; 
which at once distinguish them from gallw- 
cola. In the development from this point 
the two forms are separable with sufficient 
ease: one (A) of a more dingy greenish 
yellow, with more swollen fore-body, and 
more tapering abdomen ; the other (B) of a 
brighter yellow, with the lateral outline more 
perfectly oyal, and with the abdomen more 
truncated at tip.” * 
“The first or mother form (Fig. 44, /, g,) 
is the analogue of gullwcola, as it never ac- 


Tyre RapicicoLa.—a, roots of Clinton vine, showing relation quires wings, and 18 occupied, from ado- 
of swellings to leaf-gulls, and power of resisting decomposition; lescence till death, with the laying of eggs, 


sie! ef, 9, nme of more mature hee; h, gainulations af skim; Which are less numerous and somewhat larger 
i, tubercle : j, transverse folds at borders of joints ; k, simple eyes. than those found in the galls, T have counted 
in the spring as many as two hundred and sixty-five eggs in a cluster, and all evidently from 
one mother, who was yet very plump and still occupied in laying. As a rule, however, they 
are less nnmerous. With pregnancy this form becomes quite tumid and more or less pyri- 
form, and is content to remain with scarcely any motion in the more secluded farts of the 
roots, such as the creases, sutures and depressions, which the knots afford. The skin is dis- 
tinctly shagreened (Fig. 44, h,) as in gallwcola, The warts, though usually quite visible with 
a good lens, are at other times more or less obsolete, especially on the abdomen. ‘The eyes, 
which were quite perfect in the larva, become more simple with each moult, until they consist, 
as in gallacola, of but triple eyelets (Fig. 44, 4,) and, in the general structure, this form becomes 
more degraded with maturity, wherein it shows the affinity of the species to.the Coccidw, the 
females of which, as they mature, generally Jose all trace of the members they possessed when 
born.” 

‘The second or more oval form(Fig. 44, ¢,) is destined to become winged. Its tubercles 
when once acquired, are always conspicuous ; it is more active than the other, and its eyes 
increase rather than diminish in complexity with age. From the time it is one-third grown the 
little dusky wing-pads may be discovered, though less conspicuously than in the pupa state, 
which is soon after assumed. The pupe (Fig- 45, ¢, f,) are still more active, and after feeding 
a short time, they make their way to the light of day, crawl over the ground and over the 
vines, and finally shed their last skin and assume the winged state. In their last moult the 
tubercled skin splits on the back, and is soon worked off, the body in the winged insect having 
neither tubercles nor granulations.” 

“The winged insects are most abundant in August and September, but may be found as 
early as the first of July, and until the vines cease growing in the fall. The majority of them 
are females, with the abdomen large and more or less elongate From two to five eggs may 
invariably be found in the abdomen of these, and are easily seen when the insect is held up 
to the light, or mounted in balsam or glycerine.” 

‘« As fall advances the winged individuals become more and more scarce, and as winter 
sets in only eggs, newly-hatched larvae, and a few apterous egg-bearing mothers, are seen. 
These last die and disappear during the winter, which is mostly passed in the larva state, 
with here and there afeweggs. The larye thus hibernating (Fig. 44, )) become dingy, with 
the body and limbs more shagreened and the claws less perfect than when first hatched ; and, 
of thousands examined, all bear the same appearance, and all are furnished with strong 


* “Tt is not to be understood, in making these distinctions, that these differences of form are so constant 
that they can always be relied on ; for the form of the body varies, so that_the wingless mother may present, 
the more perfect oval of that destined to become winged.” 


58 


suckers. As soon as the ground thaws and the sap starts in the spring, these young lice 
work off their winter coat, and, growing apace, commence to deposit eggs. All, without, ex- 


ception, become mothers, and assume the degraded form (A) already described. 


Fie. 45. 


PMT LS 


Saari 


tim 


>) 
vw. 


Typr RapDIcICcOLA :—a, shows a healthy root ; 6, one on which the lice are working, re- 
presenting the knots and swellings caused by their punctures ; c, a root that has been 
deserted by them, and where the rootlets have commenced to decay ; d, d, d, show 
how the lice are found on the larger roots ; e, female pupa, dorsal view ; f, same, 
ventral view ; g, winged female, dorsal view ; A, same, ventral view ; i, magnified 
antenna of winged insect ; j, side view of the wingless female, laying eggs on roots ; 
k, shows how the punctures of the lice cause the larger roots to rot. 


“ At this season of the year, with the exuberant juices of the plant, the swellings on the 
roots are large and succulent, and the lice plump to repletion. One generation of the mother 
form (A) follows another—fertility increasing with the increasing heat aud luxuriance of 
summer—until at last the third or fourth has been reached before the winged form (8) 
makes its appearance in the latter part of June or early in July. Such are the main fea- 
tures which the development of the insect presents, to one who has studied it in the field as 
well as in the closet. 

“Since I proved, in 1870 (adds Mr. Riley), the absolute identity of these two types by 
showing that the gall-lice become root-lice, the fact has been repeatedly substantiated by dif- 
ferentobservers. Yet, strange to say, no one has heretofore succeeded in making gall-lice of the 
young hatched on the roots, though I formerly supposed that Signoret had done so. It is, 
therefore, with much satisfaction that I record the fact of having succeeded this winter in ob- 
taining galls on a young Clinton vine from young radicicola, and of thus establishing beyond 


59 


peradventure, the specific interrelation and identity of the two types. I make this announce- 
ment with all the more pleasure, that for three years past, both on vines growing out-doors 
and in pots in-doors, I had in vain attempted to obtain the same result.” 


PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 


“THE MORE MANIFEST AND EXTERNAL ErrEeors oF THE PHYLLOXERA DISEASE. 
—The result which follows the puncture of the root-louse is an abnormal swelling, different 
in form, according to the particular part and texture of the root. These swellings, which are 
generally commenced at the tips of the rootlets, where there is excess-of plasmatie and albu- 
minous matter, eventually rot, and the lice forsake them and betake themselves to fresh ones 
—the living tissue being necessary to the existence of this as of all plant-lice. The decay 
affects the parts adjacent to the swellings, and on the more fibrous roots cuts off the supply of 
sap to all partsbeyond. As these last decompose, the lice congregate on the larger ones, until 
at last the root system literally wastes away.” 

“ During the first year of attack there are scarcely any outward manifestations of disease, 
though the fibrous roots, if examined, will be found covered with nodosities, particularly in 
the latter part of the growing season. The disease is then in its incipient stage. The second 
year all these fibrous roots vanish, and the lice not only prevent the formation of new ones, 
but, as just stated, settle on the larger roots, which they injure by causing hypertrophy of the 
parts punctured, which also eventually become disorganized and rot. At this stage the out- 
ward symptoms of the disease first become manifest, in a sickly, yellowish appearance of the 
leaf and a reduced growth of cane. As the roots continue to decay, these symptoms become 
more acute, until by about the third year the vine dies. Such is the edurse of the malady on 
vines of the species vinifera, when circumstances are favourable to the increase of the pest. 
When the vine is about dying, it is generally impossible to discover the cause of the death, 
the lice which had been so numerous the first and second years of invasion, having left for 
fresh pasturage.”’ 

Mone or SprEapinc.—The gall-lice can only spread by travelling, when newly-hatched 
from one vine to another ; and, if this slow mode of progression were the only one which the 
species is capable of, the disease would be comparatively harmless. The root-lice, however 
not only travel under-ground along the interlocking roots of adjacent vines, but crawl actively 
over the surface of the ground, or wing their way from vine to vine and from vineyard to 
vineyard. Doubts have been repeatedly expressed by Huropean writers as to the power of 
such a delicate and frail-winged fly to traverse the air to any great distance. On the 27th of 
September, 1873, the weather being quite warm and summer-like, with much moisture in the 
atmosphere, Mr. Riley witnessed the insect’s power of flight. Some two hundred winged 
individuals, that he had confined, became very restless and active, vigorously vibrating their 
wings and beating about their glass cages. Upon opening the cages, the lice began to dart 
away and were out of sight in a twinkle. They have been caught in spider-webs in Europe, 
and captured by Mr. Riley on sheets of paper prepared with bird-lime and suspended in an 
infested vineyard ; it is clear, then, that they can sustain flight for a considerable time under 
favourable conditions, and with the assistance of the wind, they may be wafted to great dis- 
tances. These winged femalesare much more numerous in the fall of the year than has been 
supposed by Entomologists. Wherever they settle, the few eggs which each carries are suffi- 
cient to perpetuate the species, which, in the fullest sense, may be called contagious. 

“ SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT VINES TO THE DisEASE.—As a means of coping 
with the Phylloxera disease, a knowledge of the relative susceptibility of different varieties to 
the attacks and injuries of the insect is of paramount importance. As is so frequently the 
case with injurious insects, and as we haye a notable instance in the common Currant Aphis 
(Aphis Ribesii ), which badly affects the leaves of some of the Currants, but never touches the 
Gooseberry which belongs to the same genus. The Phylloxera shows a preference for and 
thrives best on certain species, and even discriminates between varieties ; or, what amounts 
to the same thing, practically, some varieties resist its attacks and enjoy a relative immunity 
from its injuries. It would be useless, and certainly unnecessary here, to attempt to ascer- 
tain the reason why certain vines thus enjoy exemption while others so readily succumb ; but 
in a broad way it may be stated that there is a relation between the susceptibility of the vine 
and the character of its roots—the slow-growing, more tender-wooded and consequently more 


Cal . a 5 . iC 
tender-rooted varieties succumbing most readily ; the more vigorous powers resisting best.” 


60 


From Mr. Riley’s synopsis of experiments and observations we gather the following state- 
ment respecting the different varieties of grape :— 

Europran VINE (Vitis vinifera)—Rarely subject to leaf-gall, but it generally succumbs 
to the attacks of root-lice after a few years. 

River-BAnk VINE (V. riparia)—The Cornucopia, Alvey and Othello suffer very little 
or not at all from Leaf galls, but to a considerable extent from Root-lice. The Clinton and 
Taylor are very subject to the Leaf-galls, but from the great vitality of their roots they do 
not succumb to the attacks of the Root-lice. The Golden Clinton and Louisiana do not suf- 
fer much from either. -The Marion a good deal affected by the former, but little by the lat- 
ter. The Delaware suffers considerably from both. 

_SumuEr Grape (V. estivalis)—The Cunningham, Norton’s Virginia, and Rutlander 
suffer not at all from the Leaf-gall, and very little from the Root-lice. The Herbemont and 
Cynthiana suffer slightly from both. 

Nortuern Fox Grapz (Labrusca)—The Challenge, Dracut Amber, Israella, Martha, 
Northern Museadine and Wilder, are not subject to the Leaf-gall, and only slightly to the 
root-lice. The Diana, Goethe, Hartford, Isabella, Ives, Maxatawney, North Carolina, Re- 
becca and Salem are also free from the Leaf-gall, but have the Root-lice more abundant and 
suffer more from its attacks. The Catawba and Iona do not suffer from the Leaf-gall, but 
are most subject to the Root-lice The Concord has the Leaf-gulls but rarely, and does not 
suffer much from the Root-lice ; the Creveling also is usually free trom the former, but suf- 
fers much more from the latter. 

SourHeRN Fox Grape.—This species is entirely free from the Phylloxera in any 
form, ; 

The above enumeration is founded principally upon Mr. Riley’s observations in the cen- 
tral portion of Missouri ; he has also examined many of the varieties in Kansas, Illinois, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. The Arnold's hybrids, which he has examined, all 
suffer, he states, but some of them more than others. 

Means or Copina witH THE DisEasE.—Grafting the more susceptible varieties on 
the roots of those that have a greater power of resistance, would prohably counteract the 
disease to a great extent. This plan is now being tried on a large scale, but it will be neces- 
sary to wait a year or two before any positive conclusions can be obtained. 

“Tn planting a new vineyard the greatest care should be taken not to introduce Phyl- 
loxera on the young plants, and a bath of weak lye or strong soap suds before planting will, 
perhaps, prove the best safeguard. Remembering that the lice are spreading over the 
ground from July till fall, and principally in the months of August and September, a 
thorough sprinkling of the surface with lime. ashes, sulphur, salt or other substance destruc- 
tive to insect life, will, no doubt, have a beneficial effect in reducing their numbers and pre- 
venting their spread. 

The insect has been found to thrive less and to be, therefore, less injurious in a sandy 
soil ; while mixture of soot with the soil has had a beneficial effect in destroying the pest. It 
is, therefore, recommended for the more susceptible varieties, and that they be planted in 
trenches first prepared with a mixture of sand and soot. An addition of lime will also prove 
beneficial. There is every reason to believe that vines are rendered less susceptible to the 
disease by a system of pruning and training that will produce long canes and give them as 
nearly as possible their natural growth. 

Natura Evemrus.—There are a number of predaceous insects which serve to keep 
the leaf-lice in check ; but as the injury is mostly done underground it will suffice to enu- 
merate the principal of these in this connection. The most efficient is a black species of 
Fringe-wing or Thrips with white wings (Thrips Plylloverw). They are found in several differ- 
ent kinds of Phylloxera galls, and do more than any other species to keep the leaf inhabit- 
ing species within bounds.”’ 

The next most efficient aids in the destruction of the leaf-lice are the lace-winged flies 
(Chrysopa) ; the lady birds (Coccinella); certain Syrphus fly larvee ; a few true bugs and 
other insects. 

The enemies known to attack the Phylloxera underground are, naturally enough, fewer 
in number. In one instance, Mr. Riley relates, I have found a Scymnus larva at the work 
six inches below the surface, and there is a Syrphus fly, whose larva lives under-ground and 
feeds both on the apple-tree root-louse and on this grape root-louse. Wonde rful indeed 


61 


is the instinct which teaches this blind larva to penetrate the soil in search of its prey ; for 
the egg must necessarily be laid at the surface. But though the underground enemies of its 
own class are few, I have discovered a mite which preys extensively upon this root-inhabiting 
type, and which renders efficient aid in keeping it in check in this country. This mite (Z'yro 
glyphus phylloxere, Planchon & Riley, Fig. 46,) belongs to the same genus as the cheese and 
meal mites, and the species which infests preserved insects, and is such a pest in cabinets. At 
is the rule with mites, it is born with but six legs, but acquires eight after the first or second 

Fie. 46. , moults. It varies considerably in form, with age, 
and in studying it with a view of distinguishing 
it specifically from other described species, I 
have noticed all the different tarsal characters 
shown as d, f, g and h, (Fig. 46), and on which 
distinct genera have been founded. Mites pre- 
sent themselves in such different forms that the 
adolescent stages of the same species have 
been made to represent distinct families by 
authors who never studied the development of 
these beings. The species under consideration, 
when young, mostly contents itself with the 
,imuzonmns Mire a, dorsal? vente! wow of femal altered. sweets of the roots which rot from the 
ventral tubercles of male. punctures of Phylloxera, while when older it 
preys by preference on the lice themselves.” 

« Drreor Remepres.- The leaf-lice, which do not play such an important part in the 
disease as was at first supposed, may be controlled with sufficient ease by a little care in de- 
stroying the first galls which appear, aud in pruning and destroying the terminal growth of 
infested vines later in the season. ‘The root-lice are not so easily reached. As the effort will 
be according to the exigency, we may very naturally look to France for a direct remedy, if 
ever one be discovered. But of all the innumerable plans, patented or non-patented, that 
have been proposed, of all the many substances that have been experimented with under the 
stimulus of a large national reward, no remedy has yet been discovered which gives entire 
satisfaction, or is applicable to all conditions of soil. Nor is it likely that such a remedy 
ever will be discovered. 

“While, therefore, not very satisfactory results have followed the use of pure insecti- 
cides, the application of fertilizers intended to invigorate the vine, and at the same time in- 
jure the lice, has been more productive of good. Especially has this been the case with fer- 
tilizers rich in potassic salts and nitrogenous compounds, such as urine. Sulphuret of potas- 
sium dissolved in liquid-manure ; alkaline-sulphates, with copperas and rape seed ; potassic 
salts, with guano ; soot and cinders are, among other applications, most favourably mentioned. 

Mr, Riley closes his very able Essay with the following remarks:—‘ We have in the 
history of the Grape Phylloxera, the singular spectacle of an indigenous American insect 
being studied, and its workings understood in a foreign land, before its presence in its most 
injurious form was even suspected in its native home. The Franco-Prussian war, with all 
its fearful consequences to France, has passed away ; the five milliards of franes (one thous- 
and million dollars) have been paid as indemnity te her victors, in so short a time that the 
civilized world looked on in wonder and astonishment. Yet this little Phylloxera, sent over 
doubtless in small numbers, by some American nurseryman, a few years since, continues its 
devastating work, and costs that unfortunate country millions of franes annually. The last 
German soldier has been removed —at terrible cost it is truae—from French soil, but the 
Phylloxera army remains; and if another five milliard francs could extirpate the last indi- 
vidual of this liliputian insect host from her soil, “la belle France’’ would be cheaply rid of 
the enemy. Had the world, twenty years ago, possessed the knowledge we at present have of 
this insect and of its dangerous power, a few francs might have originally stayed its invasion 
of that great vine-growing and wine-making country. Needs there any more forcible illustra- 
tion of the importance of economic entomology !” 

In confirmation of this statement, we read in the monthly report of the Department of 
Agriculture (Washington, August and September, 1874), that “the Prefect of the Depart- 
ment of the Rhone, in France, has published a decree directing the mayor of each Commune 
within his jurisdiction, upon the indication of the presence of the Phylloxera, to proceed at 


once to determine the lin its of each local district infected by the insect. Every vine affected 
and all the roots within tive meters are to be dug up and burned. This decisive measure has 
not escaped sharp criticism. To save the vine lands of the Rhone from destruction by this 
pest, it is now proposed to secure winter irrigation by a grand canal connected with that river. 
M. Dumont, Jngéniewr en chef des chaussés, has developed, before a governmental commission, 
a scheme for the construction of such a canal, within four years, at a cost of 102,000,000 
francs. This, it is supposed, will rescue from destruction over 60,000 acres of vine lands, 
yielding products worth 200,000,000 francs per annum and taxes amounting to 20,000,000 


franes.” 


) 
4 


ANNUAL REPORT 


Se Sse 


<7) _ > 


tN OF THE 


~ ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF ON TA RAO, 


FOR THE YEAR 1875. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL, 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUN DERS, 


President of the Entomological Society of Ontario; Editor of the Canadian Entomologist ; 


PV. OP J. 8: BETHUNE, M.A., 


Head Master of T; rinity College School, Port Hope ; Vice-President of the Entomological Society 
of Ontario , 


AND 


R. V. .ROGERS, 


Barrister, ce., Kingston, Ontario. 


Lrinted by Order of the Legislative Assembly, 


Ines 


Coronto: oe 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 25 WELLINGTON (STRbT? 1997 
1876. \ gh BASSA 


~SHonal Muse 
St aol 


—o 
A 
PAGE 
TAGS: UO PSA be manor eceocceoecaoonotio gbeoCOseo 43 
American Silkworm: c..cssceoosssscassevesse ees 39 
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a WET ETO: sconosqeddocuncechtr cacode 25 
FAMUVTBU A GATERW i vodepiniaalssccetcscss;cowess sss 5 
Annual Meeting... ........... 0.0.2.0. aes) te 
Anthomyia ceparum........ css... cco 
Apple ree WBHGNGiecccccnevsssscecce+seacceevess 34 
Arinig: W OPDA.csce. seifciistciatstcnsccsrcsescassets tf 
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Cambridge Entomological Club, Meeting 
ANT. Go) pnt 202 pace SUCHE EDCOD EERE CUABOCUOO 5 
CRGRGrAWORMEM ON cea<icsscscsecevericls sciniseos. 20 
Clisiocampa Americana. ............0..s00 yee 7, 29 
5 BYIVAUICA ct scececcoswsemocovecio'= . 7,30 
Common Insects, on some of our......... 36, 43 
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Drasteria erichted. ...<...c.0s+ seecjcecccnecens 36 
Doryphora decemlineata. ...........esseeeeeee 33 
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OUI ON ee arer. cstocck uteh orate amichs starces 13 
MUG UV AS PUAURS sect sse+esceseseralabeerccassesenes 37 
Eumenes fraterna 28 
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Gooseberry Saw-fly......0c...cccsseceeses 18 
Ke SWOLMiina: ecsonkaths cot eteedesvcestcs 33 
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Frencania unipunct........cces assccccoesveves 7,14 
Locusts as an article of food.................. 52 
‘¢ in the Western States.......... ..... 46 
“« Means for subduing ravages of ... 48 
London Branch, annual meeting of... ..... 4 
ce es Report of Council........ 4 


Rromaye Moth... -.s'<cesce<scvcs Sete es cooks 43 


Memorial) copyiof-c..y1-eeteac eee 
Methods of subduing injurious Insects.... 17 
Montreal Branch, annual meeting of..... 5 

is Report of Council................ 5 


a President’s address.......... 0.0... 8 
s incoming President’s address. ... 10 
N 
Nematus ventricosus .............-+ssceceeese 13, 33 
Notes ofthe Years =n") eee eee 
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ss Sprague, Philip L............... 24 


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On some of our common Insects............ 36, 43 
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Pieris rapae , 12, 
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ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMULOGICAL SOCIETY 


ONTARIO, 


BOR Ol He Bey E A Ry ANee7eb 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL, - 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


President of the Entomological Society of Ontario ; Editor of the Canadian Entomologist ; 


REV, C. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., 
Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; Vice-President of the Entomological 
Society of Ontario ; 


AND 


R. V. ROGERS, 


Barrister, &c., Kingston, Ontario. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO FOR THE 
YEAR 1875. 


To the Honourable the Commissioner of Agriculture. 


Sir,—I have the honour to submit for your consideration the Report of the Entomolog- 
ical Society of Ontario for the year 1875, in which you will find a detailed statement of the 
receipts and expenditures for the year, all of which have been duly audited. TI also submit a 
list of the office-bearers elected for the year 1876. 

In accordance with the provisions of the Statute, the annual meeting of the Society was 


held at the City of Ottawa, at the time of the Exhibition of the Agricultural and Arts Asso- 
ciation, when the Reports of the officers were presented and approved of. 

With the view of carrying out the design of the Department in endeavouring to advance 
the knowledge of practical entomology, especially in its bearings on Agriculture and Horti- 
culture, the members of the Entomological Society submit herewith the Annual Report on 
some of the noxious, beneficial and common insects found throughout this Province. 

The organ of the Society, 7he Canadian Entomologist, is still issued regularly on or about 
the 15th of each month, each number containing twenty pages 8vyo. It has now nearly reached 
the close of its seventh volume, and fully sustains its reputation as a valuable scientific jour- 
nal. Being almost entirely filled with original matter, it has during the past seven years 
been the means of disseminating a vast amount of scientific knowledge relating to Entomology, 
and thus doing much towards furthering the interests of this important department of na- 
tural history. 

The pages of this Report will be found illustrated with a number of excellent woodcuts 
and electrotypes, many of which are entirely new, some having been especially engraved for 
this Report. The expensive character of this work has prevented us from illustrating as 
profusely as we would have wished, for we are persuaded that such figures add greatly to 
the usefulness and attractiveness of our Reports. 

I have the honour to remain, Sir, 
Your ob-dient servant, 
J. H. McMercuay, 
Secretary-Treasurer Entomological Society of Ontario. 
London, Ontario, November, 1875. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The fifth annual meeting of the above Society was held in the Court House, in the City 
of Ottawa, on the 22nd day of September, 1875, at3 p.m. The reports of the officers were 
read, and a copy of the President’s address promised to be placed at the disposal of the Print- 
ing Committee for publication. 

The following officers for the ensuing year were then elected :-— 

President.—W. Saunders, London. 

Vice President.—Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope. 

Secretary-1reasurer.—J. H. MeMechan, London. 

Council.—Wwm. Couper, Montreal ; R. V. Rogers, Kingston ; J. Pettit, Grimsby ; J. M. 
Denton and E, Baynes Reed, London. 

Editor of Eniomologist.—W. Saunders. 

Editing Commitice.—Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A. ; G. J. Bowles, Montreal ; E. Baynes 
Reed. 

Libravy Committce.—W. Saunders, E. Baynes Reed, J. H. MceMechan. 

Committee on Centennial Exhibition—W. Saunders, Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, J. H. Mc- 
Mechan. 

Auditors.—G. Geddes, Chas. Chapman, London. 


The Library Committee reported the purchase of a number of valuable books for the 
Society’s Library during the past year. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER, 


Receipts. 

To Balance from previous year..........-..cee.seeeeee eco cxdeieeas «2 Geena 
« Government Grant towards Illustrations for Report.............-++- 100 00 
60 Annual Gran biaryl SiC oi kienee thnve, oe ea'<ime oadetemeeiecte ols sincede <ibieeiteem tee 750 00 
CCN] embers UW Pep vo ves nes epee eke salvs)-« air lnce MNEn Nand vesosenebenssessnts 127 05 
« Sales of cork, pins, &e., to members) 6. c.05 sceac~-nc) opneeeninenennee 46 34 


Disbursements. 


By CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, printing end paper........ acc $533 91 
« Engravings for Report........ ...... . .- 
ti HIRpenses Ot NGnalinenssades cc2c+. scoscodeeneas 
COMMIGIUON 5 NALA DUMEEREs cee serictas-- alec sececceae 
“ Secretary-Treasurer’s salary........ 
‘«« Expenses, sundry small 
to Rentrersnees 


“¢ Balance on hand Peg: Senet baaee . 232 3a 
$1,445 55 


, We certify the above as a correct statement of accounts for the year ending September 
22nd, 1875, of the Treasurer of the Hutomological Society of Ontario, as shown by the 
books and vouchers. 

CuHas. CHAPMAN, 


J. A. Garrrrras, \ Auditors. 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


At the close of this the fifth year of the existence of our Society, it is our pleasing duty 
to bear testimony to the fact tht it still sustains its well-earned reputation. A knowledge 
of insects and their habits, which it is the special object of our Society to advance, is now 
generally recognised us of great value to the farmer, fruit grower and others; and in view of 
the immense destruction insects entail, the money value of such knowledge, where it enables 
the cultivator of the soil to combat successfully the ravages of these formidable foes, is a mat- 
ter of no small moment. 

Branches of our Society are still in active existence in London, Kingston and Montreal, 
where they are doing much to advance the interests of our favourite study. The members of 
our Montreal branch have been p rticularly active during the past year, as will be seen from 
the Reports of their officers herewith submitted, and they have individually furnished many 
interesting papers for the Entomologist on the insects found in their diswrict. 

A request having been made that our Society should prepare a collection of Canadian [n- 
sects for the Centennial Exhibition to be held in Philadelphia during the coming year, and 
a grant sufficient to cover a portion of the expense having been recommended, we are gratified 
to know that our members have entered most heartily into the work, and many of them have 
placed their entire collections at the disposal of the Committee appointed to make the celeetion 
of specimens. We doubt not but that this collection will be a most interesting feature in the 
Canadian Department of the Exhibition, and will be in every way worthy of our Society and 
country. 

During the past year death has deprived us of one of our esteemed honorary members. the 
first elected by this Society, and one who has generously donated to our Society's cabinets man 
objects of interest, and contributed to our Journal muny valuxble pipers. We allude to the 
late Francis Walker, of the British Museum, One of our v.lued American contributors has 
also passed away, Mr. Philip L. Sprague, of Boston. Mass. Berief obituary notices of both 
will be found in the Report. 

At the meeting of the Entomological Club of the Amer‘ean Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science, recently held at Detroit, our Society was represented by Mr. W. Saunders, 
Editor of the ENroMoLoatsr, Many interesting facts in reference to insect life were elicited at 
the various meetings held by the Club, and som: important ¢ nclus‘ons arrived at affecting 
the welfare of Entomology. An account of these meetines will be givea elsewhere. 

The publication of the organ of the Svciety, the CANADIAN EsToMoLocist, is still 


vigorously maintained, and has now nearly reached the close of its seventh volume. Its regu- 
lar issue and wide distribution throughout the scientific world makes it a valuable medium for 
the publication of scientific matter relating to insects, which, while of immediate interest to 
only a portion of our readers, is of great importance to those engaged in the study of the 
science of Entomology, and has also an important bearing on its future progress, Constant 
effort has also been made to present to our readers some practical information in reference to 
_many of the commoner insect pests, with instructions as to how to recognize them, and as 
far as possible subdue them. It is gratifying to learn that our efforts in connection with 
our Journal are everywhere warmly appreciated by those who are best able to judge of its 
merits. 
Submitted on behaf of the Council by 
J. H. McMecwan, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LONDON BRANCH. é 
The annual meeting of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario was 
held on the 21st of January, 1875, at the residence of Mr. A. Puddicombe. 

_ After the usual routine business had been attended to, the following officers were elected 
for 1875: President, H. P. Bock; Vice-President, Gamble Geddes ; Secretary-Treasurer, 
J. M. Denton ; Curator, Chas. Chapman ; Auditors, J. H. McMechan and J. H. Griffiths. 

The Annual Report of the Secretary-Treasurer was read and adopted. This Report showed 
that the finances of the Branch were iv a satisfactory state; that after meeting the current 
expenses of the year, there still remained a small balance to credit. 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


The Council of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario beg to sub- 
mit the following Report :-— 

The monthly meetings of the members have been fairly kept up, and an increasing ‘in- 
terest manifested by our more active members in Entomological matters. During the year 
some valuable additions have been made to our collections, and at our meetings we have had 
many interesting discussions on insect life and habits. 

When the question of the preparation of a collection of insects by the Parent Society for 

the forthcoming Centennial Exhibition was first mooted, our members all expressed a hearty 
interest in the undertaking, and the following resolution was unanimously passed: ‘‘ That the 
London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario, having heard of the proposal on the 
part of the Parent Society to prepare a collection of Canadian insects for the Centennial 
Exhibition to be held in Philadelphia in 1876, Resolved, That we heartily endorse the pro- 
posed scheme, and that we will willingly place any insects we may have in our individual col- 
lections at the disposal of any Committee which may be appointed for the purpose, and will 
do our best in every way towards making the collection one worthy of the Society of which 
we form a part.” We doubt not but that our members will well redeem the pledge thus 
given. 
Tt becomes our painful duty to record the death, during the past year, of one of our 
esteemed members, Mr. M. L. Morgan, who was Vice-President of our Branch in 1873. 
Although not an active working Entomologist, Mr. Morgan always took a lively interest in 
the affairs of the Society, and was ever ready, by his counsel and otherwise, to aid in further- 
ing its welfare. His sudden remoyal has left a blank in our midst which will not be easily 
filled. 

Submitted on behalf of the Council by 

GAMBLE GEDDES, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


EE ee 
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. 


The second annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of 

Ontario was held on May 4th, 1875, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing 
ear :— 

z G. J. Bowles, President ; Alexander Gibb, Vice-President ; C. W. Pearson, Secretary- 

Treasurer ; G. B. Pearson, Curator ; W. Couper, M. Kollmar, T. B. Caulfield, Council. 

The Reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read and adopted. The Branch 
is progressing steadily, and our list of membership is increasing. During the past year work- 
ing expenses haye all been paid, leaving a balance on hand ; a number of papers have been 
read, and the exhibitions of local and exotic rarities were exceedingly good. The Branch 
holds its meetings in the rooms of the Montreal Natural History Society, University Street. 
All business communications to be addressed to C. W. Pearson, the Burland Desbarats Com- 
pany, Montreal, P. Q. 

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH OF 
THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


Your Council, in presenting their second Annual Report, have great pleasure in stating 
that the Branch has progressed steadily since its first meeting in August, 1873. During the 
past year eight new members were elected, making the total number of twenty, one of whom 

‘has since gone to Europe. 

The papers read during the year are as follows :— 

“Notes on the Larva of Leucania pseudarguria Gueneé,” by F. B. Caulfield; “On a 
Dipterous Insect Destroying the Roots of Cabbage,’’ by Wm. Couper; ‘“ Notes of Some 
Species of the Genus Grapta, found in the Vicinity of Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield ; “ On 
Tineidee,” by Wm. Couper; “On Tineidx,” by F. B. Caulfield ; “A List of the Bomby- 
cide of Quebec,” by G. J. Bowles ; “On the Catocalidae Occurring in the Vicinity of Mon- 
treal,” by C. W. Pearson; “A List of the Diurnal Lepidoptera Occurring on the Island of 
Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield ; ‘‘ On the Usefulness of Spiders,” by J. G. Jack; “A List of 
Sphingidae Occurring on the Island of Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield. 

The monthly meetings were fairly attended, and the exhibitions of Entomological mate- 
rial conspicuously illustrated the enerzy of the members in accumulating rare insects from 
various localities. The Branch haying decided to hold their meetings in future in the rooms 
of the Montreal Natural History Society, it was found necessary to change the night of meet- 
ing from the first Wednesday to the first Tuesday in each month, and in order to meet the 
extra outlay for rental, it was decided to make the subscription twenty-five cents a month, 
which the Council presume will suffice for present emergencies. On the Ist of last July the 
members proceeded to Chateauguay Basin for a field day. The members were the guests of 
Mr. R. Jack, of Hillside, who treated them with true hospitality. 

Your Council have ordered Psyche, a useful Entomological publication issued in Cam- 
bridge, Mass. 

A suggestion made by your Council last year, that note books should be carried by 
members, has, in this instance, been fruitful in producing valuable lists and data of the oc- 
currence of insects in our neighbourhood, and we trust that some of our members will deyote 
their leisure this season to the much-neglected orders of Hemiptera, Neuroptera and Diptera. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

G. J. Bowes. 


Wm. Couprr, Chairman. C. W. PEARSON, 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, 1875. 
To the Members of the Entomological Society of Ontario :— 
ENTLEMEN,—For the fifth year in succession I find myself called upon, as your Presi- 


dent, to address a few words to you on the condition of our Society, and on the subject of 
Entomology in general. 


With regard to the Society, you have already learnt, from the satisfactory Reports of 
the parent organization and its various branches, that it continues to go on prospering in a 
quiet, unostentatious way. While there has been no marked increase to our list of members 
during the past year, and no performance of any work of unusual importance, yet it is a mat- 
ter of congratulation that we have no falling off, either in numbers or resources, to deplore. 
Much of the inactivity in Entomological matters that has been apparent in this country 
during the past year may no doubt be ascribed to the prevalent “hardness of the times,” 
which has oceasioned—eyen to those least affected by it—much anxiety of mind, conjoined 
_ very often with increased absorption in the cares of business, or in the labours necessary for 

obtaining a livelihood. As you are well aware, we have in Canada but very few persons of 
assured wealth who are able, as in older and richer countries, to devote their abundant leisure to 
literature, art or science. Consequently, the condition of things in the world about us de- 
prives most of our members of the leisure, if not also of the inclination, requisite for the suc- 
cessful pursuit of Entomology in any of its various phases. Before another season opens upon 
us, however, we have reason to believe that the worst of the present financial storm will be 
over, and that renewed confidence and prosperity throughout the country will remove the 
gloom and dulness now oppressing almost every department of work among us. With a re- 
vival of business, we may assuredly look for a restoration of activity in scientific pursuits, 
and hope that our Society, in common with others of a kindred character, may be distin- 
guished by large accessions to its numbers, and by increased work in all its departments. 

Last year, at our annual meeting, I took the opportunity of calling your attention to 
many fields of Entomological labour that are now all but unexplored in this country. May I 
repeat that there is ample scope for the exertions of all our members, whether they care only 
to form collections of specimens, or prefer to devote their labours to the unfolding of the life 
histories, or the study of the classification of insects? There is plenty of work remaining to 
be done, even in the favourite orders of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, to say nothing of the 
others that are not so generally studied or collected. It would be a valuable contribution to 
our store of knowledge were lists of the Canadian species of all orders of insects to be formed 
and presented to the Society for publication, and at the same time a revision made of those 
published some years ago. 

But not only is there scientific work of this kind to be performed, which will require 
generations for its complete achievement ; there comes before us at the present moment an ex- 
traordinary object for accomplishment during the approaching winter. I allude to the repre- 
sentation of the Society by means of a collection of Canadian insects at the approaching Cen- 
tennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. You will all, I think, agree with us in the belief that it 
is a matter of great importance to the Society that it should be brought in this way before the 
notice of the world, and that it cannot but be of some benefit to the Dominion that its natural 
history, as well as its industrial resources, should be fully exhibited. The Council of the 
Agricultural and Arts Association have already, on our behalf, brought the matter before the 
Commissioners appointed by the Government, and we understand that a sum of money will be 
provided to aid us in the satisfactory performance of the work. To gather together a fitting 
ecllection of insects, and to prepare them for exhibition, is a task that will strain to the ut- 
most all the resources of the Society. We have commenced the work, relying upon the co- 
operation of you all, and now we trust that every one will help us by the loan of specimens, 
and any other aid that can be afforded. The Society is committed to the task ; let us see to 
it that there be no failure. 

Before turning from matters immediately affecting our Society, [ may mention that our 
periodical, THe CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, continues to be maintained with undiminished 
efficiency and interest, being largely supported and contributed to by our Entomological bre- 
thren of the United States ; and that the last Annual Report presented by the Society to the 
Legislature has been received with more than usual marks of fayour by the Press, scientific, 
agricultural and political, not only in Canada and the neighbouring States, but also in England. 
We have been naturally gratified to observe that, in many instances, copious extracts have 
been made from its pages, and even a whole article reprinted in an Hnglish scientific 
magazine. 

Haying referred thus far to our Society, and the things that especially concern it, let me 
now say a few words regarding Entomological matters in general. At the annual meeting of 
the American Asso» tion for the Advancement of Science, held in August last at Detroit, 


Michigan, the general Entomological Club, organized last year at Hartford, met for the first 
time. Its sessions, held daily throughout the week of meeting, were remarkably interesting. 
They were presided over by Dr. Le Conte, undoubtedly the greatest of living American Ento- 
mologists, and were attended by a great majority of the noted Entomologists of this conti- 
nent. Our own Society was most efficiently represented by our able Editor, Mr. Saunders. 
I much regret that the pressure of business matters at home prevented me from accompany- 
ing him, as I fully intended to have done. As a complete report of the proceedings is being 
published in Taz CANADIAN Enromotoaist, I need not detain you by any account of them 
here. Next year the meeting is to be held at Buffalo, N. Y.—a place even more convenient 
of access for Canadians than Detroit. We trust that a large number of our members will 
avail themselves of the opportunity—which may not occur again for many years to come—of 
attending the sessions, and making the personal acquaintance of our American brethren. 
From past experience [ can assure them of a hearty welcome, while no one can doubt that 
more valuable information can be acquired in a few days, in an assemblage of this kind, than 
can be obtained in years of solitary work. 

During the season that is now all but brought to a close, there has occurred nothing of a 
yery startling or unexpected character. The Colorado Beetle has continued to extend his 
rayages throughout our country, but he has been met by such a determined and universal re- 
sistance that his work of devastation has been hardly appreciable ; certainly in the central 
portion of this Province we have never had a finer crop of potatoes, both as regards quantity 
and quality. The Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rape), to which I also referred last year, has 
been rapidly extending to the west, and has already become a common object in the neigh- 
bourhood of London. So closely, however, does its parasite (Pferomalus puparum) follow in 
its wake, that where a year ago it was most destructive to all its food-plants, it has this sea- 
sou wrought but a moderate amount of damage. The Locusts, or Grasshoppers, of the west 
(Caloptenus spretus) haye continued to commit much hayoc, though not by any means on the 
frightful seale of last year; there is every prospect that the destitution and suffering then oc- 
casioned by them will not be repeated to any very great extent this year. While there has 
been, upon the whole, a decided diminution in the amount of loss occasioned by noxious insects 
during the past year, we have, nevertheless, to record an increase in the numbers and conse- 
quent power for evil of several common species that are always more or less abundant. 
Among the most notable [ may mention the Army Worm (Leucania wnipuncta), which has 
wrought much damage in the maritime Provinces of the Dominion, as well as in some por- 
tions of the United States; the two species of Tent Caterpillars (Clisiocampa Americana 
and Sylvatica), which have been excessively abundant and destructive to fruit and forest 
trees in many parts of this Province ; and the Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisi), which we much 
fear may soon become—unless measures are taken to prevent it—a source of great loss to our 
agriculturists. These I mention as having had a more than usual manifestation this year. 
But I need not detain you with any account of the ordinary work of our insect friends and 
foes, which are so familiar to every one in this country. 

As I mentioned at the outset, you have done me the great honour of electing me your 
President for five years in succession. While I thank you most cordially for your kindness 
and consideration so repeatedly shown to me, I feel that it is only reasonable that I should 
now make way for some one else, who may be able to devote more time and energy to the in- 
terests of our Society, and be of more real use to it than [ have latterly been capable of. I 
beg, therefore, to resign into your hands the office that you have so long honoured me with ; 
at the same time, I desire to say that I shall continue always to have the welfare of the 
Society at heart, and that I shall ever be ready and willing to do all that lies in my power to . 
advance its best interests. 

Again offering you my respectful thanks, 

I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 
Your obedient servant, 
CHARLES J. S. BETHUNE. 
Trinity College School, 
Port Hope, September, 1875. 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH 
OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


GENTLEMEN,—Members of a young Society, especially those who are verily sincere, 
when they learn that their institution is progressing mdeed, become imbued with a sense of 
pleasure, and I am gratified to state that the Entomologists (the majority of whom are young 
beginners) who meet in this city have made a worthy advancement in their- investigations 
during the last year. At its inception, I had ‘a doubt with regard to the attention which per- 
sons joining us would give to the study of our local insects, but such a thought has been dis- 
pelled from my mind. During the past twelve months ten papers were read, the greater por- 
tion of which, being the production of tyros in the science, exhibit, at least, an energy on their 
part to promote Entomology to the position for which this Branch Society was instituted. 
Affiliated with the Entomological Society of Ontario, whose headquarters are at London, 
Ontario, we receive the same benefits of membership, &c., as our western brethren composing 
the parent body. Our by-laws are suitably framed to meet the general work of the Branch, 
and the only future requisite will be a mere effort to prevent our Financial Secretary from 
grumbling. By so doing, and with punctual attendance, we will be enabled to continue our 
regular monthly meetings, and have greater pleasure when we meet mutually together in the 
pursuit of our favourite study. Bear in mind, however, that during the next year our cabi- 
net must be attended to—it will be necessary that it should contain at least the nucleus of a 
general local collection, presenting a fair number of specimens of the several Orders of Insects. 
I maintain that if we possess a good classified collection of native insects it would be a great 
inducement for young beginners to join us. Books on Entomology are generally expensive, 
and only a few can be consulted studiously in regard to the noxious and beneficial insects of 
this country. Valuable Entomological literature issues annually from the pens of co-labourers 
in the United States; the greater portion of these are in the form of State Agricultural Re- 
ports, which seldom come to our hands. Our,branch is simply in the chrysalis state, and in con- 
sequence of the metamorphoses not being complete, we are unable at present to produce some 
tangible matter in exchange; but I trust the day is not distant when some of our young be- 
ginners will be proud of their productions—as worthy of being read by the old heads 
in the science. however, I have thought that, from time to time, duplicate papers on Ento- 
mology may be received by the Parent Society in exchange for THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLO- 
Gist. These extra papers could be perused, and doubtless be of service to members of our 
branch, and the parent might, if it possesses such material, liberally share them between the 
three branches of its Society. 

The Report of the Council informs you of the labour, &c., performed by members dur- 
ing the year. Possibly these labours will stand a fair criticism as emanating from a Society 
only in its second year, and the actual working members but young beginners. Old students 
should always bear leniently towards the tyro, especially when the latter seems anxious for 
information. He must be encouraged in this way. The low temperature which we experi- 
ence in this latitude, during the greater portion of the year, may produce a kind of careless- 
ness or lethargy in the young student of Entomology. This he should endeavour to avoid, 
and he can do so by devoting his leisure winter hours to the arrangement of his cabinet—that 
is to say, in reading, naming and classifying his specimens. He who admires the beauty and 
appreciates the value of Entomology will, with the return of lovely spring, refreshen his 
faculties as the objects of his research appear again before him. 

We require more knowledge in connection with the distribution of insects, especially in 
regard to the Lepidoptera of Europe ; I mean such species as are recorded as occurring in this 
portion of North America. Butterflies which are found distributed at this day throughout a 
great extent of this country, are recorded by the best of naturalists as having followed man 
from the Old World. Such species should be fully defined in order to prevent additional 
synonyma. ‘ There is so great a similarity between our insect fauna and that of Southern 
Europe, that a knowledge of their species is often of great advantage in determining our owt.” 
The late Professor Agassiz states in his work on Lake Superior, that Vanessa Antiopa, “ The 
Camberwell Beauty ” of England, is one of these. That a few of the Diurnals are common to 
both continents I have no doubt, but in which of them did the species obtain their origin, or 
what is now termed their metropolis? My respected and talented friend Scudder, of Boston, 
in a late memoir on the genus Pamphila, says in his comments on P. Manitoba—a new but 


wide-spread species on this continent—that “ the richness of this genus in America, and its 
extreme poverty in the Old World (where only a single species is known), lead to the pre- 
sumption that the genus had its origin in our own country, and that temperate North Ame- 
rica is its proper metropolis.” I have examined and compared specimens of Pamphila comma 
of Europe, and P. Manitoba of America, and cannot discern the slightest difference in their 
forms and markings. Even in the forms of abdominal appendages there is but slight differ- 
ences in these two forms. It may be further stated, as it has been by others, that P. comma 
was introduced into this country from Europe. Moreover, like other introduced species, it 
had perhaps to feed on a different food-plant to that on which it fed in the Old World. This, 
in my opinion, produces at least external changes, and in connection with the wide spread of 
the form, we must as a natural result have varieties, the latter unfortunately being evidently 
considered species. The HESPERID# intermix to some degree, and it is extremely difficult 
to trace the true form from its variety. Mr. Scudder is the chief authority on the HEsPERID 
of the country, having made extensive research among this difficult class of butterflies; there- 
fore he has greater facilities to prove differences between them, but I cannot look upon these 
two butterflies and discover the slightest deviation more than we find in the examination of a 
number of specimens of uny particular species. A well-known European and American but- 
terfly, Vanessa Antiopa, has a wide range and undoubtedly holds its metropolis on this conti- 
nent. ‘The colour of the wing-margins of this species has changed since its introduction into 
temperate America. All of us have seen the change which numbers of Pieris rape has gone 
through since its introduction into Canada, but after all it is nothing but the rape butterfly 
of Europe, slightly altered by change of food and climate, and it is just possible, by like 
influences, that the abdominal appendages of P. rapw may in twenty years hence show differ- 
ences in wide-spread varieties, as we haye now shown to us in Pamphila comma of Europe, 
and P. Manitoba of Scudder. When Pieris rape came to us at Quebec, it changed and spread 
gradually, and although it lingers before the pressure of a parasite, yet it seems to hold against 
the enemy. This shows that there is something in this diversified climate favouring its spread 
which is southward and westward, and it is now a permanent insect of the United States. In 
these days there are so many ways by which insects are carried from place to place, that we 
cease to wonder when a strange species turns up in a locality wherein it was hitherto un- 
known. 

Jt is a notorious fact, that almost all the insects which annoy our agriculturists and 
horticulturists came to us from the Old World.” For instance, we have a saw-fly, which is 
found in our woodlands. It has lived there from time immemorial on wild gooseberries, and 
perhaps on the wild red currant, and we cannot find many instances of this species having at- 
tacked the domesticated gooseberry or currant to any extent. But the species introduced some 
twelve years ago from Europe has almost put a stop to the cultivation of the gooseberry and 
red currant throughout many parts of the United States and Canada. We have also a native 
onion-fly (Ortalis arcuata), which, although parasitic on the onion, does not appear to affect 
the crop generally, but the imported onion-fly (Anthomyia ceparum), an allied species, is a 
terrible pest to the onion-growers throughout the extent of the Dominion. [ndeed, we have had 
an alarming number of insect foes imported into this country from the other side of the 
Atlantic. Another species of the latter genus has been destroying the cabbage in the neigh- 
bourhood of this city. This 4nthomyia was also imported from Europe. The question may 
be asked, did these insects follow the introduction of certain plants from the same quarter ? 
If Antiopa followed man to this country, its migration benefits the species, as the willows on 
which it feeds are far more abundant here than in Europe ; but man has been instrumental in 
carrying noxious plants as well as insects, there being now distributed in America upwards 
of TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE distinct species of plants from the Old World, all of 
‘ which have run wild. It would seem that the climate of America is very conducive to the 
acclimatization and extension of European species. No doubt a number of North American 
insects have been, and will be from time to time, introduced into the Old World, but it 
appears that those already detected as coming from this country have not spread and become 
common there. These statements are made on the authority of British Hntomologists and 
from the pen of C. V. Riley, the State Entomologist of Missouri, U.S., who accounts for the 
cause as follows :—“ Since, then, it can be demonstrated by hard dry facts that American 
plants and insects do not become naturalized in the Old World with anything like the facility 
with which the plants and insects of the Old World are every day being naturalized in 


10 


America, there must be some cause or other for this singular state of things. What is that 
cause? It is, as we believe, a simple fact, which is pretty generally recognized now as true by 
modern naturalists, viz., that the plants and animals of America belong as a general rule to 
an old-fashioned creation, not so highly improved and developed as the more modernized crea- 
tion which exists in Europe. In other words, although this is popularly known as the New 
World, it is in reality a much older world than that which we are accustomed to call the Old 
World. Consequently our plants and animals can no more stand their ground against Euro- 
pean competitors imported from abroad, than the Red Indian has been able to stand his 
ground against the white Caucasian race, On the other hand, if by chance an American 
plant or an American animal finds its way into Hurope, it can, as a general rule, no more 
stand its ground there against its Huropean competitors than a colony of Red Indians could 
stand their ground in England, even if you gavé them a whole county of land and an ample 
stock, tools and provisions to begin with. For throughout animated nature, as has been con- 
clusively shown by Charles Darwin, there is a continual struggle for existence, the stronger 
and more favourably organized species overpowering and starving out from time to time their 
less vigorous and less favourably organized competitors. Hence it is as hopeless a task for a 
poor puny old-fashioned American bug to contend against astrong, energetic, highly developed 
European bug as it would be for a fleet of old-fashioned wooden ships to fight against a fleet 
of our modern iron-clads.” Mr. Riley gives also another and perhaps the correct reason why 
the insects which are imported into this country multiply at a prodigious rate. Be ell 
is that “whenever an injurious insect is introduced in our midst, as a general rule the particu- 
lar parasite or parasites which kept it in check abroad are not introduced with it. Now, if 
what I have read are facts, and doubtless they are, it is evident that the Colorado Potato 
Beetle, even if it does reach any part of the Old World, will have a poor chance of extension, 

believing that that law which governs the struggle for existence will be brought to bear 
against it, as has been the case in regard to other introduced species from this country.” 

A few years hence will prove these statements—that is to say, if the Colorado Potato 
Seetle reaches Hurope within that time. It was introduced into Canada in 1869 ; during 
the latter year it was first noticed near Point Edward, at the extreme south of Lake Huron, 
aad opposite Detroit, near Windsor, at the south-western corner of St. Clair. Since then it 
has been making its way towards the Province of Quebec. It was last noticed on the eastern 
confines of Ontario, so that at its present rate of spreading, we may expect this most destruc- 
tive insect in our neighbourhood at no disgant day. 

I now beg to return thanks for your attention to the welfare of the Branch, as well as 
for the kindness shown me while presiding over you since it was formed. 

Wrtitam Couper, 
Montreal. 


ADDRESS OF THE INCOMING PRESIDENT OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH 
OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


assuming the duties of the office which you have so kindly conferred 
upon me, I wish to make a few remarks in the hope and with the object of furthering the in- 
terests of our Society, and stimulating us in the study of our science. The excellent address 
given at our last meeting by our retiring President was, in the parts relating to our Society, * 
mainly retrospective in character, as befitted the occasion; but as we are now beginning an- 
other year’s studies, [ intend my remarks to be prospective —looking forward to what we may 
do during the present season, and endeavouring to point out some things which, I think, will 
help us on individually, and ‘advance our studies as a whole, 

To the statement that Entomology is a pleasing, nay, a fascinating pursuit, you will all 
readily agree. That it is also the means of healthful and innocent recreation, is also a truth 
to which your assent will be cordially given. And itis not only a pleasing study and a 
healthful reereation, but also a science requiring close and deep research in order to properly 
understand its secrets. I believe that as time goes on, and the study of insects is more and 
more pursued in a philosophical manner, it will be of great value in solving many of the pro- 
blems relating to animal life, which now claim the attention of naturalists. It may even aid 
in elucidating some of the mysteries of past conditions of life in this planet, and supply data 


11 


relative to the phenomena of species and varieties, which may be applied to the solution of 
this question with regard to higher forms of life. [ think that the importance of our science 
in these respects is not sufficiently recognized by us ; that we are content with merely getting 
our insects properly named, and rejoicing over a rare or a new species, while the removing of 
the insect races, their habits, instinets and co-relations, which might help in solving the ques- 
tions before referred to, are passed over too carelessly. Now, though from our position in 
life we can devote to Entomology only leisure time, [I think we ought to try and dive a little 
beneath the surface, and study the science, so fur as our opportunities go, in a more thorough 
manner. ‘Though we have not the time, nor the privilege of access to larger collections and 
libraries, which make us almost envy the position of many Entomologists in the United States, 
yet we may do something in our small way if we only set to work. ‘The modern sciences 
have all been built up to their present high perfection on the inductive principle. Observa- 
tion and experience haye been the basis for advancement and theory, in contradistinction 
to the old system of theory first and observation afterwards. This inductive principle is the 
only solid foundation on which true knowledge can rest, and it is as applicable to Entomology 
as to any other science. In its economic aspect, or the study of insects and their hurtful or 
beneficial influence on cultivation, observation is of the first importance. And in the strictly 
scientific application of the pursuit, as in the study of species and varieties, the distribution 
of species, &e., all acquisitions to our knowledge must come from close and patient observa- 
tion. 

Now, I think we ought during the present season to pay more attention than we have 
hitherto done to the daily lives of our insect friends. A little thing, trifling though it may seem 
at the time, may give usa clue to something of greater importance, and the smallest insight 
into the habits, instincts or organization ofan insect, when added to the observations of others, 
may lead at some future time to great results. Nothing is really little in the kingdom of 
nature ; everything is under the wise and eternal laws of the Creator, and works for the end 
He designed, so that the smallest ingect is worthy of our study, and may aid us in understand- 
ing something of the order, wisdom and skill which He has exerted inthe creation and adaptation 
of the parts composing the wonderful system of life in which we find ourselves. Let us look 
then after little things, for as Smiles well observes, ‘‘ Human knowledge itself is but an ac- 
cumulation of little facts, made by successive generations of men ; the little bits of knowledze 
and experience, carefully treasured up, growing at length into a mighty pyramid. Though 
many of these facts and observations may hav: seemed in the first instance to have but slight 
significance, they are all found to have their eventual uses, and to fit into their proper places. 
Indeed the close observation of little things is the secret of success in business, in art, in 
science, and in every pursuit in life.” 

[ hope you will not think I am digressing, but I like to take and wish to give you an 
elevated ideal of our fevourite study. If we consider any object we have in view a worthy 
and valuable one, we shall be the more likely to pursue it with assiduity and zeal; and while 
we regard Entomology as a pleasant recreation, let us not forget that it is a science bearing 
not only on the great interests of agriculture, but also, in conjunction with the other depart- 
ments of Natural History, on questions at present causing agitation and discussion among the 
leading scientific men of the day. 

Let our note-books then be kept ready, and whatever new thing we meet with during this 
year, in the life of our insect friends, be duly recorded. We shall at least be adding our “little 
stone to build up th» great Entomological pyramid. 

Another thought ‘which: L wish to bring before you is, the advisability of extending our 
fields of operations. One of our principal objects is to learn something about the insects of 
the [sland of Montreal. We cannot expect to learn a// about them, or even to make a complete 
catalogue of their names, for some time to come, but we ought to remember that there are other 
orders. represented here besides the Lepidoptera and ( ‘oleoptera. If we wish our. Society to 
be symmetrical and well developed, we must study the other orders, otherwise we shall be a 
kind of monstrosity—an Entomological Society with a fair knowledge of the butterflies, 
moths and beetles of the Island, but utterly ignorant of its remaining and not less i interesting 
insect inhabitants. ‘lo make a beginning, let us take all kinds, and then the possession of the 
specimens will incite us to find out ‘their names and history. And if there was a good collec- 
tion in the hands of the Society, say of Hymenoptera, I have no doubt, but that some member 
would be courageous enough to undertake the work and the pleasure. of studying them up. 


12 


We are not doing ourselves justice in neglecting these other orders tosucha degree, and I am 
sure (if you will allow me to venture on a joke) that if the insects themselves could only es- 
timate our labours at their true value, we should have them protesting against being ignored 
in such a summary way. Besides, these orders are really of equal value with those we already 
study. Packard places the Hymenoptera at the head of the insect tribes, and I believe with 
good reason. They outnumber many of the other divisions, and far surpass all of them in 
the degree of perfection of their instincts. Many of the Neuroptera I consider not inferior 
to the Lepidoptera in beauty, and their more humble compatriots, the Hemiptera and Orthop- 
tera, though more sober in their tints, and fewer in number, enjoy the unenyiable reputa- 
tion of being more injurious to cultivated plants than perhaps any of the others. Here 
then is a field still unexplored by us, full of objects of beauty and interest. Let us 
enter, a.d while extending our own knowledge, do our best to make the list of our 
Montreal insects complete. 

Apart from these general recommendations, I wish to mention one or two things which 
should particularly engage our attention. They are included under the first recommenda- 
tion I have made, namely, that of close and patient observation of insect life; but as they are 
of especial interest to us, I speak of them separately. 

We all know that Pieris rape sometimes produces yellow males, and in fewer instances 
yellow females. Now, our worthy friend, Mr. Caulfield, has asserted that he fed certain 
laryse of this species on mignonette, which larvae became at last yellow imagines. The ex- 
periment is worthy of another trial, and if we each tried, and the assertion of Mr. Caulfield 
turns out to be well founded, the fact would go a long way to establish the theory that the 
colours of insects are influenced by the food plants of the larve. 

Another fact we might be able to give to Entomological science this year. The Cater- 
pillar of Samia Columbia has not been described, and I should like some member of our So- 
ciety to have the honour of first describing it. The food plant is supposed to be a shrub 
growing in marshy ground—Rhodora Cinadensis ; but I feel certain that like its cousins, 
Polyphemeus and Cecropia, the larva feeds on several distinct species of plants. I once had 
the larva, and know that it somewhat resembles that of Cecropia. having red tubercles on the 
fore part of the body, but different in number and situation to those of the latter. I give 
this as a hint to aid you in your researches. There is still another point which ought to in- 
terest us this year. I expect that the Potato Beetle will make its appearance in our midst 
before the close of the season. We must be on the look-out, and have the credit of giving 
the public the first intimation of its coming. If it does not come this year, it surely will 
next, for the Ottawa papers have announced its arrival in that neighbourhood, only one hun- 
dred and twenty miles away. : 

There are several very interesting topics now being discussed among Entomologists in 
America, in which discussion we should try to have a share. The question of the dimorphism 
of insects,—the question of the Graptas, in which Mr. Edwards is so deeply engaged—the 
question of different forms of larva in the same species, as that of Datana Ministra—the 
question of the distinguishing of the sexes in the larva state—and many others, are very in- 
teresting in themselves, and perhaps intimate to us (though without proving Darwinism, in 
which I, for one, do not believe), the way in which new species are elaborated in the grand 
processes of nature. ; 

Before closing my remarks, I would like to glance at the state of our science in Canada 
and the United States. It is advancing in every respect. In Canada it is still in what we 
might call the practical stage—the knowledge we have is being applied, as far as possible, to the 
promotion of agricultural interests. But in this respect there is a great advance beyond what 
Canadian Entomology was a few years ago The annual reports issued by our Society for 
the Ontario Government are of very great value to the people, and tend, though practical in 
themselves, to the growth of the more philosophical departments of the science. Our journal 
has grown from the little four page serial of a few years ago, to be an excellent periodical, and 
maintains a high reputation everywhere. It is to be regretted that the diligent pursuit of 
business, so necessary among young people like Canadians, should interfere so much with 
the pursuit of Natural History among them. Our fellow-entomologists in Canada can only 
give their leisure to the study, and this alone prevents them from taking an equal position 
with those of the United States. I very much wish to see some Canadian gentleman of talent 
and leisure take up the study, or some Professor of our numerous colleges. 


13 


es 


Tn the United States, the entomologists are doing good work in their different depart- 
ments, and while the task of naming and describing is being rapidly prosecuted, some of them 
have leisure even to aim at changing the arrangement and nomenclature of the science. All 
honour to them for their industry and zeal, though some of their projects are too revolutionary, 
even for the present changeful age. Still I believe that even Mr. Scudder’s system will be 
adopted at last, though, perhaps, very much modified in form. The great objectiou to it is 
the unearthing and bringing to the front of the names and classification of Hubner and other 
old authors who have been unnoticed if not forgotten for many years, and supplanting with 
these names those with which we have been familiar, and which have been given by entomo- 
logists who may be called the fathers of the science in America. The “law of priority,” as 
it is called, is being enforced to its utmost limit—too far, in my estimation—and the result 
must be a discussion which will bring about a settlement of the question. Some years will 
doubtless pass before this end is gained ; in the meantime I like to keep to the old familiar 
names, which seem to me like the names of old friends. 

In the department of Physiological Entomology, Dr. Packard is carrying on investiga- 
tions of great interest, into the nervous system of insects, which must result in the real ad 
vancement of the science, and a great increase in our knowledge*of a most wonderful and at- 
tractive subject. 

And now, gentlemen, I thank you for the honour you have done me in electing me your 
President. I hope and believe that this year will be a prosperous one in our history, and that 
we shall reap both mental and physical benefit from our studies. 


G. J. Bowtzs, 
Montreal. 


MEETINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE AMERICAN ASSO- 
CIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 


According to previous announcement, the first meeting of this Club was'held in the rooms 
of the Detroit Scientific Association, on the 10th of August, 1875, at 2.30 p.m., Dr. J. L. 
Leconte, President, in the chair ; Prof. C. V. Riley, Secrerary. The attendance was large, 
including S. H. Seudder, Esq., Cambridge, Mass., Vice-President, and Messrs. A, R. Grote, 
Buffalo, N.Y. ; W. Saunders, London, Ont. ; B. P. Mann and E. P. Austin, of Cambridge, 
Mass. ; Prof. EH. S. Morse, Salem, Mass.; J. A. Lintner, Albany, N.Y.; E. A. Schwarz, H. 
G. Hubbard, and B. Walker, of Detroit ; Dr. A. E. Dalrymple and Dr. J. G. Morris, Balti- 
more, Md. ; Prof. A.J. Cook, Lansing, Mich. ; Dr. Hoy, Racine, Wisconsin; Clinton Roose- 
velt and Geo. Dimmock, Springfield, Mass. ; B. D. Sanders, J. C. Holmes, and Wm. Provis, 
Detroit; J.T. Ison, Cleveland, Ohio; and others. 

President Leconte, ina few opening remarks, stated the objects had in view in the for- 
mation of this Club. They were chiefly to cultivate closer personal relations among those 
interested in Entomological pursuits, many of whom were widely separated by distance, to 
exchange views and record observations, and to exhibit specimens of interest. He hoped 
that the meetings would not only be fruitful in these respects, but that, seeing the importance 
of Entomology in its relation to agriculture, some good to the country might flow from the 
deliberations. 

Mr. Wm. Saunders mentioned the fact of the unusual searcity of insects of the Saw-fly 
family (Tenthredinide) throughout western Ontario, especially those destructive to fruit, 
naming the Gooseberry Saw-fly (Nematus ventricosus) and the Pear Tree Slug (Selundria 
cerasi). Both these insects, although enormously abundant and destructive in 1874, had heen 
quite scarce in 1875. He called for suggestions as to the cause, his own impression being hat 
this diminution had been caused by the severity of the late winter and spring, 

Prof. Cook, of Lansing, Mich., had not observed any remarkable scarcity of these species 
in his neighbourhood. 

Prof. Riley had remarked their almost entire absence in some localities, and their com 
parative abundance in others, 

Mr. A. R. Grote exhibited specimens of Agrotis islandica from the top of the White 
Mountains and from Labrador. 


A lengthy discussion on nomenclature ensued, and was participated in by many of the 
members present, it being generally conceded that some action should be taken by the Club, 
looking to the adoption of some rules or suggestions which might guide the Entomologists of 
the country on this perplexing question. “On motion, Messrs. Seudder, Riley and Saunders 
were appointed a committee to take the matter of nomenclature into consideration and pre- 
sent it at a future meeting in such form as to offer opportunity for more definite discussion. 

Mr. Seudder spoke favourably of /’syche, the orzan of the Cambridge Entomological 
Club, and urged that members subscribe for it on account of its excellent bibliographical 
record. 

Mr. Mann called attention to the difficulty of getting hold of State Reports, and thought 
there should be some system adopted by which these Reports could be placed on sale, so that 
Entomologists who desired to do so might purchase them. 

Mr. Saunders thought that if some plan could be devised whereby the valuable facts and 
suggestions contained in these various Reports could be brought together, condensed into one 
volume, and made available to agriculturists as well as entomologists, that much good would 
result from it. 

The President suggested that such a work might well be done by the general govern 
ment, and would be much more valuable than the volume it now sends out. 

On motion, it was resolved that this Club request the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science to take such action as seems best calculated to secure the placing of 
State Reports upon scientific subjects in the library of the Association. |The Secretary was 
instructed to bring this subject before the Association. 

Dr. Morris referred to the scarcity of Sphingidae about Baltimore during the present 
season, an experience which was corroborated by other members present. Mr. Austin had 
found all insects unusually scarce about the White Mountains, where he had been collecting 
for th. past two years. Mr. Riley thought the very severe and late winter and the un- 
usually rainy summer in part explained the fact. 

Mr. Scudder offered some remarks on the great abundance of the Army Worm (Leuca- 
nia unipuncta) in portions of Massachusetts, as an exception to the general rule of scarcity of 
insect life; he had made a calculation from the number counted in a square foot, that in a 
field near Cambridge there must have been as many as two million worms to the acre. 
Other members offered similar experience in reference to this species. Mr. Riley stated that 
the Army Worm generally abounds during a very wet summer following a very dry year. 

Mr. Lintner referred to the great scarcity of Orgyia leucostigma as in striking contrast 
to its abundance last year in Albany. 

The election of officers then took place, resulting in the re-election of Dr. John L. Le- 
eonte as President, Samuel H. Scudder, Vice-President, and C. V. Riley, Secretary. 

Mr. Riley read a paper on “ Locusts as Food,” in which he gave his own experience in 
cooking and eating them. On one occasion he ate nothing else for a whole day. He found 
them to have an agreeable nutty flavour, and especially recommended them deprived of their 
legs and wing cases, and fried in butter, and also spoke very highly of a soup mide from them. 
He referred to John the Baptist, who had often been pitied for the scantiness of his fare, 
locusts and wild honey ; Mr. Riley thought he had been well provided for. ‘he writer re- 
garded it as absurd that parties should actually die of starvation, as some had done in the 
districts where this locust plague had prevaiied, while surrounded by such an abundance of 
nutritious and palatable food. ¥ 

The meeting then adjourned, subject to the call of the President. 


On Tuesday evening, the Cambridge Entomological Club held a meeting, when all in- 
terested in Entomology were invited to be present. W. Siunders, of London, Ont., was 
called to the chair. After the usual routine business had been disposed of, Mr. George 
Dimmock read a paper on the recent excursion of the Cambridge Club to the White Moun- 
tains, where the members had spent some two weeks in collecting. The experiences related 
were of a very interesting character, showing that the party, besides accomplishing much use- 
ful work, had thoroughly enjoyed their trip. Mr. Austin, who had been one of the party, ex- 


15 


hibited a large collection of insects made during the past two years among the White Moun- 
tains, embracing many very interesting species, and offered some remarks on their habits. 

Messrs. Cook, Lintner, Morris and Riley were elected members of the Club. 

Mr. Grote presented some instructive facts in relation to the identity of some of the 
White Mountain moths with those of Labrador. Mr. Riley inquired whether many Calop- 
tenus had been found on Mount Washington, and expressed an opinion that a race of spretus 
had been found there. 

Mr. Saunders inquired of the Michigan friends whether Pieris rape had been found in 
the State. Prof. Cook stated that it had not yet appeared in Michigan; he remarked that. 
protodice was much more numerous than oleracea. Mr. Riley stated that protodice was most 
abundant throughout Illinois and Missouri. Mr. Ison, of Cleveland, stated that rape ap- 
peared in his neighbourhood for the first time last spring ; at first it was found along the lake 
shore, but before the season closed it was abundant throughout the greater part of the district 
over which his observation had extended. Mr. Ison said that with them the larva seemed to 
prefer mignonette to cabbage. In reply to a question as to the correctness of the views ad- 
vanced by some Entomologists in regard to the colour of the imago being affected by this 
food plant, Mr Lintner said that he had, from among 500 or 600 specimens fed on cabbage. 
found a number of the yellow variety. Mr. Riley stated that the larva of protodice was also 
partial to mignonette. 

Danais archippus formed the next topic of discussion. Mr, Cook had found the larva 
this season peculiarly infested by several parasites. Mr. Riley had seen Tachina flies bred 
from archippus. Mr, Saunders had reared, on one occasion, a large number of small Hymenop- 
terous parasites from a chrysalis. He also asked the members if any explanation could be given 
of the reason why this species assembled occasionally in immense swarms and migrated thus 
from place to place, and referred to instances of such swarming. Mr. Ison referred to an im 
mense swarm which passed over Cleveland three years ago. In this instance it appeared as if 
they had ercssed the lake from Canada ; they were seen in immense numbers for three or four 
days. Archippus was said to occur in Australia, where it also occasionally swarms. 

References were made by Mr. Grote to several rare captures of Lepidoptera in the vicinity 
of Buffalo. Among others he had taken Thecla ocellifera, which is also found in the West 
Indies. Mr. Saunders stated that he had again reared a specimen of Thecla strigosa from 
thorn, and referred to the capture of specimens of P. thoas and P. marcellus at North Ridge, 
Ont., by Mr. F. C. Lowe, of Dunnville. Mr. Cook said that ¢hoas had been found this year 
at Lansing, that it occurred there to his knowledce some three years ago, and that last season 
it Was quite common, the larva feeding on prickly ash. Mr. Riley stated that the larvee of 
philenor feed on a creeping plant very closely allied to Aristolochia. Mr. Ison has found 
phailenor scarce about Cleveland during the last five or six years, but marcellus rather com- 
mon ; the larva of the latter feeds on pawpaw. One of the Detroit members remarked that 
there were pawpaw bushes growing within a few miles of Detroit. 

A discussion on sugaring for Noctuse was next in order. Mr. Ison reported excellent 
success with this method at Cleveland ; he preferred adding a little rum to the usual mixture 
of beer and molasses or coarse sugar. Mr. Lintner greatly interested the members in relating 


his wonderful success in sugaring. He produced a tabulated list of Noctuidze captured or ob- ’ 


served at sugar at Schenectady, N. Y., commencing with July 7th, giving the results of six- 
teen evenings in that month, and four evenings in August. 

Seventy-eight species of Noctuz are recorded, and opposite each species observed or col- 
lected is placed a check in a column bearing the day of the month at its head. Four species 
were observed on each evening, viz. :—Huadena arctica, Hydroecia sera, Homopyralis tactus 
and Asopia costalis. Of the first two, hundreds could have been collected on a single evening. 
Hadena lignicolor was unobserved on only one evening; Erastria carneola on only two 
evenings ; Catocala ultroniu and Hadena devastator on only three evenings. 

The following species were common :—A. herbida, A. haruspica, A. plecta, Orthodes in- 
firma, Pseudothyatira eapuliriz, Hydroecia nictitans, Amphipyra pyramidoides and Erastria 
nigritula. OF Calocala ultronia about seventy examples in fine condition were captured; of 
Catocala nuptala, of which not a single example had ever before been taken by Mr. L., thirty- 
six were collected ; and of Catocalu parta sixteen examples had been secured, all in perfect 
condition. Specimens of Catocula Meskei, C. serena, C. Briseis, C. Clintonii, C. polygona 
and C. similis had also been obtained. 


16 


Mr. L. has become quite enthusiastic over the success which he has met thus far, 
in the number of rare species collected, and particularly in the perfect condition in which 
the larger portion of them are obtained. It is his purpose to continue his collecting in this 
method, and also the tabulation of the results. The table, when completed at the end of 
the season, will probably be published in the New York State Museum Report. We are 
sure that it will prove a valuable contribution to that part of the natural history of our 
moths which relates to the number and duration of their several broods. 

Mr. Mann exhibited specimens of the wood of Agave Americanum, which, when cut 
of the proper thickness, may be used as a substitute for cork. This wood is remarkably 
light and porous, and pins may with great ease be firmly pushed into its substance. It 
grows in Brazil, and can be obtained from Mr. Mann at a lower price than cork. In proof 
of the suitability of this material for the purpose named, Mr. Mann stated that Wallace 
preserved all his specimens collected in the East Indies in boxes made with pieces of this 
wood pinned together with thorns. 

At a late hour this most enjoyable meeting was brought to a close. 

On Thursday afternoon a large proportion of the members of the Club joined in an 
excursion to some good collecting grounds in the neighbourhood of Fort Wayne, the party 
being under the direction of Mr. Hubbard, of Detroit. A very pleasant and profitable 
time was thus spent, and many interesting specimens captured. In addition to the advan- 
tage enjoyed of closer social intercourse between the ‘“ brethren of the net,” this occasion 
afforded an opportunity for the mutual exchange of practical ideas in regard to collecting 
insects which no in-door meeting could have afforded. It seemed as if every member had 
some original idea of his own either in reference to capturing or carrying specimens, the 
advantages of which were freely urged and as freely discussed with much profit. After 
thoroughly enjoying themselves for several hours, the members returned at nightfall well 
satisfied with the afternoon’s sport. 

On Friday morning a second meeting of the Entomological Club was held at the 
rooms of the Detroit Scientific Association. In the absence of the President, Mr. Lintner 
was called to the chair. 

The Committee on Nomenclature reported as follows :— 

“The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Entomological Club to consider 
whether any immediate action is advisable on the part of the Club to aid in establishing 
uniformity in zoological nomenclature, finding that the Committee of the General Assoeia- 
tion intends to report during the present session, and deeming it best to await this Report 
before making any definite proposition, would at the present time recommend that the 
Club appoint a committee of five to prepare and present to the Club at its next annual meet- 
ing a compendium of the views of the leading Entomologists of the country upon points 
which, in their judgment, require elucidation, and also to present a series of resolutions 
touching such points, in order that intelligent discussion may be had upon them, and some 
general agreement, if possible, arrived at. 


(Signed) “SAMUEL H. SCUDDER. 
OO Me ilatnciove 
“Wm. SAUNDERS.” 


On motion, the Report was adopted, and the appointment of the Committee left with 
the President, who subsequently nominated the following gentlemen :—Messrs. Scudder, 
Saunders, Grote, Riley and Leconte. . 

An interesting discussion then took place in reference to the various methods of pro- 
nunciation followed by Entomologists when speaking of insect names, which culminated 
in the following resolution, which was carried unanimously : 

“ Resolved, That in view of the desirability of securing uniformity among Entomolo- 
gists in the pronunciation of the names of insects, Mr. O.S. Westcott, of Chicago, be re- 
quested to prepare such an accentuated list for publication in the CANADIAN EnTo- 
MOLOGIST.” 

Mr. Westcott very kindly promised to give his attention to this matter at an early 
date. We shall hail the advent of this list with much satisfaction ; it is a work greatly 
needed, and coming from the hands of one who is in every way well fitted to do it justice, 
we feel sure that it will command general assent. 


17 


The next subject of discussion was on certain offensive names which have been pro- 
posed for insects, in which most of the members took part. The following resolution was 
unanimously adopted :— 

“ Resolved, That in view of the fact that certain names have of late been proposed for 

‘insects which are offensive and unwarrantable, that the Committee on Nomenclature be 
requested to present at the meeting next year a list of such names as should be ignored, 
so that the Club may take action in reference to them.” 

Some explanations were then offered in regard to a valuable discovery lately made by 
Mr. George Dimmock, of Springfield, Mass., of a ready method of removing the scales 
from the wings of Lepidopterous insects, so as to display the vein structure. Mr. Dim- 
mock had kindly shown the admirable working of his process to a number of Entomolo- 
gists at his room the evening previous, when all present were struck with the great prac- 
tical value of the discovery. After full explanations to those present who had not seen 
the working of the process, it was resolved, ‘That the thanks of the members of the Ento- 
mological Club be given to Mr. Dimmock for his valuable discovery in reference to a 
ready method of denuding the wings of insects.” 

This process of Mr. Dimmock’s formed the subject of a paper read before the Ameri- 
can Association, and which will be published, we believe, in an early number of Psyche. 
It may thus be briefly explained: All the materials necessary are a little alcohol, a satu- 
rated aqueous solution of chloride of lime, a phial of pure muriatic acid and another 
of sulphuric acid The wings are first moistened with alcohol, then transferred 
to the solution of chloride of lime, to which a little of the sulphuric acid has been 
added. After immersion for a few moments, the colouring matter of the scales rapidly 
disappears. This result may be hastened by taking the wings out of the chloride of lime 
solution and immersing for a moment in the muriatic acid, diluted with twice its weight 
of water, and then returning them again to the former solution. This alternation may 
be repeated as often as required. By this means any quantity of wings of Lepidoptera 
may be safely and entirely denuded with little or no trouble. 

The denuded wings were neatly mounted by Mr. Dimmock on white cards, to which 
they had been gummed. An interesting collection, illustrating the nerve structure of 
many of the genera of moths, was exhibited by him, to the great gratification of all 
present. 

In the compilation of these memoranda in regard to the meetings of the Entomolo- 
gical Club, we are greatly indebted to the Secretary, Prof. C. V. Riley, who very kindly 
placed his notes at our disposal; also to Mr. B. P. Mann, of Cambridge, who did us similar 
service, 

During the course of the Sessions of the Association, a valuable and practical paper 
was read by Dr. J. L. Leconte, retiring President of the Association, on various methods 
of subduing insects injurious to agriculture. This question being one of immense impor- 
tance to the country generally, and especially to the agriculturist, elicited much discussion, 
and finally it was resolved to memorialize the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States in reference to the carrying out of some of the suggestions made by the 
learned author of this paper. We append a copy of the paper, as well as one of the me- 
morial, all of which we commend to the careful consideration of our readers. 


METHODS OF SUBDUING INSECTS INJURIOUS TO AGRICULTURE. 
BY JOHN L. LECONTE, M.D., PHILADELPHIA. 
(Read before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Detroit, Aug. 10th.) 


In accordance with the predictions made at the time of its first appearance-in the 
immediate Mississippi Valley, the Colorado Potato Beetle continues to extend its area of 
distribution. It has during the last and present seasons reached the Atlantic coast of the 
Middle States, and is preparing an invasion in mass of the maritime parts of New Eng- 
land, which will soon be overrun with the same ease with which it has conquered the West- 

c 


18 


ern and Middle States. Meanwhile the farmers are anxiously inquiring for means 
of destroying the invader. Materials destructive to the insects, and said not to be inju- 
rious to the plant or the soil, have been recommended almost without number; but, with 
the exception of Paris green, they have either been very insufficiently tried or found in- 
operative. That compound of arsenic and copper, therefore, remains naturally the fayour- 
ite, notwithstanding its dangerous qualities and the possible deleterious effect it may 
produce on the fields after long use. ; 

Entomologists and other scientific men are often asked : “ Why do you not give us 
another remedy against this destructive insect? Are you baffled, with all your boasted 
progress in learning, by the invasion of a wretched little bug ?’ No, my friends, we are 
not baffled by the wretched little bug ; but in our endeavours to teach you how to dispose 
of it in such a manner as to protect your crops, we are embarassed by your own failure to 
grasp the magnitude of the problem which you have set us to solve. Had you indeed 
comprehended the warnings given by my lamented friend B. D. Walsh, on the first in- 
jurious appearance of the insect, and since repeated by many Entomologists, you would 
have insisted several years ago that the subject should be investigated with a power of in- 
quiry proportioned to its importance, and you would have received such information as 
might, with proper and well-directed industry on your part, have prevented much loss. 

However, I do not wish to speak of the past ; it is gone, and its errors cannot be un- 
done. Let us rather inquire what shall be done in the future. 

The first thing, then, is to cease calling upon science for a remedy, when science an 
empiricism have probably already given you many remedies, concerning the application of 
which I will have a word to say by-and-by. Science can help you and will help you only 
when you have begun to help yourselves. How, then, can we begin to help ourselves ? 
[ hear you ask. First, then, there should be a Scientific Commission, selected by com- 
petent scientific authority for their merit and not for their political influence. Politicians 
have had too much control over our agricultural interests, as you all have reason to re- 
member with regret. This Commission should be sufficiently large to subdivide the sub 
jects committed to them in such manner as to thoroughly investigate the habits and times 
of appearance in different districts of the great agricultural pests, the effect upon them of 
all the cheaper materials which have been or may be judiciously suggested as destroying 
agents, and the proper times and manner of applying them. The members of the Com- 
mission should also receive sufficient compensation to warrant them in giving as much 
time and labour to this investigation as may be required, even to the temporary aban- 
donment, if necessary, of their other scientific or secular pursuits. No such task can be 
properly performed and completed by the solitary labours of State Entomologists under- 
paid and overburdened with work. Only by association of several such careful ob- 
servers and investigators can a worthy, useful result be obtained for the suppression of 
several of the most formidable pests. 

2. This information being procured, should be tabulated as far as possible, or at least 
reduced to a compact form for easy reference, and widely published iu newspapers and 
also in pamphlet form. 

3. By the distribution of this information and by appeals through the newspapers and 
agricultural journals, as wel] as by addresses at meetings of farmers and others interested in 
agriculture, it must be impressed upon the public mind that all individual efforts for the 
suppression of these pests are frequently futile. Only combined and consentaneous ac- 
tion over large tracts of country will be effective. 

Now, while I am prepared to believe that when these facts are made known to the 
farmers they will immediately see the importance of the suggestion for unanimous and 
simultaneous advance upon the enemy, yet without legislative aid it will be quite impos- 
sible to secure the organization requisite for an effective onslaught. It will therefore be 
necessary for the citizens interested to command their representatives, either in State 
Legislatures or in National Congress, to prepare proper laws for the destruction of these 
pests at stated times, to be determined and recommended by the Scientific Commission. 
These laws will be not only cheerfully obeyed by every intelligent farmer, but I know that 
the farmers as a class will be glad to have such laws enacted and enforced with penalties 
for their neglect. Those disposed to help themselves and each other can only thus be 
protected against an ignorant and indolent neighbour, whose thriftlessness would other 


4 


wise make of his potato patch, his cotton field or his plum orchard a nuisance nursery 
from which no industry could protect the surrounding farms. 

Thus, then, the organization necessary for a successful campaign against our insect 
enemies must be authoritatively demanded by you. Under less free forms of government 
the plan which I have suggested would probably have long ago been perfected by the 
rulers. Even the fear of the extension of the Colorado Potato Beetle to Europe has ex- 
cited in several countries almost as much discussion and confusion of counsel as an appre- 
hended revolution. 

The fact is, that these incursions and ravages of hostile insects represent a condition 
of war. It is only by a quasi-military organization and appropriate weapons suited to the 
nature of the enemy that they can be conquered. Without recognition of this fact no- 
thing can be done against them, and we must bow our heads and exclaim with the pious 
Mohammedan fatalist, “It is the will of God.” 

Three subjects yet remain to be considered—the materials to be used, the time of 
making the attack in force, and the weapons to be employed. 

1. The materials may be either vegetable or mineral, or merely human labour intelli- 
gently and persistently applied. The latter is the only effective means of contending 
against some insects, but in all cases-it is a necessary adjunct to the remedies used. 
These remedies are very numerous, and until a careful investigation is made of the large 
number already suggested, no proper indications can be given except that those least in- 
jurious to man should be preferred, even at greater cost of money and labour ; and that 
those which kill the insect by contact with its body are likely to prove more effectual 
than those which destroy by poisoning its food. It may be here observed that the form of 
apparatus in these two cases must be quite different. In the latter, any contrivance which 
will sprinkle a fluid or dust a powder on the exposed or upper surface of the leaves will 
be sufficient ; in the former, in which tue poison kills by contact with the insect, it must 
be able to reach the enemy wherever sheltered. 

2. The time of attack must naturally be when the enemy is least able to resist. To 
quote again from the excellent memoir of Motschulsky, “‘ the most effective and at the 
same time the easiest mode of opposing the development of the locusts is the crushing out 
of the young broods when collected in swarms in the place where they are hatched. Con- 
sequently the most important thing is to know the nesting place of these destructive, pests. 
Tn order to discover them and to point out the course to be pursued, * Es it 
might be well to send skilful persons us ~ to make the necessary researches, 
and these, with the assistance of the local authorities, might seek out the places where the 
insects abound, and establish the necessary regulations for their destruction.” (1. c. p. 228.) 
In the case of the cotton moth it is plain that the attack should be made upon the earliest 
broods, which are said to appear in the extreme southern part of the country, and from 
which the migratory swarms which travel northward are supposed to be developed ; also, 
that the attack must be directed against the caterpillars rather than the perfect insects. 

The Colorado Potato Beetle may also be attacked with greatest success in the larval 
state. The integuments are then soft, and the appetite more voracious, so that whether 
the poison by contact or the poison by food be used, it will have a more certain effect 
than upon the perfect insect, which is protected against the former by the hard chitinous 
surface, and against the latter by preoccupation in reproductive duties. \ 

You will be prepared to admit the importance of the recommendation above made, 
that the times for making the attack should be directed by the Scientific Commission after 
full examination of the habits of the insects and the dates of their appearance in their 
various stages of development. These dates will vary in different districts, and without a 
carefully tabulated calendar of the necessary facts, no system of combined effort, such 
as I believe to be essential, can be planned. 

The apparatus to be used must of course vary greatly with the habits of the insects 
to be attacked. In the case of the plum curculio, canvas frames propelled on a kind of 
wheelbarrow, with a ram to concuss the trunk of the tree, is probably the best instrument 
yet devised. The insect will fall into the net when the tree is struck, and may be easily 
destroyed when a sufficient mass has been collected. For the cotton moth and the 
potato beetle the apparatus for poisoning the leaves upon which they feed may be any 
simple sprinkler or dusting box, according as liquid or solid poison is employed. But for 


20 


SSE 


direct application to the insect itself, we must use means by which a fine spray will be 
driven with force sufficient to envelop the whole plant, or the surface of the ground upon 
which the insects are assembled, in a mist of poisonous liquid. Such an instrument is the 
atomizer, which has the additional advantage over the sprinkler that it consumes less 
liquid. The first application of the atomizer for the destruction of insects was made by 
me several years ago; and in the American Naturalist for August, 1869, I published a 
short paper recommending its use with certain poisonous liquids for the disinfection and 
preservation of insect cabinets. I have seen its frequent use with great success. 

When the question of locusts became of importance last year, and the Colorado potato 
beetle began to be very troublesome in the Atlantic States, I spoke with several commer- 
cial frieuds and others about the propriety of making atomizers of large size for the de- 
struction of these pests. In consequence of delay in the measures they thought necessary 
to command the attention and security of a manufacturer, no progress has yet been made 
for introducing such a contrivance into general use. Meanwhile a small apparatus, con- 
sisting of an atomizer, a tank of fluid supported on the back, and a pair of bellows fixed 
at the side of the operator, has been independently introduced by a manufacturing estab- 
lishment in Philadelphia, and I have been told is somewhat of a favourite. It will doubt- 
less be uséful to a limited extent, and is not patented, I believe. 

For small arms, this or a somewhat larger and more complete instrument will answer, 
but in the war against insect pests in which I have endeavonred to interest you, we must 
have heavy ordnance as well as weapons for hand use. Large compound atomizer tubes, 
with five, ten, twenty, or, in fact, an indefinite number of orifices for producing the spray, 
can be made, connected with large tanks of fluid, and worked by a powerful current of air 
from a revolving fan, driven by man, horse or steam power, according to the size of the 
instrument. When of sufficiently large size, the machine can be mounted on wheels and 
transported wherever it would be required for use. Before such instruments as these an 
invading army of caterpillars, or even a recently hatched swarm of locusts, would be 
annihilated. A comparatively small number of men would be required to work a battery 
of this kind of field artillery, and it would be found immensely effective. 

The organization recommended can be effected only by the strong appeal of the 
people where agricultural interests dominate, for proper instruction from the Government 
and proper protection by legislative power.We have game laws to protect our useful wild 
animals ; thistle laws to guard against extension of noxious weeds. Why not have insect 
laws for destruction of agricultural pests 4 

Farmers of the West, are you willing to exert yourselves to procure this result? The 
prize is a rich one—it is no less than immunity from an annual destruction of property 
quadruple or sextuple that of the great Chicago conflagration. 


Copy oF MEMORIAL. 


To the Honourable the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States. 


The subscribers to this Memorial respectfully represent to your Honourable bodies ; 

That they recognize in the invasion of grasshoppers, or more properly locusts, which 
during the past season have reduced to starvation many thousands of the inhabitants of 
the Western States and Territories, and especially of Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas, a 
great national calamity, calling for more efficient measures than those now available to 
prevent a recurrence of similar disasters. 

They have reason to believe, from the reiterated cautions given by men of science, 
that a more careful study of the habits, rapidity of extension, and injuries caused by the 
few species of insects most destructive to agriculture would lead to useful suggestions by 
which proper means can be devised for the repression of these pests. 


The agricultural industries are shown by all statistics to be greater in importance 
and value than all the other interests of the nation combined. 

The labour required for the full investigation of the complex problems involved in 
the protection against natural enemies of these vast interests can only be had by the em- 
ployment of the best men of science, who are usually not found in the service of the 
Government, but who for a great national purpose would give their closest attention to 
any subject which might be committed to them. 

Such objects as the locust, which has caused recently a destruction of food estimated 
at from $40,000,000 to $50,000,000 ; the Colorado potato-beetle, which, in accordance 
with the predictions of Entomologists of repute, has extended from the Rocky Mountains 
to the Atlantic, and has sinvaded the neighbouring Dominion ; the Chinche bug, so de- 
structive to cereals in the Valley of the Mississippi ; the army worm and the cotton worms 
which destroy whole crops, certainly require the strongest measures that can be adopted 
by the Government for their suppression. 

It was estimated by Mr. B. D. Walsh, that in 1861 the injury caused by insects in 
the State of Illinois alone amounted to $26,000,000. The destruction must be now much 
greater. 

By the same authority it was stated that “the annual damage done by insects in the 
United States cannot be less than $300,000,000. 

The appropriations made by a State, however liberal,must ever fail to procure such in- 
vestigations as your memorialists pray for : the enemies are national, and must be dealt with 
by national authority, @s much as an invading army of foreigners, hostile to our civiliza- 
tion. Unless repressed by intelligent means applied over its whole area of distribution, 
the insect, with its free powers of movement in its adult state, is not controlled. 

Your Memorialists would be glad to believe that the information needed upon these 
most important subjects could be afforded by the Department of Agriculture. Unfortu- 
nately such is not the case, nor can it be until the Department is under scientific advice. 
There remain, therefore, but two modes of procuring for the Government and the people 
proper counsel for defence against agricultural pests. 

The first is the reorganization of the Department upon a scientific basis, under the 
control of men whose learning and fitness for the position are acknowledged both abroad 
and at home. The second alternative is the appointment of a Commission of five persons, 
—to wit, three entomologists, oue chemist, and one botanist, eminent in their respective 
branches of science—to be chosen by the Council of the National Academy of Science, and 
approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, with such salaries as your Honourable bodies 
would consider adequate for the responsible work required of them, and with such addi- 
tional appropriation as might be needed for clerical assistance. The duty of this Com- 
mission would be to investigate the causes which affect injuriously agricultural interests, 
and to suggest the best means of diminishing the losses. 

The results of such investigations should be embodied in brief Reports containing 
practical instructions and made accessible at a small price, or by personal education to 
every farmer in the country. ’ 

It is believed by your Memorialists that the granting of their prayer by the creation 
of such a Commission would do more for.advancing Agriculture than can ever be expect- 
ed from the Department, and be in the end most economical. _ If such a Commission were 
appointed for a definite term (say five or seven years), it would at the end of that time 
save in part, or perhaps wholly, the annual expenses of the Department of Agriculture, 
and would lessen greatly the destruction of agricultural products, by tending to the rapid 
extermination of all these great pests. 

It could be safely promised that the work of such a Commission would be of equal 
value and dignity with that of other Scientific Commissions of the Government ; such as 
the Coast Survey, Geologieal Survey, Commission of Fisheries, and Signal Bureau, and 
would be as strictly practical as either. 


And your Memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &e. 


OUR DECEASED MEMBERS, 


FRANCIS WALKER. 


The sad intelligence of the death of that distinguished Entomologist, »rancis Walker, 
of London, England, will, we know, bring grief to the hearts of all those who have been 
favoured with the acquaintance or correspondence of that genial-hearted man. His con- 
tinued and disinterested kindness towards all those with whom he had to do has endeared 
him to many. Although we never had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with the 
deceased, yet to ourselves personally, as wellas to our Society, he has always been among 
the truest and kindest friends we have had, ever ready to do us any service in his power. 
His death leaves a void in our cirele which it will be hard to fill) The following brief 
sketch of his career and his unceasing labours, written by one who knew him well, will be 
read with interest : . 

It has become my painful duty to record that Francis Walker, the most voluminous 
and most industrious writer on Entomology this country has ever produced, expired at his 
residence, Elm Hall, Wanstead, on the 5th of October, 1874, sincerely lamented by all 
who enjoyed the pleasure and advantage of his friendship. He was the seventh son, and 
the tenth and youngest child of Mr. John Walker, a gentleman of independent fortune, 
residing at Arno’s Grove, Southgate, where the subject of this memoir was born on the 
31st of July, 1809. Myr. Walker—the father—had a decided taste for science, especially 
Natural History ; he was a fellow of the Royal and Horticultural Societies, and vice-pre- 
sident of the Linnzan, so that his son’s almost boyish propensity for studies,in which he 
afterwards became so eminent, seems to have been inherited rather than acquired. 

Mr. Walker’s decided talent for observing noteworthy facts in Entomology was first 
exhibited at home, when as a mere child his attention was attracted by the butterflies, 
which, in the fruit season, came to feed on the ripe plums and apricots in his father’s 
gardens ; Vanessa C-Album is especially mentioned ; and Limenitis Sibylla, another species 
no longer found in the vicinity of London, was then common at Southgate. 

In 1816 Mr. Walker’s parents were staying with their family at Geneva, then the 
centre of a literary coterie, in which they met, among other celebrities, Lord Byron, Ma- 
dame de Stael, and the naturalists De Saussure and Vernet. They spent more than a year 
at Geneva and Vevey, and in 1818 proceeded to Lucerne, from which place Francis, then 
a boy nine years of age, made the ascent of Mont Pilatus, in company with his elder 
brother Henry ; their object, in addition to the ever delightful one of mountain-climbing, 
being the collecting of butterflies. The family afterwards visited Neuwied, and returned 
to Arno’s Grove in 1820. 

In 1830 the two brothers, Henry and Francis, again visited the Continent, and now 
it was purely an Entomological tour, the late Mr. Curtis, the well-known author of 
“ British Entomology,” being their companion. This party collected most assiduously in 
the island of Jersey, and afterwards at Fontainebleau, Montpellier, Lyons, Nantes, Vau- 
cluse, &e., the French Satyride, of which they formed very fine collections, being their 
principal object. 

Mr. Walker’s career as an author commenced in 1832. He contributed to the first 
number of the “ Mintomological Magazine,” the introductory chapter of his “ Monographia 
Chalciditum,” a work on the minute parasitic Hymenoptera—a tribe of insects which he 
ever afterwards studied with the most assidueus attention, and one on which he immedi- 
ately became the leading authority. He was then only twenty-three years of age ; but his 
writings exhibited a depth of research and maturity of judgment which have rarely been 
excelled, and which abundantly evince the time and talent he had already devoted to these 
insects. It is worthy of notice that he now descended from the largest and most showy 
to the smallest and least conspicuous of insects, doubtless feeling that whereas among the 
magnificent butterflies there was but little opportunity for the discovery of novelties, 
among the Chalcidites everything was new—everything required that minute, patient and 
laborious investigation in which he seemed so especially to delight. Only two authors, 
Dalman and Spinola, had preceded him in devoting their attention to the structure 


23 


of these atoms of creation ; and even these two had described comparatively a very small 
number of species. 

In 1834 Mr. Walker, somewhat reluctantly, consented to undertake the editorial 
management of the “Entomological Magazine,” and resigned the office the following year, 
yet continued a constant contributor to its pages. The same year he visited Lapland, in 
company with two of our most distinguished botanists ; and in this extreme north of 
Europe, and especially at Alten and Hammerfest, he assiduously collected insects, more 
particularly the northern Diptera, the Satyride among Lepidoptera, and the Chalcidides 
amongst Hymenoptera. During this journey we have the first and only notice of his 
prowess as a sportsman ; he shot wild grouse and ptarmigan ; and on one solitary occa- 
sion was accessory to the death of a reindeer; but as other rifles besides his own were 
simultaneously discharged, it is difficult to say whose was the effective bullet. I am glad 
to be able to record that Mr. Walker declined to give the poor creature the at de 
grdce, and, for this especial purpose, resigned to another his cowteaw de chasse. 

In May, 1840, he married Mary Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Mr. Ford, of Ellell 
Hall, near Lancaster, and spent the summer on ‘the Continent, again collecting in Switzer- 
land with his customary assiduity. 

In 1848 he explored the Isle of Thanet, the following year the Isle of Wight, and 
succeeding years, 1850 and 1851, he visited Geneva and Interlachen ; and during the 
former year commenced his great work on Diptera. This formed part of a projected 
series of works on British insects, to be called ‘Insecta Britannica,” a project in which 
the late Mr. Spence took a deep interest. 

During the year 1851 was published the first volume of the “ Diptera.” This 
work is printed in 8vo., and contained 314 pages ; the second volume appeared in 1853, 
and contained 298 pages ; and the third volume in 1856, and contained 352 pages. Thus 
the entire work comprised nearly 1,000 pages of closely-printed descriptions. 

Another tour on the Continent occupied a considerable portion of 1857, Mr. Walker 
visiting Calais, Rouen, Paris, Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Frank- 
fort, Mayence, Cologne, Brussels, Aix-la-Chapelle and Antwerp. During the journey he 
collected in the Black Forest ; and this is the only scene of his scientific labours, during 
the tour, of which I have any intelligence. 

The summer of 1860 was devoted to a thorough exploration of the Channel Isl xads. 
Dr. Bowerbank was his companion during a portion of the time, and, as a consequence, 
the sponges of these islands were a main object of research—the Gouliot caves in Sark, so 
celebrated for their marine productions, were a great attraction to both naturalists. 

In 1861 Mr, Walker’s excursions were chiefly confined to North Devon; he visited 
Linton, Clovelly, Ilfracombe, Bideford, and Barnstaple ; and now his attention seems to 
have been again chiefly occupied with Lepidoptera, at the scarcity of which he was 
greatly disappointed, having expected, from the extensive woods, to have found moths 
particularly abundant. 

In 1863 he toured the English lakes ; and, in the spring of 1865, North Wales and 
Ireland ; and in the autumn he again visited ’Paris, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlachen, and 
Altdorf, ascending the Righi, Mont. Pilatus and the Mirren, and proceeding to Kander- 
steg, the Oeschinen See, and the Gemmi Pass. 

In 1867 we find him again in France and Switzerland, ascending the Col de Voza, 
and examining the Jardin of the Mer de Glace ; thence over the Téte Noir to Mar- 
tigny, Sion, and the Great St. Bernard ; returning by St. Maurice and the Villeneuve to 

feneva. 

In 1869 he made the tour of the Isle of Man, and returned by Holyhead ; in 1870 he 
paid another visit to Llanberis, as well as to all the more beautiful scenery in North Wales, 
crossing over to Ireland, and touring that island from south to north; and in 1871, he 
ned entomologically the Scilly Islands, and the districts of the Lizard and the Land’s 

“na, 

In 1872 he turned his attention to Italy, visiting Rome, Piza, Lucca, Florence, 
Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Milan, and Venice, as well as the Lakes of Como and Mag- 
giore. 

And, finally, in the present year, he had again proceeded as far as Aberystwith, on 
his way to Ireland, when his intention was fr ustrated by illness, which terminated fatally 


24 


on the 5th of October. He died in the most perfect peace of body and of mind. For 
many years Mr. Walker was a member of the Linnean and Entomological Societies of 
London, but resigned his membership in both some time before the close of his life. 

In might be excusable in a man of such incessant bodily activity—so locomotive by 
inclination, so devoted to the study of Nature in all her aspects, so diligent a collector of 
the objects of his favourite study—had he allowed his pen to rest while his hands were 
engaged in forming and arranging his collections. But this was not the case with Mr. 
Walker, as his Catalogues of the National Collection abundantly testify. Of the Lepi- 
doptera Heterocera, alone, Mr. Walker catalogued and described upwards of twenty-three 
thousand species; in addition to which he prepared similar catalogues, although perhaps 
not to the same extent, of the Diptera, Orthoptera, Homoptera, Neuroptera, and part of the 
Hymenoptera : such an amount of labour, as is testified by these catalogues, has seldom, if 
ever, been accomplished by one individual. But this statement by no means represents 
the whole of his literary labours. He contributed shorter or longer papers to the Trans- 
actions of learned societies, and to the periodicals of the day, especially to the “‘ Zoologist” 
and “ Entomologist ;” by the indexes of the latter I find he sent thirteen communications 
to the first volume, three to the second, one to the fourth, thirteen to the fifth, and forty- 
three to the sixth; during the present year his writings appear in every number. I 
intended to catalogue these and his other labours, to give some idea of the number of pages, 
number of species and dates of each; but I can scarcely now venture to look forward to 
the accomplishment of this labour of ‘love. 

A word remains to be spoken of the man, apart from the scientific and accomplished 
naturalist. Throughout my long life I have never met with any one who possessed more 
correct, more diversified, or more general information, or who imparted that information 
to others with greater readiness and kindness ; [have never met with any one more unas- 
suming, more utterly unselfish, more uniformly kind and considerate to all with whom he 
came in contact. It 1s no ordinary happiness to have enjoyed the friendship of such a man 
for nearly half a century. —Hdward Newman, in The Entomologist. 


PHILIP L. SPRAGUE. 


Mr. Philip L. Sprague died at Montpelier, Vermont, his native place, on the 6th day 
of August last, in the forty- fifth year of his age. He was: elected a member of our Society 
in 1860. 

About 1862 he commenced the study of Entomology in the Vermont State Cabinet 
of Natural History, displaying a marked taste for the Lepidoptera, and during the inter- 
vals of his business made considerable progress in biological investigations, as well as in 


the technology of the science. Circumstances soon induced him to direct his attention. 


chiefly to the Coleoptera, and here his assiduity in making collections, his accuracy in the 
determination of species, and his studies in the microscopic anatomy of this order, gave 
his opinions weight among naturalists. His keen appreciation of the labours of his pre- 
decessors, and his love of neatness and method, evinced themselves in all he did. 

At the time of his death he had been for some months a valuable assistant and 
member of the Boston Society of Natural History, where many of his works remain to 
speak for themselves. Among his associates there he was distinguished for his geniality 
of manner and never-failing readiness to assist younger students. At the time of his 
death his fame and foreign correspondence were somewhat extended, and he was actively 
engaged in the preparation of materials for an illustrative cabinet of the Natural History 
of his native State. He had published from time to time in the Canadian Entomologist 
and the Proccedings of the Natural History Society carefully elaborated results of his 
work, and contributed to various other periodicals devoted to his favourite branch of in- 
vestigation. His fine private cabinet of insects, principally of the Coleopterous Order, in 
accordance with his expressed determination, form a part of the Museum of the Society 
to which he was attached, and is in itself no mean monument to his memory. 


ON CANKER WORMS. 


BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONT. 


Late in the fall, when many of the leaves have fallen and severe frosts have cut 
everything tender, and all nature begins to look bleak and cheerless, a walk in the woods 
on a sunny afternoon is not without its charms. Here and there slender, delicate, silky- 
winged moths may be seen flitting about, apparently in a somewhat aimless manner, 
enjoying the genial sunshine. On capturing one, and examining it closely, we find it to 
be a very handsome and ‘delicately-marked moth, with wing structure so thin as to be 
almost transparent, and one is naturally led to inquire how it is that so frail a creature 
should select so frosty and bleak a season in which to appear among us. In reply to this 
reasonable inquiry it may be said that appearances are d€ceptive ; that delicate as the struc- 
ture of this moth appears to be, it is nevertheless one of the hardiest of its race, requir- 
ing, indeed, some considerable degree of cold for its perfection. These moths are the pro- 
duct of the Canker Worm, and the winged specimens are all males. 

During the last few years several valuable papers have been published on the insects 
kuown as Canker Worms, in which has been detailed much hitherto unknown in connec- 
tion with their life history. Prominent among these is a paper by C. V. Riley, St. Louis, 
Mo., in his Second Report on the Noxious Insects of the State of Missouri, and a recent 
paper of his in the Transactions of the St. Louis Academy of Science ; also an article by 
B. P. Mann, in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, and another by 
H. K. Morrison, in the 6th volume of the Canadian Entomologist. In the following sum- 
mary of what is known respecting these inseets we shall make free use of these, as well as 
previous writings, without farther acknowledgment. 

In 1795, Prof. W. D. Peck wrote his ‘“‘ Natural History of the Canker Worm.” This 
paper was awarded a prize by the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and 
was published in their Proceedings. At this early period all the insects passing under 
this name were supposed to be one and the same species ; but later and more careful ob- 
servation has led to a modification of this view, and it is now universally admitted that 
there are two distinct species possessing similar habits, and having many points of re- 
semblance—one producing the perfect insect in the fall, the other partly in the fall and 
partly in the spring, the former species being known under the name of Anisopterys pome- 
taria, the latter as a Vernata. The latter species will first claim our attention. 


Anisopteryx Vernata. 


At ) fig. 1 we have a representation of the egy of this species 
on an enlarged scale, the natural size being shown in the small 
cluster adjoining. In form it is not unlike a miniature hen’s 
cee, but is of a very delicate texture and pearly lustre, with ir- 
regular impressions on its surface. The eggs are laid in masses, 
without any regularity or order in their arrangement, often as 
many as a hundred together, and secreted in the crevices of the 
bark of the trees infested. The eggs are usually hatched between the first and middle 
Of May, about the time when the young leaves of the apple tree begin to push from the 
bud. The little canker worms, on making their escape from the egg, cluster upon and 
consume the tender leaves, and on the approach of cold or wet weather creep for shelter 
into the bosom of the expanding bud or into the opening flowers. The newly-hatched 
caterpillar is of a dark olive green or brown colour, with a black shining head, and a 
horny plate of the same colour on the second segment. When full grown they measure 


26 


about an inch in length, and present the appearance shown at a, fig. |: in the same figure 
c represents a side view, and d a back view of one of the joints or segments of the body, 
enlarged so as to show their markings. These caterpillars are called “loopers,” because 
they, loop their bodies when in motion. 

The colour of the body of the larva varies from greenish yellow to dusky or even 
dark brown. The head is mottled and spotted, and has two pale transverse lines in front ; 
the body is longitudinally striped with many narrow pale lines ; along the sides 
the body becomes deeper in colour, and down the middle of the back are some blackish 
spots. When not eating they remain stretched out at full length, and resting on their 
fore and hind legs under the leaves. 

When full grown they leave the trees, either by creeping down the trunk or by let- 
ting themselves down by silken threads from the branches. When thus suspended in 
great numbers, as is frequently the case, under the limbs of trees overhanging roads and 
sidewalks, they become a great annoyance, especially to over-sensitive pedestrians, and 
are also often swept off by passing vehicles, and in this manner conveyed to other places. 
Having reached the ground, they soon begin to burrow into it, and haying penetrated 
from two to six inches, a simple earthen cell is formed by compressing the earth, and lin- 
ing it with a few silken threads; this makes but a fragile home for the chrysalis, and is 
easily broken to pieces. 

The chrysalis, which is aboug five lines long, and one-and-a-half in diameter, is of a 
pale, greyish-brown colour, with a greenish tmt on the wing-sheaths in the male; that of 
the female is more robust than the male, and both are sparingly pitted with shallow dots 
over their surface. Sometimes the chrysalis produces the perfect insect late in the av- 
tumn ;in other cases it remains quiescent during the fall and winter months, emergins 
during the first warm days of early spring. 


Fig. 2. 2 The female moths of both species of canker 


worm are wingless, and present a very odd, spider- 
like appearance (see 3, fig. 2, and 6, fig 4), but 
with none of the activity of that predacious race 
J with a body distended with eggs, she drags her 
weary way along in a most ungainly manner, un- 
til she reaches the base of a suitable tree, up 
which she climbs, and there awaits the arrival of the male. The abdomen of the female 
as well as that of the male of this species vernata, 6 fig.2, have upon the binder margin 
of each of the seven rings of the abdomen two transverse rows of stiff, reddish spines, - 
pointing backwards. At d fig. 2, we have represented a joint of the abdomen showing 
these spines. c represents a portion of the antenna of the female, and e¢ her retractile 
ovipositor. 

The male, « fig 2, is active, although a delicate and slender-looking creature. Its 
fore wings are ash-coloured or brownish grey, of a silky, semi-transparent appearance, 
with a broken whitish band crossing the wings near the outer margin, and three inter- 
rupted brownish lines between that and the base. There is an oblique black dash near 
the tip of the fore wings, and a nearly continuous black line before the fringe. The 
hind wings are plain, pale ash-coloured, or very light gray, with a dusky dot about the 
middle of each. 


Anisopteryx pometaria. 


his species, although, as already remarked, closely 
resembling the preceding species, has many points of dif- 
ference. The eggs—see wand J, fig. 3—are flattened above, 
have a central puncture and a brown circle near the border, 
and are laid side by side in regular and compact masses, 
¢ fig. 3, and are usually deposited in exposed situations. 

The newly hatched caterpillar is pale olive green, with 
the head, and horny covering of the upper part of the 
second segment of a very pale hue. The full grown eater- 
pillar, f fig. 3, is also differently marked ; ¢ represents a 


side view of a single joint of the mature caterpillar enlarged ; the longitudinal lines are 
fewer in number, but broader and more distinct. 

The chrysalis is much tougher than that of the former species, being formed of 
densely spun silk of a buff colour, interwoven on the outside with particles of earth. 

Fig. 4. In the male moth, @ fig. 4, the antenne have 

Pa greater number of joints, there being fifty or 

more in this species, whereas in vernata there are 

not quite forty. The wings are less transparent but 

more glossy, the fore wings brownish gray but 

of a darker hue than in the other species, and are 

crossed by two more regular whitish bands, the 

outer one enlarging near the apex, where it forms a large pale spot. The hind wings are 

grayish brown, with a faint central blackish dot, and usually a more or less distinct white 
band crossing them. 

The female, also, has a correspondingly greater number of joints in her autenne ; 
the abdomen in both sexes is without spines, and that of the female terminates bluntly 
and is without an ovipositor. In fig. 4 represents the female moth, d a segment of her 
abdomen, and ¢ a portion of one of the autenne. 

Where the canker worms are numerous they are very destructive to apple trees, but 
are by no means confined in their operations to this particular tree ; they also attack the 
plum, the cherry the elm and a variety of*other trees. In most localities where they 
occur they multiply rapidly, often enormously, and do an amount of damage correspond- 
ing with their numbers. The very young worms on the trees are seldom noticed, but as 
they acquire age and increasing voracity the riddled and seared appearance of the foliage 
speaks unmistakably of their presence. In the New England States they have been a 
terrible pest for many years, and are now becoming plentiful in portions of Ontario 
particularly in some parts of the Niagara district. 


REMEDIES. 

In order to attack an enemy with success it is very essential that we know his vul 
nerable points. In the case of these insects, since the females are without wings, if they 
can be prevented from crawling up the trees to deposit their eggs a great point will be 
gained. Various measures have been recommended and employed to secure this end, 
and these remedies usually belong to one of two classes:, first, those which prevent the 
ascension of the moth by entangling her feet and holding her there or by drowning her ; 
and second, those which endeavour to accomplish the same end by preventing her from 
getting a foothold, and causing her repeatedly to fall to the ground until she becomes 
exhausted and dies. 

The first class of remedies are probably the most effectual, and tar, applied either 
directly around the body of the tree or on strips of old canvas or stiff paper, is probably 
one of the cheapest and best of these. Refuse sorghum molasses, printers’ ink or slow 
drying varnishes have also been recommended for use in the same manner. ‘Tin, lead 
and rubber troughs to contain oil, belts of cotton wool, &c., also belong to this class of 
remedies, and have all been used with more or legs success. In the use of any of the first 
named sticky substances it should be borne in mind that they must be kept sticky by 
frequent renewal of the surface in all mild weather or the application will be useless ; they 
should also be applied as early as the latter part of October and kept on until the leaves 
are well expanded in the following spring. It must also be remembered that some of the 
moths, defeated in their attempts to climb the trée, will deposit their eggs near the ground 
or anywhere, in fact, below the application, and that the tiny young worms hatched from 
them will pass without difficulty through a very slight crevice ; hence, whether troughs or 
bandages are used, precautions must be taken to fill up all the irregularities of surface in 
the rough bark of the trees, so that no openings be left through which they may pass. 
Cotton wool answers well in many cases for this purpose. 

The second class of remedies consist of various ingenious designs for collars of metal, 
wood or glass fastened around the tree, and sloping downwards like an inverted funnel. 
These, although they prevent the moths from ascending the trees, offer little or no ob- 


28 
u mDre S au 


stacle to the ascension of the young caterpillar ; hence they often fail of success. The 
remedies belonging to the first class are then the surest and best; and although it must 
be admitted that it involves much time and labour to renew from time to time, for so 
long a period, the tar or other sticky application, so as to make it an effectual bar to the as- 
cent of the insect, as well as a trap for its unwary feet, still it will doubtless pay well 
wherever the canker worm abounds, to give this matter the attention requisite to make 
it a success. The limited powers of motion possessed by the female necessarily restrict it 
within a narrow circle ; hence it is very local in its attacks, sometimes abounding in 
one orchard and scarcely known in another a short distance off ; it follows that when once 
it has obtained a footing and is neglected it must multiply prodigiously. 

Fig. 5. The canker worms moreover have natural enemies which prey upon 

p them. A small mite (Wothras ovivorus) has been observed devouring 

its eggs, and doubtless some of the active little birds which winter 
with us do good service in the Fig. 6. 
same direction. Two species of four- : 
winged flies and one species of two- 
winged fly are known to be para- 
sitic on these worms, and to destroy 
numbers of them; some of the 
ground beetles also feed on them, par- 
ticularly the copper-spotted carab (Calo- 
soma calidum) (fig 5), and its ally with 
the golden green wing cases and beautiful varied hued body 
(Calosoma serutator) (fig. 6). These active beetles may often 
be seen mounting the trunks of the trees and carrying oft 
such soft-bodied worms. A species of wasp (Humenes 
Jraterna) is also said by Harris to store her cells with can- 
ker worms as food for her young, often gathering 18 or 20 
of them for a single cell. 


NOTES OF THE YEAR. 


By W. Saunpers, Lonpon, ONT. 


During the past summer there has been an unusual scarcity of insect life. Whether 
this is to be attributed to the extreme severity of the winter, or to the very dry summer 
which preceded it, we are unable to determine ; possibly both may have had something 
to do with the result. Our usually common butterflies were seldom seen during the 
summer, and those nocturnal visitors, the moths, as compared with the abundance of 
average years, were “ few and far between.” The same svarcity has been noted among 
our insect pests—the plagues of the gardener and fruit-grower. Some, which have been 
abundant for many years past, were “notably Scarce, viz. : 


THe TENT CATERPILLAR (Clisiocampa Americana), HARRIS. 


Some years ago, the caterpillars of this 


a species were enormously abundant. They 
a 


NN 


were to be seen in almost every orchard, 
stripping the apple, cherry and plum trees of 
their foliage, and playing similar pranks 
among our thorn bushes, wild cherry trees, 
and other trees and shrubs in our woods 
and along our roadsides. Everyone must 
be familiar with the white web-nests of 
this caterpillar. They have, however, been 
lessening in numbers in the western por 
tion of Ontario for several years past, until 
now their presence is scarcely felt as an 
ammoyance. The lessening of this evil is 
doubtless due partly to the vigilance of our 
farmers and fruit-growers ; for while with us 
this insect has been decreasing, in many parts 
of Lower Canada, where the cold of winter 
is much more intense than with us, the de- 
struction of trees by this tent caterpillar is 
bitterly complained of, and they remain as 
abundant or more abundant than ever; and 
the same remarks will apply to some of the 
eastern sections of our own Province. We 
trust, also, that some portion of the credit of 
our almost exemption from this pest may be 
due to the information scattered broadcast from year to year in our Annual Reports, by 
which our farmers and fruit-growers have been instructed how to contend with this and 
various other insect enemies in the most advantageous manner. 

A cluster of the eggs from which these cater pillars hatch are shown at ¢, fig. 7. They 
are generally deposited during the month of July upon the smaller twigs of our fruit 
trees, each one containing upwe vards of 200 eggs, sometimes more, all enclosed in an oval 
ring-like cluster, firmly cemented together and coated with a varnish which is alike unin- 
jured by sun or rain. About the time when the buds begin to burst, these caterpillars 
hatch, and at once begin to spin for themselves a web or covering, in which the ry can take 


30 


refuge from their enemies, or shelter from inclement weather. The web is spun in con- 
cert, each one doing his own part in the construction of this convenient home for the little 
eommunity. 

They have their regular times for feeding, issuing from the orifice of their tent in 
processional order, usually once in the forenoon and once in the afternoon. In about six 
weeks they become full grown, and then present the appearance shown at a and J, fig. 7 ; 
a shows a side view and } a back view of the same caterpillar. The body is black, about 
two inches long, with a white stripe down the back. On each side of this central stripe 
there are a number of short irregular longitudinal yellow lines. On the sides are paler 
lines, with spots and streaks of pale blue. The under side of the body is nearly black. 

As these caterpillars approach maturity, they lose their social habits, and, leaving 
their friends and kindred, they wander about singly in all directions. The main object of 
this dispersion seems to be the finding of separate and secure retreats, in which to pass 
the chrysalis stage of their existence—in crevices in the rough bark of trees, on the lower 
edges of boards where they are nailed to the posts of fences, in holes in the posts, and in a 
variety of other situations of a similar character, where they will be sheltered from the 
weather. Here their cocoons are spun, and within the enclosure the larva changes to a 
chrysalis. The cocoon is oval, of a pale yellow colour (see d, fig. 7), and in its construe- 
tion the silk is mixed with a pasty substance which, when dry, becomes powdery, and is 
partly removed from the surface of the cocoons by handling. The chrysalis, which lies 
within the.cocoon, is about three-fourths of an inch long, and of a pale brown colour. 

At the expiration of two or three weeks the moths escape from the cocoons. They 
are of a dull reddish colour, varying in depth of shade, with two straight whitish stripes, 
which extend across the fore wings obliquely, dividing the wing into three nearly equal 
portions. The females sometimes have the two stripes closer together $ in the males they 
are less variable. The hind wings are nearly of the same colour as the.front ones, but 
without any stripes. In both, the under surface is very similar to the upper, and the 
wings when expanded measure from 14 to 14 inches or more. 

The moths usually appear early in July, when, on sultry evenings, they come thump- 
ing against the lighted windows of our houses, and if they gain access, they fly about the 
lights in the room with great rapidity, and in the wildest and most bewildered manner, 
striking violently against any and every object which opposes their progress. A few 
days after their appearance on the wing they pair, and then the females begin to de- 
posit their eggs on the twigs of our fruit trees, in the belt-like masses we have already 
referred to. ' 

Another and a very similar species is known as the “ Forest Tent Caterpillar” (CZisi- 
acampa sylvatica), so called because it is frequently found on forest trees, although it is also 
very destructive to the apple. The eggs are laid in the same manner as the last species 
named, and in masses about the same size ; the caterpillars, too, resemble each other, but 
may be at once distinguished by the peculiar markings down the back. in the former 

Fig. 8. species the white forms a continuous and prominent 
stripe ; in this one the stripe is replaced by a row of 
white spots (see fig. 8). There are other minor points 
of difference, but this one character is invariable, and 
will enable any one to separate the species without 
difficulty. Some few years ago the western section 
of Ontario was overrun by this caterpillar, whole 
orchards having been completely defoliated as if a 
fire had passed over them, and the trees greatly damaged thereby; but the vigilance of our 
farmers, aided by the natural enemies of these insects, has been successful in reducing 
their numbers so considerably that they have ceased to be a source of much anxiety. These 
caterpillars usually select the side of a tree on which to spin their web, rather than a fork 
of one of the limbs, and when nearly full grown scatter as in the case of the other species, 
and wander about singly in search of suitable locations in which to spin their cocoons. 
These latter are scarcely distinguishable from that already described; the moths also may 
easily be confounded with those of Americana, but they are usually somewhat smaller in 


size and paler in colour, while the oblique lines on the anterior wings are dark in place of 
nearly white. 


2 
o 


This insect in the larva state is attacked by the same species of ground beetles as are 
deseribed in the article on canker worms ; they are also subject to the attacks of several 
species of parasites, which thin the ranks of the enemy most thoroughly. As far as man’s 
agency is concerned, they are most effectually fought in the egg state; by looking care- 
fully over one’s trees during the winter season, the egg masses are readily detected, when 
they should be removed and destroyed. A second examination of the trees should be 
made in spring, when the young foliage begins to push forth ; then any clusters which 
have escaped observation will be found to have hatched, when the young larve in 
their small web should be carefully collected and destroyed. 


THE ENGLISH CABBAGE BUTTERFLY (/%ieris Rape). 


This destructive pest is rapidly spreading westward. During the past season it has 
appeared for the first time in London and the neighbourhood, and will probably reach the 
western limits of the Provinze before the end of the summer of 1876. A description of 
this insect was given in ourSociety’s Report for the year 1871; but since that Report is not 


_now within reach of many of our members, for their benefit we will again give a brief 


summary of the history of this insect, describing its appearance in the various stages of 
its existence. 

It was brought to Quebec from Europe most probably in the egg state on cabbage 
leaves, about the year 1857 or 1858, its advent being chronicled by an entomologist in 
Quebec, in 1859, when the first specimens were captured. In 1863 the insect had become 
very abundant about Quebec, and was supposed at that time to have extended some 40 or 
50 miles east and west of the city, but probably it had spread further, for in the summer 
of 1866 we found it very common about Chicoutimi, at the head of navigation on the 
Saguenay River, and during that same year the butterfly was taken in Vermont and New 
Nampshire, and by the end of 1870 had overspread a large portion of the middle States. 
Every year since its introduction the area occupied by it has been extended in every di- 
rection, until now it has spread as far east as Halifax, N.S. ; farther south than Baltimore, 
Md. ; and west as far as the western portion of Ohio. In Canada, during the same period, 
it has been gradually spreading westward. Last year it was common bout Hamilton, 
and early this summer had extended as far as Paris, and later in the season the first 
recorded captures were made in London. 

The cabbage butterfly is white, with a black dash at the tip of the fore wings, a black 
spot on the front margin of the hind wings, angl in the male (see fig. 9) one black spot in 


Fig. 9. Fig. 10. 


the middle of the fore wings, but in the female (see fig. 10) there are two. The under 
sile of the fore wings in both sexes is marked by two spots, corresponding to those on 
the upper side in the female ; in other respects the wings are very much alike on both 
sides, except that beneath there is a tint of yellow at the base and tip. Occasionally male 
specimens are found of a bright yellow colour, almost like our common sulphur yellow 
butterfly (Colias philodice). " ; 

The eggs of this insect are laid on the under side of cabbage leaves, singly or in clus-* 
ters of two or three, where they are attached by some adhesive substance. They are so 
very small that they easily escape observation; in shape they resemble a sugar loaf, 
and under a sufficient magnifying power their surface appears beautifully ribbed and 
sculptured. When newly deposited the eggs are white, but they soon acquire a yellow 
tinge, and in about a week they hatch, the enclosed worm escaping by gnawing a hole 


through the egg shell, after which it devours the remainder of the egg shell, and then sets 
to work with an insatiable appetite on the cabbage leaves. 

Fig. 11. In about a fortnight after hatching, the caterpillar (a, fig. 11) has 
acquired its full growth. It is then about an inch and a quarter long, of 
a pale green colour, finely dotted with black, with a yellowish stripe down 
the back, and a number of small yellowish spots forming a broken stripe 
along each side. When fully fed and about to transform, it leaves its 
food plant, and taking shelter under the coping of some wall or fence, or 
other convenient hiding place, there changes toa chrysalis. The chrysalis 
(, fig. 11), which is somewhat variable in colour, is usually pale green, 
sprinkled with very small black dots. The period passed in the chrysalis 
state varies at different portions of the season. In the summer the chry- 
salis usually becomes a butterfly within a fortnight ; later in the season it 
remains unchanged until the following spring. There are at least two, 
perhaps three broods during the year, and the ratio of increase of the in- 
> sect 1s enormous. 

The caterpillar is dreaded by cooks in every country where it prevails ; it is not con- 
tent with riddling the outside leaves, but prefers to secrete itself in the heart, so that 
every cabbage has to be torn apart and carefully examined before being cooked ; and even 
after it has been dished up, one needs a watchful eye to avoid an undesirable admixture 
of animal with vegetable food. 


REMEDIES. 7 


One method suggested is to search for the eggs at the proper season and destroy 
them ; anotlier, to employ children with nets to catch the butterflies, and as these latter 
are rather slow and heavy flyers, this is not a difficult task ; while a third method re- 
commended is to lay boards between the rows of cabbages, supporting them two or three 
inches above the ground, with the view of luring the worms to select such places in which 
to pass the chrysalis stage of their existence, and so secure their destruction. Objections 
can be readily found to all these methods, but they are the best which man’s experience 
has yet enabled him to devise. The use of poisons such as Paris Green and Hellebore is 
not admissible in this case on account of the difficulty of freeing the plant from such sub- 
stances before cooking. 

Nature has, however, provided a remedy ; a small parasitic fly (Pteromalus puparun) 
attacks the chrysalis of this species in Eurgpe, and, strange to say, has in some unknown 
manner also found its way to this country. This is a little four-winged fly about one- 
eighth of an inch long, with a yellowish body. The female flies about in search of the 
chrysalids, which she punctures with her ovipusitor, inserting a number of eggs in each ; 
in a short time these hatch into tiny grubs, which consume the substance of the clirysalis ; 
as many as forty or fifty of these have been found in a single case. This little friend is 
now quite common in the State of New York, as well as in the eastern parts of Canada. 
It is probable that gardeners will suffer much from the depredations of the caterpillar for 
several years, until the parasite reaches us, and has multiplied to a sufficient extent to 
keep the depredator within moderate bounds. In the meantime it may be expected to ex- 
tend its march westward and northward through our own country, and over the fertile 
plains of the neighbouring States away out to the far west. 


Tue PrEar TREE SLUG (Selandria cerasi). 


In our Report last year we referred to this insect at some length, and detailed to some 
extent its ravages inour own neighbourhood. The havoc this disgusting little slug made 
among the pear trees was terrible, consuming the leaves so thoroughly that the trees 
looked as if they had been scorched by fire—in many instances every leaf dropped from 
the trees, leaving them fora time as bare as in midwinter ; fully a thousand trees in the 
young pear orchard of the writer suffered severely. Following on the heels of this de- 
structive pest we experienced a winter of unusual severity, when, as might be expected, 
a large number of these trees, thus weakened, perished from the cold. The extreme 
winter, however, was not an unmitigated evil. The low temperature which killed the en- 


33 


feebled trees operated disastrously also on the chrysalids of these slugs, and the result 
has been that where there were hundreds of thousands last year, during this summer 
scarcely any could be found—so few have been their numbers that no effort has been ne- 
cessary tosubdue them. Fig. 12 represents the parent of this sometimes troublesome 
Fig 12. pest, a small, black, four-winged fly, and fig. 13 the larva, or slug, in vari- 
ous stages of its growth. For the benefit of those who may not have the 
| Report of last year to refer to, we would say that to shower the infested 
leaves from the rose of a watering-pot with powdered hellebore and water, 
in the proportion of one pound to a barrel of water, is so effectual that it 
Fi leaves nothing further to be desired. 


This insect also was mentioned in our last 
Report as having been extremely abundantand very 
destructive ; this summer, on the contrary, it has 
been unusually scarce. In past seasons constant 
watchfulness was required to prevent the currant and gooseberry bushes from being eaten 
bare. In 1875 little or no effort has been needed to keep it within bounds. This insect 


\ 
Shee. ioe eR \\ 
also passes the winter in the ground in the <Q" he) \ 
chrysalis state, and has probably suffered from —_Ea> py x S 
the same causes which proved so fatal to the pear ==. B NP 
co ~ 


tree slug. To avoid misapprehension, we in- 
troduce again the figure of the larva (see fig. 14). 

Very different is our experience with the other currant worm, known as the measuring 
worm, (Abrawis ribearia), shown at fig. 15. This creature passes the winter in the egg 
state, and hence did not seem to suffer at all, tlie eggs of insevts being capable usually of 
enduring the most severe cold without injuring their vitality. Thislarvahas been very abun- 
dant and destructive, probably more so in Western Ontario than ever before; they are 
not so easily destroyed by hellebore as the other species is. If used in the liquid state it 
should be made about double strength ; probably the better plan in this case is to first 
sprinkle the bushes with water, and then dust the powdered hellebore lightly on, the 
operator taking proper care to avoid the inhalation of the dust. 


THE Porato BEETLE (Doryphora decemlineata). 


This insect (see fig. 16) continues its progress eastward and southward. During 


D 


34 


the past season it 
reached as far as 
Ottawa, and in 
some of the New 
England States 
has approached 
the sea shore. 
It is quite possi- 
ble that before 
long it may cross 
the Atlantic se- 
creted among the 
merchandise car- 
ried thither by 
vessels. During 
“ 4 SA FP the summer they 

“<1 d (2 will survivemany 
weeks without a particle of food, and could easily endure the abstinence which a voyage 
across the Atlantic would entail. Already many of the European Governments have taken 
measures of precaution against their introduction,and we sincerely hope that these measures 
may be successful. Throughout Ontario this insect has not proved so great a scourge as 
was anticipated, and notwithstanding the immense numbers in which they have appeared, 
they have scarcely influenced the price of that valuable esculent, the potato, not even in 
the worst affected districts. We can only attribute this result to the persistent application 
by our farmers of that valuable remedy, Paris green. Notwithstanding the outeries which 
some have made against its use, general experience has decided immensely in its favour, and 
it is almost universally used. During the past summer a series of interesting experiments 
have been carried on by the chemist of the Department of Agriculture in Washington, 
with the view of ascertaining how far the soil could be impregnated with Paris green 
without operating disastrously on vegetable growth. The results of these experiments 
have shown that any reasonable amount of Paris green required for the destruction of the 
potato beetle may be used without influencing the soil to the detriment of plant life to 
any perceptible extent. 

It is nevertheless true that in many cases larger quantities of this poisonous substance 
have been used than there was need for, and some cases of irritation, arising from careless- 
ly inhaling the dust of the powder while applying it, have been reported to us. The use 
of the Paris green with water is becoming much more general, and is highly approved of 
by those who have used it in that manner. Ifthe Paris green be of good quality, from 
one to two teaspoonfuls will be sufficient for a pailful of water. This mixture is occasion- 
ally agitated so as to keep the powder suspended in the liquid, and applied with a whisk 
or small broom, which is first dipped in the liquid and then shaken over the vines. At 
first sight this seems a laborious process, but most of those who haveetried concur in the 
opinion that it involves no more labour than is required for an application of the powder ; 
that it takes much less Paris green to the acre, and has the additional advantage that it 
can_be applied at any time during the day and in all weathers. 


THE APPLE TREE BLIGHT. 


& This mysterious disease, which was first referred to in our Jast Report, if not on the 
increase throughout our Province, is in some districts manifesting an intensity which at 
first was not expected. This has been especially the case with the trees in the orchards 
and nursery of Mr. James Dougall, of Windsor. These were visited by the writer on the 
10th of August last, in company with some friends, including Thos. Meehan, Editor of the 
Gardener's Monthly, Philadelphia, and Professors Beal and Cook, of the Agricultural Col- 
lege of Lansing, Michigan. 

We found that, in addition to the ordinary form of this tree-blight affecting the twigs 


35 


of the current year’s growth only, that there was a blight causing the entire destruction of 
some of the large limbs of several of the trees. Many of the twigs on these. limbs had 
been blighted the previous year or years, and it is possible that this more serious blight of 
the limbs is but an extension and further development of the twig blight. On examining 
the base of the blighted twigs and fruit spurs it was found that where these were killed 
to the point of junction with the wood that the discolouration arising from the disease ex- 
tended into the wood of the branch,which seems to point to the probability of the correct- 
ness of the suggestion just made. On the other hand, seeing that its character is some- 
what distinctive, it may be inferred that it is an entirely different form, resulting from the 
presence and development of a different species of fungus ; so obscure are the distinguish- 
ing features which separate these lower forms of vegetable life, that it would require much 
close study to determine this point. 

The twig blight had affected many of the older trees in Mr. Dougall’s orchards so 
much as to give them a decidedly withered and browned aspect, pervading the entire cir 
cumference, and distributed with much apparent regularity over their many branches. It 
had also injured to a very great extent the young apple trees in his nursery rows: in 
these the injury appeared to begin in the tips of the upper branches, and from thence 
spread downwards, extending in many instances half way down the trunk of the tree. 
Evidences of the extension of the blight were to be seen sometimes in the discolouration 
of the outer bark, in patches below apparently uninjured portions. In some of these 
small trees the twigs were blighted down the trunk to near its base, while the trunk 
remained apparently sound. The odour of the affected twigs, when broken, was very 
similar to that given off from pear blight. Many of the young trees in the nursery rows 
had been smitten by the disease early in the summer, and Mr. Dougall had pruned many 
of these, cutting away the whole of the diseased portion down to the healthy growth, but 
in most instances the blight attacked the remaining portions, and extending downwards 
involved more or less of the trunk to its base, indicating probably that the fungoid germs 
had extended in the sap through the adjoining tissues, without producing as yet any 
external appearance by which their presence might be recognised. 


36 


ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 


By W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 


In accordance with the plan pursued in our Reports for several years past, we present 
our readers with a chapter on some of our common insects ; and although in this instance 
we include some which are more or less injurious, still we think they claim attention more 
from the frequency of their occurrence than from the amount of injury they do. They 
also in some instances excite ‘curiosity, and elicit admiration on account of their great 
beauty, or in consequence of their peculiarities. 


THE BEAUTIFUL DEIOPEIA (Deiopeia bella). * 


This lovely moth, represented in fig. 17 (after Riley), may well claim a place among 

Wig. 17. the most elegant and beautiful of the Lepidoptera. Al- 
though rare in some parts of our Province, they are quite 
common in other localities. We have found them common 
in the neighbourhood of Port Stanley, on the shores of Lake 
Erie, and they are usually common and sometimes abun- 
dant about Grimsby, Ont. We have also seen them in 
insect collections from various parts of Canada. 


Ybis moth measures when its wings are expanded about one and a half inches. Its 
fore wings vary in colour from lemon yellow to orange, and are crossed by six white bands, 
each containing a row of black dots. The hind wings vary in colour from pink to scarlet 
red, with an irregular border of black behind. The fringes of the wings are white. 

The under surface of both pairs of wings is of a deep red colour, with the front edge 
of the fore wings yellowish ; the white bands on the upper surface of the fore wings are 
not reproduced, but the black dots are more prominent, and being more or less confluent, 
appear as broken bands. The hind wings are marked nearly as above. 

The head is white, spotted with black ; the shoulder covers white, with some yellow 
at the base, and two black dots on each ; the thorax and abdomen whitish, the former 
with six black dots, the latter banded with black beneath. 


Drasteria Erichtea (CRAM.) 


8 we have this insect in the perfect state well represented. Although it is 
ig. 18. one of our commmonest moths, a day-flier, abundant al- 
most everywhere, yet we have never heard of its having 
had a common name bestowed upon it. We are not 
going to christen it, for we are no admirer of common 
names where they can be avoided, and we think they can 
in this instance. Drasteria erichtea is not harsh and un- 
pronounceable, as is the case with many, especially of our 
more recent names, as well as some that have been resur- 
rected, and those who do not care to burden their memories with both names, may drop 


the latter, and will still be understood if they speak of the moth as “the common Dras- 
teria.” 


3T 


-_—oOoOoO—CO—COe eee 


The female moth, when its wiugs are spread, will measure about one and a half 
inches; the male about a quarter of an inch less. The fore wings are grayish brown, 
with bands and dots of dark brown ; one band crosses the wing about an eighth of an inch 
from the base, and a second—which sometimes does not extend entirely across—is placed 
midway between the first and the outer margin. There is a dull patch of brown near the 
front edge of the wing, between the first and second bands, and two or three prominent 
black dots similarly situated between the second band and the apex ; the outer edge is 
also widely margined with brown. 

The inner portion of the hind wings is similar in colour to the front pair ; the outer 
half is crossed by two darker bands irregular in outline, the space between them being 
occupied by a paler hue, as also is the space between the outside band and the hind mar- 
gin, which latter is narrowly bordered with the darker shade. The markings on both 
wings vary much in intensity, being sometimes almost black, in other instances very 
faint. 

The under surfaces of both wings are much paler, with the markings of the upper 
surface partially but indistinctly produced. 

Drasteria erichtea appears among our earliest insects in spring, having passed the win- 
ter in the chrysalis state ; it is also found up to quite a late period in the autumn. It fre- 
quents fields and meadows, and open grassy spots along the sides of our railroad tracks. 
Its flight is sudden, and after a short but rapid course, it as suddenly alights. 

The caterpillar feeds on clover, and when full grown measures one and a quarter 
inches in length or more. It has a medium sized head, rather flat in front, with darker 
longitudinal lines, The body above is reddish brown, with many longitudinal lines and 
stripes of a darker shade. ‘There is a double whitish line down the back, with a stripe 
of the darker shade of brown on each side, and lower down, close to the spiracles, is 
another stripe of the same dark hue, while between these two are faint longitudinal lines. 
The spaces between the segments, from fifth to eighth inclusive, are nearly black above, 
a feature only seen, however, when the body is coiled up ; the larva readily assumes this 
attitude when disturbed. 

The under surface is a little darker than the upper, with many longitudinal lines of 
a still deeper shade, and a central stripe of blackish green from the sixth to the ninth 
segments. The feet and prolegs are greenish and semi-transparent, with faint lines and 
darker dots. This larva has but three pairs of prolegs, and hence it alternately arches 
and extends its body in progression. 

The specimens from which the above description was taken were full grown by the 
third week in September, when they became chrysalids, and remained in that condition 
until early the following spring. 


THE BeautiruL Woop Nympx (Ludryas grata). 


This moth (see fig. 19) is truly a beautiful creature. Its fore wings are creamy white, 
with a glossy surface, with a wide brownish purple stripe along the anterior edge, reach- 
Fig. 19. ing from the base to a little beyond the middle of the 

wing. On the outer margin is a broad band of the same 
hue, widening posteriorly, with a wavy white line run- 
ning through it, composed of minute pearly dots or scales. 
It is bordered internally with dull deep green. The 
brownish purple band is continued along the hinder edge, 
but it is much narrower here, and terminates a little be- 
fore it reaches the base. There are also two brown spots, 
one round, the other reniform, near the middle of the 
wing, often so suffused with pearly white scales as to 


Colours, creamy white and brownish oN fen 
purple, be indistinct above, but clear and striking on the under 


side. 

The hind wings are reddish yellow, with a broad brownish purple band along the 
outer margin, extending nearly to the outer angle, and powdered here and there with 
few whitish pearly scales ; there is also a faint dot on the middle of the wing, which is re- 
produced more prominently on the under side. The under surface of both wings is red- 


38 


dish yellow. The head is black, and there is a wide black stripe down the back, merging 
into a series of spots of the same, which extend nearly the whole remaining length of 
body. The sides of the body are reddish yellow, with a row of blackish dots close to the 
under surface. The fore legs are beautifully tufted with white, the shoulder covers also 
are white, and so is the under surface of the body. 

When this moth is at rest—that is, during the day time—its wings are closed like a 
roof over its back, and its tufted fore legs are stretched out. 

The insect passes the winter in the chrysalis state, emerging as a moth from the 
middle of June to the middle of July. The earliest recorded date we have of the appear- 
ance of the moth is June 25th. It is usually common during the last week in June and 
the first in July, when it may often be found in the day time fast asleep on the leaves of 
the grape vine. 

Soon after the moths appear they begin to deposit their eggs. These are among the 
prettiest and most beautiful of insect eggs ; at ¢, fig. 20 (after Riley), we havea view of the 
upper surface, and at f a side view of this charming Fig. 20. 
object. It is round and very flat ; its colour is yel- 
lowish or greenish yellow, with an enclosed ring of 
black placed a little beyond the middle, and some- 
times nearer to the outer margin. In the centre of 
the egg is a large, nearly round dot, and at a little 
distance from this a circle of smaller dots, from which 
arise a series of from 24 to 27 raised striae, diverging 
equally as they approach the outer edge, and crossed 
by many gracefully curving lines which interlace also the spaces between. 

When mature, the young caterpillar escapes from the upper part of the egg, lifting 
the centre and rupturing the portion placed over the black ring. In some cases we have 
observed the eggshell to be eaten by the newly hatched larva ; in others it remains almost 
untouched. The young larve have a strange habit of twisting their hinder segments and 
throwing them forward, resting on the anterior segments in a curious manner. At this 
age they eat small holes all over the vine leaves in different parts ; they are often solitary, 
but sometimes two or three may be found on a single leaf. 

When mature, the full grown larva appears as at a, fig 20; it is then nearly one and 
a-half inches long, tapering towards the head, thickening towards the posterior extremity. 
The head is of an orange colour, with a few round black dots and pale brownish hairs. 

The body above is pale bluish, crossed by bands of orange and many lines of black. 
Each segment, excepting the terminal one, is crossed by an orange band, all of which are 
nearly uniform in width, excepting that on the 12th segment, which is much wider. 
These are all more or less dotted with round black dots, from each one of which arises a 
single short brown hair. There are also crossing each segment six black lines, placed 
nearly at equal distances along each side, but with a wider space in the middle, where the 
orange band occurs. The twelfth segment is much raised, and the terminal one suddenly 
sloped. The under side is very like the upper, and also marked with orange and black ; 
feet and prolegs orange, spotted with black. 

The larve feed on Virginia Creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia) as well as on the grape- 
vine, and Mr. Bowles, of Montreal, has found them feeding on the hop. 

When full grown, they descend to seek some secure retreat in which to pass the 
chrysalis, or inactive stage of their existence. They are fond of boring into old pieces of 
wood, and in the chambers thus formed they find secure lodgment; they will also bore 
into corn cobs. When rearing them we have supplied pieces of cork for this purpose, 
and have had as many as twenty-one chrysalids enclosed within two small bungs about 
1} inches in diameter, and one inch thick. The excavation is but little larger than the 
chrysalis which is to rest in it; it is not lined with silk, but is made moderately smooth, 
and is furnished with a cap or cover composed of minute fragments of cork, formed into a 
sort of membrane by means of a glutinous secretion mixcd with threads of silk. When 
nicely finished, the surface of this cover is slightly glossy, the glossiness extending a little 
beyond the actual orifice, indicating that the glutinous matter has been of a thin consis- 
tence and has spread a little during its application. When the lid is lifted the head of 
the chrysalis is usually found quite close to it. 


39 


The chrysalis is about seven-tenths of an inch long, of a 
nearly uniform dark brown colour, and roughened with small 
blackish points or granulations. 

This insect is subject to the attacks of a parasite, a two- 
winged fly—a Tachina—probably the species known as the 
red-tailed Tachina fly, Hzorista leucania (see fig. 21, after 
Riley). It is not much unlike the common house fly in ap- 
pearance, is about a quarter of au inch long, with a white face, 

; large reddish eyes, a dark hairy body with four, more or less, 
distinct lines down the thorax, and patches of a greyish shade along the sides of the abdo- 
men. ‘The parent fly deposits her eggs on the back of the caterpillar, usually a short dis- 
tance behind the head, where they are cemented firmly by means of a peculiar secretion 
with which the insect is furnished. Three or four of these eggs are usually placed upon 
a single caterpillar, where, after a few days, they hatch, when the tiny worms eat their 
way through the skin into the interior of the body, where they feed upon the fatty mat- 
ters, instinctively avoiding the vital organs. When the caterpillar is about full grown it 
dies, and from its body emerge these three or four full-grown whitish grubs, which soon 
after their exit change to chrysalids. These are nearly one-fifth of an inch long, oval, 
smooth and of a dark brown colour, from which in due time the perfect flies escape. 


THE CYLINDRICAL ORTHOSOMA (Orthosoma cylindricum, FABR.) 


This formidable-looking, long-horned beetle, fig. 22, is very common in most por- 
tions of Ontario during the month of July. It flies at wight with a rapid and noisy 
flight, entering the open windows of lighted rooms during the 
evenings, often to the great alarm of nervous inmates. This 
beetle measures an inch and a quarter, or even more in length, 
and is about one-third of an inch in width. Its body is long 
and narrow, and of a light brown colour, which assumes a darker 
shade on the head and antenne. The thorax is furnished with 
three sharp teeth on each side, and each wing case has three 
slightly raised ribs or lines. 

The larva of this insect inhabits decaying pine wood, espe- 


Fig. 22. 


cially pine stumps, and is supposed to be several years in completing its growth ; it closely 
resembles the larva of its near relative, Prionus laticollis, shown in fig. 23 (after Riley). 
This latter, however, differs somewhat in its habits and appetite, seeming to prefer boring 
into and feeding on living roots, such as those of the Lombardy Poplar, Balm of Gilead, 
Apple, Pear, and especially roots of the Grape-vine ; in the latter case frequently causing 
the sudden death of the vines attacked. 


THE AMERICAN SILKWorM (T'elea polyphemus). 


In our Report last year we gave our readers a sketch of the life history of our regal 
cecropia moth ; the magnificent moth to which we now propose to refer is a fitting sequel 


Lat 
TEN 


to that. It is, we think, one of the handsomest creatures in existence, with an expanse 
of wing of from five to six inches. In fig. 24 we have a representation of the male 
moth; fig. 25 shows that of the female. 


Fig. 25. 


The moth is usually of a rich buff or ochre yellow colour ; sometimes inclining to pale 
grey or cream colour ; at others assuming a deeper, almost brown, colour. Towards the 
base of the wings they are crossed by an irregular pale white band, margined with red ; 
towards the outer margin is a stripe of pale purplish white, bordered within by one of 
rich deep brown. Near the middle of each wing is a transparent eye like spot, with a 
slender line across the middle ; those on the front wings are largest, nearly round, mar- 
gined with yellow, which is edged outside with black. On the hinder wings the spots are 
more eye-like in shape, are margined with yellow, with a line of black margined with blue 
above, and the whole set in a large oval patch of deep rich brownish black, the widest 
portion of the patch being above the eye spot, where also it is sprinkled with bluish 


41 


=———— $$$ $$$ = 


atoms. The front edge of the fore wings is grey. The antenne in both sexes are pectinate 
or toothed, those of the male (which are very beautiful) being much more deeply toothed 

_ than in the female—a character by which the sexes may be readily distinguished. This 
lovely creature flies only at night, and when on the wing is of such a size that it is often 
mistaken in the dusk for a bat. When at rest, the wings are held elevated above the 
body, like those of a butterfly ; but, if disturbed, they are spread out flat, both pairs being 
shown. Early in June the moths first make their appearance, and they may be found 
throughout that month. In a few days they pair, after which the female deposits her 
eggs, usually on the under side of the leaves of the oak, maple or hazel; they are gene- 
rally placed singly, but occasionally two or three may be found on the same leaf. 

The egg is about one-tenth of an inch in diameter, convex above and below, with the 
convex portions whitish and the nearly cylindrical sides brown. Mr. L. Trouvelot, of 
Boston, who has reared great numbers of these insects for the purpose of experimenting 
on the silk obtained from their cocoons, gives the result of his valuable observations in 
the first volume of the American Naturalist. He says that one hundred of the eggs, on 
the day they are laid, will weigh eight grains ; that one hundred and ten of the empty 
shells weigh only one grain, and that six thousand of the newly hatched worms will weigh 
about one ounce. They are not long, however, in increasing their weight ; in ten days 
they weigh ten times their weight at birth ; in twenty days, sixty times; thirty days, 
620 times ; forty days, 1,800 times; and in fifty-six days, 4,140 times their original 
weight, having consumed in this period about one hundred and twenty oak leaves, weigh- 
ing three-quarters of a pound. 


Fig. 26. The larva when fully 
grown appears as repre- 


sented in fig. 26; it then 
measures over three inches 
in length, with a very 
thick body. Mr. Trouve- 
lot thus describes its ap- 
pearance: “The head is 
of a light chestnut brown 
colour; the body of a 
handsome transparent 
light yellowish green, with 
seven oblique lines of a 
pale yellowish colour on 
each side of the body ; the 
segments are each adorned 
with six tubercles, giving rise to a few hairs, which are tinted sometimes with orange, 
with a silvery spot on the middle ; there are six rows of protuberances, two on the back 
and two on each side, and the oblique lines run between the two rows of lateral tubercles, 
uniting the lower one to the upper one by a yellowish line. The under side of the body is 
longitudinaily striped with a faint yellowish band; the spiracles are of a pale orange 
colour, and the feet are brown. The posterior part is bordered by a purplish brown 
angular line similar to the letter V.” 

Having reached maturity the larva begins to search about with a restless air among 
the branches for a suitable place in which to construct its cocoon. ‘The selection being 
made, ‘it now,” says Mr. Tronvelot, “feels with its head in all directions to discover any 
leaves to which to attach the fibres that are to give form to the cocoon. If it finds the place 
suitable, it begins to wind a layer of silk around a twig, then a fibre is attached to a leaf 
near by, and by many times doubling this fibre and making it shorter every time, the 
leaf is made to approach thetwig at the distance necessary to build the cocoon; two or 
three leaves are disposed like this one, and then fibres are spread between them in all 
directions, and soon the ovoid form of the cocoon distinctly appears. This seems to be 
the most difficult feat for the worm to accomplish, as after this the work is simply me- 
chanical, the cocoon being made of regular layers of silk united by a gummy substance. 
The silk is distributed in zigzag lines of about one-eighth of an inch long. When the co- 


42 


coon is made, the worm will have moved his head to and fro, in order to distribute the silk 
about two hundred and fifty-four thousand times.” , 

“ After about half a day’s work, the cocoon is so far completed that the worm can 
hardly be distinguished through the fine texture of the wall; then a gummy resinous sub- 
stance, sometimes of a light brown colour, is spread 
over all the inside of the cocoon. The larva con- 
tinues to work for four or five days, hardly taking 
a few minutes of rest, and finally another coating 
is spun in the interior, when the cocoon is all 
finished and completely air-tight.” The finished 
cocoon is shown in fig. 27. 

During this process of spinning, the larva, 
as might be expected, diminishes in size, which is 
due mainly to the enormous quantity of silk it 
has produced. Within two or three days after the com- 
pletion of the cocoon, the worm sheds its larva skin and 
enters upon the chrysalis stage of its existence. The 
chrysalis (see fig. 28) is of a dark chestnut brown colour, its 
hind segment being armed with a small brush-like cluster of 
hooks. Through the anterior segments the antenne, and 
—on a diminutive scale—the wings of the future moth may 
be clearly seen. In this condition the insect passes the 
winter, emerging as a moth in the following June. 

This insect, especially in the larval state, is subject to the attack of many foes. It has 
been estimated that ninety per cent. and upwards of the larva fall a prey to insectivorous 
birds ; the thrushes, catbirds and orioles are said to be especially active in this depart- 
ment. They also have their insect enemies. Besides the ordinary run of spiders, bugs, 
wasps, &c., they have a special and most dangerous foe in a species of Ichneumon fly, 
known as Ophion macrurum (fig. 29). This active crea- 
ture may often be seen in summer flying about, search- 
ing among the leaves of shrubs and trees for her law- 
ful prey ; having found the object of her search, she 
» watches her opportunity to place quickly upon the 
skin of her victim a small oval white egg. This pro- 
cess is repeated until some eight or ten eggs are placed, 
each one securely fastened by a small quantity of a 
glutinous substance attached to it for this purpose by 
the Ichneumon. In a few days these eggs hatch, 
when the tiny worms pierce through the skin of the 
caterpillar, and commence to feed on the fatty por- 
tions within. The caterpillar continues to grow, and 
usually lives long enough to make its cocoon, when it 
dies ; and in the following summer, in place of the 
moth there issues its enemy, the Ichneumon parasite. 


43 


ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 


By R. V. Rogers, Ktyaston, Ont. 


Tue Luna Mors (Actias luna, LINN.) 


If any of the insect host is a proof of high art in nature, and of the beauty of the 
Creator’s thoughts, it is most assuredly the fair creature whose name is mentioned above. 
Allied to families whose members are among the greatest of the insect world, and haying 
cousins and connections surpassing in size and beauty all others of their kingdom in this 
Dominion, still this moth is as pre-eminent above its fellows as is its namesake—the fair 
empress of the sky—above the lesser lights that rule the night. 

So conspicuous is the Luna in her royal robes that she has a right to feel slighted at 
being thus long almost unnoticed in the pages of the ENTOMOLOGIST, and now it is hard 
upon her to be described among ‘“‘ Some of our Common Insects ;” but blue blood always 
tells, and queenly grace and beauty will ever distinguish the Luna from among the pro- 
fanum vulgus of the Articulata. 

And now for a biographical sketch of this beauty from the cradle to the grave, and 
beyond that, after it assumes the resurrection attire, to that day when, its work accom- 
plished, it lays itself down that its body may mingle again with its parent dust. 

The eggs, which are more than one hundred in number, are of a dayk brown or choco- 
late colour, smooth and .005 of an inch in length; the sides are flattened and of a lighter 
shade. In a fortnight the little larvee begin to appear, making their escape into the 
outer world by eating an oval opening in the end of the shell. Now one can see that the 
inner surface of the egg is perfectly white. The little wriggling caterpillars, when they 
first emerge, are about .02 of an inch in length, and exhibit a black head, greenish on top 
and yellowish in front; a body black, adorned with two yellow spots on each segment, 
and decorated with numerous yellow hairs; the under part of the body and feet are of a 
light yellow. Some crawl about with the empty shell on their tails, others carry it as an 
umbrella over their heads, but the majority seem to discard it at once, as their human 
superiors do a friend from whom nothing more is to be expected. Some that I attempted 
to bring up by the hand, without the assistance of that most careful of mothers, Dame 
Nature, had in a week grown over a third of an inch in length, and showed the warts 
crowned with little hairs on each segment. In ten days they began to change their skin, 
haying eaten so much that their first clothes had become too tight for them. Now they 
showed a head and body of light green, with yellow knobs on each segment: the hairy 
appendages were not so numerous or distinct as before, and a few of those on the front 
segments were dark. Ina fortnight from its birth the largest one was nearly half an 
inch long, and when they had been in the land of the living for a month they were nearly 
an inch in length. When fully grown the head of the caterpillar is nearly elliptical in 
shape, and of a pearl colour; the rest is of a delicate pale and very clear bluish-green 
colour. A very pale yellow stripe extends along each side of the body, from the first to 
the tenth segment, just below the Jine of the spiracles ; and the back is crossed, between 
the rings, by narrow transverse lines of the same colour. After the manner of its kith 
and kin, each segment is adorned with small pearly warts—tinged with purple—five or 
six in number, each furnished with a few little hairs. At the end of the tail are three 
brown spots, edged above with yellow. 

When at rest, this magnificent caterpillar (which, by the way, is very similar to that 
of its congener, Telew polyphemus, save that the latter is destitute of the lateral yellow 
stripe, and the bands between the segments, the tail being bordered by a brown V-shaped 
mark) is nearly as thick as a man’s thumb; its rings being bunched and body shortened, 
the length is only about two inches, but when it sets out on its travels, it stretches itself 


44 


to about three inches. In the CanapIAN ENTOMOLOGIST (vol. vi., p. 86) Mr. Gentry 
describes an interesting va..ety in which the general colour is a dull reddish brown; the 
lateral and transverse stripes of yellow have vanished, the abdominal spots shine conspic- 
uously, but without the yellow edging ; the pearl-coloured warts with their purple edge 
have, however, assumed a richer hue, and blaze like a coronet of rubies. 

When the larva has passed its allotted days in eating the leaves of the hickory,beech, 
oak or walnut, and is thinking seriously of preparing its silken shroud and the 
casket in which it is to lie until its resurrection morn, it casts about and draws together 
two or three leaves of a tree, and within this hollow spins an oval and very close and 
strong cocoon of whitish silk. It is about 1? inches in length, of a chestnut brown on 
the outside ; very thin, and frequently rough on the surface ; covered with warts and 
excrescences, but seldom showing the print of leaves. Harris says that the cocoons are 
formed on the trees, and that they fall to earth with the leaves shaken off by autumnal 
gales; but other observers assert that the larva crawls to the ground just before its change, 
and there prepares for its future transformations. 

In this state, too, the Luna greatly resembles the Polyphemus, and many a collector 
having—after careful searching—got together a fair supply of what he deems Luna chry- 
salids, is greatly chagrined by finding dusky, one-eyed giant Polyphemi issue from the 
silken tombs, instead of a bright throng of empresses of the night in their delicate bridal 
attire. The Polyphemus cocoons are, however, white or dirty white ; rather smaller than 
the Lunas, with rounded ends ; sometimes angular, because of leaves moulded unevenly 
into the surface, and generally coated with a white powder. 

About the month of June the Lunas awake from their long and death-like sleep, 
burst asunder their cerements—having first loosened the compact threads by ejecting a 
liquid—and issue forth in all their glory, no more to be mistaken for the sober one-eyed 
Cyclopeans, but resplendent in gay attire. The wings, which expand from 4? to 5} inches, 
are of a delicate light green colour, and the hinder ones are each prolonged into a tail of 
an inch?and a half or more in length—longer, indeed,than those of the day-flying Papilios. 
Along the front edge of the fore wings is a broad purple-brown stripe, extending also 
across the thorax, and sending backwards a little branch to a glittering, eye-like spot near 
the middle of the wing. These eyes (of which there is one on each of the wings) are 
transparent in the centre, and encircled by rings of white, yellow, blue and black. The 
hinder borders are more or less edged with purple brown. All the nervures are very dis- 
tinct and pale brown. Near the body the wings are densely covered with hairs. The 
under sides are similar to the upper, except that an indistinct undulating line runs along 
the margin of both wings. 

As for the body that bears these lovely appendages, the thorax is white, sometimes 
yellowish or greenish, crossed by the purple-brown stripe that traverses the whole length 
of the upper edge of the front wings; the abdomen is of the same colour as the thorax, 
and covered with white hairs like wool. The head is white and small, and adorned with 
wide, flat and strongly pectinated antenne of a brownish tinge. The legs are purple- 
brown. 

Such is Luna in her various transformations to outward appearance ; notwithstand- 
ing her size and loveliness, her habits and peculiar instincts are not very noteworthy. 
The gift of superior beauty, as among the highest of animals so in the insect world, is not 
frequently accompanied by remarkable intelligence or superior sense ; and the most gaudy 
butterfly or moth is a fool in comparison with the dingy-coloured bee. The caterpillars of 
butterflies and moths have some various instincts—chiefly in the direction of silk spinning 
and sepulchre building—but the perfect insects only live “ to increase and multiply their 
race, and embellish nature. Their existence in the perfect state is usually very brief ; it 
is one of the prettiest of honeymoons, and often love subdues and destroys every other 
passion. The gourmandizing caterpillar is never troubled by the ardent flame which con- 
sumes even the thought of sipping the nectar of the flowers that rival in beauty the wings 
of the perfect representation of elegance and love. The early insect lives and eats, and the 
perfect form lives and dies.” 


45 


THE WESTERN LOCUSTS. 


BY THE REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE. 


In our last Annual Report (1874) we devoted a considerable portion of our space to an 
account of the Locusts (or grasshoppers as they are improperly termed), which were so 
: ~ destructive that year throughout 
large tracts of country in Man- 
itoba and the neighbouring re- 
gions of British America, and 
in many of the States between 
the Rocky Mountains and the 
» Mississippi River. We now pro- 
pose to supplement that account 
by information that we have 
gleaned from various sources, and that, we trust, will prove interesting to the reader. 

During the present year (1875) it is cheering to find that the extent of the plague 
has been very much diminished, and that many portions of the West are rapidly recover- 
ing from the devastation and suffering of the previous year. In the Province of Mani- 
toba, where very serious havoc has been committed by the insect, there are this year many 
localities where the injury is but trifling. To quote a correspondent of the Toronto Globe 
(October 30, 1875)—“ No better wheat and potatoes can anywhere be found than were 
lately harvested at Portage La Prairie and along the Red River between Fort Garry and 
Pembina, and in the neighbourhood of St. John. All this is spring-sown, in rich, well- 
drained land. Efforts in the infested regions, made by settlers and their families during 
the few hours in which the locust rested, such as building fires, surrounding the field or 
garden with a ditch into which the insects fall and drown, beating them with bushes, &e., 
have been successful in saving large parts of the crops.” On the other hand, he states : 
“Many of the farmers this year let their fields go waste rather than plant for the locusts 
to eat, as they had done for two years. In the gardens of Government House and of the 
Penitentiary, in the old field at Kildonan, and along the banks of both rivers, we saw 
the effects of the ravages. The garden of Deer Lodge was destroyed in a few hours.” 
With regard to the future he adds: “It is generally hoped that but little of this plague 
will be felt for some years in Manitoba. The grounds for such confidence are the histori- 
cal facts as to its periodicity, the great numbers of the parasites found on the specimens 
examined, and the fact that the locusts flew off without depositing their eggs. In lands 
where nature has dealt with less lavish hand the farmer might well hesitate to embark his 
means and labour in tillage ; but the great returns which the marvellously rich, deep soil 
of this Province will yearly produce, will doubtless allow an ample margin for periodical 
losses from this plague, and these losses too may be anticipated, and to a great extent met 
and lessened, by united skilful effort when the lands become settled, as no doubt they soon 
will be, with industrious farmers using all modern means of agriculture.” 

Another writer in the same newspaper (Mr. J. M. Machar—Daily Globe, Dec. 18, 
1875) gives the following information respecting Manitoba :—‘“ Between the Assiniboine 
and the southern shore of Lake Manitoba there lies a district of about ten miles sqnare, 
chiefly settled and farmed by emigrants from Ontario. These farmers have harvested, in 
spite of the grasshoppers, a two-thirds crop, which is better than an average crop in 
Ontario. Instead of sowing nothing, as did many of their neighbours in the parishes of 
Baie St. Paul and Francois Xavier, or watching the grasshoppers deyour what they had 
sown, as did most of the others, these brave men sowed in hope, and when the enemy 
appeared, turned out and fought him. I saw a forty-acre field of splendid wheat at Port- 


46 


SSS eee 


\ 


age Creek, which had been saved by spreading a swathe of straw across the middle of the 
field ; then the whole family armed themselves with boughs, and forming line drove the 
grasshoppers before them into the straw. When evening came a match was applied, and 
in five minutes nothing was left of the invaders but their horny coverings, which, at the 
time of my visit in August, still littered the ground in millions.” 


THE LOCUSTS IN THE WESTERN STATES. 


Throughout the Western States that lie beyond the Mississippi River, where last 
year fully one hundred thousand people were estimated to have been seriously affected 
by the plague of locusts—many being reduced to poverty and starvation—this year the 
actual suffering has been comparatively slight. From the official reports of the Department 
of Agriculture at Washington, we gather that the dreaded locust “seems to be perishing 
from the assaults of parasites; its demonstrations of destructive power were far less 
formidable than last year.” In the early part of the season very serious apprehensions 
were felt as to the safety of the crops in many localities, but as the summer advanced it 
was found that though much injury was inflicted in particular places, there was no such 
wide-spread havoc as in the preceding year. 

In the “Monthly Report” for May and June, for instance, it is stated that “‘ The 
destructive locust, Caloptenus spretus, has recommenced its depredations west of the line of 
the Missouri, and in some counties to the east of that river. It was reported that they 
were hatching in immense numbers in five of the counties of Minnesota. In some cases 
they were burned in great numbers in piles of straw. In Missouri they were very des- 
tructive in the north-western part of Vernon County ; in Platte they swept all the grain 
and grass crops ; they were also a terrible scourge in five other counties. (All of these 
suffered severely last year—they lie along the western boundary of the State.) In Kansas 
they had eaten all the stacked tame-grass hay and all the old meadows, twenty-five per 
cent. of the wheat, and most of the growing corn-plants ; in Marshall County they des- 
troyed wheat, oats and gardens; Leavenworth records the most terrible visitation yet 
known—the popular dismay is indescribable. Similar reports come from seventeen other 
counties. In some villages the streets are covered with these insects. Fruit-trees have 
in many cases failed to bear, from the fact that they were last year deprived of all their 
foliage and young-wood growth by these pests. From some counties come bitter complaints 
of the falsehoods of newspaper writers and others, palliating or denying the real extent 
of the disasters. These false representations are made in the interest of speculative pro- 
perty-holders, who fear a depreciation of their investments. In a few counties the injuries 
have as yet been small, but all such places are yet liable to destructive visitation. The 
cotton-plant was especially relished by these insects. In Nebraska they had destroyed 
twenty per cent. of the small grain, and were still at work. In Colorado they were nume- 
rous and destructive in three counties.” 

In the Prairie Farmer of the 29th of May it is stated that “the reports from the 
grasshopper regions of Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska are somewhat conflicting, yet on 
the whole a little more cheerful from many localities than they were last week. From 
Sedalia, Missouri, comes an account of three deaths from starvation. Ata meeting held 
at Jefferson City, it was stated that suffering in many parts of the State was imminent, 
and it was resolved that the Governor should appoint commissioners in every county of 
the State to solicit relief, and that collections for the sufferers should be taken up in all 
the churches on the Fast Day, June 3rd.” This ‘ Fast Day’ was appointed by proclamation 
of the Governor of the State of Missouri, as a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty 
God for deliverance from the plague of locusts, and was, on the whole, very religiously 
observed throughout the State. 

The same paper quoted above relates further that the ravages still continue in the 
neighbourhood of St. Joseph. ‘‘ The feeling regarding them varies with localities ; some 
are despondent, while others think the damage will be light. The people of Nebraska 
generally are reported to be very hopeful ; they believe that the entire corn crop at least 
will be saved. They have developed in patches, but are doing less harm than was an- 
ticipated.” 


47 


In the next issue of the Prairie Farmer (June 5th) a further account is given of the 
locust ravages, as follows :— 

“ Though in many localities the locusts have begun to try their wings, they do not 
yet seem ready for a prolonged or general flight. They seem to fly short distances in all 
directions, though we hear little of encroachments on new ground to the eastward. A few 
days more will settle the question as to direction and probable damage. All we know 
now is that in Missouri there is already considerable suffering among the people. A 
meeting was held at Independence on the 31st. From all portions of the county there 
came sad accounts of suffering. A relief committee was appointed. From Lexington we 
hear that the locusts are still at work, with no immediate prospect of leaving. A com- 
mittee for relief purposes has been appointed. At Fort Scott, Kansas, the pests are re- 
ported as on the wing for the north-west. At Olathe they are moving northward. We 
have few particulars from Nebraska, but from what we do hear, conclude that there is 
little cause for alarm. The same may be said of Minnesota. In Nebraska, however, 
there is developing disease among the people, resulting from the privations of the past few 
months. Scurvy prevails to a considerable extent.” 

The July “ Monthly Report of the Department of Agriculture” at Washington gives 
a record of the plague of locusts, from which we gather the following :— 

« They appeared in several counties of Minnesota. Blue earth offered a bounty for their 
destruction. About 20,000 bushels were collected and destroyed at a cost of $32,000, 
without perceptibly diminishing their numbers.” They were very destructive in three other 
counties, but were comparatively innocuous in the rest from which reports had come. In 
Iowa, Montgomery County had a very destructive visitation in the western part, the great- 
est injury being to the corn crop. They are also noted in eight other counties. In Mis- 
souri they did serious damage in several of the counties mentioned in the preceding 
month’s report. “They swept away all the crops in Clay County ; in Carroll they chewed 
tobacco.” In Texas they were injurious to the cotton-plant. In Kansas they inflicted a 
very serious amount of damage ; in three counties, three-fourths of the crops were de- 
stroyed ; they were “ very bad” in fourteen more counties ; while tighter visitations were 
reported from six others. In Nebraska they are reported as more or less injurious in 
thirteen counties. 

After this the various records show a brighter state of things, the numerous ravages 
already referred to proving, in many instances, much less serious than was at first ap pre- 
hended. A correspondent of the Prairie Farmer, writing from Johnson County, Nebraska, 
on the 29th of July, states that “the grasshoppers hatched and commenced eating the 
wheat on April 28th, and stayed with us until June 13th. They commenced flying when 
the wind was north-west, and continued to fly up to the 27th of June—some days partly 
in clouds that could be seen when three miles off, but they did not light much in our 
county. As to wheat, there may be one-third of a crop of inferior quality, but potatoes 
and grass never looked better. If nothing happens to the corn, it will be the largest crop 
raised in the county.” Another correspondent from the same State, writing a fortnight 
later, says: “We have splendid prospects for crops of all kinds planted since the grass- 
hoppers left. Most of our small grain has been harvested, threshed and marketed by the 
grasshoppers, and so far we have not received any returns ; but we have the best prairie 
grass | ever saw. If the frost holds off as late as usual, we shall have a large quantity of 
corn and buckwheat.” The ‘Monthly Report” from Washington, for August and Sep 
tember, mentions locust ravages in a few counties of the States of Minnesota, Iowa, Mis- 
souri, Kansas and Nebraska, but notices a great decrease in the reported devastations. 
“The pest,” it states, “is evidently declining very fast, and the earnest hopes of a cessa- 
tion of their ravages expressed by our correspondents appear to have a solid foundation 
in facts.” The very perceptible reduction in the extent of the plague is attributed to the 
immense development of parasites upon the bodies of the locusts. The reports for the three 
remaining months of the year all show that “ the plague was stayed” before it caused the 
utter ruin that was so widespread during the previous year. To give a few instances out 
of many :—A writer from Minnesota says, ‘‘ I cannot report in comparison with last year, 
as we then produced nothing of any account, owing to destruction by grasshoppers. This 
year all kinds of crops raised here are generally good. The end of the season finds the 
farmers in better condition than for three or four years.” Another from Clay County, 


48 


Missouri, writes : “ Since the destruction by the grasshoppers, crops of all kinds have 
grown beyond precedent as to quantity and quality. Food for stock is abundant, and 
pastures abound with rye instead of blue-grass.” A third, from Kansas, the State that has 
suffered most of all from the locusts, states that ‘the failure of wheat, oats, timothy, 
clover, flax, &c., by ravages of the grasshopper, caused the planting of an extraordinary 
breadth of corn, potatoes, beans, buckwheat and vines of all kinds, Then the finest sea- 
son for the growth of these crops has brought our farmers bountiful harvests of them.” 
Others from different parts of the same State write : “ Last year we had almost nothing ; 
this year we have great abundance.” ‘All our crops were destroyed last year, while this 
year they are all good.” “Last season we had nothing worth noting ; this season our 
crops are large beyond any precedent.” From Nebraska, it is reported that ‘“ neither 
corn nor potatoes were raised last year ; the whole crops were destroyed by grasshoppers ; 
this season we have the best crops ever raised.” 

From the foregoing Reports it is evident that the locust visitation of this year, though 
very alarming in the earlier portion of the season, has proved to be of only moderate im- 
portance. No doubt there have been here and there, in the infested region, individual 
cases of extreme suffering, but the general population have escaped without any serious 
hardship. Where the invading horde of locusts makes but one attack, there is no doubt 
that it can be repelled and got rid of by vigorous efforts, especially if the population is suf- 
ficiently dense to admit of concerted action over a considerable area; but, on the whole, it is 
apparent that natural causes alone have operated in the reduction of the great army, and 
that no human measures have had any appreciable effect in averting a repetition of the 
frightful sufferings of the ever memorable “ Locust Year,” 1874. 


MEANS OF REDUCING THE RAVAGES OF THE Locusts. 


In our Report of last year we gave an account of various methods that may be em 
ployed in the reduction of the ravages of the locusts ; since its publication much has been 
said and written in different quarters upon the same subject, as, from the vast amount of 
devastation caused by the insect, it had become a matter of supreme importance to the 
people of the whole continent, whether personally affected or not. Naturally, therefore, 
the subject came up for discussion at the meeting of the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science, held at Detroit in August last. Papers were there read by Dr. 
LeConte, of Philadelphia, retiring President of the Association, the most eminent of 
American Entomologists, and Professor Riley, the State Entomologist of Missouri, who 
has made the locusts a subject of personal study since their appearance in his State. As 
Dr. LeConte’s paper has already been quoted by Mr. Saunders in the earlier portion of 
this Report, we need only desire the reader to refer to it there. 

From Professor Riley’s paper, which was of considerable length, we make the follow- 
ing quotations, which the reader will observe set forth for the most part similar modes of 
prevention to those briefly suggested by us in our last Report (pages 40 and 41) :— 

“The means to be employed against the ravages of the locust in the more fertile 
country subject to its periodical visitations, but in which it is not indigenous, may be 
classed under five heads:—1. Natural agencies. 2. Artificial means of destroying the 
«wes. 3. Means of destroying the unfledged young. 4. Remedies against the mature or 
winged insects. 5. Prevention. 

“1. Natural Agencies.—These are, 1st., climatic conditions which induce disease and 
prevent the insect’s continued multiplication in much of the country it invades. 2nd. 
Natural enemies, consisting of birds, reptiles and mammals which devour, or in other ways 
destroy it, and of predaceous and parasitic species of its own class. The agencies in the 
first and last categories are beyond man’s control, and will do their appointed work unin- 
fluenced by his action ; but the others are more within his control. Almost all birds in- 
habiting the western plains feed upon the locust and its eggs, and the prairie chicken and 
quail are untiring in this good work. The States subject to locust ravages shculd pass 
more stringent laws for the better protection of these game birds, with which the markets of 
tle East are annually glutted. Many of the harmless reptiles—toads, snakes and lizards 
—should be spared from the ruthless war which most persons, ignorant of their habits, 
wage against them. 


49 


SS ee 


* 

“9. Artificial means of destroying the ggs.—The fact that man can accomplish most 
in his warfare against locusts by destroying the eggs, has long been recognised by Euro- 
pean and Asiatic Governments liable to suffer from the insects. The eggs are laid in 
masses, just beneath the surface of the ground, seldom to a greater depth than an inch ; 
and high, dry ground is preferred for the purpose. Very often the ground is so com- 
pletely filled with these egg-masses, that not a spoonful of the soil can be turned up with- 
out exposing them, and a harrowing, or shallow ploughing, will cause the surface to look 
quite whitish as the masses break up and bleach from exposure to the atmosphere. Great 
numbers will be destroyed by such harrowing or ploughing, as they are not only thereby 
more exposed to the attacks of natural enemies, but they lose vitality through the bleach- 
ing and desiccating influence of the dew, and rain and sun. If deeply turned under by 
the plough, many of them will rot, and the young that chance to hatch will come forth too 
late the next year to do much harm—providing the same ground be not re-turned so as to 
bring the eggs to the surface in the spring. Excess of moisture for a few days is fatal to 
the eggs, and they may very easily be destroyed where irrigation is practicable. Where 
stock can be confined and fed on soil filled with such eggs, many of these will be destroyed 
by the trampling. All these means are obviously insufficient, however, for the reason that 
the eggs are too often placed where none of them can be employed. In such cases they 
should he collected and destroyed by the inhabitants, and the State should offer some in- 
ducement in the way of bounty for such collection and destruction. Every bushel of eggs 
destroyed is equivalent to a hundred acres of corn saved, and when we consider the 
amount of destitution caused in some of the Western States by the locust invasion of 1874, 
and that in many sections the ground was known to be filled with eggs—that, in other 
words, the earth was sown with the seeds of future destruction—it is surprising that the 
Legislatures of those States did not make some effort to avert future injury by offering a 
liberal price per bushel for the eggs. A few thousand dollars taken out of the State 
treasury for this purpose would be well spent, and be distributed among the very people 
most in need of assistance. 

“3. Destruction of the Unfledged Young.—As I have stated in the articles already alluded 
to, heayy rolling, where the surface of the soil is sufficiently firm, destroys the larger portion 
of them, but is most advantageously employed when the insects are most sluggish. They 
drive almost as readily as sheep, and may be burned in large quantities by being driven into 
windrows or piles of burning hay or straw. But the experience of the present year convinces 
me that by far the most effectual way for man to protect his crops and do battle to these 
young locust armies—especially where, as in West Missouri, this spring, there was no hay or 
straw to burn—is by ditching. A ditch two feet wide and two feet deep, with perpendicular 
sides, offers an effectual barrier to the young insects. They tumble into it and accumulate, 
and die at the bottom in large quantities. In a few days the stench becomes great, and 
necessitates the covering up of the mass. In order to keep the main ditch open, therefore, it 
is best to dig pits or deeper side ditches at short intervals, into which the hoppers will accu- 
mulate, and may be buried. We hear much talk about the powerlessness of man before this 
mighty locust plague; but I am quite confident that here we have a remedy that is at once 
thorough and effectual, whereby the people of some of the States, at least, may avert in future 
such evil as that which befel them this spring. There have been a number of partial at- 
tempts at ditching by simply turning a couple of furrows with the plough. Even these will 
often divert the encroaching insects from their course; but they can never be relied on, and 
you may rest assured that whenever you hear a man declare that ditching is no protection, 
he refers to such sloyenly half-made ditches. No instance has come to my knowledge 
where a ditch, such as I first described, has failed to effectually keep off the insects. Made 
around a field about hatching time, no hoppers will get into that field till they acquire wings, 
and by that time the principal danger is over, and the insects are fast disappearing. If any 
should hatch within the inglosure, they are easily driven into the ditches dug in different parts 
of the field. 

* There are various other ways of catching and destroying the young locusts, as driving 
them into converging barriers by means of ropes dragged on the ground, with a person at 
each end, and then crushing them with shovels or burning them by means of torches made of 
rags and dipped in coal oil and attached to sticks ; catching them with nets, Xc. ; but nothing 

10 


50 


a ° 
equals ditching. As for protecting plants by the application of powders and liquids, I have 
come to the conclusion that it is out of the question. 

“Tf the eggs are duly destroyed, there will be no trouble from the young locusts ; but 
where these once abound, pecuniary inducement to collect and kill them should be offered by 
the State. It is one of the best means of giving aid and employment to the sufferers, who 
cannot pursue their ordinary avyocations till the plague measurably leaves or is banished. 

“Tn this connection I would also urge the employment of military force, a large amount 
of which, in times of peace, could be ordered into the field at short notice, 

“To many, the idea of employing soldiers to assist the agriculturist in battling with this 
pest may seem amusing and farcical enough, but though the men might not find glory in the 
fight, the war—unlike most other wars—could only be fraught with good consequences to 
mankind, In Algeria, the custom prevails of sending the soldiers against these insects. 
While recently in the south of France, I found, to my great satisfaction, that at Arles, Bouche 
du Rhone, where the unfledged locusts (Caloptenus Italicus, a species closely allied to the 
Rocky Mountain locust) were doing great harm, the soldiers had been sent in force to battle 
with them, and were then and there waging a vigorous war against the tiny foes. A few 
regiments, armed with no more deadly weapon than the common spade, sent out to the suffer- 
ing parts of Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska last spring, might, in a few weeks, have entirely 
routed this pygmean army, and |materially assisted the farmer in his ditching operations. 

‘CA few other suggestions, and I will dismiss this part of the subject. Hogs and poultry 
of every description delight to feed on the young hoppers, and will flourish where these abound 
~ when nothing else does. It will be well, in the event of a future invasion, for the people in the 
invaded districts to provide themselves with as large a quantity as possible of this kind of 
stock. Where no general and systematic efforts were made to destroy either the eggs or the 
young locusts, and it is found that, as spring opens, these young hatch out in threatening 
numbers, the intelligent farmer will delay the planting of everything that he cannot protect 
by ditching, until the very last moment, or till toward the end of June—using his team and 
time solely in the preparation of his land. In this way he will not only saye his seed and 
the labour of planting, and, perhaps, replanting, but he will materially assist in weakening 
the devouring armies. Men planted this spring and worked with a will and energy born of 
necessity, only to see their crops finally taken, their seed gone, and their teams and them- 
selves worn out. The locusts finally devoured every green thing, until, finding nothing more, 
they began to fall upon each other and to perish. This critical period in their history would 
have been brought about much earlier if they had not had the cultivated crops to feed upon ; 
and if by concert of action this system of non-planting could at first have been adopted over 
large areas, the insects would have been much sooner starved out and obliged to congregate in 
the pastures, prairies and timber. Moreover, the time required for early planting and _culti- 
vating, if devoted to destroying the insects after the bulk of them hatch out toward the end 
of April, would virtually annihilate them. 

“4. Destruction of Winged Insects—Man is comparatively powerless before the vast 
swarms that wing their way from their native breeding places, and this part of the sub- 
ject may be passed over in this connection. 

“5. Prevention.—What I have so far said is, perhaps, of more interest to the farmer 
than to the members of this association ; but in dealing with the fifth mode of counteract- 
ing the injuries of the Rocky Mountain locust, I appeal more especially to your wisdom 
and judgment. Prevention, in dealing with insect ravages, is always better than cure. ‘A 
little fire is quickly trodden out, which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench.’ The proper 
way to deal with this insect is to attack it in its native breeding places. 

“In my seventh Report I have shown that the insect is not autochthonous in much of 
the more fertile country it devastates, and that it never extends east of the 17th meridian. 
I have also given reasons for believing that the swarms from which we most suffer originate 
in the Rocky Mountain regions of Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and British America. Our 
efforts should be directed to its restriction within its natural limits. 

“In conclusion, the most important results are likely to flow from a thorough study 
of the Rocky Mountain locust in its native haunts and breeding places. By learning just 
when and how to strike the insect, so as to prevent its undue multiplication there—whether 
by some more extensive system of irrigation, based on improved knowledge of the topo- 
graphy wd water supply of the country, or by other means of destroying the eggs—we 


may hope to prevent the fertile States to the east from future calamity. This knowledge 
can never be acquired by any single individual. The subject is of national importance, 
and should receive the consideration of the National Government. It is not merely the 
question of saving to the nation, in future, such vast sums of money as this insect has 
filched from the producers of some of the Western States (amounting during the past 
three years to many millions of dollars) ; it is a question affecting the welfare of the whole 
commonwealth on the other side of the Mississippi, and the ultimate settlement of a vast 
tract of country extending from the base of the Rocky Mountains eastward, to which set- 
tlement the ravages of the locust in question offer the most serious obstacle.” 

We have quoted somewhat fully from Prof. Riley’s paper, as almost every word of it 
is just as applicable to the Dominion of Canada and the Province of Manitoba as to the 
United States and the State of Missouri. 

As a result of the papers of Messrs. LeConte and Riley, the standing Committee of 
the American Association authorized the circulation, for the signatures of members, of a 
memorial to the Congress of the United States ; we understand that it was signed by 
many most influential and distinguished members. : 

The text of the memorial wlll be found in the mtroductory portion of this report. 

Should the Congress of the United States accede to the prayer of this memorial, as 
we trust they will, it is earnestly to be hoped that the Legislature of the Dominion will 
appointa similar Commission, to co-operate with that of our neighbours in all matters that 
concern vast areas of the continent, and not merely particular localities. In the case of 
the locust, it is evident that an exploration of the British American portion of the Rocky 
Mountains lying between the 49th and 51st parallels of latitude, if not somewhat further 
to the north as well, is urgently needed with a view to the discovery of the native haunts 
of the insect, or at any rate to the settlement of the question whether it breeds within the 
limits of our country or not. Much indeed might be done by the addition of a competent 
entomologist to the staff of the various surveying parties that are from time to time sent 
out for the settlement of boundaries, and the surveying of railway routes. Should it be 
discovered that the locusts do deposit their eggs and come to maturity year after year in 
any special locality on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, then it would be a wise 
expenditure of public money to send a properly equipped party to the haunt of the enemy, 
and strive by every means to accomplish his extermination. The expenses of such a force 
would be a thousand times repaid by the saving of the erops and fruits of the farmers of 
Manitoba, and by the removal of what is felt by many to be a serious drawback to the 
settlement of the Province. Should our neighbours, however, south of the 49th parallel, 
not unite in the endeavour to keep the enemy in control, any labour on our part would be 
of little ayail. Just as a farmer cannot hope to exterminate the thistles from his fields, if 
those about him allow the weed to scatter its seeds with every wind that blows; so we 
cannot hope to free our own territory from recurring plagues of locusts, if the Govern- 
ment of the United States do not join with us in the work. In any case, however, it will 
be wise to lose no time in discovering, by careful exploration, whether the insect is in- 
digenous to British America or not. The settlement of this point will be one great step 
towards the accomplishment of an efficient protection against future invasions. 

Since the above was written we learn that a Bill has been introduced into the Senate 
of the United States by the Hon. Mr. Ingalls, for the Protection of Agriculture, and that 
it has been received and referred to a Committee. In the introduction of the Bill especial 
reference was made to thedepredations of locusts, chinch-bugs, army-worms, cotton-worms, 
the Hessian fly, &e. It was stated that the farmers of the United States are estimated to 
have suffered a loss last year of $200,000,000 by these insects, and that $40,000,000 would 
hardly cover the loss by locusts alone ; it was further declared that in seven counties of 
Minnesota $80,000 were expended in destroying 60,00 bushels of locusts. 

The Bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to appoint, upon the nomination of 
the National Academy of Sciences, a Commission, to consist of three eminent entomolo- 
gists, to serve five years, at a salary of $5,000 per annum each, and to be allowed travel- 
ling expenses, &c. They are to devote themselves to the investigation of insects most 
injurious to the great staples, especially the Rocky Mountain locust, the army-worm, 
chinch-bug, Hessian fly and cotton-worm. The results of their labours are to be reported 
to Congress at least once a year. 


52 


It is evident that the memorial of the American Association. referred to above, has 
already produced an effect upon the Legislature of the United States. We have little 
doubt that the Bill, with perhaps some slight modifications, will be passed by Congress ; 
and we have equally little doubt that, if the work is entrusted to the right men, we shall 
soon observe some very important results, that will speedily repay the nation many times 
over for any expenditure that may be incurred. We trust now that the matter will be 
brought before the consideration of the Legislature of the Dominion, in order that there 
may be the fullest co-operation with the work on the other side of. the line. 


Locusts AS AN ARTICLE OF Foon. 


The use of locusts as an article of food was referred to in our last Report, where, 
after mentioning various instances in which different species of the insect have been made 
use of in this way in many parts of the world, we stated that “it remains to be’ proved 
that a nutritious article of food may not be obtained from the Rocky Mountain locust 
(Caloptenus spretus); certainly it isan experiment worth trying ; if successful we should 
have a double benefit—the lessening of the numbers of the locusts and the supply of food 
wherewith to meet the famine that they have produced.” We are glad to find that our 
friend, Professor Riley, who has had excellent opportunities for the purpose, has’ made 
the experiment with decided success. From his paper on the subject, read before the 
American Association, we make the fellowing extracts :— 

“Whenever the occasion presented, I partook of locusts prepared in different ways, 
and one day I ate of no other kind of food, and must have consumed, in one form and 
another, the substance of several thousand half-grown locusts. Commencing the experi- 
ments with some misgivings, and fully expecting to have to overcome disagreeable flavour, 
I was soon most agreeably surprised to find that the insects were quite palatable, in what- 
ever way prepared. ‘The flavour of the raw locust is most strong and disagreeable ; but 
that of the cooked insects is agreeable, and sufficiently mild to be easily neutralized by 
anything with which they may be mixed, and to admit of easy disguise, according to taste 
or fancy. But the great point I would make in their favour is, that they need no elaborate 
preparation or seasoning. They require no disguise, and herein lies their value in ex- 
ceptional emergencies; for when people are driven to the point of starvation by these 
ravenous pests, it follows that all other food is either very scarce or unattainable. A 
broth, made by boiling the unfledged Calopteni for two hours in the proper quantity of 
water, and seasoned with nothing in the world but pepper and salt, is quite palatable, 
and can scarcely be distinguished from beef broth, though it has a slight flavour peculiar 
to it and not easily described. The addition of a little butter improves it, and the fla- 
vour can, of course, be modified with mint, sage aud other spices, ad libitum. Fried or 
roasted in nothing but their own oil, with the addition of a little salt, they are by no 
means unpleasant eating, and haye quite a nutty flavour. In fact it is a flavour, like 
most peculiar and not unpleasant flavours, that one can soon learn to get fond of. Pre- 
pared in this manner, ground and compressed, they would doubtless keep for a long time. 
Yet their consumption in large quantities in this form would not, I think, prove as 
wholesome as when made into soup or broth ; for I found the chitinous covering and the 
corneous parts, especially the spines on the tibiz, dry and chippy, and somewhat irritat- 
ing to the throat. This objection would not apply with the same force to the mature 
individuals, especially of larger species, where the heads, legs and wings are carefully 
separated before cooking ; and, in fact, some of the mature insects prepared in this way, 
then boiled and afterward stewed with a few vegetables and a little butter, pepper, salt 
and vinegar, made an excellent fricassee. 

“Lest it be presumed that these opinions result from an unnatural palate, or from 
mere individual taste, let me add that I took pains to get the opinions of many other per- 
sons. Indeed, I shall not soon forget the experience of my first culinary effort in this 
line—so fraught with fear and’so forcibly illustrating the power of example in overcom- 
ing prejudice. This attempt was made at an hotel. At first it was impossible to get any 
assistance from the followers of the ars coguinaria. They could not have more flatly re- 
fused to touch, taste or handle, had it been a question of cooking vipers. Nor love nor 
money could induce them to do either, and in this respect the folks of the kitchen were all 


53 


alike, without distinction of colour. There was no other resource than to turn cook myself 
and operations once commenced, the interest and aid of a brother naturalist and two intelli- 
gent ladies were soon enlisted. It was most amusing to note how, as the rather savoury 
and pleasant odour went up from the cooking dishes, the expression of horror and disgust 
gradually vanished from the faces of the curious lookers-on, and how, at last, the head 
cook—a stout and jolly negress—took part in the operations ; how, when the different 
dishes were neatly served upon the table and were freely partaken of with evident relish 
and many expressions of surprise and satisfaction by the ladies and gentlemen interested, 
this same cook was actually induced to try them and soon grew eloquent in their favour ; 
how, finally, a prominent banker, as also one of the editors of the town, joined in the 
meal. The soup sooh vanished and banished silly prejudice ; then cakes with batter 
enough to hold the locusts together disappeared and were pronounced good ; then baked 
locusts with or without condiments ; and when the meal was completed with dessert of 
baked locusts and honey & Ja John the Baptist, the opinion was unanimous that that dis- 
tinguished prophet no longer deserved our sympathy, and that he had not fared badly on 
his diet in the wilderness. Prof. H. H. Straight, of the Warrensburg (Mo.) Normal 
School, who made some experiments for me in this line, wrote : ‘ We boiled them rather 
slowly for three or four hours, season’ ‘he fluid with a little butter, salt and pepper and 
it made an excellent soup, actually ; wow like to have it even in prosperous times. Mrs. 
Johonnot, who is sick, and Proj. Johonn ; pronounced it excellent.’ 

“T sent a bushel of the scalded insects to Mr. Jno. Bonnet, one of the oldest and best 
known caterers of St. Louis. Master of the mysteries of the cuisine, he made a soup 
which was really delicious and was so pronounced by dozens of prominent St. Louisans 
who tried it. Shaw, in his Travels in Barbary (Oxford, England, 1738), in which two 
pages are devoted to a description of \the ravages of locusts, mentions that they are 
sprinkled with salt and fried, when they taste like craw-fish ; and Mr. Bonnet declared 
that this locust soup reminded him of nothing so much as crawfish bisque, which is so 
highly esteemed by connoisseurs. He also hewlarea that he would gladly have it on his 
bill of fare every day if he could get the insects. His method of preparation was to boil 
on a brisk fire, having previously seasoned them with salt, pepper and grated nutmeg, the 
whole being occasionally stirred. When cooked they are pounded in a mortar with bread 
fried brown, or a puree of rice. They are then replaced in the saucepan and thickened to 
a broth by placing on a warm part of the stove, but not allowed ‘to boil. For use, the 
broth is passed through a strainer and a few croutons are added. I have had a small box 
of fried ones with me for the past two months, and they have been tasted by numerous 
persons, including the members of the London Entomological Society and of the Sovieté 
Entomologique de France. Without exception they have been pronounced far better than 
was expected, and those tried in their own oil with a litéle salt are yet good and fresh ; 
others fried in butter have become slightly rancid—a fault of the butter.” 

Mr. Riley concludes his interesting account by saying, “I can safely assert from my 
own personal experience, that our Rocky Mountain locust is more palatable when cooked 
than many animals which we habitually use on our tables. I mention the species more 
particularly, because the flavour will doubtless differ according to the species, or even 
according to the nature of the vegetation the insects were nourished on. I have made 
no chemical analysis of this locust food, but that it is highly nourishing may be gath- 
ered from the fact that all animals fed upon the insects thrive when they are abundant ; 
and the further fact that our locust-eating Indians, and all other locust-eating people, 
grow fat upon them. 

“ Locusts vy “| hardly come into general use for food except where they are annually 
abundant, and o western farmers who occasionally suffer from them will not easily be 
brought toa due preciation of them for this purpose. Prejudiced against them; fight- 
ing to overcome tl xn, killing them in large quantities, until the stench from their decom- 
posing bodies becomes at times most offensive—they find little that is attractive in the pests. 
For these reasons, as long as other food is attainable, the locust will be apt to be rejected 
by most persons. Yet the fact remains that they do make very good food. When freshly 
caught in large quantities, the mangled mass presents a not very appetizing appear- 
ance, and emits a strong, and not over-pleasing odour ; but rinsed and scalded, they 
turn a brownish red, look much more inviting, and give no disagreeable smell. 


x 54 


“The experiments here recorded have given rise to many sensational newspaper par- 
agraphs, and I consider the matter of sufficient importance to record the actual facts, 
which are here given for the first time. 

“ Like or dislike of many kinds of food are very much matters of individual taste, 
or national custom. Every nation has some special and favorite dish, which the people 
of other nations will scarcely touch, while the very animal that is highly esteemed in one 
part of a country is not unfrequently rejected as poisonous ‘in another section. We use 
many things to-day that were considered worthless or even poisonous by our forefathers. 
Prejudice wields a most powerful influence in all our actions. It is said that the 
Irish, during the famine of 1857, would rather starve than eat our corn bread; and if 
what I have written shall in the future induce some of our western people to profit 
by the hint, and avoid suffering from hunger or actual starvation, I shall not have 
written in vain.” 

Like the mysterious individual who first tasted oysters, and introduced them to the 
favourable consideration of the world, we certainly think that Prof. Riley deserves the 
thanks of the community for his courage in making the experiment of eating locusts, 
and the zeal with which he carried it out. No donbt our north-western friends, in the 
Province of Manitoba, especially those of Frens,..»seent, who are usually more skilled 
in the arts of cookery than their Anglo-Sax: , or Irish neighbours, will ere long look 
upon Prof. Riley as a public benefactor—onc who has introduced a new and estimable 
addition to the luxuries of the table. 


2-0) 
| Si ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF THE 


PROVINCE OF ONTARIO/Y 


FOR THE YEAR 


18/6. 


Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly, 


Toronto : 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 25 WELLINGTON-ST-WEST 
om sontan |, 
1877. ‘ “A, 


154 


bs : i 


ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


ONTARIO, 


FOR THE YEAR 1876. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL, 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
President of the Entomological Society of Ontario ; Editor of the Canadian Entomologist , 


REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M. A. 


Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope ; Vice-President of the Entomological 
Society of Ontario ; 


AND 


JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 
London, Ontario. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, FOR THE 
YEAR 1876. 


To the Honourable the Commissioner of Agriculture : 


Sir,—I have the honour to submit, herewith, for your consideration, the Report of 
the Entomological Society of Ontario, for the year 1876, including a detailed statement 
of the receipts and expenditures during the year, all of which have been duly audited. 

The Canadian Entomologist, the monthly organ of our Society, continues to be regu- 
larly issued about the 15th of each month, and has, during the past year, contained a 


great many papers of much practical value. It has now nearly reached the close of its 
eighth volume, and throughout its issue it has been almost entirely filled with original 
matter: hence it has become such a depository of the results of entomological observa- 
tion, that no student of American entomology can dispense with it. Yearly it is growing 
in favour in European and American scientific circles, and continues also to carry on a 
good work in our midst by the diffusion from month to month of much valuable informa- 
tion in reference to insect life about us. 

The Annual Meeting of the Society was held this year in the City of Hamilton, dur- 
ing the time of the exhibition of the Agricultural and Arts Association, in accordance 
with the provisions of the Statute, when the various reports were read and approved, and 
the officers for 1877 duly elected. 

I have also the pleasure of submitting a Report on some of the noxious, beneficial, 
and other insects of the Province which have been prepared on behalf of the Society by 
Mr. Wm. Saunders, Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., and Mr. J. Williams. 

The pages of this Report will be found illustrated with many excellent cuts, a num- 
ber of which are entirely new; we have also a plate of a very excellent character, 
illustrating some of the insects treated of : a new feature in our Reports, and one which 
we believe will add greatly to their interest. 

I have the honour to remain, Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
ay J. H. McMEcHay, 
Secretary-Treasurer Entomological Society of Ontario. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The sixth annual meeting of the above Society was held in the Court House in the 
City of Hamilton, on the 20th day of September, when the various reports of the officers 
were read and adopted, followed by the delivery of the President’s annual address, a copy 
of which was requested for publication. 

The election of officers for the ensuing year then took place,with the following results :— 

President.—W. Saunders, London. 

Vice-President.—Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—J. H. MeMechan, London. 

Council.—Wm. Couper, Montreal; R. V. Rogers, Kingston ; E. B. Reed, and J. M. 
Denton, London ; J. Pettit, Grimsby. 

Editor of Entomologist—W. Saunders, London. 

Editing Committce.—Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope ; E. B. Reed, London ; 
and G. J. Bowles, Montreal. 

Library Committee.— Messrs. Saunders, Reed, Denton, and McMechan, London. 

Committee on Centennial Exhibition—W. Saunders, Rey. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., and 
J. H. McMechan. 

Auditors.—J. Williams and Chas. Chapman, London. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER. 


Receipts. 

To Balance froma 8 iiiceeeneieincccecacchchceveceareeic tics Llc de ban REO. 
«“ Qash refunded from Centennial account............0....0006 Fyaderb as 50 00 
“ Government Grant for Centennial exhibit....... ...cccececeeeee ee eeeeee 500 00 
Annual grant, 1876.......+e0sse0 : i 750 00 
6© Mem bers eekai:taeec ren es be cse.cesaspeiwois nsjes sidnunbadep ob os dy seen eeeaee 237 70 
“ Sales of corks, pins, &¢., to MeEMbELS. ...4. 1 ssc eveeeensecrsene sean eee . 107 32 


$1877 35 


Disbursements. 

By Canadian Entomologist, printing and paper.................. seer eeeees $391 71 
Mw Eingravings!/; D/.Jaee aed cscs bic vable chee @ 2's simu @usehRbeeeye 83 63 
“« Expenses of Annual Report ....0...00.......... neabldcasisiLvesaceesetaneny 84 00 
SLR DTATY;... Ssteedeccga ae Senreinaissaslistanstcics sceeswacescee spc a engeeeaterenet 42 47 
“ Editor’s salary........ REAM essa 5 ae phe Ee Mi lentes Tae ; 100 00 
“ Secretary-Treasurer’s salary....... ..0..ce. 000... eansesetieieintecearsa MDONOO 
“ Travelling expenses officers’ attending meetings................... 86 25 
“ Expenses, sundry small...... 9 CoP ci. ong ouoRGEe oO RBO BUH eBHEctocc aeliee Aan 38 72 
moment of tals |. . Mammen esc. tteeersesseesvesceere.., 80 00 
“ Cork, Pins, &c...... Pep aaur esr eclonsadelscinns.ssinaiaas\\2 vnedat'os scneseeeonend coe 163 46 
*“. Collection California Pakeourera sc. oe 1 Bs ah) ally 
“ Centennial Exhibition expenses....................., ssesecscesseesese 541 39 
“ Balance cash on TT oo BURR ns ea 1S 185 60 

$1877 35 


We certify that the above is a correct statement of accounts for the year ending, 
September, 1877, as shown by the Treasurer's Books, with vouchers for disbursements, 


Cuas. CHAPMAN, 


J. WILLtAMs, \ auditors 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 


It is our pleasing duty, at this the sixth anniversary of our Society, to draw attention 
to the inereasing importance of its work, and the growing interest manifested by many 
in its welfare. The importance of the study of insects is yearly becoming more felt, so 
much so that it is being introduced in common with other departments of natural history 
in some of our best schools, 

The preparation of the collection of Canadian insects by our Society for the Centennial 
Exhibition has been a great success. When we ventured the opinion in our last report that 
this collection would prove an interesting feature in the Canadian Department, and would 
be in every way worthy of our Society, we scarcely looked for the magnificent display;which 
has since been brought together ; a collection of our insects far surpassing anything ever 
before seen. This collection will, it is hoped, be preserved as far as possible in its present 
condition, as a collection of reference for the use of our members. In this way it will be 
of great service to many who have hitherto found great difficulties in the way of procur- 
ing the correct names of insects on which they had recorded observations, or which they 
had collected for their cabinets. 

The meetings of the Entomological Glub of the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science were held at Buffalo, beginning on the 22nd day of August. Our 
Society was represented by three of its prominent and active members : our President, 


conclusions were reached in reference to entomological nomenclature, and a series of rules 
presented and partially adopted which we hope will greatly tend to the permanency of the 
names of our insects. Many interesting features of insect life were brought under the 
notice of the members, and geveral important papers read. A full report of these meet- 
ings will be found elsewhere. 

The eighth volume of our monthly magazine is nearly completed, and fully sustains 
the reputation it has hitherto acquired as a valuable medium for the publication of original 
observations on insects. In such a journal as ours the great bulk of the matter must 
necessarily be scientific, and cannot be void of technicalities ; yet we are pleased to record 


the efforts which have been made to present our readers who are not deeply versed in the 
science of Entomology with such matter as will interest and instruct them. 

Our branches in London, Montreal, and Kingston, are still carrying on the good 
work in their respective spheres ; we hope that the coming year will witness a large acces- 
sion to the number of their members. 


Submitted, on behalf of the Council, by 
J. H. McMecHan, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LONDON BRANCH. 


The annual meeting of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario 
was held on the 18th day of January, 1876, at the Society’s rooms. 

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and approved, and the usual routine 
business transacted, the following gentlemen were elected as officers for the year 1876 :— 
President, G. Geddes ; Vice-President, H. B. Bock ; Secretary-Treasurer, J. M. Denton ; 
Curator, Chas. Chapman; Auditors, J. H. MceMechan and J. H. Griffiths. 

The annual report of the Secretary-Treasurer, which had been duly audited, was 
then read, conveying the pleasing intelligence that there was a balance to the credit of 
the Branch, after all the current expenses of the year had been defrayed. 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE LONDON BRANCH. 


The Council of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario feel 
gratified at the continued interest manifested in Entomological matters by our members. 
This interest and zeal was especially apparent during the earlier months in the year, when 
the collection of the Parent Society was being prepared for exhibition at Philadelphia. 
Then meetings were frequently held, and labours in connection with this undertaking 
assiduously followed day after day, and we believe that to the efforts of the members of 
the London branch may be attributed a large measure of the success which has attended 
the preparation of this collection ; the pledge given last year that our members would do 
their utmost has certainly been fully redeemed. Following the completion and shipment 
of this collection, Centennial engagements and the approach of the collecting season inter- 
fered for a time with the regularity of our meetings. ie 

Some interesting additions have been made to the collections of our members during 
the summer by captures at sugar, and otherwise, further establishing the favourable posi- 
tion of London and its surroundings as a collecting ground. We hope that with the in- 
creased facilities for naming insects which will be afforded by the return of the Society’s 
collection from Philadelphia, that many will be attracted to our ranks, and thus the in- 
terests of Entomology be still further subserved. 

On behalf of the Council, 
Joun M. DENTON, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. 


The third annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of 
Ontario was held on the 2nd of May, 1876, when the following officers were elected for 
the ensuing year :—President, G. J. Bowles ; Vice-President, F. B. Caulfield ; Secretary- 


5 


ET TE 


Treasurer, Geo. B. Pearson; Curator, C. W. Pearson; Council—W. Couper, H. H. 
Lyman, and Robert Jack. 

The reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read and adopted. 

All business communications to be addressed to G. B. Pearson, 83 Cathcart Street, 
Montreal, P.Q. 


ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH OF 
THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


Your Council, in presenting their third Annual Report, would congratulate the 
Society on the solid progress made during the year. Although the membership has not 
increased, much good work has been accomplished, and great interest taken by the mem- 
bers in the study of our science. The monthly meetings have been well kept up during 
the year, and many interesting insects, both native and foreign, brought before the mem- 
bers. Your Council would remark, that as the result of your labours, the Lepidoptera of 
the district have been well worked up, and some progress made with the Coleoptera and 
Orthoptera. The other orders, however, have been comparatively neglected. 

Your Council would recommend the members to collect all the orders, so that the 
work of the Society may be better developed and material gathered for future study. 

The following papers have been read during the year :— 

“On the extraordinary flight of Danais Archippus,” by Geo. B. Pearson. 

“The excursion of the Montreal Branch on Dominion Day,” by Geo. B. Pearson. 

“List of Voctwide taken at sugar, at Chateauguay Basin, on Ist July, 1875,” by F. 
B. Caulfield. 

“ Description of a new species of Dryocampa,” by G. J. Bowles. 

“ Notes on Biston Ursaria—Walker,” by G. J. Bowles. 

“List of Lepidoptera, collected at the Godbout River,” by W. Couper. 

“Notes on sugaring for Voetwide,” by F. B Caulfield. 

“ Notes on the remarkable variations of Colias Philodice,” by Geo. B. Pearson. 

‘Description of the larve: and chrysalis of Grapta interrogationis,” by H. H. Lyman. 

“Notes on some species of Orthoptera occuring on the Island of Montreal,” by F. B. 
Caulfield. 

“ A proposal to compile the Montreal Catalogue,” by G. J Bowles. 

“On Seudder’s historical sketch of the generic names proposed for Butterflies,” by 
W. Couper. 

“On Platysamia Columbia,” by F. B. Caulfield. 

“List of the Diurnal Lepidoptera of Portland,” by H. H. Lyman. - 

“List of the Bombycide, occurring at Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield. 

“Our work,” by C. W. Pearson. 

“List of Noctwid@ occurring at Montreal,” by F. B. Caulfield. 

“On the Snow Fly found in April, at Riviére du Loup en bas,” by W. Couper. 

Your Council have great pleasure in thanking our worthy President for a valuable 
check-list which he has compiled, for cataloguing the insects of all the orders occurring on 
the Island of Montreal. This is a work that was very desirable. On the kind invitation 
of Robert Jack, Esq., the members proceeded to Chateauguay Basin on the Istof uly 
last year, and spent a very pleasant and profitable day in collecting in that neighbourhood, 
and in enjoying the generous hospitality of Mr. Jack and his family. 

The following books have been donated to our library during the year :— 

Vol. I. “Memoirs of the American Association for the Advancement of Science,” 
donated by S. H. Scudder, Esq. 

“ Revision of the hitherto known species of Chionobas in North America,” donated 
by S. H. Scudder, Esq. 

“ Notes on some New England Orthoptera ;” “ The Two Principal Groups of Urbi- 
cole (Hesperide) ;” “ Notes on the Species of Glaucopsyche from East North America ;” 
“Entomological Notes,” Nos. 1, 3, and 4; “ An Historical Sketch of the Generic Names 


Proposed for Butterflies ;” “Recherches sur les Mceurs des Fourmis Indigenes,” by 
P. Huber; “De partibus quibus insecta spiritus ducunt,” by Christianus Loewe, all of 
which were generously donated by 8. H. Scudder, Esq., of Cambridge, U.S. “ Entomo- 
logical Contributions,” Nos, 1, 2, and 3, also kindly donated’ by J. A. Lintner, Esq., of 
Albany, New York, and vols. 1, 2; and 3, “Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural 
Sciences.” 

“Notes on the North American Lepidoptera contained in the British Museum ;” 
“ List of the North American Platyptirices, Attaci, etc., etc., with Notes ;” ‘ List of the 
North American Noctuidee,” two numbers, all of which were generously given by Aug. 
R. Grote, Esq., Buffalo, New York. 

All of which is respectfully subinitted. 


WILLIAM CouPER, Gro. JNO. BowLEs, 
Chairman. President. 
G. B. PEARSON, 
Seerctary- Treasurer. 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


To the Members of the Entomological Society of Ontario -— 


GENTLEMEN,—In accordance with time-honoured usage, it devolves upon your retiring 
President at the close of another year of the existence of our Society to offer you a few 
remarks bearing upon the objects and interests of our body, or of Entomology in general. 

And first, gentlemen, I desire to congratulate you on the continued prosperity of our 
Society and the increasing interest felt and manifested in the furtherance of the chief 
objects we as an organization have in view, viz., the diffusion of practical information in 
reference to the life history and habits of our insects, so that we may be able to distin- 
guish our friends from our foes, and thus be placed in a position to apply intelligently 
such remedial measures for the check of insect ravages as experience may suggest to be 
most practical and effective. 

During the past year circumstances have arisen which have brought our Society more 
prominently before our people than ever before, notably the fact of the accumulation of 
that grand collection of Canadian insects which we have prepared and forwarded to the 
Centennial Exhibition in Philapelphia. My esteemed predecessor, in his annual address 
last year in Toronto, referred to this proposed work, and expressed himself as confidently 
anticipating the active co-operation of our members in all sections of our country. The 
result has more than realized our fondest hopes ; our members entered most heartily into 
the work, bringing together a collection of Canadian insects far surpassing anything ever 
before seen. The carrying out of the details of this work was entrusted last year to a 
special committee, consisting of Messrs. Bethune, Saunders and McMechan, and upon 
consultation it was resolved to accumulate all the material for this collection at the Society’s 
headquarters in London, and there make such selections from the insects sent as might 
seem desirable. All our members in London who hat collections, freely placed them 
entirely at the disposal of the committee, while many of those resident in other localities 
throughout the country expressed their readiness to contribute anything or everything 
in their power to fill up blanks in the desired series of specimens. 

As is usual in such cases, the bulk of the work of arranging, classifying and labelling 
specimens fell upon a few individuals. It affords me much pleasure to have the oppor- 
tunity of naming especially one who has laboured most assiduously and has contributed 
more than any other person towards the success of this enterprise ; I allude to my esteemed 
friend, Mr. Johnson Pettit, of Grimsby, who arranged the entire collection of Coleoptera 
and freely contributed from his own stores—the accumulation of years—a large propor- 
tion of the specimens. The extreme neatness and care manifested by him in the mount- 
ing and arrangement of the insects has been the admiration of all, and some idea of the 


accuracy of his determinations may be arrived at when I say that such authorities as Dr. 
Horn and Dr. LeConte, of Philadelphia, after a critical scrutiny of the whole series of Col- 
eoptera, filling some twenty-seven cases in all, could only detect two or three errors, and 
these among the smallest and least conspicuous specimens ; such results reflect great credit 
on the labours of our esteemed coadjutor. In the arrangement of the other departments, 
your President was ably aided by several gentlemen, notably Messrs. E. B. Reed, J. M. 
Denton and G. Geddes, of London ; indeed, all our London members were ever ready to 
render all the assistance in their power. 

The expenses necessarily attendant on this work have been considerable. The making 
and lining of suitable cases in which to display the insects, the printing of labels, &., and 
the numberless outlays entailed by the transmission of specimens to and fro from all parts 
of the country, as well as many other incidentals which it is needless to enumerate here, 
combined, have involved a large outlay. This has been chiefly met by a special grant of 
five hundred dollars from the Government of Ontario, the remainder being drawn from 
the Society’s resources. 

To make the collection as perfect as possible, as far as accurate naming is concerned, 
the doubtful specimens in the orders most largely represented were submitted to the ex- 
amination and correction of specialists. The entire collection of Lepidoptera was carefully 
gone oyer by Prof. A. R. Grote, of Buffalo, who generously placed his services at the dis- 
posal of the Society for this purpose, and twice visited London in order to complete the 
work. Dr. Horn also kindly rendered all possible aid in the determination of such Col- 
eoptera as were sumbitted to him, and to Dr. A.S. Packard we are indebted for naming 
some of the Geometride. 

The collection arrived safely and in good condition in Philadelphia, where it at once 
attracted much attention. The whole display consisted of eighty-six glass cases, forty- 
five of which were filled with Lepidoptera, twenty-seven with Coleoptera, and the remain- 
ing fourteen occupied by the other orders, the whole arranged in a double row on a suitable 
stand seventy-siz feet in length, in the Canadian Department in Agricultural Hall. 

There were no other collections on exhibition in Philadelphia which would compare 
favourably with that sent by our Society. There was a very good one in the United 
States Government Building, from the Department of Agriculture in Washington, arranged 
by Prof. Townend Glover ; this, however, consisted chiefly of Lepidoptera. 

There was a small collection shown in the Canadian Department, adjoining that of 
our Society, consisting of four or five cases, containing Canadian insects, representing the 
various orders ; they came, I believe, from Montreal, but I did not succeed in finding the 
name of the party to whom they belonged. Through the neglect or carelessness of our 
Canadian Commission, neither this collection nor that of our own Society wre mentioned 
in the official catalogue, do not appear to have been entered as belonging to any depart- 
ment of the exhibition, and hence were not examined at all by the Centennial judges. 
Had it been otherwise, we should no doubt have been honoured with awards which, in 
the case of our Society, if we may judge from the laudatory comments of those best able 
to form an opinion, were well deserved. 

Tn the Kansas State Building there was a collection from the State Board of Agri- 
culture, arranged by Prof. Snow, consisting of thirty cases : sixteen of Lepidoptera (seven 
of butterflies and nine of moths), five of Coleoptera, two Neuroptera, two Orthoptera, 
three Hymenoptera, one Diptera, and one Hemiptera. These were very well set up, 
classified, and nearly all named, and were very creditable to Prof. Snow and the Board by 
whom they were sent. There was, nevertheless, one drawback to viewing them with any 
satisfaction : the dust was allowed to accumulate on the glasses to such an extent as to 
obscure the objects contained. 

There was a collection from Brazil, shown in the Brazilian Department in the Main 
Building. This, we were told, was the work and property of a private gentleman residing 
in Rio Janeiro ; it was arranged in thirty-five cases, thirty-one of which were Coleoptera 
and four Lepidoptera. This collection was very much mixed ; there was no attempt 
made to name the insects, except to the extent of partially indicating the family names. 
Neither was there much effort towards a correct classification ; they seemed to be partly 
arranged with regard to their natural relationship and partly with the view of display. 
Among the butterflies and moths there were some superb specimens whose brilliance at- 


tracted much attention. There were also some very beautiful and interesting things among 
the Coleoptera. The Curculionide were very brilliant and numerous in species, with forms 
greatly varied ; the Cerambycide were also remarkable, handsome, and largely represented, 
some of them of great size. We noticed one enormous Prionus fully six inches long ; the 
Cetonias were also very beautiful. Some of the Buprestidee were wonderfully brilliant 
with metallic shadings, and the Chrysomelidee very numerous, and some of them very 
charming, the Cassidex being largely represented. Among the Scarabeide there were some 
enormous specimens, among others, species of Copris with remarkable horns, and some 
brilliant species of Onthophagus; there were also a number of very handsome Eaters. 
One of the rarities in this collection was a fine example of Hypocephalus armatus, an ex- 
tremely rare insect about two inches in length, and of which it is said there are only two 
or three known specimens in collections. The more brilliant Brazillian insects, especially 
the Coleoptera, are largely employed by the inhabitants of that country in the ornamenta- 
tion of jewellery and other fancy articles, often associated in the latter case with the 
feathers of their brilliant plumaged birds. 

In the Department of Queensland there was a large case, filled chiefly with Lepidop- 
tera in a fine state of preservation, embracing many very beautiful and strange-looking 
things ; almost the only familiar objects among them were specimens of Danais archippus. 
In this instance, also, none of the specimens were named, which detracted greatly from 
the interest which would otherwise have attached to them. We learned that this collec- 
tion had been sold for $150 to Mrs. Brigham, of New York, a lady who, we believe, takes 
a deep interest in Entomology, and who has a very large and handsome collection of 
Lepidoptera. ; 

The Orange Free State of South Africa exhibited two cases of insects, among which 
there was a curious admixture of millipedes, scorpions and spiders, arranged in a semi-or- 
namental manner. One case contained chiefly Coleoptera, with a few Hymenoptera, 
Hemiptera and Orthoptera. Among the Coleoptera there were some curious and beautiful 
forms, especially among the Cetonide and Cerambycide ; also some handsome Scara- 
beans, Chrysomelans and Cureulios. The second case was filled mainly with butterflies, 
among which there were a few very handsome ones. That cosmopolitan species, “ the 
painted lady,” Cynthia cardui, was represented by several specimens ; there was also a 
Sphina closely resembling the death’s-head moth of Europe, and a Utesthesia very like our 
bella. Besides these there were a number of very curious and handsome moths, with a 
few Orthoptera and Neuroptera. No attempt was made in the way of naming anything 
in this collection, nor any effort at classification. 

An American gentleman, whose name I did not learn, had a very curious exhibit of 
insects in Agricultural Hall, of a purely ornamental character, in three cases. One wasa 
circular arrangement, and was built up chiefly with butterflies and moths ; the other two 
represented public buildings and were constructed of beetles; the specimens were im- 
mensely numerous and well preserved ; the whole arrangement indicating great ingenuity 
and perseverance on the part of the collector. 

India had a very fine exhibit of silks, raw and manufactured, with the insects and 
cocoons from which they were obtained. The Tusseh silk-worm moth, Anthere paphia, 
is very handsome, not unlike our polyphemus ; the cocoon is egg-shaped, and yields a very 
strong-looking silk. The Bombyx Huttonii, or wild silk-worm moth, is also very pretty ; 
in form it resembles B. mori, but its wings are beautifully marked and tipped with 
brown. 

It was very gratifying to observe the prominence given to the study of Natural 
History in the Educational Departments of many of the nations thus represented at the 
Centennial. Nearly all of them had small collections illustrating the course of teaching 
in this branch of study, and in nearly every instance Entomology occupied a prominent 
position. In the model schools of Sweden and Belgium this was very noticeable ; also in 
the Russian exhibit, where there were cases of insects of all orders, including in many in- 
stances the blown larvz very neatly set up. Inthe same department inthe Japan exhibit 
there were similar cases fairly classified, illustrating the various orders. The Chinese 
make use of insects, too, but with them they are used as medicines ; among their materia 
medica collections we observed dried caterpillars, the empty pupa cases of a species of 
Cicada, and other similar substances, all extolled as possessing rare medicinal virtues. 


The bringing together of such an immense number of agricultural productions as are 
now on exhibition in Philadelphia, including almost every variety of grain, peas, beans 
and other useful productions on the face of the globe, affords a favourable opportunity for 
the introduction of any insect pests which may infest these articles in the country of their 
growth ; these, if introduced and acclimatized, may attack similar or related products in 
this country, unless precautions are taken against their dissemination, and thus we may 
have new foes to fight which may be very difficult to contend with. The American Cen- 
tennial Commission, who do not seem to have overlooked anything, have, with wise fore- 
sight, appointed a special Commission of eminent Entomologists to report on the insects 
introduced along with the products exhibited. This report will be looked forward to with 
much interest by agriculturists as well as Entomologists. 

The Agricultural Building in which our insects were shown, was well supplied with 
skylights, which admitted a flood of light on everything below. Exposure to this brilliant 
light for so many months has had a damaging effect on the colours of some of our Lepid- 
optera, the moths being much more faded than the butterflies ; this fading is especially 
noticeable in insects having any red colours on their wings, such as the Catocalas and 
Arctians ; many of these, however, can be replaced without much difficulty. 

Suitable arrangements have been made for the careful packing and re-shipping of 
the insects at the close of the Exhibition, when they will be forwarded to the Society’s 
rooms in London, Ont. Here it is proposed to keep the collection as far as possible un- 
disturbed, where it will serve a good purpose as a collection of reference for collectors to 
name their specimens from. Mr. Pettit has kindly consented to allow all that he has 
contributed to remain in the Society’s rooms, and all the London members will follow his 
example. Mr. Wm. Couper, of Montreal, has generously donated all he has sent to the 
Society, and I doubt not that most of our other friends in Montreal and elsewhere, who 
have contributed to the collection, will allow such of their insects as are not represented 
in our cabinets in London, to remain at least for a time, when no doubt most of them 
could be replaced. The advantages which will result to our Society from the possession 
of a collection so well worked up and so correctly named, can scarcely be overestimated, 
affording as it will, conveniences to collectors for naming specimens such as we have never 
had before. If for no other reason, we shall, in the possession of these advantages, always 
have cause to remember with pleasure the hundredth anniversary of American indepen- 
dence. 

The continuance of the organ of our Society, the Canadian Entomologist, has also 
contributed greatly to the maintenance of the interest felt in our Society. During the 
past year important matters have been discussed in its pages, and a mass of new facts, 
throwing light on the habits and life history of many of our insects, placed before our 
readers. Much space has also been given to the important department of descriptive 
Entomology. Indeed, I scarcely think we should be deemed presumptuous in saying that 
our little journal is an important bond which does much to bind together the brotherhood 
of Entomologists throughout America. 

The recent action of American Entomologists on the subject of Entomological nomen- 
clature claims more than a passing notice. At the meetings of the Entomological Club 
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, held last month in Buffalo, 
N.Y., this important subject was discussed and conclusions reached in reference to it 
which, I hope, will greatly tend to the stability of our nomenclature, the great end and 
aim which all parties claim to have in view. Amidst the conflicting opinions held by 
leading Entomologists on this subject, it was scarcely to be expected that entire unani- 
mity could be secured ; but it was most gratifying to notice the conciliatory spirit mani- 
fested by all, and the desire apparently as far as possible to meet each other’s views. A 
series of resolutions touching on important points was presented by the Committee named 
last year to report on this subject, and on some of these they were unanimous, while on 
others there was a divided opinion. Those rules which were unanimously adopted will, 
it is understood, be strictly carried out by all who were present, while those on which 
there was expressed a divided opinion will, in the meantime, be left to be acted on or not, 
as the individual choice may dictate. Although this does not leave the subject in as 
satisfactory a state as entire unanimity would have done, still it was felt that by the 
action taken very much had been done towards settling some of the disturbing elements 


10 


which interfere with the fixity of nomenclature. A report of these important meetings 
will be found in the Entomologist ; we commend them to the careful perusal of our readers. 
Our own Society was well represented in this gathering by the presence of the Rey. C. 
J. S. Bethune, M.A., E. Baynes Reed, and your President. 

I shall not attempt, gentlemen, to trespass longer on your time and patience. Thank- 
ing you for your kind partiality in electing me to fill so important an office among you, 


I have the honour to be, very sincerely yours, 


Wm. SAUNDERS. 
London, September, 1876. 


REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. 


Your committee take much pleasure in reporting the great success which has attend- 
ed the enterprise of which they have had charge, a success indeed greater than the most 
sanguine had anticipated. On entering upon our labours the magnitudé of the under- 
taking was such, that we felt some misgivings. To get together such a collection as 
would do credit to our Society and to the Province we have the honour to represent, in 
so short a time as that allotted to us was felt to be no mean task, but having resolved to 
do our best, work was begun without delay. 

On mature deliberation it was thought best to bring together in London, all the 
insects that could be procured from the collections of all our members in Canada, and 
there making the Society’s rooms our head-quarters, to assort and arrange them as experi- 
ence might suggest. Our first attention was given to the preparation of suitable cases in 
which to place our specimens, which should be as near as possible dust-proof and pest-proof 
It was finally determined to adopt the form of case used in the Zoological Museum, at 
Cambridge, Mass., with some slight modifications ; and having been furnished through 
the kindness of Professor Hagen, with a sample case asa pattern, we had but little 
further difficulty in this matter. To secure the specimens against injury during the 
transportation to so great a distance, we thought it necessary that the bottoms of the 
cases should be lined with cork of extra thickness, so that when the pins on which the 
specimens were mounted were thrust into it they should be held firmly in place. We 
accordingly ordered from a cork factory in Manchester, England, a sufficient supply for 
this purpose, of double the ordinary thickness, and when the drawers were lined with this 
cork, and the pins firmly inserted, it was almost impossible with any ordinary amount of 
jarring or shaking to displace them. 

The work to be done on the Coleoptera was very laborious. This was kindly under- 
taken by Mr. Johnson Pettit, of Grimsby, and to his labours and kind contributions of 
material, we are indebted for much of the success of our enterprise. The writer under- 
took the work needed on the Lepidoptera; Mr. E. B. Reed devoted his attention to the 
Hemiptera and Diptera; Mr. Geddes, to the Hymenoptera; and Mr. J. M. Denton, to 
Orthoptera. By this division the labour was lightened, and the work progressed rapidly. 
The following collections in London were placed entirely at our disposal, viz :—Those of 
Messrs. W. Saunders, E. B. Reed, J. M. Denton, G. Geddes, H. B. Bock, W. E. Saunders, 
and J. Williams. Large stores of valuable specimens were forwarded by Mr. Pettit. 
Messrs. William Murray, and J. Moffatt, of Hamilton, sent some very handsome Lepi- 
doptera, and Mr. H. Cowdry, of Toronto, contributed to the Coleoptera. Our members 
in Montreal were also very prompt and liberal in responding to our appeal. Mr. Wm. 
Couper donated a large number of specimens, while a great many additional were loaned 
by Messrs. F. B. Caulfield, C. W. and G. B. Pearson, H. H. Lyman, P. Keutzing, G. J. 
Bowles, W. Hibbins, J. T. Whiteaves, indeed without their help we should have been 
entirely without representatives of many species restricted to the eastern portions of our 
Dominion. Added to all these were the specimens already contained in our Society’s 
cabinets in London. 

In due time the collection was completed and ready for shipment. It consisted of 
eighty-six cases, twenty-seven of which were filled with Coleoptera, forty-five with Lepi- 


11 


doptera, three Hymenoptera, five Neuroptera, two Hemiptera, three Diptera, and one 
Orthoptera, and when spread out they presented a very fine appearance. To ensure cor- 
rectness in naming, all doubtful specimens were as far as possible submitted to specialists. 
Our best thanks are due to Mr. A. R. Grote, of Buffalo, N. Y., who twice visited London 
for the purpose of examining and naming our Lepidoptera. To Dr. A. 8. Packard, of 
Salem, Mass., we are indebted for naming some of our Geometers, and to Dr. Geo. H. 
Horn, of Philadelphia, for his abundant labours in naming our Coleoptera. 

The cases were packed with cotton in suitable Cabinets and these enclosed in strong 
outer cases with elastic packing between the two and with these precautions the collection 
reached its destination in safety. Arrangements were made for the careful unpacking of 
the specimens on arrival, and their proper classification when displayed. Similar provis- 
ions have also been made for their re-packing and return. Our insects are displayed in 
the Canadian department in Agricultural Hall, on a suitable stand built for the purpose, 
seventy-six feet in length. The many encomiums bestowed on our collection by those 
best able to judge of its merits will warrant us in stating that our Society may justly take 
to itself the credit of having brought together by far the finest collection of Canadian in- 
sects ever seen. We trust that this magnificent collection will, on its return, be preserved 
as far as possible in its present state as a collection of reference for the convenience of our 
members who may desire to name their specimens and as an enduring memento of the in- 
terest taken by our Society in the great Centennial Exhibition. 

On behalf of the Committee, 

Wm. SAUNDERS, 
Chairman. 


From among the many favourable notices of our collection which appeared in the 
American papers,we clip the following from The Daily Graphic, New York, Sept. 26,1876 :— 


Av THE CENTENNIAL.—The Exhibit of the Entomological Society of Ontario, Canada.— 
Every lover of nature, every admirer of beauty in form or colour who visits the Centen- 
nial Exposition can scarcely avoid being charmed with the display of Canadian insects, 
exhibited by the enterprising Entomological Society of the Province of Ontario. The 
collection is in the Canadian department in Agricultural Hall. It is arranged in eighty- 
six glazed cases laid ina double row upon a table over seventy-five feet in length. Forty- 
five of these cases are filled with butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) ; twenty-seven with 
beetles (Coleoptera) ; and the remaining fourteen with insects of all other orders—viz. : 
Bees, wasps, hornets, and other stinging and piercing insects, cicadas and bugs (properly 
so-called), dragon flies, lace-winged flies, &c., grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, &c., the small 
two-winged flies, and many others. Many of the specimens are so large and so gorgeous- 
ly coloured that they have the appearance of natives of scme of the tropics rather than of 
the more northern Canada—a country which many are apt to imagine is a land of ice and 
snow. ‘This display, combined with that of the Canadian Fruit-Growers’ Association near 
by, ought to do much to instruct the general public in regard to the vast resources and 
the excellent climate of the great Dominion. 

The collection must not, however, be regarded merely as a display of curious or beau- 
tiful objects ; it possesses a very high scientific value as well. The practised student of 
entomology will there find thousands of species of insects, all correctly named both as 
regards genus and species, and all scientifically arranged according to the best system of 
classification. Although the critic may find fault with the particular system of nomen- 
clature that has been adopted in some special families, he must confess that there is given 
an excellent illustration of the progress of scientific zoology in Canada, and of the energy 
and skill of the members of the Canadian Entomological Society in particular. ‘This 
society was first organized in 1863, and had few members and exceedingly limited re- 
sources. or five years it continued to make good progress in a quiet way, the labours 
of its members being chiefly confined to the collection and determination of species and 
the publication of lists of Canadian insects. A great deal of good work was thus done, 
and the way was paved for other work of a more practical though not a more useful and 
scientific character. In August, 1868, the society issued the first number of the Canadian 
Entomologist, a small monthly publication, containing original papers on the classification, 


12 


description, habits, and general history of insects. This serial has been received with 
much favour by the leading entomologists of America, most of whom have from time to 
time contributed to its pages. It has now reached the middle of its eighth volume, and 
has increased to three times its original dimensions ; it has also improved very mnch in 
style and typographical appearance, as well as in the excellence of its illustrations. The 
editor of the first five volumes was the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, of Port Hope, who was 
succeeded by Mr. Wm. Saunders, of London, the present conductor of the journal. It is 
noteworthy, as an evidence of the persistent enterprise of the Canadians, that this is the 
only serial publication on insects in North America that has continued to exist for more 
than a few years; it has succeeded in outliving several contemporaries started about 
the same time. In 1870 the society first began to receive a small pecuniary grant from 
the public funds of the Province of Ontario, in return for which it annually presents to 
the Legislature an illustrated report on insects, useful to agriculture, horticulture, and 
aboriculture. Five of these reports have thus far been issued, and have been widely dis- 
tributed amongst the farmers, gardeners, and others of the Province, The information 
and instruction thus afforded have done much to educate the people of the country and 
to save their crops and fruits from the pestilent ravages of destructive insects. 

The present officers of the society are as follows: President, William Saunders, 
London ; Vice-President, Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, Port Hope; Secretary and Treasurer, J. 
H. McMechan, London; Council—Wm. Couper, Montreal ; R. V. Rogers, Kingston ; J. 
Pettit, Grimsby ; J. M. Denton and E. B. Reed, London. The headquarters of the society 
with its hbrary and cabinets, are at London. It has also flourishing branches in Montreal - 
and Kingston. 


MEETINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCT- 
ATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 


In accordance with previous announcement, the members of the Entomological Club 
met on Tuesday, the 22nd of August, at 2.30 p.m., in the rooms of the Buffalo Society of 
Natural Sciences, Dr, LeConte in the chair. The following members were present :—Dr. 
John L. LeConte, Philadelphia, President ; S. H. Scudder, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
Vice-President; CV. Riley, St. Louis, Mo., Secretary ; J. A. Lintner, Albany, N.Y. ; 
Dr. H. Hagen, Cambridge, Massachusetts ; Dr. John G. Morris, Baltimore, Md. ; B. P. 
Mann, Cambridge, Mass. ; W. Saunders, London, Ont.; Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, Port 
Hope, Ont. ; E. B. Reed, London, Ont. ; A. R. Grote, M. M. Maycock, Dr. L. F. Harvey, 
Henry 8. Sprague, O. Reinecke, W. W. Stewart, of Buffalo, and others. 


PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 


After calling the meeting to order, the President read the following address :— 

Tn resuming the chair, which by your kind partiality I occupied at the last meeting 
of the club, permit me, after thanking you for the honour you have done me in thus call- 
ing me a second time to this position, to congratulate you on the evidence of increased 
interest felt in the branch of Zoology to which we give our attention. 

This increased interest is shown not only by the larger attendance at-the present 
meeting of Entomologists from distant residences, but by the increase of correspondence 
between those who collect and study insects. I have received during the year several 
applications from new correspondents for advice and assistance in the study of Coleopetra ; 
and my colleague, Dr. Horn, informs me that the same is the case with himself. Unfor- 
tunately I have been obliged to reply to some of the applicants with a temporary nega- 
tive, as my time has been almost wholly taken up with efforts to complete my memoir on 
Rhynchophora, now in the course of publication by the American Philosophical Society. 
This memoir would have been finished some weeks ago, but the exceptional inclemency of 
the summer heat rendered all work with lenses difficult and uncertain. I think that I 
may promise that the MSS. will be complete in a few weeks. Meanwhile I am glad to 


13 


say that the arrangement of my cabinet specimens is so far perfected that Dr. Horn or I 
will be willing to name any sets of Rhyncophora of the United States or Dominion of 
Canada, which are sent us, provided that the return of the specimens sent is not required. 
Thesubject has been such an extremely troublesome one, and there are still so many uniques 
in our cabinets, that they need filling up in order to give them that value for future refer- 
ence which I hope they will possess, and it will also be desirable for the proper 
recognition of the new genera and species, many of which are very abundant, that 
specimens should be distributed to foreigners, who have studied this difficult group of 
objects. 

The excellent volume of Dr. A. S. Packard, jr., “‘ Monograph of the Geometrid Moths 
of the United States,” forming Vol. X of the United States Geological Survey of the 
Territories, requires special mention among the contributions to Entomology since our last 
meeting. We owe the existence of this volume to Dr. F. V. Hayden, Geologist-in-Chief 
of the Survey, and I hope that a continued appreciation by the National Legislature of 
the importance of the work done and published by the survey, will ensure us many future 
volumes of similar merit. 

The ordinary routine work of the description of new genera and species, is going on 
in the various orders of insects with about the usual degree of rapidity. But from every 
one comes the same complaint: Too many new forms to be described ! 

The observations on economic applications of Entomology for the protection of agri- 
culture are also advancing in a most commendable mannner, considering that the 
public and their servants in office still fail to recognise the magnitude of the interests 
involved. 

References to the memoirs contained in the volumes of reports, and to isolated papers 
in agricultural and other journals, will be found in Psyche, a periodical, which, though 
small, is indispensable to every one occupied in the study of the insects of North 
America. 

I would gladly stop here, but a truthful instinct, a sense of duty to science, and my 
obligation to you alike forbid silence. I have to speak of a subject of a disagreeable 
nature. 

It is concerning the efforts made by you and other members of the Association at the 
last meeting at Detroit, to procure the appointment of a Commission for the protection 
of agriculture against noxious insects ; this Commission to be composed of properly 
informed men of science, and chosen under such circumstances as would prevent the 
influence of political bias, or personal favouritism. If I do not fatigue your memory too 
much, you will recollect the memorials that were so extensively signed in relation to this 
subject, copies of which memorials are again before you. These memorials were exten- 
sively circulated at the West, and were signed by many of the most influential bodies for 
the promotion and protection of agriculture in that region. During the winter these 
memorials were sent to Congress, in the expectation that some proper legislation would 
follow. One of the Senators, in fact, introduced a bill which seems to have been very 
carefully considered, and indeed bears upon its face some evidence of scientific guidance. 
This bill provided for the appointment of three Commissioners for five years, the Com- 
missioners to be nominated by the Council of the National Academy of Science to the 
Secretary of the Interior. This bill, having been referred to the Committee on Agricul- 
ture, was returned, completely orchidized, in such form as to provide for one Commis- 
sioner, to be appointed by the Department of Agriculture, the very enemy and incubus 
from which the western agriculturists specially desired to be relieved. 

The bill in this form passed the Senate, several of the members taking occasion in 
the discussion which preceded the passage to talk to the demonstration of their own igno- 
rance of the subject. However, this discussion has been already so severely commented 
upon in several of the newspapers of the Mississippi Valley, that it is quite unnecessary 
for me to add anything farther, except the hope that the Legislature which choose the 
successors of those Senators will have men of better education and higher intelligence 
offered to them as candidates for the position. 

I regret to have been obliged to introduce this unpleasant subject, about which I feel 
a warmth and severity, unsuited to the position in which you have placed me, I must 
therefore close by begging you, in your respective localities, to continue aiding me in my 


14 


endeavour to cause the Government authorities to give proper attention to this most im- 
portant subject. 


The minutes of the last meeting held in Detroit were read by the Secretary, C. V. 
Riley, and approved. 

The consideration of reports of committees was postponed, owing to the non-arrival of 
some of the members, 

My. Riley made some remarks upon the variation in the venation of the wings of 
Anisopteryx pometaria (or A. autumnata), and exhibited mounted preparations of wings of 
this insect differing greatly from the figures in Dr. Packard’s new work. 

Mr. Grote considered the variation of neuration in the Geometrids as of no great 
value asa specific distinction, 

Mr. Riley said that he had scarcely ever raised a large number of forms from the egg 
without finding that in the imago state there appeared to be more than one so-called 
species. Whenever he used large quantities of material he found this result. He thought, 
therefore, that writers when describing species should always state the number of speci- 
mens they had before them. ' 

Dr. Hagen then read a valuable paper ‘“ On Genera,” at the conclusion of which he 
was warmly applauded. 

On motion of Mr. Grote, the Report of the Committee on Nomenclature was then 
taken up, when Mr. Riley read a majority report of the committee. 

Mr. Scudder did not approve of the course taken in reference to the rules on nomen- 
clature which had been presented, and thought that members of the committee had ex- 
ceeded their instructions, and desired that the resolution passed at the last meeting, 
appointing the committee and defining its duties, be read. He thought that the opinions 
of leading naturalists on this subject should have been gathered and compared. 

The resolution giving instructions to the committee was read as follows: “That the 
Club appoint a committee of five to prepare and present to the Club at its next annual 
meeting a compendium of the views of the leading Entomologists of the country upon 
points which, in their judgment, require elucidation, and also to present a series of reso- 
lutions touching such points, in order that intelligent discussion may be had upon them 
and some general agreement, if possible, arrived at.” 

Mr. Riley urged as reasons why a majority report had been presented, the difficulty 
of getting the members of the committee together, and the urgent necessity that some 
action should be taken in the matter without further delay. 

Mr. Saunders supported these views, and urged that the opinions of many of the 
leading Entomologists on the subject of nomenclature had been given in the pages of the 
Canadian Entomologis. « .ring the past year, while others had expressed their views by 
letter to members of the co: mittee ; and seeing that there had been no opportunity for 
the committee to meet together » a whole, he thought it desirable that these resolutions, 
which had been endorsed by a maj» ‘y, should be presented as a guide to the discussions 
which might take place on the subject. 

Mr. Scudder did not think this a proper time or place for the introduction of such 
rules; he fully agreed, however, that it was very desirable to establish stability in 
nomenclature. 

Mr. Mann regarded Mr. Scudder’s remarks as a motion to set aside these rules, and 
as such was prepared to support it. ‘ 

Dr. Hagen, in a few words, gave a sketch of the history of nomenclature, showing 
how tidal waves of new names had been poured from time to time on the Entomological 
world with the greatest zeal on the part of those who had introduced them ; that in many 
instances these changes were unnecessary, and produced confusion instead of establishing 
order. He thought it highly necessary that some understanding should be arrived at 
among Entomologists which would lead to greater stability in nomenclature. 

Mr. E. B. Reed spoke for those who had comparatively little time to devote to Ento- 
mology, aud thought that they were a class who should be considered, and that while it 
was, perhaps, no great task for those who devoted their whole time to Entomological 
studies to master the great number of new generic and specific names from time to time 
introduced, it was imposing a burden on their less fortunate brethren which was grievous 


15 


to be borne—which was, in fact, more than they could bear, and tended to discourage 
many and deter others from entering on the study of Entomology. He urged that it was 
from among the ranks of these beginners that some of the future leaders of Entomologi- 
cal science would be drawn, and it was well to consider what effect these discouraging 
circumstances would have on the present and future progress of the study. 

After some further discussion, the resolutions were referred back to the Committee 
to report on to-morrow. Meanwhile, they were ordered to be printed for the members, 
so that discussion could be had upon them. 


EVENING SESSION. 


At 7.30 the meeting was again called to order, the President in the chair. 

Mr. Riley offered some remarks on a parasite, a mite which attacked the Colorado 
Potato Beetle. This insect (of which mounted specimens for microscopic examination 
were submitted) is furnished with a strange and extraordinary development of what he 
supposed were the maxilla, by which it was able to attach itself to the Doryphora, and 
at the same time extract nourishment as well. He thought it was an organ somewhat 
similar in character to the extensile maxille of the larvae of Dragon Flies. 

Mr. Scudder thought that since they appeared to him to be jointed, they must be a 
palpus of some sort. 

Dr. LeConte, after further examination, was of opinion that they were not jointed. 

Mr. Scndder then read an interesting paper on ‘“ Mimicry in Butterflies explained by 
Natural Selection,’ quoting largely from a recent contribution by Fritz Muller on this 
subject, in which he gives the results of observations made by him on butterflies in 
Southern Brazil. This paper will appear in Psyche, the organ of the Cambridge Entomo- 
logical Club. 

Mr. Riley gave the result of some observations on the eggs of Corydalis cornutus, from 
which it would appear that the mass of eggs hitherto regarded as belonging to this species 
are probably those of a Belostoma. He had found in one day, thirty or forty patches of 
eggs, which he believed to be those of Corydalis cornutus, on the leaves of trees whose 
branches overhung the water. These flat patches were very strangely arranged, and con- 
tained an immense number of eggs, often numbering between three and four thousand in 
a patch. The eggs are at first translucent, but become darker as they approach maturity, 
when the young larve break through the eggs beneath. 

Dr. Morris doubted whether these really were the eggs of the C. cornutus, and ques- 
tioned whether the larva was aquatic at all. 

Dr. Hagen thought that there was something strange in reference to these insects. 
Mr. Riley had kindly sent him a large number of eggs, but when hatched he had failed 
in every attempt to keep the young larva alive. Since they are furnished with both 
branchia and stigmata, he thought they must be regarded as water insects. 

Mr. Lintner had found the larve under stones, but when they énter the chrysalis 
state they make their way into the water, and in this condition they are often captured 
in large numbers and used as fish bait. 

Mr. Riley said that the larvee in Missouri are frequently found in water, and he had 
no doubt but that the eggs he had referred to were those of Corydalis cornutus. 

Mr. Scudder stated that Mr. Sanborn had frequently taken large numbers of the 
larve in the water in the neighbourhood of Cambridge. 

Mr. Saunders had never found them in the water, but had frequently captured them 
buried in moist sand or under stones along the banks of rivers. 

Mr. Riley next exhibited to the Club some silken masses containing eggs of Hydro- 
philus triangularis, which were very remarkable and interesting. 

Mr. Saunders offered some remarks on a mass of pup and escaping insects of Calop- 
teron reticulatnm, which he found one morning early in summer at the roots of some long 
grass. The mass was fully as large as a‘hen’s egg, and must have contained some hun- 
dreds of individuals. A large number of the freshly escaped insects were captured, with 
a view to ascertain whether there was much variation in the markings, and whether the 


16 


form terminalis, which is said to be a variety of reticulatum, could be found among 
them. He saw none approaching this latter form—all were well-marked specimens of re- 
ticulatum. 

Dr. LeConte mentioned the curious fact that in some species of Calopteron the larval 
skin was not shed when it pupated, but that the larva skin and pupa skin both remained 
in situ until the perfect insect escaped. 

Dr. Morris then made some interesting remarks on the mouth parts of the wood- 

eckers. 
‘ Mr. Riley exhibited specimens of blown larvee very nicely set up; he thinks, how- 
ever, that in this condition they are scarcely of value for scientific study, and for this pur- 
pose prefers the specimens preserved in alcohol. 

Mr. Scudder differed from Mr. Riley, and thinks that the advantages are in favour of 
the blown specimens, and much prefers to study larvee in this way. 

Dr. Hagen agreed with Mr. Scudder that blown larvee were advantageous for study. 

Dr. Morris asked if any of the gentlemen present who were in the habit of raising 
larvee, had made any observations in reference to the length of time the development of 
the perfect insect may be retarded. He stated that three or four years since he had 
placed a number of cocoons of S. cynthia on a shelf in his house, and that after lying 
there all that time some of them had this year produced the perfect insect. 

Dr. Hagen referred to an instance related by Kirby & Spence where a beetle, Bupres- 
lis splendida, was ascertained to have existed in the wood of a pine table more than twen- 
ty years (7th edition, p, 121). 

Mr. Saunders mentioned the fact that the perfect insect of Weanthus niveus frequently 
came to sugar at night, when they were readily captured. He thought that where they 
were very numerous this method of trapping them might be employed with advantage. 

Mr. Lintner observed that he had take 16 species of Catocala at sugar this season, and 
that a friend of his who has been sugaring industriously has found the Catocalas to be 
most abundant about midnight., 


On the 24th another meeting of the Club was held at 2 p. m., the President in the 
Chair. 

The Committee on Nomenclature, consisting of Dr. LeConte, 8S. H. Seudder, A. R. 
Grote, C. V. Riley and W. Saunders, reported a set of rules, on some of which they were 
unanimous, while on others there was a divided opinion. They had given all the attention 
to the subject possible within the limited time at their disposal, but had not found time 
to consider the explanations offered in the majority report presented, and suggested that 
these be referred back to the Committee, with power to print such explanations as may 
be agreed on with the rules. 


The following are the rules submitted :— 


1. The binominal system, as originated by Linneus, is the only one to be recognised. 
The use of a third word, however, connected with the second by a hyphen, as is common 
and desirable in the case of gall insects, ¢.g. Cynips quercus-palustris, is not to be consid- 
ered as an infraction of this rule. (Unanimous.) . 

2. Where a specific name has been generally adopted during a period of twenty years, 
such name shall not be changed for one of prior date. (Divided opinion.) 

3. The name placed after a genus should be that of the author who established the 
genus in the sense in which it is actually used, but the name of the author who first pro- 
posed the term should be cited in brackets. (Unanimous.) 

4. No generic or specific name should be acknowledged which has not been printed 
in a published work. (Unanimous.) 

5. A generic name, when once established, should never be cancelled in any subse- 
quent subdivision of the group, but retained in a restricted sense for one of the constitu- 
ent portions of the original genus. (Unanimous.) 

6. In constructing family names they should end in id@. (Divided opinion.) 


17 


7. The tribe should occupy an intermediate place between the sub-family and genus. 
(Unanimous.) 

8. The authority for the species and not for the generic combination should follow 
the name of an insect. (Divided opinion.) 

9. The proposition of a genus by simple designation of a type is to be greatly depre- 
cated. All new names should be accompanied by ample definitions that will permit 
no doubt as to the species intended or as to the characters of the genus proposed. 
(Unanimous. ) 

10. No description should be made from a figure. (Unanimous. ) 

11. The number of individuals upon which either a specific or generic diagnosis is 
based should always be stated. (Unanimous.) 

After a lengthy discussion, on motion of Mr. E. B. Reed, the following resolution was 
unanimously passed : 

That the report of the committee be adopted, and that any rules on which this com- 
mittee have expressed a divided opinion haye a marginal note attached thereto, reciting 
such fact. 

Tt was also resolved that all the explanations, &c., offered in the majority report be 
referred back to the committee with power to print such explanations as may be agreed 
on, with the rules. 

Moved by Rev. C.J. 8. Bethune, seconded by S. H. Scudder—That no alteration 
or addition to the rules now adopted be made, unless such alteration or addition be pro- 
posed at one annual meeting of the Club, and be adopted at a subsequent annual meeting. 
Carried unanimously. 

The election of offcers for the ensuing year then took place, resulting as follows :— 
President, Dr. LeConte ; Vice-President, 8. H. Scudder ; Secretary, C. V. Riley. 

Mr. Scudder brought to the notice of the members a pattern insect box, which he 
believed to be pest-proof. These boxes are exceedingly well made (manufacturers, Han- 
cock & Greeley, Cambridgeport, Mass.), are about 19 x 15 in., and are sold at $2.70 each, 
without cork. 

Mr. Saunders suggested the desirability of the Club appointing a permanent com- 
mittee to whom disputed points in reference to Entomological matters might be referred. 
On motion of Mr. Mann, seconded by Mr. Saunders, it was resolved that the Permanent 
Committee of the Club shall consist of the President, as chairman, and four other members 
to be named by him. 

Mr. Lintner presented to the meeting a very complete and extensive list of insects 
taken at sugar by him during the present season. These were arranged in a tabular form 
in a very neat and methodical manner, showing at a glance the insects taken each even- 
ing, and whether they were abundant or scarce. 

On motion of Mr. Riley, Dr. Larkin was requested to bring before the Club some 
facts in reference to a mite said to be parasitic on the human subject, when he read a very 
amusing letter from an afflicted patient in reference to this matter. The Club then 
adjourned. 


ON GENERA. 
By Dr. H. Hacen, CAMBRIDGE, Mass. 
(Read before the Entomological Club of the A. A. A.S., at Buffalo, N. Y.) 


There will hardly bea naturalist who has not spent considerable time to study the ques- 
tions:—What is a genus,and what are generic characters? Indeed, work is nearly impossible 
without having taken a position with regard to these questions. A full record of the 
literature, even the most condensed one, would be here out of place, but I have been in- 
duced by a recent and most surprising discovery bearing upon this question to make this 
communication. I have been speaking here only about natural genera. The considera- 
tion of the genus as an artificial division differs fundamentally, and to avoid mistake we 

2 


18 


should not call artificial divisions by this name. The characters of artificial genera depend 
solely upon the taste of the worker and the convenience of separating into groups animals 
and plants. All species are considered to belong to the same natural genus which agree 
in structural characters, external and internal, or anatomical ones in the different stages, 
in transformation, in the manner of living. These definitions of a genus are accepted 
as well by naturalists who are strong Darwinians as those who oppose the develop- 
ment theory. Inaprize essay of the Jena University, D. P. Mayer, a pupil of Prof. 
Haeckel, in a paper on the “‘ Ontogeny and Phylogeny of Insects,” enlarges this definition 
in so far as he asks for a conformity in the embryological characters. I believe no one 
will object that this definition is a good and exhaustive one ; but if we attempt to use it 
in a special case we become bewildered by the astonishing amount of characters unknown 
to us, and the impossibility to make them out for our work. At present we know hardly 
well enough the external character of the imago. Of other characters our knowledge is 
merely fragmentary and often a tabula rasa. We may say that a century of hard work 
will not fill these gaps in our knowledge. It is obvious that we cannot wait till this 
enormous amount of work is done. And it is certain that naturalists will not and can not 
stop creating new genera. 

Genera created with such a limited amount of knowledge will depend upon the ex- 
perience and taste of the worker. Many of such genera will have to be modified or 
dropped by a farther advancing knowledge, 

The most important question (what are generic characters?) is still unanswered. 

The large literature and the difference of opinion emitted by prominent authorities 
seem to prove that a sufficient affirmative answer is impossible till our knowledge is fur- 
ther advanced. But here, as in other abstract questions, we can proceed in a negative 
manner by exclusion. 

Genera consist of a number of related species. If we knew the character of the 
species, the specific character, we can by exclusion come nearer the character of the genus. 
Species differ by structural character, and as the species form the lowest degree of the 
classification, we can be sure that species must differ at least by minutest points of 
structure. 

I think there is no objection of consequence possible. I know very well that differ- 
ences in minuter points of structure have been considered as generic characters. But 
naturalists beginning with the construction and definition of the higher degrees of class, 
order, family, &c., used up all characters at hand, till, coming to genera, nothing was left 
but minute differences of structure; the simple consequence of using specific characters 
for generic ones was that nearly every species was considered to be a genus. 

I said before that species must differ at least by minuter points of structure. The 
discovery which I mentioned before proves that structural characters of species are more 
important, and can by a different manner of living be changed in such a way as to repre- 
sent forms which were formerly believed to belong to different genera. Branchipus and 
Artemia, belonging to the Phyllopod Crustacea, are represented by several species here 
and in Europe. The two genera are nearly related one to the other, and differ principally 
in the following points; Artemia has eight post-abdominal segments, the last one very 
long. Branchipus has nine post-abdominal segments, the last two of equal size. Arteméa 
has three articulated claspers in the male ; Branchipus two articulated claspers. Artemia 
is often propagated by Parthenogenesis, Branchipus never. 

Nobody will deny that those characters of structure go very far beyond minuter 
points of structure, and are marked well enough to justify the separation sixty years ago 
by Dr. Leach. Now it is proved that not only the species of Artemia known up to-day 
from Europe, Asia and Africa, but even some species of Branchipus belong to one and the 
same genus and species. In the American fauna five species of Artemia and three of 
Branchipus aré described ; of course they will have to be studied again in a similar manner 
as the European ones. The two European species of Artemia are remarkably different. Artemia 
salina has a strongly bifid tail surrounded by 15 to 20 bristles and narrow gills; Ariemia 
mulhauseni has a rounded tail without bristles and very large gills. This latter species 
lives in pools of a very concentrated salt water of 25° Beaumé ; the other species in common 
salt water of about 8°. In 1871, adam which surrounded a salt pool containing Artemia 
mulhauseni, broke down by accident, and the sea water washed in at the same time ; Ar- 


19 . 
SS ———————————————— 
temia salina, which abounds in the sea water, appeared in large numbers in the pool. The 
dam was immediately repaired, and in the space of three years the amount of the salt in 
the pool arrived gradually at the same concentration as before. 


A Russian naturalist, Mr. Schmaukevitch, living near the spot and studying carefully 
Artemia, was astonished to find the species somewhat changed in every following genera- 


raised at home in open glass dishes Artemia salina, and by successive additions of salt to 
the water, he was able to transform the species into Artemia mulhauseni. To make the 
counter proof, he diluted the water gradually and the species returned to the form of 
Artemia salina. But by continued dilution of the water he was more surprised to find 
that in the third generation the long abdominal segment began to be separated into two 
segments, and finally to be changed as in a Branchipus. He found later in salt pools of 
only four to five degrees (living together) Artemia salina and Branchipus spinosa, and in 
water with a lower degree of salt two other related species, Branchipus ferox and 
media. 

Mr. Schmaukevitch has made similar experiments with similar results on Daphnia, 
Cyclops, and Canthocamptus, which he has not yet published. There can be no doubt 
about the facts under such conclusive proof, and Prof. V. Siebold is now engaged in rais- 
ing the American species from Salt Lake for, similar experiments. These facts oblige us 
to consider all these different forms as belonging to one and the same species, since it is 
possible to change at will one form into another by altering the conditions of living. As 
long as this is possible they cannot be considered as differentiating or Darwinian species. 
We have now the proof that specific characters exist which do not depend on minuter 
points of structure. Therefore, we are taught that we must considerably enlarge the 
characters of species and those of the genus. 

What has been thus provenin Crustacea will certainly be observed also with other Articu- 
lates. Since insects do not possess a post-abdomen, there cannot occur the same differences 
as in the case cited, but analogous ones will not be wanting. It is obvious that so-called 
“salt insects ” are the first ones which will need new and careful study. Those known 
areColeoptera, Diptera, Hemipteraand Orthoptera, and the species are often nearly related 
to other ones which do not live in salt regions. Further, it is evident that similar 
changes will be the result of different conditions of life. So-called “local varieties” are 
certainly nothing else, and a vast field of observation and study is opened by the re- 
markable discoveries of Mr. Schmaukevitch. I believe that we are now justified when 
we exclude from generic characters all the following ones : 

1. Every character based on the number of parts, when the number ceases to be a 
small one ; the more so when it varies in related species. If a number is larger than about 
a dozen, we can never rely upon the constancy of the number in antennal joints and anal 
appendages. In spines, bristles, spurs, a much smaller number is constant ; transversal 
veins of the wings belong to the same category. 

2. The external coating of the body, consisting in hairs, scales and other appendages, 
is not a generic character. The hairs, tufts, brushes, spines, spurs, are often only sexual 
and: can not be considered generic characters ; also, hairy eyes, since we find this character 
changing in the most related species and probably in the same species in Diptera. 

3. The presence or want of the ocelli or eyes is not a generic character. 

4. The veins of thewings give only to a certain degree generic characters, viz: the 
principal branches, but certainly not after the bifurcation. 

aving arriving so far by exclusion, it is important to state what is left for generic 
characters, 

So far as I am advanced in the study of generic characters, I think the following 
should be used : 

I. The form and relation of the three principal parts of the body. 

2. The organs providing nutrition (mouth parts). 

3. The organs making possible the working of the mouth parts, i. ¢., the organs of 
locomotion. 

The anatomical characters may be of prominent help. At present our knowledge as 


20 


to their details is too limited to admit our using them to a profitable extent. We begin 
to be better acquainted with the previous stages, and this acquaintance will bring these 
characters into more prominence. I doubt embryological characters to be of generic value. 
But very little is certainly known about them, and nothing known is ready for our use. 
The parts serving for propagation have probably a higher value than generic characters. 
Characters for genera should be of a co-ordinate value. I think it is obvious that a genus 
should never be accepted if its characters are not satisfactorily given, and that genera 
based on the mere specification of a type should never be accepted. 


INSECTS INTRODUCED BY THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. 


During the progress of the Centennial Exhibition, it was observed that many of the 
cereals and seeds exhibited were infested with insects, some samples being almost de- 
stroyed by these pests. At the suggestion of the Centennial Commission, a com- 
mittee of scientific gentlemen was appointed to investigate this matter and report as early 
as practicable on the character of the insects thus introduued. This committee was also 
charged with the further work of reporting on any new plants or weeds which might 
be similarly brought into the country. A report on the plants could not be prepared 
until next year, but as the subject of injurious insects was a highly important one, it was 
deemed wise to report on that as soon as possible, hence all the information obtainable on 
the subject up to the time of the close of the Exhibition was submitted in the following 
report, read by Dr. LeConte, chairman of the committee, at a meeting of the Academy 
of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, held early in November :— 


REPORT ON INSECTS INTRODUCED BY MEANS OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. 


On behalf of the Committee appointed by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phi- 
ladelphia, at the meeting held October 10th, 1876, “to investigate and report upon 
the introduction of new species of insects and plants through the medium of foreign ex- 
hibits at the Centennial Exhibition,” I have the honour to present the following report, 
with the desire that it may be forwarded to the proper authorities of the Centennial Com- 
mission, at whose instance the Committee was appointed. 

The Committee is composed of the following members of the Academy :— 

Dr. Joseph Leidy, Dr. George H. Horn, Mr. Thomas Meehan, Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt, 
and Dr. John L. Le Conte, Chairman. : 

It was apparent that while the labours of the botanists of the Committee could not 
properly commence until next spring, when careful observation will recognise any new 
introductions of plants, the entomological investigations should be made as speedily as 
possible. Accordingly, Dr. Horn and myself, availing ourselves of the admission cards 
which had, with great liberality, been sent to the members of the Committee, went fre- 
quently to the exhibits in the Main Building and Agricultural Hall, and made col- 
lections in all the agricultural products from foreign countries, which were found to be 
infected. 

Most of the species which we obtained have been already distributed over the globe 
by the ordinary channels of trade, and nothing is to be apprehended from the addition of 
a few hundred thousand specimens, to the incalculable millions of individuals of the same 
kind, that we have now domiciled amongst us. 

I am happy to add that the species found, which have not been previously observed 
in the United States, will be innocuous ; they are dependant for their support upon plants 
me ae grow here, and which would be of no commercial value to us if they were 
eultivated. 


21 


. 

I may therefore announce, with moderate certainty, that no evil result will occur to 
our agricultural interests from any introduction of foreign insects by means of the Cen- 
tennial exhibits. 

Before concluding this report, by a list of the insects collected in the buildings, it 
is our duty to notice some remarkable differences between the exhibits from different 
countries, indicating the care with which the specimens had been prepared, and the means 
taken to prevent depredations by insects. 

All those exhibits which had been moist when packed, or had become moist or 
mouldy on the voyage or during the Exhibition, abounded in Bruchus, Calandra, and 
Tineide ; while those which were protected against moisture were unattacked. It stands 
to reason, in fact, that insects dependent on a circulating fluid for their vitality, and 
having, during their early stages as larve, a very soft and moist body, cannot obtain in 
properly dried grains the requisite amount of moisture for their sustenance, and the egg, 
if previously deposited, will remain, like an ungerminating seed, for a favourable moment 
to develop, or if hatched, the larva will die at an early stage. 

It was, therefore, with great pleasure that we recognised the appreciation of this al- 
most self-evident proposition by the Department of Agriculture of Portugal. The exhi- 
bits in bottles were entirely free from all mould and infection, and in each bottle was a 
small quantity of caustic lime,* wrapped in paper, which, by its hygrometric power, had 
kept the specimens perfectly dry. 

We do not intend to have it inferred, from what is above stated, that all the other 
exhibits were in a condition inferior to that of Portugal; on the contrary, many of them, 
as well as many from our own States, were in most admirable order ; but, so far as we 
could learn, this good condition had been produced by great personal care, and the re- 
moval from time to time of the infected parts; not by the use of a preventive 
agent. 
While investigating the occurrence of a small species of Tjneide in the Italian exhi- 
bit of Leghorn straw, I learned that some importations of straw goods, by Messrs. Albi- 
nola & Bailey, of New York, had been attacked by insects. I immediately wrote to 
those gentlemen, who, with great courtesy, sent me two collections of the insects, infest- 
ing a recent importation which had become mouldy from being packed in a moist condi- 
tion. The names of the species contained in this set are appended; they are all either 
carnivorous or fungivorous, and can therefore do no harm; some of them have not 
been before observed in the United States, or their habits have not been noted. What 
is more important, however, is that none of the straw goods were attacked by moths 
either on this or previous occasions. It is therefore to be inferred that the moth in the 
Italian exhibit was the grain-moth of the seed of the grass which produced the straw used 
in the manufacture of the Italian goods. What confirms this inference is that the moths 
occurred in but one case, in which were exhibited several bunches of the straw with the 
heads of grain still remaining. 

Prof. C. V. Riley, in the Proceedings of the Academy of Science of St. Louis, Oct. 
2, 1876, has given a list of the species which he collected at the Centennial Exhibition, 
with very useful and suggestive remarks. We have obtained specimens of all the species 
mentioned by him except one, Crambide Lepidopteron, from the Egyptian exhibit, for 
which we sought without success. At an earlier period in the season, and with smaller 
attendance of visitors, the number of species in our list would perhaps have been larger, 
but no additional advantage would have been obtained therefrom. The species, with the 
few exceptions noted, are either innocuous or previously introduced. 


J. L. LEConteE, Chairman, 
+E0. H. Horn, 
JosepH LEIpy. 


* The nature of the powder was suspected by the Committee, but the determination was made through 
the analysis of Mr. Edward Goldsmith. 


22 


List of Species Collected in the Centennial Buildings in Foreign Exhibits. 


COLEOPTERA. 
SILVANUS SURINAMENSIS. 
Argentine Confederation and Brazil, in various materials. 


L&MOPHL@US FERRUGINEUS. 

In beans, Brazil. These two species lived upon the debris of Bruchus, and were ac- 
companied by a species of Psocus. 
Brucuus picturatus, Pahreus. 

Argentine Confederation ; in seeds of two leguminous plants, one of which produces 
a screw bean, resembling Strombocarpus of Arizona. 
BRucHUS, sp. 


Allied to B. prosopis, of Arizona and New Mexico. Argentine Confederation ; also 
in the screw bean. These two Bruchi are depredated upon by three small species of Ich- 
neumonide. 


BRucHUS, sp. 

Of larger size and more uniform colour. Argentine Confederation, in the seeds of 
another leguminous plant, allied to Prosopis. 
Brucuts, sp. 

Of larger size and more mottled colour; in the seeds of three other leguminous 
plants of the Argentine Confederation. 
BRUCHUS SCUTELLARIS. 

Venezuela, in beans. 


BRUCHUS OBSOLETUS. 
In beans from various countries of both continents. 


Brucuus PISI. 
In peas ; Spain and Portugal. 


BrvucHUS, sp. 


A small broad species, with traverse prothorax ; male rather uniformly clothed with 
grey-brown pubescence ; antenna as long as the body ; female black, with a grayish-brown 
broad dorsal stripe on the prothorax, and a small transverse white band on each elytron, 
extending from the side margin nearly to the suture, a little in front of the middle; thighs 
not toothed. Leugth -09 inch. 

Brazil, in a bluish-gray variety of bean. I cannot identify this species among those 
described in Schénherr’s work ; it is of the same form, and belongs to the same division 
as B. pisi, but is much smaller, and quite different in other characters. It is the only one 
of the species here mentioned which is capable of being introduced ; and I have, therefore, 
given such a description as will enable it to be recognised. The antenne are only feebly 
serrate. This species is mentioned by Mr. Riley as B. granarius, but it does not agree 
with the figure of Olivier. 


RHIZOPERTHA PUSILLA. 


Victoria, Australia ; in wheat. This insect has been previously introduced into the 
‘United States in Persian wheat, distributed by the Patent office. (Vide Lec. Class, Col. 
N. Am. p. 208.) 


CALANDRA ORYZ2. 


This destructive insect abounded in exhibits of corn (maize), wheat, and rice from 
every part of the globe. J also observed it in arrow-root from Brazil. 


23 


ARAOCERUS COFFE. 


Eating the thin shell of cacao-nuts from Brazil, but apparently not attacking the in- 
terior of the nut. Previously introduced both in the Atlantic and Pacific States. 


LEPIDOPTERA. 


The ordinary and well-known 7'ineidw, which affect wheat and corn (maize) (Butalis 
cerealella, Ephestia Zee), abounded in exhibits from various countries. There was a smaller 
form which is mentioned above, as coming from the grass seeds of the Leghorn straw. 
Specimens have been identified by Professor C. V. Riley as the common grain moth, B. 
cerealella. 


HYMENOPTERA. 


Besides the three Zchnewmonida parasitic on the Bruchi in the Argentine Confedera- 
tion exhibit, I observed a small species of Pteromalus parasitic on the Tinea, Bruchus obso- 
letus, or Calandra oryze which infested a small bag of Brazilian wheat. 


List of the Species Found in Mouldy Specimens of Straw Goods from Italy. 


These species were collected by Messrs. Albinola & Bailey, in New York. _ They 
are either carnivorous or fungivorous ; those of the latter kind live upon the mould, which, 
as determined by Dr. J. G. Hunt, is a species of Aspergillus, previously known in this 
country. 


LATHRIDIUS FILIFORMIS. 
LATHRIDIUS STRIATUS. 


CORTICARIA, sp. 
(Not identified.) 


HOLOPARAMECUS SINGULARIS. 
Has not been previously observed in the United States. 


SILVANUS SURINAMENSIS. 
SILVANUS ADVENA. 
LA&MOPHLEUS FERRUGINEUS. 


MURMIDIUS OVALIS. 


Habits not previously observed in the United States, though its occurrence was 
known. 


TRIBOLIUM FERRUGINEUM. 


ON BLISTERING BEETLES. 


BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 


Probably there are few of our readers who are not practically acquainted with the 
powerful blistering qualities of the imported Cantharides, or as the insect is more com- | 
monly, although incorrectly designated, the Spanish Fly. It belongs to the order of 
Coleoptera (Beetles), and hence should be known as the Spanish Beetle. The use of this 
insect, in the practice of medicine, dates from a very early period, and it is one of the few 
remedies, the usefulness of which, within certain limits, neither time nor fashion has been 
able to set aside. That species of Cantharides known as the Spanish Beetle is not the 
only one in use. In China and India, allied insects, very different in colour, but similar 
in properties, have long been used for like purposes ; and these Asiatic insects are now 
found in our drug markets, and having proved equally efficient with the well-known 
European variety, are gradually growing in favour. 

It is not so well or so generally known that we have in America, and even in Canada, 
several species of Cantharides, as well as some other closely allied blistering insects, which 
might at any time be used as substitutes for the Spanish Beetle (Cantharis vesicatoria). 

One of our commonest species is that known as “the Striped Blister Beetle ” (Zpi- 
cauta vittata), see fig 7 in plate, which is very destructive in some seasons to the potato 
vines, and also attacks the leaves of beets, devouring them most voraciously. At times, 
these insects are found in such numbers, that they are very injurious to the crops they 
infest. In some of the Western States, this species has occasionally committed havoc 
on the potato vines as great and as terrible as that of the now well-known Colorado 
Potato Beetle. The circumstances attending their propagation and growth, as we shall 
hereafter show, are, however, of such an exceptional character, that a year of abundance 
is almost sure to be followed in the same locality by one of unusual scarcity. 

The Ash Grey Blister Beetle (Zpicauta cinerea), is another species very common in 
many parts of Canada. We have been informed that in the Great Manitoulin Island, 
this species, as well as the preceding one, is usually found in considerable abundance. 
The body is of an ash grey colour, occasioned by its being thickly clothed with short ash- 
coloured hairs or down, which, when handled, comes off like the bloom of a plum, and 
leaves the insect black. This variety attacks not only the potato leaves, but also English 
or Windsor Beans, and according to Mr. Riley, the foliage of the apple tree sometimes 
suffers from its depredations. 

The Black Blister Beetle (Zpicauta atrata) is also common with us; it is usually 
found during the month of August, on the leaves and blossoms of the common Golden 
Rod (Solidago). When approached or disturbed, they quickly quit their hold on the 
plant and drop to the ground. 

These northern species are smaller in size than the European insect, a feature which 
would add to the cost of collecting them. Another bar to their successful introduction 
has been found in their colour. By a strange misconception, the presence of the brilliant 
green particles in the wing-cases, in the powdered Cantharides, has been associated with 
their activity, and any sample of powder or of prepared blistering-plaster where these 
brilliant particles are wanting, would, by many, be at once condemned. The Chinese Beetle 
(Mylabris cichorii), recently introduced, has done much to remove the latter objection ; 
yet, notwithstanding, it has been shown that the Chinese insect is fly as powerful in 
its action as that from Europe, the relative market value of the insects belonging to 


these two species indicates that popular prejudice still favours the use of the Spanish 
Beetle. 


one 


> 


. Meloe angusticollis Say. 
Cysteodemus armatus Lec. 
Mylabris cichorii Linn, 
Macrobasis albida Say. 


5. Macrobasis atrivittata Lec, 
6. as “ segmentata Say. 
7. Epicauta vittata Fab. 
8. “ «cinerea Forst. 

18. Tegrodera erosa Lec. 


9. Cantharis vesicatoria Linn. 
10. “ “  vyulnerata Lec. 
1, “ “  nuttalli Say. 

12. Pyrota mylabrina Chey. 


| 25 


, In the western and southern portions of our continent we have species which are 
large as well as abundant, and which, there is every reason to believe, possess all the activ- 
ity needed, most of them probably would be found in every respect as valuable as the 
imported beetles. Some of the species about to be referred to have not yet been record- 
ed as occurring within the limits of the Dominion of Canada, but when the insect fauna of 
the rich plains of the west shall have been carefully collected, doubtless some of these or 
others equally large and useful, will be found on our own side of the line ; in the meantime, 
we give the localities where they are at present known to occur. 

Through the kindness of Dr. George H. Horn, of Philadelphia, whose extensive con- 
tributions to our knowledge of American Coleoptera have made his name familiar both in 
Europe and America, we have been supplied with much information in reference to the 
species here treated of ; an acknowledgment is also due to Prof. C. V. Riley, State Ento- 
mologist of Missouri, for some valuable notes on the habits of these insects. We have had 
a lithographic plate prepared by Messrs. Sinclair & Sons, of Philadelphia, under the kind 
supervision of Dr. Horn, in which each of the species referred to is figured of the natural 
size, excepting 7 and 8, which are somewhat enlarged. This plate is remarkably well ex- 
ecuted, and is probably one of the best plates of Coleoptera ever published ; besides the 
American species, it contains figures of JM. cichorii and C. vesicatoria. 

We shall first enumerate the species, giving brief descriptions, as plain and void of 
technicalities as possible. 

1. Meloe angusticollis—Say.—This insect (see fig. 1 on plate) is of a dark bluish viola- 
ceous colour, with the head, thorax and wing-cases thickly punctured with minute dots or 
impressions. The thorax is slender, narrower than the head ; feet slightly hairy, with 
the spines of the legs reddish. Found in the Eastern States and in many parts of 
Canada. 

2. Cysteodemus armatus—Lec.—Entire body bluish black ; thorax with a strong lateral 
spine on each side; wing-cases very convex, and much larger than the abdomen, which 
they cover, and with very coarse elevated reticulations on their surface. This insect varies 
greatly in size ; the figure represents a medium sized specimen. 

Extremely abundant in Arizona and the desert regions of California wherever the 
ereasewood, Larrea Mexicana, grows. This insect is not as good a vesicant as some 
othérs ; the proportion of hard tissue in its structure is large as compared with the softer 
and more active portion, too large, perhaps, to admit of its being of much value. 

3. Mylabris cichorii—Linn.—All parts of thisinsect are black, excepting the wing- 
covers, which are of an obscure yellow, with three transverse, black, irregular, undulating 
bands, the one at the apex broadest. ‘The first band is sometimes interrupted, and occa- 
sionally reduced to three or four spots. 

Found in abundance in the southern portions of China, and also throughout India, 
on the flowers of the wild chicory and other composite plants. It is also said to occur in 
southern Europe, extending from Italy through Greece and Egypt to China. 

4. Macrobasis albida—Say.—All parts of body black, densely covered with minute 
greenish or yellowish-white hairs, The thorax is slightly longer than wide, the wing-covers 
broader than the thorax, becoming wider behind,.and are densely punctured. 

Abundant in Texas, New Mexico and on the plains. 

5. Macrobasis atrivittata—Lec.—Also black ; form more elongated than albida ; head 
thickly clothed with fine black hairs, with a small white space in front of the eyes ; thorax 
with grayish hairs, with a large black space in the middle ; the wing-covers have black 
hairs, and their apex and sides are margined with gray ; there is also a moderately broad 
grayish stripe extending from the humerus to near the apex. ‘ 

Found in Texas, and is probably quite abundant, but we have not been able to obtain 
definite information on this point. 

6. Macrobasis segmentata—Say.—This insect is black also, with the segments of the body 
beneath margined with whitish. The thorax is nearly as broad as long, and its posterior 
edges are grayish. Wing-covers finely punctured and sparsely covered with short black 
hairs, 

Oceurs with J. albida, and is also abundant. , 

7. Epicauta vittata—Fab.—The head of this species is of a light reddish colour, with 
darker spots ; antenne black ; thorax black, with three yellow lines ; wing-covers black, 


26 


margined with yellow, and with a yellow stripe down the middle. Abdomen and legs 
black, covered with grayish hairs. 

Is found throughout the United States and Canada, but more abundant northward 
and westward of the Carolinas, extending to near the base of the Rocky Mountains. In 
the south it is replaced by /emmiscata, a species closely resembling vitiata, but differs in 
having another white stripe. This species has been tested, and has been found fully equal 
to vesicatoria as a vesicant. 

8. Epicauta cinerea—Forster.—Black, closely punctured, and clothed with grayish 
hairs ; beneath clothing dense, upper surface variable. Head sparingly hairy. Thorax 
densely punctured, sometimes entirely covered with gray hairs, often with a large triangu- 
lar central space black, divided by a grayish line along the middle. Wing-cases finely 
punctured, and either entirely grayish or margined with grayish all around. 

Occurs all over the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and in many parts 
of Canada. In the Southern States it becomes larger, with the wing cases entirely gray ; 
fully equal in strength to vesicatoria. 

9. Cantharis vesicatoria—Linn.—Colour, above and below, a beautiful shining golden 
green ; head, thorax and wing-covers closely punctured ; antenne black. . 

Found most abundant in Spain, Italy and the south of France ; also found in all the 
temperate parts of Europe, and in the west of Asia. 

10. Cantharis vulnerata—Lec.—Body black ; head orange yellow, sometimes with a 
broad black stripe down the middle ; wing-cases black. 

Extremely abundant throughout the entire Pacific region west of the Sierra Nevadas. 
Dr. Horn has seen bushels of this insect in some localities literally strewing the ground ; 
also very common on a species of. Baccharis ; he has experimented with them and found 
them powerfully vesicant, and producing strangury very readily when taken internally in 
the form of tincture. 

11. Cantharis Nuttalli—Say.—Head deep greenish or golden green ; antennz black ; 
thorax golden green with a polished surface, and a few small scattered punctures. Wing- 
cases golden purple, striped with green. Body beneath green, polished ; thighs pur- 
plish, feet black, This large and beautiful insect is extremely abundant in Kansas and 
Colorado, ; F 

12. Pyrota mylabrina—Chey.—Entire body and legs dull ochre yellow. Thorax with 
two, sometimes four black spots ; wing-covers with three transverse black bands, divided 
in the middle by the suture, the anterior one being sometimes further divided into four 
spots ; knees and feet black. 

Found from Kansas to Mexico, and is abundant throughout the whole region. 

13. Tergrodera erosa—Lec.—Body and legs black ; head and thorax reddish, the 
former with a deep groove ; wing-covers bright yellow, their surface roughened with coarse 
reticulations, with a median and apical black band, which in some specimens are wanting. 
Abundant in Southern California and peninsula of Lower California, on a low herbaceous 
plant with a blue flower. 

In all these species the female is more valuable than the male, especially when well 
distended with eggs, owing to the relatively larger proportion of the soft parts. Eggs 
have the’same power as the other soft parts; the blood Dr. Horn believes to be more 
active than any other portion. 

Having referred in detail to the perfect insects, it is now proposed to sketch their 
history, as far as known, through the earlier stages of their existence. 

The life history of Me/oe, which has been well worked up in Europe, may be taken 
as a type of all the species mentioned, since all the facts accumulated on this subject point 
to a similarity in the character of the transformations and habits, which in the vesicating 
insects are very remarkable. 

In the 20th volume of the “ Linnean Transactions,” there is a,.memoir on the natural 
history of Meloe, from which many of the following facts are derived. 

The Meloe beetles, when fresh from their pupa cases in spring, are feeble, moveslowly, 
and have their bodies small and contracted, but after feeding a few days these enlarge 
greatly, the abdomen of the female expanding to twice its original size, owing to the enor- 
mous quantity of ova within its body in process of development. The abdomen will then 
measure an inch or more in length, and appears to be dragged along with difficulty. They 


are fond of basking in the hot sunshine, and are said to be most active during the early 
and middle parts of the day. When confined in boxes for the purpose of observing their 
habits, it is necessary to expose them much to the sun, and supply them with an abun- 
dance of food ; they are then quite at home, and their proceedings may be easily watched. 
They drink freely of water, and require their food to be well wetted. In a few days after 
leaving their winter quarters they pair. 

The eggs are deposited in the earth. A small excavation is made by the female, 
sometimes as much as two inches in depth, into which, when finished, she projects her 
body, with the head just perceptible at the entrance. After remaining in this position 
ovipositing for about two hours, the body is withdrawn, and the earth raked with her 
feet into the hole until it is entirely closed. These burrows are commonly made among 
the roots of grass in‘a dry soil and a sunny spot ; often on the margins of a dry footpath. 
The female always deposits two, and sometimes three or four separate layings of eggs, at 
intervals of from two to three weeks. The first is always the most abundant, amounting 
usually to three or four thousand. After each deposit the abdomen seems to be almost 
entirely emptied ; the insect then feeds voraciously, and fresh ova are soon developed. 

The eggs when first deposited are about one-twentieth of an inch in length, slightly 
conical, obtuse at both ends, and of a bright orange colour. They are placedin such a 
way that they may be parallel to each other, and adhere together at their sides, with one 
end directed to the entrance of the burrow. The duration of the egg stage is greatly in- 
fluenced by temperature, averaging from four to five weeks. 

From the egg there escapes a little active, agile creature, somewhat Fia. 1. 
resembling a pediculus in habits ; in fact, the larva of one of the European 
species was described by so eminent an Entomologist at Kirby, in 1802, as 
Pediculus melitte, This young larva, a magnified illustration of which is 
given in Fig. 1,* is of a bright yellow colour, and of an elongated form, 
with fourteen segments. The three segments which constitute the trunk 
are strong and powerful, for the attachment of the legs, which are furnished 
with‘sharp-pointed claws, especially adapted for clinging securely to any 
object. The anal segment on its under surface is developed into a pair of 
short prolegs. It moves with great celerity with its six true legs; it can 
also make use of its anal prolegs, and thus climb a nearly smooth and ver- 
tical surface. 

The young larvee of most insects, if food is not supplied to them within 
a day or so of the time of their escaping from the egg, will die of starvation ; 
but these young creatures will live from two to three weeks without food and 
maintain their activity, a wonderful adaptation to the circumstances in which they are 
placed. ‘When hatched, they crawl to the surface and run up the stems of various plants, 
and often lodge themselves in the fowers and there await the visits of bees and other 
insects who alight to collect pollen or honey. They watch their opportunity, and attach 
themselves with great readiness to any of these insects who may come within their reach. 
It is astonishing with what celerity they fasten themselves to their victim the instant any 
part of its body is accessible, and with what tenacity they adhere to it, seizing it by the 
leg, wing, or hairs of the body, and crawling up and adhering aroung the insertion of its 
legs between the head and thorax or the thorax and abdomen, exciting the greatest possible 

| uneasiness in the winged insect, who vainly endeavours to detach them from its body. 

Some observers are of opinion that the parasite draws nourishment from the bee on 
which it fastens, but the main object of this instinctive attachment seems to be to get 
access to the cells in which the young and food are stored. Once here, the young larva 
of Meloe is said to attack the larva of the bee or other hymenopterous insect whose nest 
is thus invaded, and being furnished with strong mandibles, they thrust them into the 
soft parts of their victims, and prey on their substance through the wounded integuments, 
while the young bee is nourished with the stored pollen and honey. In this state, having 
no longer any use for their active limbs, they are gradually reduced to mere tubercles, 
and after a change of skin, the once active and sprightly creature assumes the form of a 


* The small outline alongside shows this larva of the natural size. 


28 


thick, fleshy maggot. In this form it continues to feed on the young bees or the bee 
bread and honey stored for their use, and after passing through some remarkable changes 
while in the larval condition, first changing to asemi-pupa, then to another form of larva, 
it subsequently assumes the true pupa state, in which condition it remains in its snug 
retreat until the following spring, when it bursts its bonds and appears as a beetle. 

The young Melve larve often attach themselves to the hairs of insects which construct 
no cells and do not store up food for their young ; and in such cases, which must be very 
numerous, they necessarily perish. In the light of this fact we can appreciate the import- 
ance of the great fecundity of the females. 

The larva of Cantharis vesicatoria is almost identical in form with that of Meloe, but 
soon after escaping from the egg it changes from a yellow to a darker hne, and finally to 
a deep black. 

The history of our American species is as yet very fragmentary. Dr. Packard has 
observed the larva of Meloe angusticollis, and found it to differ but little from its European 
congeners. In a recent number of the Canadian Entomologist, Mr. W. Brodie, of Toronto, 
gives some highly interesting observations on this species, extending over a series of 
years. He says :— 

“ According to my experience, Meloes make their appearance in the perfect state 
about the end of August or beginning of September, when they feed greedily on Ranun- 
culus acris. Later in the season, when the abdomens of the females are much enlarged, 
they pair, and later still—sometimes after the first frost—they deposit their eggs and in- 
variably die that season. 

“The larvee emerge from the eggs early the following spring, and I think attach 
themselves to bees generally on¢he blossoms of the willow. I presume this because I 
often find females about to oviposit near to willow bushes, but I have detected the young 
larve in the flowers of Caltha palustris, and suppose they will take to any early flowering 
plant. 

“Tn confirmation of these statements I submit the following from my notes on Meloe 
in the vicinity of Toronto, dating from 1870. 

“Although Meloe is common here, I have never found them much further to the 
north, and as I am pretty well acquainted with all parts of the county, I would say 
they are not found in the central nor in the northern portions of the County of York. 
This is curious, as in the better wooded sections the storing Hymenoptera are more numer- 
ous than about Toronto, 

“1870—Aug. 30th. In early morning saw several Melos descending a white oak tree, 
in St. James’ Cemetery, which tree was afterwards blown down and proved to be a bee 
tree. This would indicate that Meloe pupates in the hive, and when perfect, deserts it 
during the night. 

“1871. Meloes first seen Aug. 10th, 

“1872—Aug. 20th. Meloes feeding on R. acris. 

“1873—Aug.—Oct. Meloes very numerous, feeding on RF. acris ; found many females 
ovipositing in a cold, wet situation, after first fall frost. 

“1874—Ang. 29th. Found about forty Meloes closely huddled in a ball ; they were 
not fighting, and although both sexes were present, do not think they were pairing. None 
of the females had large abdomens, and when disturbed they all quickly ran away. 

“Sept. Ist—10th. Found about sixty Meloes, of both sexes, many of them pairing ; 
feeding on 2. acris, on a small miry patch, about one-fourth acre, bounded on the right 
by a small stream which they could not cross ; on the left, about 150 yards up a bank, 
were six hives of neglected bees. This is the same situation where, in 1873, I found 
females ovipositing after frost. 

“1875—Aug. Found Meloes in same localities as last. season. Captured several fe- 
males ; fed them on R. acris, they began ovipositing Sept. 20th. Oct. 20th, all dead. 
The eggs were of an orange colour, and placed in a hole about 3 inch deep, and large 
enough to receive the abdomen. 

““1876—Aug. 15th. Meloes first seen. Sept. Ist, found about fifty in a ball as I had 
found them in 1874. Do not think they were either fighting or pairing ; cculd not make 
out what they were doing ; when disturbed they soon ran away. This season they were 
about as numerous as in 1875, in same localities at same dates. 


“ From these notes, from my own recollections and from the recollections of my chil- 
dren, I infer that Mcdoes make tieir appearance about the middle of August, that they 
pair and oviposit before the winter sets in, and that they never survive the winter ; and 
that they are very seldom, if ever, found under stones in the neighbourhood of 
Toronto.” 

Prof. Riley has made some observations on Hpicauta vittata. He describes the eggs 
of vittata as follows: Length, 0-08 inch, five times as long as wide, elliptical and so uni- 
form in diameter that it is difficult to say which is the anterior end, though there is a 
slight difference. Egg sometimes very slightly curved. Colour, very pale whitish yel- 
low, smooth and shining. 

The young larva is yellowish-brown, borders of head and thorax and of joints some- 
what more dusky than general surface ; tip of jaws and eyes dark brown. Legs and 
yenter paler ; venter not corneus except at sides and across segments eleven and twelve. 
About ten stiff hairs visible superiorly on the posterior border on the middle segments, 
with a cone-like prominence at the base of each, and six minor bristles in front of them. 
There are also rows of fainter ventral bristles. 

The curious history of these insects throws some light on the fact that while in some 
localities they are enormously abundant one season, they will be very scarce another. I[t 
is to be expected that there would be an alternation between the abundance of certain 
species of hymenopterous insects and cantharides. When the insects they prey on are 
abundant the blistering beetles multiply amazingly, and during this immense multiplica- 
tion exhaust the stock of material on which they feed to such an extent that a year of 
great abundance in any given locality can scarcely fail to be followed by a season of cor- 
responding scarcity. In other, and sometimes adjacent localities, where the same causes 
have not operated to a like extent, the insects may be common enough. The great abun- 
dance of the sociable and solitary; bees in the great plains of the West will pro- 
bably always afford food sufficient to admit of the maturing of large broods of can- 
tharides. 


Tur Destructive Locust or THE WEST. 
By Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, M. A. 


In our last two Reports—those for 1874 and 1875 —we 
devoted a considerable portion of our space to the consider- 
ation of the history, ravages, etc., of the destructive Locust 
of the West. As a supplement to the accounts that we 
then laid before the reader, we now beg to draw his atten- 
tion to the following excellent summary of the migrations 
of this most noxious insect, and the suggestions that are 
made for the alleviation of the plague. The article is taken from the current number of 
the American Naturalist, and is from the pen of Prof. A. 8. Packard, Jr.—one of the ablest 
American Entomologists of the day. ; 

“The following remarks toncerning the probable causes of the migrations of the 
western locust are extracted from a forthcoming report on this and other injurious insects 
in Prof. F. V. Hayden’s Annual Report of the United States Geological and Geographical 
Survey of the Territories for 1875. The facts and theories were in part suggested by ob- 
servations made by myself in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, in 1875, while attached for 
a few weeks to the Survey, and in part by the reports of Prof. C. V. Riley, State Ento- 
mologist of Missouri, and by the statements of Prof. Cyrus Thomas, State Entomologist 
of Illinois, and Hon. W. N. Byers of Denver, and others. } 

“Tn dealing with this fearfully destructive insect, which has attracted so much notice 
from the public, and in seeking for remedies against its devastations, it is of prime im- 
portance to have a thorough knowledge of its breeding places, the frequency and extent 
of its migrations, and to seek for the connection between the direction of the winds and 
other meteorological phenomena, and the flights of the locust. 


Caloptenus femur-rubrum. 


30, 


“The locust is quite or nearly as destructive in Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe, 
as in this country, but the laws of their migrations and their connection with meteorolog- 
ical phenomena have never been studied in those regions, and it remains for the United 
States, with its Weather Signal Bureau, to institute in connection with the scientific sur- — 
veys of the West investigations regarding the nature of the evil, and the best means to 
overcome it. 2 

«In endeavouring to trace the connection between the migrations of the locusts and 
the course of the winds at different months, the writer has been led into some theoretical 
considerations which seem to be supported by the facts presented in the unpublished re- 
port, and which may be confirmed or disproved by future investigations. 

“ History of the Migrations of the Locust.—The following table, compiled from the 
reports of A. S. Taylor, the late Mr. B. D. Walsh, Prof. C. V. Riley, Prof. C. Thomas, 
Mr. G. M. Dawson, and the obsérvations of Mr. W. N. Byers, will show the years when 
the locust was excessively abundant and destritctive in the different territories and states, 
and also serve to roughly indicate the frequency and extent of the migrations of the de- 
structive locust of the West. The dates which are starred are years when the progeny of 
the locusts of the preceding year abounded, and when in most cases there were no fresh in- 
cursions from the westward. The species referred to under the head: of California, Wash- 
ington and Oregon may be some other than Caloptenus spretus. 


1 ‘ I 
Minne- Nebraska, Indian 5 
Manitoba, |S0t@ and Mire nae ee Utah, | Colo- | Kansas, and | Terri- | Califor- Washington 
a "| Westernly vcota, | T ‘ 1 * | rado. Western tory and| nia. and 
Towa. poset ane. | Missouri. Texas. Oregon. 
1818 1818 | 1827 or 1828 
1819 1819 1834 or 1835 
1820 1820 or 1821 | 1838 | s% 
1845 | 1845 
1846? | 
1852 1852 1849 1852 
1855 18557] 1855? 1855 1855? 1855 | 1855 1855 1855 
ae 1856* Pa 1856* 1856* 
57 5 
1864 1864 1864 1864 
1865* 
1866 1866 
1867 1867 1867 1867 1867 1867 
1868* 1868* 1868 1868* 
1869 1869* 
1872 
1873 1873 1873 1873? 1873 ! 1873 
1874 1874 1874 1874 1874 1874 1874 South 
? 1875 1875 1875 1875* 1875* 1875 Cal. 
1876 1876 1876 1876 1876 | 1876 


a ed 

“This table and the data on which it is based are necessarily very imperfect, owing 
to the vast extent of the territory over which the locusts swarmed, and the fact that the 
greater portion is uninhabited, while the inhabited portions have been settled only within 
comparatively few years. 

“The Theory of Migrations.—(1) The immediate cause of the migration of the locust 
from its original breeding places is the wnusual abundance of the species during certain years. 
It has been found in some cases that the exceptional years when the locust migrates are 
periods of unusual heat and dryness, conditions unusually favourable to the excessive 
increase of insect life. As may be seen in the accounts of the eastern locust, the grass 
army worm, the grain aphis, the chinch bug, and other less destructive insects, when the 
early part of the season, the spring and early weeks of the summer, are warm and dry, 
without sudden changes of temperature, insects abound and enormously exceed their 
ordinary numbers. When two such seasons occur, one after the other, the conditions 
become still more favourable for the undue development of insect life. Now it is well 
known that in the Eastern States the summers of 1860 and 1874, preceding the appear- 


31 


ance of the army worm and grain aphis, were unusually warm and dry, and favourable 
not only for the hatching of the egys laid the year previous, but for the growth and deye- 
lopment of the larve or young. Look now at the conditions for the development of - 
locust life on the hot and dry plains, chiefly of Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. 
We have no meteorological records from these regions at hand, but it is more than prob- 
able that the years preceding the migrations of the locusts were exceptionally warm and 
dry, when the soil was parched with long-sustained droughts, as we know that the cor- 
-responding species east of the Mississippi River abounds during dry summers following 
dry and warm springs. = 

“ Given, then, the exceptional years of drought and heat and the great extent of ter- 
ritory, and we have as the result vast numbers of young hatched out. The year previous 
having, perhaps, been warm and dry, the locusts would abound, and more eggs than usual 
would be laid. These would, with remarkably few exceptions, hatch, and the young soon 
consume the buffalo grass and other herbage, and move about from one region to another, 
following often a determinate course in search of food. In this way large broods may 
migrate a long distance, from perhaps twenty to fifty miles. In about six or seven weeks 
they acquire wings. Experience shows that the western locust, as soon as it is fledged, 
rises up high in the air, sometimes a thousand feet or much higher. They have been seen 
to settle at night on the ground, eat during this time, and towards noon the next day fill 
the air again with their glistening wings. As more and more become fledged, the vast 
swarm exhausts the supply of food, and when the hosts are finally marshalled, new swarms 
joining perhaps the original one, the whole swarm, possibly hundred of miles in extent, 
begins to fly off, borne by the preyailing westerly and north-westerly winds, in a general 
easterly and south easterly course. 

“ (2.) The secondary cause of the migration is the desire for food, and possibly the reproduc- 
tive instinct. The fact that in their migrations the locusts often seem to select cultivated 
tracts, rapidly cross the treeless, barren plains, and linger and die on the prairies and 
western edge of the fertile valleys of the Missouri and Mississippi, indicate that the impell- 
ing force is due primarily to the want of food, and that the guiding force is the direction 
of the prevailing winds, for they have no leaders, and we do not believe in the existence 
of a “ migratory instinct” in the locust any more than in the grass army worm, or the 
cotton army worm, which it is sufficiently evident migrate from field to field, simply in 
search of more abundant food. Meanwhile the reproductive system of the locusts is 
maturing, the eggs ripening, and the uneasiness of the locusts during the course of their 
travels may be unconsciously stimulated by the sexual instincts and the desire to discover 
suitable places for egg-laying—a long and tedious operation. 

“Tt has been sufficiently shown that a swarm of locusts observed by Professor Robin- 
son near the entrance to Boulder Canon, Colorado, travelled a distance of about six hun- 
dred miles to Eastern Kansas and Missouri. Though the swarm was first observed at 
some distance north of Denver, Colorado, it was then on its way from the north, and may 
have come from some part of Wyoming two or three hundred miles north-westward or 
northward. Though the winds may vary, and counter-currents exist, and storm gusts 
from due north, such as often sweep over the plains, and local southerly breezes may 
retard their flight, the course is either eastward or south-easterly. We know enough of 
the winds in the Western States and Territories to lay down the law that the general 
direction of the winds in July and August, along the eastern slope of the Rocky Moun- 
tains and on the plains, is from the west and north-west, and accords with the eastward 
course of the locust swarms. The relations between the average direction of the winds 
and the migrations of the locust have, however, never been sufficiently studied, either, so 
far as we are aware, in Europe or in this country. And yet, if we would intelligently 
study the causes of the excessive increase and migrations of the locust, we must examine 
the meteorological features of the country, ascertain the periods of drought and undue 
rainfall, the average direction of the wind for the different months, in order to learn 
how far they correspond with the phenomena of insect life. That there are meteorolo- 
gical cycles, dry and hot seasons recurring at irregular intervals, while the general ave- 
rage may remain nearly the same century after century, is supported, though it may 
be vaguely, by observed meteorological facts. - 


32 


— 


“The question then arises: Can meteorologists predict the coming of seasons of undue 
heat and drought? and consequently can we predict insect years? that is, the migrations of — 
locusts and the undue increase of the chinch bug and the army and cotton worm? TI believe 
that we shall, after the lapse of years, be able to foretell with a good degree of cer- 
tainty locust invasions, and be able to provide against the losses thus incurred. 

“On the frontier of the Western States, in Colorado, or in the Territories of 
Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, where the losses from the ravages of the locust cannot 
easily be made up by importations from contiguous territories, it seems the most practi- 
cable mode to provide in years of plenty against years of want. We should imitate on 
a grand scale the usage of the ancient Egyptians under Pharaoh, who laid up in time of 
unusual harvests stores of grain for times of famine. It is said that this has been done 
on a small scale by the Mormons. — If this were done in the far West, in seasons imme- 
diately preceding insect years, which had been predicted by entomologists in conjunction 
with the meteorologists. we should be saved the distress, destitution, and even loss of life 
from starvation, which have resulted from ignorance of the laws regulating the appear- 
ance of destructive insects, especially the western locust. 

“ The Return Migration.—By simultaneous observations for a number of years over 
the region liable to be visited by migratory hordes of locusts, added to the knowledge we 
already possess, it will not only be possible to predict the course of certain swarms from 
their breeding-places, and their probable destination, so that when a swarm starts from 
Montana or Wyoming, its arrival in Colorado a week or a fortnight later may with some 
certainty be predicted, and again, its arrival in Kansas and adjoining States be announced 
with a certain amount of precision, as has already been done by Dr. Riley, but we shall be 
able to foretell the course taken in the return flight of their progeny in the succeeding year. 
I will confess that, previous to my visit to Kansas and Colorado, in 1875, I was sceptical 
as to Dr. Riley’s opinion that there was a general movement in a north-west course of 
the young of the previous year, broods from Missouri and adjoining regions north-west- 
ward. The facts and resulting theory have already been stated in full by Dr. Riley and 
others. It remains to determine the causes of this return migration, this completion of 
the ‘ migration-cycle,’ as Professor Dawson terms it. It is evident that in this case the 
desire for food is not the cause, for food is many times more abundant in the Mississippi 
Valley than on the plains whither they return. The solution of the problem, I think, 
must be sought in the direction of the prevailing winds during the middle of June, the 
time they become winged. It may be fonnd after a series of careful meteorological obser- 
vations, that the prevailing winds at this early season are southerly and south-easterly. 
It has been shown by meteorologists, as I learn from Prof. C. Abbe, that during May 
and June the winds blow inwards towards the heart of the continent from the Atlantic 
Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. On application to Gen. A. J. Myer, Chief of the Signal Ser- 
vice of the United States Army, for the meteorological data necessary to confirm this hy- 
pothesis, I promptly received a full summary of data observed by the officers of the Wea- 
ther Signal Bureau for periods of from two to five (usually the latter) years between 
1871 to 1876, which show that the prevailing winds in June, in Davenport, Dodge City 
and Keokuk, Iowa ; St. Patil and Breckenridge, Minnesota; Yankton and Fort Sully, 
Dakota ; Omaha, Leavenworth, and Fort Gibson, Indian Territory—all within the locust 
area—are from the south-east and south. This fact may be sufficient to account for the 
prevailing course of the return migrations of the locust from the eastern limits of the 
locust area. 

“ Let us therefore grant this setting-in of southerly and easterly winds, which may 
last until the locusts are winged. When they rise on the wing into the air they are 
known to move in a general north-west direction. It is highly probable that they are 
borne along by these generally south-easterly winds, and pass over on to the plains. The 
cause is seen, then, to be entirely independent of subsistence ; possibly the reproductive 
instinct causes them to become uneasy, restless, to assemble high in the air, and seek the 
dry, hot, elevated plateau of the north-west. Should this be so the cause of the mi- 
grations is probably purely mechanical. Abundant testimony is at hand to show that 
they are wholly at the mercy of the prevailing winds, and that, as a rule, the course of 
their migrations is quite dependent on the direction of the winds, while the course of 
the winds depend more or less on the season of the year. We may expect that future 


- 33 


research over sufficient territory will show that the June migrations, from the eastern 
limits of the locust area, will be towards the north-west, and the July, August, and 
early Septembar migrations, from the Rocky Mountain plateau, will be in a general east- 
erly and south-easterly direction. 

“Tt is not only of great scientific interest, but of high practical importance, to collect 
all facts bearing on the return migrations, in order to know where the locusts go in their 
return migrations the second year, as we only know that they do fly » certain distance 
northwestward. We want to ascertain the extreme western limits of ‘this return migra- 
tion. We also want to learn whether they return to their original breeding-places on the 
eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, or whether the westerly winds, if they are westerly, 
drive them back and scatter them, so that they do not breed extensively. 

“Tt will be seen by the reader that all grounds for a reliable working theory of 
locust migrations are based on the work of our Signal Bureau and local observers, and 
that the observations of the meteorologists and entomologists must go hand in hand. 
The government has provided a well-organized corps of meteorological observers, and we 
submit that a number of competent entomologists should take the field, under government 
auspices. Not only should the border States, especially Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Min- 
nesota, and Iowa, employ competent entomologists, following the liberal policy of Missouri, 
which for eight years has had a state entomologist, whose reports have proved of incalcu- 
lable practical value, as well as of great scientific interest, but the habits of the locust 
need first of all to be thoroughly studied in the Territories, particularly those of Wyoming, 
Montana, Idaho, Dakota, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and in the State of Colorado. A 
commission of entomologists should be appointed to’ make a thorough detailed study for 
several successive seasons of the habits of the locusts in the Territories mentioned. It 
would seem that the recommendations made at the recent meeting of Western Governors 
at Omaha, that an appropriation be made by Congress, and a commission be attached to 
the existing United States Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories, is the 
most feasible and economical method of securing the speediest and best results. 

Let us fora moment look at the losses sustained in the United States from the 
attacks of insects. The annual agricultural products of this country by the last census 
amounted in value to $2,500,000,000. Of this amount we in all probability annually lose 
over $200,000,000 from the attacks of injurious insects alone. Dr. Riley avers that the 
losses during 1874 in Missouri from locusts—and it will be remembered that only the 
western third was invaded—exceeded $15,000,000. This would make the losses in other 
parts of the West at least twice as much more, or $45,000,000 in all. The estimated 
money loss occasioned by the chinch bug in Illinois in 1864 was over $73,000,000, in 
Missouri, in 1874, it is estimated by Dr. Riley to have been $19,000,000. The annual 
losses from the chinch bug are greater, Mr. Riley says, than from any other insect. The 
_ average annual loss to the cotton crop from the attacks of the cotton army worm alone is 
estimated at $50,000,000. Adding to these the losses sustained by the attacks of about 
a thousand other species of insects which affect our cereals, forage and field crops, fruit 
trees and shrubs, garden vegetables, shade and ornamental trees, as well as our hard and 
pine forests, and stored fruits, and it will not be thought an exaggeration to put our 
annual losses at $200,000,000. Ifthe people of this country would only look at this 
annual depletion, this absolute waste, which drags her backward in the race with the 
countries of the Old World, they might see the necessity of taking effectual preventive 
measures in restraining the ravages of insects. With care and forethought based on the 
observance of facts by scientific men, we believe that from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000, 
or from one quarter to one half of this annual waste, could be saved to the country. And 
the practical, most efficient way is for the States to co-operate with the general Govern- 
ment in the appointment of salaried entomologists, and of a United States commission of 
entomologists, who should combine the results of the State officials, and issue weekly, or, 
if necessary, daily bulletins, perhaps in combination with the Weather Signal Bureau, as 
to the conditions of the insect world, forewarning farmers and gardeners from week to 
week as to what enemies should be guarded against and what preventive and remedial 
measures should be used. 

“The Weather Signal Bureau, first suggested and urged by the late I. A. Lapham, 

3) 


34 
or 
was not instituted without ridicule and opposition, but it has saved millions to our com- 
merce and agriculture. The maintenance of an entomological commission and the ap- 
pointment of State entomologists would involve comparatively little expense. Already, 
owing to the full information regarding the invasion of Missouri by the locust in 1874, 
contained in the reports of Prof. C. V. Riley, the people of that State will be well prepared 
from the direful experience of the past, to deal more intelligently and efficiently with the 
locust for the future. 


35 


ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 


BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 


THE Luna Motu (Actias luna, LINN). 


In our Report last year, there was an interesting article on this beautiful insect, by 
Mr. R. V. Rogers, of Kingston, Ontario. At the time that appeared, we were unable to 
supply an illustration of the moth, but lately we have succeeded in obtaining a very beau- 
tiful one, drawn and engraved expressly for our pages. 
Fig. 3. This moth (Fig. 
3) measures when its 
wings are spread 
from 43 to 54 inches. 
The wings are of a 
delicate green colour, 
thickly covered with 
pale hairs as they 
approach the body. 
There is a purplish 
brown stripe along 
the front margin of 
the fore wings. which 
stretches also across 
the thorax, while a 
small branch of the 
same is extended to 
the eye spot near the 
middle of the wjng. 
The eye spots are 
transparent in the 
middle and margined 
with rings of white, 
yellow, blue and 
black. The hinder 
edges of the wings 
are blordered with 
purplish brown. 
The head is 
white while the beautifully pectinated antenns are of a brownish tinge. The thorax and 
abdomen-are whitish or greenish white, thickly clothed with a woolly down, the former 
crossed by the purplish brown stripe already mentioned. The legs are purplish brown. 

This lovely creature is not at all common in the neighbourhood of London ; indeed 
it can scarcely be called common anywhere in Ontario, although it is very widely and 
generally distributed. Seldom a season passes without some being captured in our midst, 
and occasionally we have had them fly in at the windows at night, attracted apparently 
by the light. 


36 y ‘ 


The larva, which is of a bluish green colour, feeds on Hickory, Walnut, Butternut, 
and sometimes on Beech and Oak, and closely resemvles that of polyphemus, from which 
it may be distinguished by its having a pale yellow lateral stripe, bands of the same 
between the segments, and a brown V-shaped mark on the terminal segment. 

For fuller details, we refer our readers to Mr. Rogers’ excellent paper. 


DEILEPHILA CHAMG@NERII AND LINEATA. 


Both these members of the Sphinx family are found more or less plentifully in nearly 
all portions of the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec ; Jineata, as far as we have been able 
to learn, is more abundant in Ontario and chamenerit in Quebec. They are both very 
handsome moths, and so strong and active when on the wing that it is difficult to capture 
them without injury. About twilight or a little later their period of activity begins, 
when they may beseen flitting about with spectre-like rapidity, hovering like the hum- 
ming bird over flowers, into which their long and slender tongues are inserted in search 
of the nectar there stored. 

They are much alike. In both the ground colour of the fore wings is of a rich green- 

Fig 4. ish olive, crossed about the middle by a 
pale buff stripe or bar, extending almost 
the whole length to the tip, while along 
the outer margin there is another band or 
stripe nearly equal in width, but of a dull 
ashy colour. The hind wings are small, 
with a wide rosy band, which covers a 
large portion of the wing, while above and 
below, the colour is almost black, the hinder 
margin being fringed with white. In the 
markings on the bodies they also resemble 
each other very much. ‘There is a line of 
white on each side, extending from the 
head to the base of the thorax, 
j and other less prominent long- 

itudinal lines of white on the 
thorax. The abdomen is of 
a greenish olive, having a 
reddish hue on the sides 
and spotted with white and 
black. 

There are differences, how- 
ever, which would enable the 
most casual observer to separ- 
ate them without difficulty. 
There is a difference in size, 
lineata (Fig.5) being the largest, 
measuring when its wings are 
spread about three and a half 
inches, while chamenerii (Fig. 
4) rarely exceeds two and three-quarter inches. The central band on the fore wings in 
chamenerti is wider and more irregular, but the most striking point of difference between 
the species is that the veins of the fore wings in /ineata are distinctly margined with white, 
a character entirely wanting in chamenerii. These differences will be readily appreciated 
by reference to the figures. 

In our Report for 1874, we gave a short description of D. lineata, known also as “the 
white lined morning sphinx ;” but since some of our readers may not have access to that 
report, we have reproduced some of the figures then used. The beautiful figure of D. 
Chamenerti has been drawn and engraved expressly for this report. 


37 


Bye. C- Theeaterpillars 
of lineata vary 
much: in appear- 
ance. In Fig. 6 we 
have a represen- 
tation of the most 
common form, 
while another 
form is shown in 
Fig. 7. They 
are said to feed 
upon _ purslane, 
turnip, buek- 
wheat, water- 
melon, also on 
grape and apple 
leaves. Mr. Pile, 
of Dundas, Ont., 
has found them 
feeding on the 
common plantain, 
They are found in the larval condition during the month of July, and when full grown they 
are said to descend into the ground, where they change into light brown chrysalids, and ap- 
pear as moths in September. 

The following description of the larva of D. chamewnerii was made from three examples 
found feeding on grave leaves on the 5th of July :— 

Length, two and a half inches, tapering towards each end; head small, rather flat in 
front, slightly bilobed, and of a dull pinkish colour, with a black stripe across the front at 
the base ; basal half of palpi yellow, upper half black; mandibles black, with a patch of 
yellow between them and the black stripe. 

Body above deep olive green, with a brownish tinge and a polished surface. Second 
segment with a cervical shield similar in colour to head, its sides dull greenish, with two 
yellow dots. There is a pale yellowish dorsal line terminating at the base of the caudal 
horn ; each segment from 3rd to 12th, inclusive, has a pale yellow spot on each side of the 
dorsal line, about half way towards the stigmata, those on 3rd segment small and almost 
crescent-shaped, on the 4th larger and nearly round, 5th still larger, nearly round, 6th, 
7th, 8.h, 9th, 10th and 11th about equal in size, nearly oval and larger than those on 5th. 
On 12th segment the spot is more elongated, and extending upwards, terminates at the 
base of the caudal horn. There is a wide but indistinct blackish band across the anterior 
part of each segment, in which the yellow spots are set ; the sides of the body below the 
spots are thickly sprinkled with minute raised yellow dots. Caudal horn long, curved 
backwards, red, slightly tipped with black, and with a roughened surface ; terminal seg- 
ment dull pinkish ; stigmata oval, yellow, shaded around with dull black. 

Under surface much paler, colour dull pale pinkish green, the pink colour predomi- 
nating from 5th to terminal segments inclusive, and with a number of very minute raised 
yellowish dots placed chiefly along the sides. Feet black; pro-legs pink, with a patch of 
black on the outside of each. One specimen spun a light web, binding a portion of the 
leaf in the manner of pampinatrix, within which it changed to chrysalis on the 10th of 
July, and from this the imago appeared on the 28th of the same month. The other two 
larve died before completing their transformations. 


THE BLACK SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio asterias). 


This is one of our commonest butterflies, and is found in nearly all parts of Canada 
and the United States. It is a very handsome species, with the wings of a black or deep 
blackish brown colour, with yellow and blue markings. Across the wings there are two 
bands of yellow spots ; those composing the inner one in the male are large and distinct, 
while in the female they are smaller and sometimes almost obsolete. In Fig. 10, also 


38 


engraved expressly for 
this report, we have an 
excellent representation 
of the female. The spots 
forming the outer band 
are smaller and near the 
margin. Besides these, 
the fore wings have one 
or two spots towards the 
upper margin and the 
hind wings, which are 
tailed, have a series of 
seven blue spots or patch- 
es, and near their hinder 
angle an eye-like spot of 
an orange colour, with a 
black centre. 

The under surface of both wings is paler, with the spots arranged nearly as above, 
excepting that those on the hind wings are tinted with orange. The body is black, with 
longitudinal rows of yellow spots. The wings, when spread, measure from three and a- 
half to four inches across. 

The caterpillars, when fresh from the egg, do not measure more than a tenth of an 
inch in length, are black with a broad white band across the middle, and another on the 
hinder segments, while the body is studded with small black projecting points. After 
the first skin is cast the white band is restricted to the sixth and seventh segments, and 
around the base of the black projecting points are spots of an orange colour, while low 
down on the sides is a row of white spots ; there are also two of the same colour on the 
top of the first segment, and a larger one on the hinder segment. With each moult 
these caterpillars alter in colour and appearance, and before they are half grown the pro- 
jecting points, white band, and spots entirely disappear, the skin becomes smooth and of 
a delicate green colour, rather paler at the sides and whitish below, and each ring is crossed 
by a band composed of alternate black and yellow spots. When irritated they push 
forth, from a slit in the first segment of the body, a pair of soft, orange-coloured horns, 
united at their base, and shaped somewhat like the letter Y ; from these, when extended, 
a disagreeable odour is given off, which serves to defend the caterpillars from the attack 
of their enemies. They feed on parsley, rue, carrot, parsnip, carraway, and several other 
plants, both wild and cultivated. When full grown the caterpillar measures an inch and 
a half in length, it then leaves off eating, and seeks a sheltered spot in which to pass the 
chrysalis state. Here it first spins a little web of silk against the surface of the spot se 
lected, to which its hind feet are firmly secured, it then spins a loop or girth of silken 
threads to furnish a support to the body, after which it casts its caterpillar skin and 
appears as a chrysalis. In this state it continues from ten to fifteen days in summer, the 
time varying with the temperature, when the butterfly escapes. 


39 


NOTES OF THE YEAR. 


BY WM. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONT. 


a 


Tue Army Worm (Heliophila unipuncta). 


This troublesome insect has appeared in several sections of our Province during the 
past year, and although it has not occurred in such hordes as in times past, yet its 
numbers were sufficiently great during the latter part of the season to excite apprehen- 
sion of the probability of a more severe invasion during the coming summer. Towards 
the end of the warm weather the moths were very abundant, and could be captured 
by hundreds by preparing a bait of molasses and beer, and painting it on fence boards or 
trees early in the evening. 

The moth, when its wings are spread, measures nearly an inch and three- 
quarters. It is of a yellowish drab colour, approaching russet, witha small white dot on 
the forewings near the middle, and a dusky oblique stripe near the tip, and a few blackish 
dots oyer their surface. The hind wings are darker, with a silky lustre, and almost semi- 
transparent. The fore part of the body is similar in colour to the fore-wings, the hinder 
part a little darker than the hind wings. 

The worm when full grown, measures about an inch and a half in length, is 
of a dark grey colour, with yellowish and dusky longitudinal stripes. They sometimes 
appear in immense swarms, devouring whole fields of grain and other grasses during their 


progress. 


THE GOOSEBERRY FRUIT Worm (Pempelia grossularia). 


This troublesome pest is increasing rapidly from year to year, and committing 
great havoc among the gooseberries. We have had many complaints from fruitgrowers 
during the past season of their destructiveness, with inquiries as to the best methods 
of counteracting their ravages- One of our correspondents, Mr. B. Gott, of Arkona, has 
so well explained the workings of this insect, that we think it best in this connection to 
quote his own words. He says ‘for some time past we have suffered from the depreda- 
tions of a worm upon our gooseberries, and not having observed anything in type treat- 
ing upon this particular insect, I thought it advisable to acquaint you with the facts of 
the casé. While the gooseberry is yet young and tender, say about the size of a pea, a 
small worm appears and eats its way into the heart of the berry and becomes of a green- 


_ ish colour. After living there for some time and scooping clean the contents of that 


berry, it will attack the next nearest berry and secure itself effectually against accident or 
danger by a sort of net or web-work thrown around and over those berries, at the same 
time growing in length and strength and prospering everyway as satisfactorily as insect 
could desire. About the time that gooseberries are nearly ripe, say during the latter part 
of July, it has attained its full dimensions as a devouring larva, and is about one inch or 
one and a quarter in length with six claw-like feet towards the head. By this time it has 
enclosed some ten or twelve berries in its capacious web to satisfy its voracious and in- 
creasing demands, scooping all out thoroughly. 

“The worms work by thousands on our plantations of a few hundred bushes and de- 
stroy from one-half to.two-thirds of the entire crop of berries. Now as this fruit is of 
considerable value and importance, this insect depredation is felt to be something more 
than a benefit. It amounts to more than thinning ; it is an actual loss to the grower, and 


40) 


= 


the trouble is an ever increasing and rapidly growing one. What can be done to coun- 
teract the workings of this enemy to gooseberry culture ?” 

This worm is the progeny of a small grey moth (see Fig. 9), which lays its eggs upon 
the gooseberries as soon as they begin to form. The moth, when 
its wings are expanded, measures nearly an inch across. Its 
fore wings are pale grey with dark streaks and bands. There is 
a transverse diffuse band a short distance from the base of the 
wing, enclosing an irregular whitish line which terminates before 
reaching the front edge of the wing. Near the outer edge is 
another transverse band enclosing a whitish zig-zag line. There is also a row of blackish 
dots within the outer margin ; the veins and their branches are white. The hind wings 
are paler and dusky. The head, antennz, body and legs are all pale grey, more silvery 
underneath than above. 

This insect passes the winter in the chrysalis state, enclosed in a brown papery-look- 
ing cocoon (see Fig. 9), hid amongst leaves or other rubbish on the surface of the ground, 
and escapes from the chrysalis, and appears as a moth during the latter part of April. 
Shortly after they seek their mates, and the females are ready to deposit their eggs as 
soon as the fruit is sufficiently advancea in growth, these are probably attached singly to 
the fruit, where in a few days they hatch, producing worms, which burrow in the frnit as 
our correspondent has described. 

When full grown, the worms lower themselves to the ground by silken threads which 
they spin at will, and there construct their little silken cocoons amongst the dried leaves 
and rubbish, and remain in this inactive state until the following spring ; hence there is 
only one brood during the year. 

The infested fruit soon indicates the presence of this larva, by becoming discoloured 
and withered. We have found them attacking currants also, both white and red, and 
occasionally infesting the black currant. 

The most satisfactory remedy we know of, is hand-picking. The evidences of their 
presence are not difficult to detect. Any berries found colouring prematurely, should be 
examined, and as the larve slip out and fall to the ground very quickly care must be 
taken that they do not escape in this manner. We have tried dusting the bushes with 
fresh air-slacked lime late in April, with good results, the moths seeming to avoid almost 
entirely bushes so dusted. We would also suggest keeping the ground under the bushes 
clean, so as to afford them no hiding-places, also the use of some ashes or lime strewed 
under the bushes. It is said that, if chickens are allowed the run of the gooseberry patch 
after the fruit has been picked, they will greatly lessen their numbers by devouring 
the chrysalids. The mode of life adopted by this insect prevents the successful use of any 
poison applied to the bushes as may be readily done when the larva feed on the leaves of 
the bush they infest. 


THE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rape). 


While we regret to have to record the onward march of the Cabbage Butterfly which 
has now spread over the whole of western Ontario, destroying yearly tens of thousands 
of cabbages, we are at the same pleased to be able to state that its natural enemy the 
little ichneumon parasite, Pteromalus puparum, described in our previous reports, is closely 
following in its wake-—out of a large number of chrysalids of the butterfly found about 
London, a considerable proportion have been found upon examination to be infested with 
these parasites. 

This friendly insect is a tiny four-winged fly, about one-eighth of an inch long, with 
a golden coloured body and greenish head. The female spends her time in searching for 
the chrysalids of the butterfly, into which she drills little holes and therein deposits her 
eggs ; these hatch into tiny maggots, which prey upon the substance of the chrysalis and 
finally devour it. 


41 


BENEFICIAL AND INJURIOUS INSECTS. 
(Chiefly of the Order Hymenoptera.) 
BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS, LONDON, ONT. 


The Common Bee (Apis mellifica.) 

The Bee-moth or Wax-worm (Gallerea cereana) Fabr. 

The Bee-killer (Trupanea apivora) Fitch. 

. The Ring-legged Pimpla (/%mpla annulipes) Br. 

The Pigeon Tremex (Ziemex columba) Linn. 

The Sigalphus Cireulio Parasite (Sigalphus curculionis) Fiteh. 
. The Porizon Curculio Parasite (Porizon conotracheli) Riley. 


Ye 92 bo 


mI ot 


To the student of insect life, and even to the most ordinary observer, there is no 
class of insects more interesting and wonderful than the Hymenoptera (membranous 
winged insects), as our readers will no doubt admit when we say that to this order belong 
the Bees, Humble Bees, Wasps, Ants, Gall Flies, and many other less familiar forms. 
Naturalists, as well as poets and thinkers of all ages, have been led to admire them for 
their wonderful powers of architecture, their economic foresight, their marvellous instincts, 
and their admirable social organizations, all of which prove a very high order of intelli- 
gence. ‘Two living entomologists—Dana and Packard—place them at the head of their 
lists in their systems of classification, considering therm the most perfect insects. Dana 
says of them, ‘‘ They exhibit the normal size of the insect type, which is between eight and 
twelve lines in length, and two anda half or three in breadth.” Packard ascribes to 
them “instincts and a kind of reason differing, perhaps, only in degree from that of man. 

The metamorphoses of the Hymenoptera are complete, that is, in their development 
they pass through the four stages of a typical insect, viz. : the egg, the larva, the pupa or 
chrysalis, and the imago or perfect insect. 

They have small but powerful membranous wings well ?adapted for long sustained 
flights. 

: We propose to compile such information, from scattered authors, as may be at once 
interesting and instructive ; and will commence with the common Honey Bee. 


Tue Honty Bee (Apis mellifica). 


This valuable little insect has been known from the times of the ancients, and at 
present it is cultivated over the entire civilized world, and in many uncivilized and thinly 
peopled countries is found wild; it was introduced into America during the seventeenth 
century. 

In a complete hive of bees there are three very distinct kinds of individuals—the 
female, mother, or queen bee,—the neuters or working bees whigh are incompletely de- 
veloped females—and the males or drones. 

A still further subdivision may be made : “ There have been observed amongst_ bees 
two sorts of females or queens, a large one and a small. Needham first observed the 
latter: and their existence, P. Huber tells us, has been confirmed by several observations 
of his father. They are bred in cells nearly as large as those of the common queens, from 
which they differ only in size. Though they have ovaries, they have never been observed 
to lay eggs. Reamur observes that some queens are much larger than others ; but he at- 
tributes this difference of their size to the state of the eggs in their body. There are two 
descriptions of males—one not bigger than the workers, supposed to be produced from a 
male egg laid in a worker’s cell. The common males are much larger and will counter- 
poise two workers. The workers are divided into the wax workers and the nurse bees ; the 
latter are smaller than the former ; their stomach is not capable of such distension ; and 
their office is to build the combs and cells after the foundation has been laid by the wax 
workers, to collect honey, and to feed the larve. The nurse bees, however, do secrete 
wax, but in very small quantities.” (Kirby and Spence’s Entomology.) 


42 


The working bees are the crowd, the masses, the living force ; they greatly outnumber 
other individuals. The worker is smaller than either the queen or drone; it has three 
pairs of legs as have the others, but the hindermost pair of the worker’s legs is developed 
in a peculiar manner to enable it to perform the duties belonging to it ; the leg is much 
enlarged near its farther end, and resembles a long triangle in outline ; a set of sharp 
points or many strong spines, which are regularly distributed, form a kind of rake toward 
the extremity, and this implement enables the bee to seize the waxy plates that are be- 
tween its abdominal segments. The first joint of the tarsus or foot succeeds the leg and 
attains a great size, when compared with that of the other members of the structure. 
Being articulated with or jointed to the leg by its internal angle, the free external portion 
forms, with the leg, a true pair of pincers ; moreover two small spines render the arrange- 
ment all the more perfect. This joint is square in outline, and is perfectly smooth on the 
outside, whilst it is furnished on the inside with many transverse sets of stiff hairs of 
equal size. The limb acts capitally as a trowel and as a brush. The fertile female or 
queen, which never works, has the traces of this arrangement, and the males also ; but 
neither of them has the pinching and brushing structures: these are restricted to the 
workers. 

The worker or neuter possesses a pair of movable mandibles or jaws which close 
the mouth on the side ; its trunk or proboscis consists of four horny like scales which 
enclose a tongue about the size of a hair, which when magnified appears to be formed of 
successive rings. One pair of these sheathing scales is provided with a fringe of hairs, in- 
tended, no doubt, to brush off and secure the honey which is found in the cups of flowers, 
and a more efficient and beautiful instrument we could not conceive of. This tongue is 
not used for sucking as in the case of butterflies, but for lapping ; when not in use it is 
folded in a small compass. The antennz are twelve jointed and terminate in a knob; 
they probably serve as a means of communication, and as delicate organs of touch. 
The abdomen consists of six joints or rings, and under the scaly coverings of the four 
middle ones are situated the receptacle for the wax. Neither the queens nor the 
drones have any provision for the collection of pollen or the secretion of wax, as their 
duties are of another kind. The abdomen of the worker is terminated by a straight 
sting ; the drone has none ; that of the queen is curved. The wings of the worker and 
those of the drone, cover the abdomen entirely, whilst those of the queen cover only one- 
half. Other characteristics and the relations of these creatures to each other will be 
best shown by an examination of their social life, and their division of labour, which are 
among the strongest arguments for ascribing powers of reason to these insects. 

A colony of bees consists, besides the young brood, cf one queen, several hundreds of 
males or drones, and many thousand workers or neuters. 

In the summer time, a bee hive is truly a busy place: all is bustle without confusion : 
each insect has its appointed work to do, and all are diligent. At the door stand the 
watchful sentinels ready to challenge rash intruders, while passing‘in and out are hundreds 
of busy workers, some carrying their sweet burdens to the common store-house, whilst 
others are setting off in search of new supplies. Here we see a worker engaged in a con- 
test with a venturesome stranger, and there are others performing the last sad offices for a 
dead companion. Their industry is remarkable and has become proverbial, as can testify 
many a lagging urchin who has been referred to the bee to find incitement to industry. 


‘* How doth the little busy bee, 
Improve each shining hour,” &e. 


When a colony takes possession of a hive, be it an artificial one or a natural cavity, the 
first operation is to stop up all the openings, except one, which is to form the door. The 
substance used in this process is called propolis, and is an odorous gum resin taken from 
the buds of the poplar, pine, fir, and beech trees. It is said that bees sometimes use this 
propolis for embalming the dead bodies of enemies which cannot be removed fromt he 
hive, and which are in this way prevented from decomposing. If so, the Egyptians 
lose a trifle of their ‘celebrity in this regard. After the hive is properly prepared, the 
next step is to lay the foundation for the cells which are to form the comb. The material 


necessary, is wax. Wax was formerly supposed to be derived from the pollen of flowers ~ 


43 


alone, but it has been proved that bees fed solely on pollen do not secrete wax, but do 
when saccharine matter is supplied. A detachment of workers is sent to the fields to 
collect supplies and soon return loaded. One now attaches itself to the roof, allowing 
its body to hang down ; another fastens its front legs to the hinder ones of the first ; and 
this operation is repeated until a large cluster is formed, suspended from the top of the 
hive. The bees remain in this position about twenty-four hours, during which time the 
food they have collected is altered by some process into wax, and appears under the joints 
of the abdomen. One now separates itself from the mass, and forcing its way to the roof, 
clears a space of about an inch in diameter, in which it can move freely : it then suspends 
itself, and, seizing one of the laminw of wax with a pincer formed by two joints of the 
hind leg, withdraws it from beneath the abdominal ring, and carries it to its mouth. 
Here it masticates it, mixing it with the frothy saliva; during the operation the tongue 
assumes many forms: now it is flattened like a spatula; then like a trowel ; at other 
times it resembles a pencil terminating in a point. The saliva mixed with the wax gives 
it a whiteness and opacity which it had not before, and another object of the admixture 
is doubtless to give it that ductility and tenacity which it possesses in its perfect state 
The bee next applies the ribands of wax which result to the vault of the hive, disposing 
them with its mandibles in the direction which it wishes them to take : it continues these 
manceuvres until it has employed all the laminz of wax it has elaborated. At length it 
leaves its work, and is lost in the crowd of its companions. Another succeeds and 
resumes the employment ; then a third ; all follow the same plan of placing their little 
- masses, and if any by chance gives them a contrary direction, another coming re- 
moves them to their proper place. The wax-makers having thus laid the foundation of a 
comb, are succeeded by the nurse bees, which are alone competent to model and perfect 
the work. The former are the labourers who convey the stone and mortar ; the latter the 
masons who work them up into the form which the intended structure requires. One of 
the nurse bees with its mandibles moulds in the wall a cavity which is to form the base of 
one of the cells. When it has worked some minutes it departs, and another takes its 
place, deepening the cavity, heightening its lateral margins by heaping up the wax to the 
right and left, by means of its teeth and fore feet. More than twenty bees successively 
employ themselves in this work. At a certain time other bees begin on the yet untouched 
and opposite side of the mass, and commencing the bottom of fwo cells, are in turn 
relieved by others. The wax-makers bring fresh supplies from time to time for the use 
of the nurse bees. After having worked the bottom of the cells of the first row into their 
proper forms, they polish them, while others begin the outline of a new series. The cells 
or prisons are next constructed, and engrafted on the borders of the cavities, and the 
length of the tubes is so perfectly proportioned, that there is no observable inequality 
among them. It is to be remarked that although the general form of the cells is hex- 
agonal, the first begun are pentagonal. ‘“ When one has well examined,” says Reamur, 
“the true shape of each cell, when one has studied their arrangement, geometry seems to 
have guided the design for the whole work. One finds that all the advantages which 
could have been desired are here combined. The bees seem to have had to solve a prob- 
lem containing conditions which would have made the solution appear difficult to many 
geometricians. The problem may be thus enunciated : given a quantity of matter, say of 
wax, it is required to form cells which shall be equal and similar to each other, of a deter- 
mined capacity, but as large as possible in proportion to the quantity of matter employed, 
and the cells to be so placed that they may occupy the least possible space in the hive. 
To satisfy this last condition, the cells should touch each other in such a way that no an- 
gular spaces remain between them.” 

That the bees have fully solved the above problem is evident, and the judgment they 
use renders it impossible for us to view them as mere organized machines, whose instinct 
is their spring of action : we are forced to concede to them intelligence—(Figuieur). 

The two rows of cells placed back to back form the comb, and the combs are so ar- 
ranged that the bees have just space to pass between them. The size of the cell varies, 
but the majority of them are small, some are slightly larger, and a few are of consider- 
able size, and those usually at the ends of the combs. The smallest are for the larve of 
the workers, the next will be filled by those of the male,-and the largest cells will contain 
queens or fertile females. 


44 


As soon as the cells are finished the queen or fertile female runs over the surface of 
the combs and lays an egg in each cavity, and she is attended by a host of workers who 
take care that only one egg is dropped into each cell. Should two fall in, one is pulled 
out and destroyed. When the laying is finished the work of the queen {s at an’end, and 
she does not concern herself in any way about the larve. The eggs are not long in 
being hatched. From the moment when the larva comes out of the egg until that of its 
metamorphosis into a pupa, it keeps in its cell, motionless as an Indian idol. The work- 
ing bees visit it from time to time. In from three to five days the larve are developed ; 
they have absorbed all their pap, and have no need from that time of any nourishment, 
for they are now about to change to pup. The nurses now pay them a last attention, 
they wall them up in their cells, closing the openings with a waxen covering. In thirty- 
six hours they have spun for themselves a silken cocoon in which they undergo their 
transformation. The perfect.insect is ready in seven or eight days to appear in broad 
daylight ; it breaks through the thin transparent covering in which it is swathed; then 
with its mandibles it pierces the door of its prison and issues forth. It soon becomes 
strong, and if it is a worker it is not long in getting to work and mixing with its com- 
panions in labour. Queens require sixteen days from the laying of the egg before they 
are ready to emerge from their cells ; workers require twenty ; and drones require twenty- 
four. The rearing and birth of the queen differs from that of others. In proportion 
as their larva inerease in size do the workers enlarge the cells which contain them, and 
then again gradually diminish their size as the moment of their last change approaches. 
A special and peculiar food is given to the larve that are to form the queens, it is heavier 
and sweeter than that given to the other larve. The food and the situation appear to be 
the causes which decide the nature of the forthcoming insect, as when the hive becomes in 
any way queenless the workers choose a larva which, in ordinary circumstances, would be- 
come a worker, and by alterations in its dwelling and by supplying it with royal food ulti- 
mately produces a perfect female or queen. As soon as they have quited their cradles, the 
young queens are ready for flight ; but the workers and males are less strongly organized, 
they require a rest of about a day before taking part in the sports and labours of the 
older ones. 

When hatching has begun, each day adds some hundreds of young bees to the popu- 
lation of the hive, which soon becomes too small , and then occur those remarkable emi- 
grations called swarms. When this remedy becomes necessary, the inhabitants become 
excited, drop their work, and the agitation becomes general; the queen runs from place 
to place, but does not receive her customary homage ; the workers are no longer attentive 
to the young brood ; the hum increases in intensity, and as if panic striken the bees rush 
from the hive, led or accompanied by a queen. The swarm flies about and soon settles 
on a suitable branch, forming a dense mass of living animals supporting eack other by 
the claws of their feet. Sometimes it happens that two queens go out with the same 
swarm ; and the result is that the swarm at first divides into two bodies, one under each 
leader but they usually unite again, and when the whole are housed the question of so- 
vereignty is settled by the stronger queen destroying the weaker. Until this great question is 
decided, the bees do not settle to their usual labour. Two queens in the same hive is some- 
thing that cannot be endured, and there are many accounts of the singular duels which 
decide such matters. 

When the colony is thoroughly organized, and the members are beginning to accum- 
ulate provisions, a most singular tragedy takes place. The drones or males are no longer 
wanted, and they must be got rid of. The massacre is performed by the workers, who 
seize the drones, pull them by their legs, wings, or antennz, and finally kill them with 
their stings. The pitiless executioners do not spare even the larve and pupe of the 
males, The slaughter goes on for several days or until all the males are killed, they not 
being able to defend themselves as they have no stings. In two cases the drones are not 
destroyed—when the queen lays only male eggs, and when the hive is without a queen. 
But we have said little as yet about the most familiar product of the bee—we mean honey. 
Let us accompany them on their excursions into the fields. On these occasions the prin- 
cipal object of the bees is to furnish themselves with three different materials: the nectar 
of flowers from which they elaborate honey and wax; the pollen, or fertilizing dust from 
the anthers of the flowers, of which they make what is called the bee bread, serving as 


food both to old and young; and the resinous substance called propolis, which we have 
described in speaking of the preparation of the hive in the first place. The nectar is a 
fluid secreted by the flowers, and is extracted by the bees by means of their long tongues 
they do not take.up this fluid by suction but by a lapping motion ; the juice is then con- 
veyed into the first stomach or honey bag, which is small when empty, but when filled 
becomes swelled to a considerable size. In the honey-bag the fluid is changed into honey, 
and from this bag the bee ejects it into one of the cells on her return to the hive. Honey 
is never found in the second stomach, which is reserved for the bee-bread. In collecting 
honey, bees do not confine themselves solely to flowers ; they will sometimes very greedily 
absorb the sweet juices of fruits, they are also fond of sugar ; though the great mass of 
the food of bees is collected from flowers, they do not wholly confine themselves to a 
vegetable diet ; for, besides the honeyed secretion of the aphides, the possession of which 
they will sometimes dispute with the ants, upon particular occasions they will eat the 
eges of the queen ; they are also very fond of the fluid that oozes from the cells of the 
pups, and will suck eagerly all that is fluid in their own abdomens after they are wounded 
by their rivals. Although bees in some instances appear to know and do avoid many 
flowers yielding poisonous honey, yet they have been known to collect poisonous honey 
inlarge quantities. In the autumn and winter of the year 1790, an extensive mortality 
was produced amongst those who had partaken of the honey collected in the neighbour- 
hood of Philadelphia. The attention of the American Government was excited by the 
general distress, a minute inquiry into the cause of the mortality ensued, and it was 
satisfactorily ascertained that the honey had been chiefly extracted from the flowers of 
Kalmia latifolia—known by the common names of Mountain Laurel or Calico Bush—a 
plant possessing strong narcotic properties. History informs us that honey found at 
Trebizond, on the Black Sea, threatened fatal effects to such of the Greek army, as par- 
took of it, in the celebrated retreat after the death of the younger Cyrus ; those soldiers 
who ate it in small quantities appeared asif intoxicated, while such as partook of it freely 
appeared as if mad or about to die, numbers lying on the ground as if after a defeat. 
Pliny observes that this honey was collected from a species of Rhododendron. 

’ When the stomach of the bee is filled with nectar, it next, by means of the feathered 
hairs with which its body is covered, pilfers from the flowers the fertilizing dust of the 
anthers—the pollen, which is equally necessary with the honey to the society, and may 
be named the ambrosia of the hive, since from it the bee-bread is made. Sometimes the 
bee is so discoloured with this powder as to look like a different insect, becoming white, 
yellow or orange, according to the flowers in which it has been busy. Reamur was urged 
to visit the hives of a gentleman who, on this account, thought his bees were different 
from the common kind. He suspected, and examination proved, that the circumstance 
just mentioned occasioned the mistaken idea. When the body of the bee is covered with 
farina, with the brushes of its legs, especially its hind ones, it wipes it off; not as we do 
with our dusty clothes ; to dissipate and disperse it in the air, but to collect every particle 
of it, and then to knead it and form it into two little masses, which she places, one in 
each, in the baskets formed by hairs on her hind legs. 

Reamur seems to think that bees fly indiscrimately from one species of flower to 
another, but the testimony of many other naturalists is, that they collect only from the 
same species on each trip, as they have been observed to pass over numerous others in 
search of flowers similar to that with which they began. It seems not improbable that 
the reason why the bee visits the same species of plant during one excursion may be this : 
her instinct teaches her that the grains of pollen which enter into the same mass should be 
homogeneous, in order perhaps for their more effectual cohesion ; and thus Providence 
also secures two important ends—the impregnation of those flowers that require such aid, 
by the bees passing from one to another ; and the avoiding of the production of hybird 
plants, from the application of the pollen of one kind of plant to the stigma of another. 

When a bee has completed her lading she returns to the hive to dispose of it. The 
honey is disgorged into the pots or cells destined to receive it, being discharged from the 
honey-bag by its alternate contraction and dilation. A cell will contain the contents of 
many honey-bags. Bees, when they bring home the honey do not always disgorge it ; they 
sometimes give it to such of their companions as have been at work within the hive. Some 
of the cells are filled with honey for daily use, and some with what is intended as a re- 


46 


‘ 


serve, and stored up against bad weather or a bad season ; these are covered with waxen 
lids. 

The pollen is employed as circumstances direct. When the bee laden with it arrives 
at the hive, she sometimes stops at the entrance, and very leisurely detaches it by piece- 
meal, devours one or both the pellets on her legs, chewing them with her jaws, and passing 
them then down the little orifice before noticed. Sometimes she enters the hive, and by 
a peculiar noise produced by beating her wings she attracts to her three or four of her 
companions who relieve her of the supply and devour it. 

Very much more might be said about bees, especially in regard to such points as their 
love, anger and hate, their foresight, and the numerous expressed theories as to their 
possession of more than mere sensation as their guide. Such topics, although very inter- 
esting, are of a nature too speculative for the present, but those desirous of pursuing the 
subject in that direction can obtain abundance of literature. We will conclude by describ- 
ing, in the next two articles, two insect enemies of the bee, although they are not mem- 
bers of the Hymenopterous order. It is well known among cultivators that bees-hives are 
subject to the attacks of large hawkmoths, and even mice are known to enter a hive. 
Bees are also afflicted by parasites. But by far the worst enemy the bee-keeper has to 
contend with is— 


Tur BEeE-MorH OR Wax Wor. (Gallerea cereana) Fasr. (Lepidoptera, Tineide). 


The following is from Riley’s First Annual Report for Missouri :— 


Fig. 10. “This insect is so well 
known to bee-men generally, 
that it scarcely needs a deserip- 
tion. Itis well illustrated above 
(Fig. 10) in all its shapes, a 
showing the full-grown worm, 
b the cocoon which it spins, ¢ 
the chrysalis to which it 

a changes, d the female with 
wings expanded, and ¢ the male moth viewed from the side with the wings closed. It 
suffices to say, that the colour of the mothis dusky gray, the fore wings which are scol- 
loped at the end, being more or less sprinkled and dotted with purple brown. The female 
is generally a good deal larger than the male, though there is not so much difference be- 
tween the sexes as some writers have supposed. The worms which produce these moths 
are of an ash-gray colour above, and yellowish white beneath. 

“The Rey. L. L. Longstroth, in his excellent work on the Honey Bee, which every 
bee-keeper should possess, has given such a complete account of theBee-moth, that it is only 
necessary for me to mention a few of the most important facts with regard to it, my 
object being principally to show that there can be no such thing asa moth proof hive ; that 
wire gauze contrivances are of no avail, and that the man who pretends to sell a moth 
proof hive, may usually be set down as a know-nothing or as a swindler. 

“The Bee-moth was first introduced into this country from Europe about the com- 
mencement of the present century, and it was in all probability imported with the com- 
mon bee-hive. There are two broods of the moth each year, the first brood appearing in 
May or June, and the second, which is the most numerous, in August. During the day- 
time these moths remain quietly ensconced in some angle of the hive, but as night 
approaches they become active, and the female uses her best endeavours to get into the 
hive, her object being to deposit her eggs in as favourable a place as possible. Wire 
gauze contrivances are of no account to keep her out, as she frequently commences flying 
before all the bees have ceased their work. But even if she were entirely prevented from 
entering the hive, she could yet deposit her eggs on the outside, or by means of her ex- 
tensile ovipositor {thrust them in between the slightest joint or crack, and the young 
worms hatching from them would readily make their way into the hive. The moment 
the worm is hatched, it commences spinning asilken tube for its protection, and this tube 
is enlarged as it increases in size. This worm cuts its channels right through the comb, 


eee 


47 


feeding on the wax, and destroying the young bees on its way. When full-grown it 
creeps into a corner of the hive or under some ledge at the bottom, and forms a tough 
white cocoon of silk intermingled with its own black excrement as in figure}. In due 
time the moth emerges from this cocoon. 

“ A worm-infested hive may generally be known by the discouraged aspect which 
the bees present, and by the bottom board being covered with pieces of bee-bread mixed 
with the black gunpowder-like excrement of the worm. It must not be forgotten, how- 
ever, that in the spring of the year, pieces of bee-bread at the bottom of the hive, when 
not mixed with the black excrement, is not necessarily a sign of the presence of the worm, 
but, on the contrary, may indicate industry and thrift. If a hive is very badly infested 
with the worm, it is better to drive out the bees and secure what honey and wax there 
may be left than to preserve it as a moth-breeder to infest the apiary. If put into a new 
hive, the bees may do something, and if they do not there is no loss, as they would have 
perished finally from the ravages of the worm. 

“Tt should invariably be borne in mind that a strong stock of bees is ever capable of 
resisting, to a great extent, the attacks of the worm ; while a starved or queenless swarm 
is quite indifferent to its attacks. In a common box-hive, a good way to entrap the 
worms after they are once in a hive is to raise the front upon two small wooden blocks, 
and to put a piece of woollen rag between the bottom board and the back of the hive. 
The worms find a cozy place under the rag, in which they form their cocoons, and may 
there be found and killed from time to time. Much can be done in the way of preven- 
tion, by killing every morning the moths which may be found on the outside of the hives. 
At this time of the day they allow themselves to be crushed, with very good grace, and 
if two or three are killed each morning, they would form an important item at the end 
of the year, especially when we recollect that each female is capable of furnishing a hive 
with at least 300 eggs. In conclusion, I give it as my conviction that immunity from the 
ravages of the bee-worm can only be guaranteed where a thorough control is had of both 
hive and bees: hence the great importance of the movable frame hive.” 


THE BEE-KILLER (T'rupanea apivora), Frrcu (Diptera, Asilide). 


Fig. 11. The following is also from Riley’s First Annual Report :— 
“Tn the last chapter of his ninth Report, Dr. Fitch de- 
scribes a fly by the name of of the ‘ Nebraska Bee-killer,’ 
which he received from Mr. R. O. Thompson, of Nursery 
_ Hill, Otoe County, Nebraska, and which the latter named 
> gentleman had found preying upon the bee in North Ne- 
braska in the summer of 1864. Mr. Thompson has since 
removed from Nebraska to North Missouri, and in conversa- 
tion with him he informed me that he had met with this bee- 
killer each year since 1864, and that it seemed to be increas- 
i ing. At a later day, in a communication to the Rural 
eg World, of Sept. 12th, 1868, he states that it made its appear- 

ance in such numbers in North Missouri last summer that it, to a great extent, prevented 
the bees from swarming. I present above, at Fig. 11, a life-size portrait of this voracious 
insect, its general colour being yellowish-brewn or yellowish-gray. This figure will enable 
its ready recognition, and those who wish a very full and detailed description of it will 
find it in the report of Dr. Fitch, above referred to. It belongs to the Asius family of 
two-winged flies, which have been very aptly termed the hawks of the insect world. Last 
July I found these flies quite common in Mr. Shaw’s beautiful gardens in St. Louis, and 
I watched them by the hour, and found, to my amazement, that though other insects were 
flying all around, as well as other species of bees, yet they never seized any other species 
but the common honey-bee. They capture the bee on the wing, pouncing on it with 
lightning-like rapidity, and grasping it securely with the fore legs, they alight upon some 
plant, or even upon the ground, and rapidly suck out the inside of the bee, with the stout 
and powerful proboscis which is shown in the figure, leaving the empty shell when they 
get through. Mr. Thompson says that beneath some favourable perch that is near the 
apiary, hundreds of these bee-shells may be found accumulated in a single day, while he 


45 


has watched and found that a single fly on one of those perches destroyed no less than 
141 bees in that period of time. 

«“ The habits of these flies are little known, and until they are better understood no 
feasible way of protecting the bees from their attacks can be given. Those which are 
known to haunt the apiary should be captured, and this can best be done by means of a 
net. It is almost impossible to catch them while on the wing, though as soon as they have 
settled with their prey they are caught with comparative ease. It will pay thus to catch 
them, for they are, doubtless, the cause of much of the non-swarming which we hear of.” 

In addition to the Bee-moth and the Bee-killer, there are several small insects which 
are parasitic on the Honey Bee, but which, although very numerous in Europe, are not 
very familar in America, We give here a few notes from Packard’s work entitled “Our 
Common Insects.” 

In Europe, one of the most formidable foes of the hive bee is the Phora, a small fly 
about a line and a-half in length: it is found in the summer and autumn flying slowly 
about flowers and windows, and in the vicinity of bee hives. When impelled by instinct 
to provide for the continuance of its species, the Phora enters the bee-hive and gains ad- 
mission to a cell, when it bores with its ovipositor through the skin of the bee larva, lay- 
ing its long oval egg in a horizontal position just under the skin. The embryo of the 
Phora is already well developed, so that in three hours after the egg is inserted in the 
body of its unsuspecting ‘aes helpless host, the embryo is nearly ready to hatch. In about 
two hours more it actually breaks off the larger end of the egg-shell and at once begins to 
eat the fatty tissues of its victim, its posterior half still remaining in the shell. In an 
hour more it leaves the egg entirely, and buries itself completely in the fatty portion of 
the young bee. The maggot moults three times. In twelve hours after the last moult 
it turns around with its head towards the posterior end of the body of its host, and in 
another twelve hours, having become full-fed, it bores through the skin of the young, eats 
its way through the brood-covering of the cell, and falls to the bottom of the hive, where 
it changes to a pupa in the dust and dirt. Twelve days after the fly appears. 

The young bee, emaciated and enfeebled by the attacks of its ravenous parasite, dies, 
and its decaying body fills the bottom of the cell with a slimy, foul-smelling mass, called 
“foul-brood.” This gives rise to a miasma which poisons the neighbouring brood, until 
the contagion (for the disease is analogous to typhus, jail, or ship fever) spreads through 
the whole hive, unless promptly checked by removing the cause and thoroughly cleansing 
the hive. 

Foul-brood sometimes attacks an American hive, and, though the cause may not yet 
be known, yet from hints given above, we hope to have the history of our species of 
Phora cleared up, should our disease be found te be sometimes due to the attacks of 
such a parasite fly. 

Another foe is the Bee-louse of Europe, Brawla ceca, a singular wingless spiker-like 
fly, allied to the wingless sheep-tick, the wingless bat-tick, and the winged horse-fly. The 
head is very large, without eyes or ocelli (simple eyes), while the ovate hind-body consists 
of five segments, and is covered with stiff hairs. It is one-half to two-thirds of a line long. 
This spider fly is “ pupiparous,” that is, the young, of which only a very few are pro- 
duced, is not born until it has assumed the pupa state, or is just about to do so. The 
larva is oval, eleven-jointed, and white in colour. The very day it is hatched, it sheds its 
skin, and changes into an oval puparium of a dark brown colour. Its habits resemble 
those of a flea. Indeed, should we compress its body strongly, it would bear a striking 
resemblance to that insect. It is evidently a connecting link between the flea and the 
two-winged flies. Like the former, it lives on the body of its host, and obtains its food 
by plunging its stout beak into the bee and sucking the blood. It has not been noticed 
in this country, but is liable to be imported on the bodies of Italian bees. Generally one 
or two of the Braulas may be detected on the body of the bee: sometimes the poor bees 
are loaded down by as many as a hundred of these hungry blood-suckers. Assmuss re- 
commends rubbing them off with a feather, as the bee goes in and out of the door of 
its hive. 

Among beetles, the Trichodes apiarius has long been known in Europe to attack the 
young bees. In its perfect or beetle state, it is found on flowers, like our Z’richodes 
Nuttallii, which is commonly found on Spirzeas in August, and which may yet prove 


; 


49 


to enter our bee hives. The larva devours the brood, but with the modern hive its 
ravages may readily be detected. 

The Oil-beetle, Meloé angusticollis is a large dark-blue insect found crawling in the 
grass in the vicinity of Andrena, Holictus, and other wild bees in May, and again in 
August and September. (Our readers will find this Meloé fully described in another part 
of this Report, by Mr. Saunders.) 

Fabre has also, in a lively and well-written account, given a history of the Sitaris, a 
European beetle, somewhat resembling Meloé. He says that Sitaris lays its eggs near 
the entrance of bees’ nests, and at the very moment the bee lays her egg in the honey 
cell, the flattened, ovate Sitaris larva drops from the body of the bee upon which it has 
been living, and feasts upon the contents of the freshly laidegg. After eating this deli- 
cate morsel, it devours the honey in the cells of the bee, and changes into a white, cylin- 
drical, nearly footless grub ; and after it is full-fed, and has assumed a supposed “ pupa ” 
state, the skin, without bursting, incloses a kind of hard “pupa” skin, which is very 
similar in outline to the former larva, within whose skin is found a whitish larva which 
directly changes into the true pupa. In a succeeding state, this pupa in the ordinary way 
changes into a beetle which belongs to the same group of Coleoptera as Meloé. 

The history of Siylops, a beetle allied to Meloé, is no less strange than that of 
Meloé, and is in some respects still more interesting. On June 18th, I captured an 
Andrena vicina which had been “Stylopized.” On looking at my capture, I saw a pale 
reddish brown triangular mark on the bee’s abdomen: this was the flattened head and 
thorax of a female Stylops. On carefully drawing out the whole body, which is very ex- 
tensible, soft and baggy, and examining it under a high power of the microscope, we saw 
multitudes, at least several hundreds, of very minute larve, like particles of dust to the 
naked eye, issuing in every direction from the body of the parent now torn open in many 
places, though most of them made their exit through an opening on the under side of the 
head thorax. The Stylops, being hatched while still in the body of the parent, is there- 
fore viviparous. She, probably, never lays eggs. It appears that the larve are hatched 
during the middle or last of June from eggs fertilized in April. The larvae then crawl out 
on the body of the bee, on which they are transported to its nest, where they enter, 
according to Peck’s observations, the body of the larva, on whose fatty parts they feed. 
Previous to changing to a pupa, the larva lies with its head turned towards that of its 
host, but before assuming the perfect state (which they do in the late summer or autumn), 
it must reverse its position. The female protrudes the front part of her body between the 
segments of the abdomen of her host. This change, Newport thinks, takes place after 
the bee-host has undergone its metamorphoses, though the bee does not leave her earthen 
cell until the following.spring. Though the male Stylops deserts his host, his wingless 
partner is imprisoned during her whole life within her host, and dies immediately after 
giving birth to her numerous (for Newport thinks she produces over two thousand) 
offspring. 

As in the higher animals, bees are afflicted with parasitic worms which induce disease 
and sometimes death. The well known hair-worm, Gordius, is an insect parasite ; the 
adult form is about the size of a slender knitting needle, and is seen in moist soil and in 
pools ; it lays, according to Dr. Leidy, “millions of eggs connected together in long 
cords.” The microscopical, tadpole-shaped young, penetrate into the bodies of 
insects frequenting damp localities ; fairly ensconced within the body of their unsuspect- 
ing host, they luxuriate on its fatty tissues, and pass through their metamorphoses into 
the adult form, when they desert their living house and take to the water to lay their 
eggs. In Europe, Siebold has described Gordius subbi/urcus, which infests the drones of 
the honey-bee, and also other insects. Professor Siebold has also described Mermis 
albicans, which is a similar kind of worm, from two to five inches long, and of a whitish 
colour; this worm is also found, strangely enough, only in the drones, though it is the 

workers which frequent watery places to appease their thirst. 


THe RING-LEGGED PrmpLa (Pimpla annulipes) Br. 


In a previous Report (1874) occur descriptions and illustrations of two insects which 
are parasitic on the larve of the Codling-moth, which descriptions were from the fifth 


50 


Annual Report of Mr. Charles V. Riley ; these two insects are the Ring-legged Pimpla, 
which will be described in this article, and the Delicate Long-sting will follow. 

“The Ring-legged Pimpla is a black fly, varying considerably in size, the female 
sometimes measuring but }, others fully 4 inch, exclusive of ovipositor, the male some- 
what smaller. The genus Pimpla was briefly characterized 
in my last report, p. 43, where it was shown that this same 
species attacks the Walnut Case-bearer (Acrobasis jug- 
landis, Le B. I annex a lateral outline of a female Pimpla, 
Fig. 12). The male has a more slender abdomen, which 
is unarmed. 

“‘Pimpla annulipes is black, the abdomen rough punc- 
tured above, with the borders of the joints polished and 
inclined to brown. The tegule are white, and the legs are 
reddish, with the exception of the middle and hind tibize 
which are dusky, especially the hind pair, and have a broad 
white annulus, sometimes indistinct on the middle pair, 
the posterior tarsi are dusky, especially the tip, the palpi 

are pale yellow. Cresson says it may be distinguished from 
the other species of this genus, by the scutellum being black, the tegule white, and the 
anterior coxee yellowish red. 

“This fly eats its way through the chrysalis and cocoon of the Codling-moth, with- 
out having previously made any cocoon of its own. It was quite abundant last summer, 
as from one lot of one hundred and sixty-two Carpocapsas, I obtained twenty-one para- 
sites, all of them females but one. It is a widely distributed and common species.” 

The second parasite may be ealled the 


DELICATE LONG-STING (Macrocentrus delicatus) CRESS. 


“Tt has recently been described by Mr. E. T. Cresson (Trans. Am. Ent. Soe. iv., p. 
178), and is a somewhat variable species, occurring throughout the eastern, middle, and 
western States, and in Mexico. I subjoin a description drawn up from my bred-specimens, 

Fig. 13. Male. Length 0:25; expanse 0:45, inch 
slender, colour pale, polished, honey yellow ; 
uniformly and sparsely pubescent; tinged 
with brown superiorly, the basal joint of the 
abdomen and a medio-dorsal line on the other 
joints being quite black. Head, with the 
eyes (except at disc), and a spot between 
ocelli, brown-black; palpi long and almost 
white ; antennz one fourth-longer than the 
whole body, about 48 joints, exclusive of 
bulbus, curled at tip, the ends of basal joints 
and the whole of joints dusky. Thorax, 

with the sutures well defined, and two small 
| triangular black spots behind front tegule, 
a 


the metathorax strongly trilobed ; legs very 
long, pale honey yellow, with tips of tibie 
and tarsi faintly dusky ; wings yellowish, 
hyaline and iridescent, with the veins luteous 
and the stigma pale honey yellow. 

“Female, rather larger and with abdomen 
somewhat paler, otherwise similarly marked. 
Ovipositor yellow, 2 longer than body,-the 
sheaths quite pilose, and inclining to fuscous, 
described from two females and one male. 

“Tt is a graceful fly with very long an- 
tenn and legs, and the female with a long 
ovipositor, (Fig. 13) the hair lines at the side’ of the ‘figure show the natural size of the 


A A || 
Tt Leal 7 
Oe tA 


ee 


EE — 


51 


fly. The colour is pale honey yellow inclining to brown above. The unfortunate apple 
worm is probably pierced while yet in the fruit, as it always succumbs soon after forming 
its cocoon, and before changing to chrysalis; while in the case of Pimpla, it is probably 
attacked either while leaving the fruit or after having spun its cocoon. The larva of the 
Delicate Long-sting forms for itself, within the cocoon of its victim, a sufficiently tough, 
thin, oblong-oval, shiny, brown cocoon, from which the perfect fly issues by cutting open 
a lid at one end. 

“As both these parasites transform within the cocoon of the Carpocapsa, it is next 
to impossible and quite impracticable to separate friend and foe in removing and destroy- 
ing the contents of the bandages ; but where it is desired to disseminate the parasites 
they ay be bred by enclosing large numbers of the Carpocapsa cocoons in some tight 
vessel.” 

On the 13th of August, 1873, Mr. Saunders took a number of chrysalides of the 
Codling-moth under a bandage on an apple tree, and among them there was one which 
was infested by ichneumons. The chrysalis, when emptied, was found to contain six of 
the parasitic larve, of which the following description ‘was taken :—length, a little over 
one-tenth of an inch; body, tapering almost to a point towards the head; colour, dull, 
yellowish white, with a tinge of yellow along the dorsal region, very transparent, the in- 
ternal organs showing plainly through. On each segment is a transverse row of short, 
whitish spines; terminal segment encircled with stouter whitish spines ; no proper feet 
or prolegs, but in moving the mouth parts attach first with a sucker-like disc, and the 
hinder parts of the body are drawn gradually forward, different portions of the under sur- 
face being furnished with small fleshy prominences, which are attached, and in turn with- 
drawn from the surface on which the larva is moving: the principal points of attachment, 
however, seem to be the first and terminal segments ; under the latter, when viewed side- 
ways, there appears a fleshy projection much larger than any of those on the other seg- 
ments, and this projection expands into a flattened disc, which holds the larva firmly to 
the place of attachment. 

Mr. Saunders did not succeed in rearing these larve : after the chrysalis which con- 
tained them was broken open, they, one after another, died, in spite of all efforts for their 
preservation. Whether this would have proved distinct from the species last described 
by Mr. Riley, and thus make a third parasite on this pest (the Codling-moth), we are at 
present unable to determine. 


Tuer PickoN TREMEX (Zremex colwmba), LINN. 


This insect has been found injurious to the pear, button-wood, and elm-trees. 

The following is from Harris's “ Injurious Insects ” :—— 

“The body of the female is cylindrical, about as thick as a common lead-pencil, and 
an inch and a half or more in length, exclusive of the borer, which is an inch long and 
projects three-eighths of an inch beyond the body. The latter rounds upwards like the - 
stern of a boat, and is armed with a point or short horn. The head and thorax are rust- 
coloured, varied with black. The abdomen, or hinder and longest part of the body, is 
black, with seven ochre-yellow bands across the back, all of them but the first two inter- 
rupted in the middle. The horned tail, and a round spot before it, impressed as if with 
a seal, are ochre-yellow. The antenne are rather short and blunt, rust coloured, with a 
broad black ring in the middle. The wings expand two inches and a quarter, or more ; 
they are smoky-brown and semi-transparent. The legs are ochre-yellow, with blackish 
thighs. The borer, awl, or needle, is as thick as a bristle, spear-pointed at the end, and 
of a black colour ; itis concealed, when not in use, between two narrow rust-coloured side- 
pieces, forming 2 kind of scabbard to it. 

“This insect is figured and described in the second volume of the late Mr. Say’s 
‘Entomology.’ The male does not appear to have been described by any author; and, 
although agreeing in some respects with the two other species represented by Mr. Say, is 
evidently distinct from both of them. He is extremely unlike the female in colour, form 
and size, and is not furnished with the remarkable borer of the other sex. He is rust- 
coloured, variegated with black. His antennae are rust-yellow or blackish. His wings 


52 


are smoky, but clearer than those of the female. His hind body is somewhat flattened, 
rather widest behind, and ends-with a conical horn. His hind legs are flattened, much 
wider than those of the female, and of a blackish colour ; the other legs are rust-coloured, 
and more or less shaded with black. The length of his body varies from three-quarters 
of an inch to one inch and a quarter, and his wings expand from one inch and a quarter 
to two inches or more. 

“ An old elm tree in this vicinity (Cambridge, Mass.) used to be a favourite place of 
resort for the Z’remex colwmba, or Pigeon Tremex, and around it great numbers of the in- 
sects were often collected, during the months of July and August and the early part of 
September. Six or more females might frequently be seen at once upon it, employed in 
boring the trunk and laying their eggs, while swarms of males hovered around them. 
For fifteen years or more, some large buttonwood trees in Cambridge have been visited 
by them in the same way. The female, when about to lay her eggs, draws her borer 
out of its sheath, till it stands perpendicularly under the middle of the body, when she 
plunges it, by repeated wriggling motions through the bark into the wood. When the 
hole is made deep enough she«then drops an egg therein, conducting it to the place by 
means of the the two furrowed pieces of the sheath. The borer often pierces the bark 
and wood to the depth of half an inch or more, and is sometimes driven in so tightly 
that the insect cannot draw it out again, but remains fastened to the tree until she dies. 
The eggs are oblong oval, pointed at each end, and rather Jess than one twentieth of an 
inch in length. The larva, or grub, is yellowish white, of a cylindrical shape, rounded be- 
hind, with a conical horny point on the upper part of the hinder extremity, and it grows 
to the length of about an inch and a half. It is often destroyed by the maggots of two 
kinds of Ichneumon flies (Pimpla atrata and Pimpla lunator, Fabr.) These flies may 
frequently be seen thrusting their slender borer, measuring from three to four inches in 
length, into the trunks of trees inhabited by the grubs of the tremex, and by other wood- 
eating insects ; and like the female tremex, they sometimes become fastened to the trees 
and die without being able to withdraw their borers.” 

In the Canadian Entomologist, November 1868, Vincent Clementi reports the capture 
in North Douro, Ontario, of several specimens of the Pigeon Termex; they were taken 
from an oak tree, which had been cut for cordwood, and were all found to be females. 


THE SIGALPHUS CURCULIO PARASITE (Sigalphus curculionis) FrrcH. 


To those whose plum trees have been repeatedly ravaged by the Plum curculio and 
whose efforts have only been slightly successful in preventing the wholesale destruction 
of fruit, it will not be uninteresting to know that there are two known parasites of the 
eurculio of which the following descriptions and illustrations are taken from Riley’s 
Report, of 1870, for the State of Missouri. 

‘“‘TIn 1860, in his address on the cureulio delivered at the annual meeting of the N. 
Y. State Agricultural Society, Dr. Fitch gave an account, accompanied with a figure, of a 
small Ichneumon-fly which he named Sigalphus curculionis, and which he believed-was 
parasitic on the curculio. Before that time no parasite had been known to attack this pesti- 
lent little weevil, and even tothe present time (1870), it is currently believed that no 
such parasite exists ; for unfortunately the evidence given by Dr. Fitch was not sufficient 
to satisfy some of our most eminent entomologists. These parasites were in fact received 
by him from Mr. D. W. Beadle, of St. Catharlnes, C. W., who had bred them from black- 
knot, from which he bred at the same time a certain number of cureulios; but as other 
worms besides those of the curculio are likewise found in black-knot, we had no absolute 
proof that this fly was parasitic on the insect in question ; consequently we find that Mr. 
Walsh, in his report as acting State Entomologist of Illinois rather ridicules the idea of 
its being a curculio parasite and endeavours to show that it is parasitic instead on the 
larva of his plum-moth (Semasia prunivora). But I have this year not only proved that 
poor Walsh was himself wrong in this particular inference, but that he was equally wrong 
in supposing his little plum-moth, so called, to be confined to plums ; for I have bred it 
from galls (Quercus frondosa, Bassett), from haws, from crab-apples and abundantly from 
apples. 


53 


“To be brief, Dr. Fitch’s Sigalphus is a true parasite on the plum curculio and I have 
bred hundreds of the flies from curculio larve. The first bred specimens gave me much 
pleasure, for as soon as I saw they belonged to the same genus as Dr. Fitch’s fly, I felt as- 
sured that another disputed question was settled, but to make assurance doubly sure, I re- 
peatedly half filled large jars with pure earth, finely sifted so that no living animal re- 
mained in it. Into these jars I placed curculio larvee from day to day as they issued from 
peaches that were thrown into another vessel, and in due time the parasitic flies began to 
issue from the ground along with the perfect curculios. Nay, more than this, I soon 
learned to distinguish such curculio larvee as were parasitised, and after they had worried 
themselves under the ground—seldom more than half an inch—I would uncover them, 
and on several occasions had the satisfaction of watching the gnawing worm within reduce 
Fig. 14. its victim until finally nothing was left of him. As 

as S, soon as the curculio larva is destroyed by the parasite, 
}) the latter (Fig. 14 a) encloses itself in a tough little 
\j yellowish cocoon of silk (Fig. 14 0.) then gradually 
H assumes the pupa state (Fig. 14c.) and at the end of 
about the same length of time that the curculio 
require to undergo ifs transformations and issue as 
3B e a beetle, this, its deadly foe, gnaws a hole through 
its cocoon and issues to the light of day asa black four winged fly (Fig. 15 a, male ; ), 
female). In the vicinity of St. Louis, this fly was so common the past season that after 
very careful estimates, I am satisfied three- 
fourths of all the more early developed 
curculio larvee were destroyed by it. On 
the 17th and 18th of April, in that locality 
a severe frost killed the peach buds on all 
but a few of the young and mos vigorous 
trees of Hale’s Early and Crawford, so that 
instead of a large and abundant crop of 
peaches to depredate on, the little Turk had 
to concentrate his attacks on the few peaches 
that were left ;and no one expected any fruit 
would be saved. Yet, the work of this 
little parasite was so effectual that, where- 
ever fruit set, a fair crop was gathered even by those who made no effort at all to protect 
their trees. 

«“ While visiting Dr. Fitch last August, at his house in Salem, N. Y., I compared my 
bred specimens with his species, and found them identically the same ; but a full deserip- 
tion will be found below, and it is not necessary at present to dwell upon its characters. 

“ As Mr. Walsh bred this same parasite from the larva of his little plum-moth, it 
doubtless attacks other soft-bodied insects, and does not confine itself to the plum curculio. 
This is the more likely as it would scarcely pass the winter in the fly state. The female, 
with that wonderful instinct which is exhibited in such a surpassing degree in the insect 
world, knows as well as we, great lords of creation, what the little crescent mark upon the 
peach or plum indicates ; and can doubtless tell with more surety, though she has never 
received a lesson from her parents, whether or not a curculio larva is drilling its way 
through the fruit. When she has once ascertained the presence of such a larva by the aid 
of her antenns, which she deftly applies to different parts of the fruit, and which doubt- 
less possess some occult and delicate sense of perception, which, with our comparatively 
dull senses, we are unable to comprehend—then she pierces the fruit, and with unerring 
precision deposits a single egg in her victim by means of her ovipositor. 

« Now there is, as I shall shew in the description, a variety (rufus) of this parasite, 
with the ovipositor nearly one-fifth of an inch in length ; but in the normal form the ovi- 
positor is only twelve-hundreths of an inch long, and the curculio larva must be reached 
soon after it hatches, or while yet very young. Consequently we find that the earliest 
eurculio larve or those which hatch while the fruit is yet small, are the most subject to 
be parasitised, and while from lary obtained early in the season, I bred more parasites 


54 


than curculios, this order of things was reversed a little later in the year. Some per- 
sons will no doubt wonder how such a large fly can be developed from a cureulio larva 
which is stung while so young ; but we do not know how long the parasite egg remains 
unhatched, and it must be remembered that it is a rule, wisely ordained and long known 
to exist in insect life, that the parasitic larva does not at first kill outright, but subsists 
without retarding growth, upon tke fatty portions of its victim, until its own growth is 
attained. Thus the first worm derives its nourishment from the juicy fruit and grows on 
regardless of the parasite which is consuming its adipose substance until the latter is 
sufficiently developed, and the appointed time arrives for it to destroy its prey by attacking 
those parts more vital. 

“This parasite, which I will now proceed to describe, belongs to the second sub- 
family (Braconides) of the Ichneumon flies (Ichnewmonide), and the venation of its wings, 
and the three-jointed abdomen, place it in the genus Sigalphus. Westwood (Synopsis, 
p- 63), gives three cubital panes or areolets in the front wings as characteristic of the, 
genus ; but Brulé (p. 510) and, as Mr. Cresson informs me, Westmael in his Braconides de 
Belgique, give only two, which is the number in our insect. 

“ Sigalphus curculionis, Fitch—Imago (Fig. 15a, male ; 6, female). Head, black, sub- 
polished and sparsely covered on the face with short whitish hairs ; ocelli touching each 
other ; labrum and jaws brown; palpi pale yellow; antennz (Fig. 15 c) twenty-seven- 
jointed, filiform, reaching when turned back, to middle joint of abdomen or beyond, the 
bulbous and small second joint rufus and glabrous, the rest black or dark brown, though 
3-10 in many specimens are more or less tinged with rufous; 3-14 very gradually dimin- 
ishing in size ; 14-27 sub-equal. Thorax, black, polished, the metathorax distinctly and 
broadly punctate, and the rest more or less punctate or rugose, with the sides sparsely 
pubescent. Abdomen, pitchy-black, flattened, the dorsum convex, the venter concave, 
and the sides narrow-edged and slightly carinated ; the three joints distinctly separated 
and of about equal length ; the first joint having two dorsal longitudinal earinze down the 
middle ; all densely marked with very fine longitudinally impressed lines, and sparsely 
pubescent (Dr. Fitch in his description published in the Country Gentleman, under date 
of September, 1859, states that these lines leave ‘a smooth stripe along the middle of its 
second segment, and a large smooth space on the base of the third ;’ which is true of a 
few specimens, but not of the majority in which the impressed lines generally cover the 
whole abdomen). Ovipositor longer than abdomen, but when stretched in a line with it, 
projecting backwards about the same length beyond ; rufous, with the sheaths black. 
Legs, pale rufous, with the upper part of hind tibiz and tarsi, and sometimes the hind 
femora, dusky. Wings, sub-hyaline and iridescent, the veins pale rufous, and the stigma 
black. Length, female .15-.16 inch, expanse, .30; male differs only in his somewhat 
smaller size, and in lacking the ovipositor. In many specimens the mesothorax and the 
eyes are more or less distinctly rufous. 

“Described from 50 females, and 10 males, bred June 23rd—July 29th, 1870 ; from 
larve of Conotrachelus nenuphar, and 2 females obtained from Dr. Fitch.” 

“ Larva (Fig. 14a), white, with translucent yellowish mottlings. Papa (Fig. 14 ¢, 
female), .17th inch long, whitish, members all distinct, the antennz: touching hind tarsi, 
the ovipositor curved round behind, reaching and touching with its tip the third abdom- 
inal joint, which afterwards forms the apical joint of imago ; five ventral joints which in 
the imago become much absorbed and hidden, being strongly developed. Cocoon (Fig. 
14 b), composed of one layer of closely woven yellowish silk.” 

“Variety Rufus.—Head, thorax and most of the first abdominal joints entirely 
rufous, with the middle and hind tibize dusky, and the ovipositor three times as long as 
abdomen, and projecting more than twice the length of the same beyond its tip. Des- 
cribed from three females bred promiscuously with the others. This variety is slightly 


larger, and differs so remarkably from the normal form that, were it not for the absolute _ 
correspondence in all the sculpturing of the thorax and body, and in the venation of the 


wings, it might be considered distinct. The greater length of the ovipositor 1s very char- 
acteristic, and accompanies the other variation in all three of the specimens.” 


oe 


55 


THE PoRIZON CURCULIO PARASITE (Porizon conotracheli). 


This parasite of the plum curculio is also described in Mr. Riley’s Report for 1870, 
from which the following account is taken :— 

“The present insect, instead of issuing the same summer as a fly, remains in its 
somewhat tougher and more yellowish cocoon all through the fall and winter, and does 
not issue in the winged state until the following spring. This parasite was first discovered 
by Dr. Trimble, who sent me the cocoon, from which I subsequently bred the perfect fly. 
It belongs to the first sub-family (Ichnewmonides) of the Ichneumon-flies, and apparently 
to the genus Porizon, of which it forms anew species. It is only necessary here to state 
that it differs from the previous species in its reddish-brown abdomen, as well as in form, 
which may be seen by referring to the figures (a, female ; 6, male ; c, antenna). 


poke Porizon conotracheli, N. Sp.—Head : pitchy black, 
opaque, the ocelli triangularly placed, and close to- 
gether. Eyes: oval, polished and black. Face: 
covered with a silvery white pubescence ; labrum 
rufous, with yellowish hairs ; mandibles and palpi, 
pale yellowish brown ; antennz inserted in depres- 
sions betweer the eyes, reaching to metathorax when 
turned back, filiform, 24-jointed ; black with basal 
joints 6-1 becoming more and more rufous, the bul- 
bus always distinctly rufous; bulbus rather longer 
and twice as thick as joint 3; joint 2 about one- 
third as long. Thorax : pitchy-black, opaque, the sides slightly pubescent with whitish 
hairs, the mesothorax rounded and bulging anteriorly, the scutellum slightly excavated 
and sharply defined by a carina each side ; metathorax with the elevated lines well de- 
fined, and running parallel and close together from scutellum to about one-fourth of their 
length, then suddenly diverging, and each forking about the middle. Abdomen: glab- 
rous, polished, very slender at base, gradually broader and much compressed from the 
sides at the apex, which is truncated; peduncle uniform in diameter, and as long as joints 
2 and 3 together ; joints 2-5 sub-equal in length ; colour rufous, with the peduncle wholly, 
dorsum of joint 2, a lateral shade of joint 3, and more or less of the two apical joints 
superiorly, especially at their anterior edges, black ; venter more yellowish ; ovipositor 
about as long as abdomen, porrect when in use, curved upwards when at rest, rufous, with 
the sheaths longer, and black. Legs, including trochanters and coxe, uniformly pale 
yellowish-brown, with the tips of tarsi dusky. Wings subhyaline and iridescent, with 
veins and stigma dark brown, the stigma quite large, and the two discoidal cells sub-equal, 
and, as usual in this genus, joining end to end, but with the upper veins, which separate 
them from the radial cell, slightly elbowed, instead of being straight, thus giving the 
radial cell a quadrangular rather than a triangular appearance. Male differs from female 
only in his somewhat smaller size and unarmed abdomen. Expanse female 0-32 inch, 
length of body, exclusive of ovipositor, 0-22 ; expanse male 0-28, length 0.18. 

Described from 3, two females one male, bred May 26th-27th, 1870, from cocoons 
received from Dr. I. P. Trimble, of New Jersey, and 1 female subsequently received 
from the same gentleman—all obtained from larve of Conotrachelus nenuphar. 


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A D 
PAGE PAGE 
Acting Taviay coin -n'oie~ a mn 2 ap rane een maa 3 35 | Deilephila chameenerii ................ 36 
Address of President of Entomological Bs liviesta say oe ie ee ee 36 
Olalrof the A:A-A‘S) oo. oj soadaws 12 | Delicate long-sting ...........20021-000-. 50 
AnGrenagivieioa.. S.J «<eawadanuateeni- 49 
Anisopteryx pometaria .............+-- 14 
Annual Address of the President........ 6 E 
a Ba Pot VP eer Mee Pena Soe 2 | ; 
“ « ~ of London Branch...... 4 | Entomological Club of the A.A.A.S 
“ “ of Montreal Branch ... 4 | Meetings! 08:25 7-2. aaa tee Soe a 12 
«Report of Secretary-Treasurer .. 2 Ephestia I rE ee Ce EP PE ee 23 
Antheres paphia,.;2:..54+-s.+s0526is +. 8 Epicauta ARPAUA YG ore «= « Siee/anlaeiae aay ig 24 
Apia MGUANGA) iar s elspa o)fiiveel aoe 41 5 CIMETEA..- 1. eee ee ee ee eee 24, 26 
Arseocerus coffe .............-+2----- 23 | Vittatec. «1. deaciiae «= 24, 25, 29 
Le Me ee 39 | Exhibit of Entomological Society at the 
Artemia mulhauseni ................. 18, 19 | Centennial 7<- ~~ == 25 -erage ae aae-- 3 
56 VE AES. so a3 et ae at neko ea 18, 19 | 
s F 
pean “a | Finan cial Statement |. ee. occ 2 
Berman: 2: 5b). STR | lag | 
Bethune, Rev. C. J. S., article by ...... 29 G 
Blick Swallow-tail .............20-00-- 37 | : 
Blistering Beetles, On ................ 24: || Galleria cereale 5.074.050 04242 ao eee 46 
Roy Lao 8: Genera, Oiio soo ab sa dee ae ane wees li 
Bratigirpun fer0k. 2. ..n0054 50 ~s-sscde>-- 19 | Gooseberry Fruit Worm................ 39 
ss PEMA S cera tts te aie <i = - 19 | 
Bruchusiobsoletus -.-...--../..-..--- 22 H 
fe RPEIOSRUIY Sidcigss co 2if3 J+ vided. « 22 
. ore OC OER OE Ue GDCEEE eee 22 : 2 
a poazeliced 2 | KOBE ERE: CEE 22 | Be Bs H., Article by-..----------- li 
G3 ae g | Heliophila unipuneta ==. 2-.0-. 00... 39 
Buprestis splendida...............:..-- 16 oloparamecus singularis ...........-.. 23 
Batalisl cavealelle 23 Homney-beayaiat. sant 242 adidas sont aok eo 41 
ae aS ae Hydrophilus triangularis, Eggs of........ 15 
= Hypocephalus armatus ................ 8 
€ 7 
Cabbage butterfly .:.............2..-- 40 | ~ 
Calandra OFyEn. Sn sw raue ices seas nae 22 | F 
Caloptenus femur rubrum .............. 29 Leemophloens ferrugineus > emia hepa =a, = 
Calopteron reticulatum ................ 15 Lathridius filiformis -....+-+-<+.+.---- 23 
Cantharis vesicatoriz 24 oe SEMIASUB RS Sohn thes cues ies 2 « 23 
“ 6 28 Vee DOWN ose Sea deale Sone 16 
Centennial Exhibit at Philadelphia. . 6, 10, 11 Locust, The destructive................ 29 
“ Exhibition, Insects introduced NOR Silo ets Butt radon ukah odo so 35 
DY, os teases es ee ee 20 
Corydalis cornutus, Eggs of ............ 15 M. 
Cynthia, cardui. ¢ <7. 2025 -> <s eee as enaee.s 8 | 
Cysteodemus armatus..............+. 25, 26 | Macrobasis albida............0....0-..- 25 
if THUG GALON oes Say eas OO os GERLVIRGBN 0/6 csi aiels Craw secues 25 
e vulnerata.......... = 26 segmentata ...............+: 25 


PAGE 
Macrocentrus delicatus ................ 50 
Melce angusticollis ..............- 25, 28, 49 
Mirmidiusrovalist:. ...., 50h. fi. 2-1 tee 23 
MiylabbnisicteHonitl. © = scree =e acaba 24, 26 

N. 
Nomenclature, Entomological, Report of 
Wommiticeron’. : 7.3 ee eee 

“ce ce 


Rules on.. 16 


oO. 
@icanthus nivens.......)..0...6- 2006s 16.. 
P. 
Papiliotasterias . 0).. Am ie CSAs 37 
Pempelia grossularia ................0. 39 
Lea) er) oar yas acto nade ao a> 40) 
Picconttrensex 7.7.35 ' "ic lbs wie eee Chee tete 51 
DITO PlAvaAMNUIPeET!.! slime ee. (eel antes sees 49 
Honzonconotracheli Missa. les ante etnar 55 
Fos ourculio;parasiversne. «sees ie mimer 55 
President’s annual address ............. 6 
Pyrota mylabrina :. sc. esi. ae ae eee 26 
R. 


Report of Committee on Centennial Exhi- 
bition Hee aek sek eet eee 10 


PAGE 
Report of Counce sess. .-\ serine biteieiee 
ce ie London Branch...... 
a se Montreal Branch..... 
fs Secretary-Treasurer.......... 
Rhizopertha pusilla..................-- 
Ring-legged Pimpla..................-. 
S. 
Saturnia cynthia ..........< Soares oe 


Saunders, Wm., Articles by . 


Sigalphus cureulionis ..... 
$6 curculio parasit¢ . 
Silvanus advena .......4.. 
‘¢  surinamensis. .”.. - 
SHALIS © ...osnsseh eee Maee 
Sty LOPS... «redmtenenepae Vg CA se 
F 
T. 
Tergrodera erosa .........-. 
Tremex columba.......... 
Trichodes apiarius ........ 
“3 nuttalle ier 
Tribolium ferrugineum..... 
Trupanea apivora.........-. 
Ww. 


Williams, Joseph, Article by 


ee a ee, "4g Se Oe 


ANNUAL REPORT 


~ FENPOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ONTARIO, 


FOR DHE YEAR 1.877. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS 


5 


President of the Entomological Society of Ontario ; Editor of Canadian Entomologist. 


REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M, Oe 
Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope. 


B. GOP 


Arkona, Ontario, 


AND 


JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 


London, Ontario. 


Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly. 


Coronto: 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 25 WELLINGTON ST. VES 5 
: 1877. ; 


Oe Gah oy ee eat JUL Z i 
lalallala DaliaDail Re nl 


Vo) 
“onal Muse 


ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


ONTARIO, 


HOR DHE YEAR 1877. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY, 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 
President of the Entomological Society of Ontario ; Editor of Canadian Entomologist. 


REV. C. J. 8S. BETHUNE, M, A,, 
Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope. 


B. GOTT 


Arkona, Ontario, 
AND 


JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 


London, Ontario. 


PLrinted by Order of the Legislative Assembly, 


Toronto: 
PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., 25 WELLINGTON ST. WEST. 
1877. 


Nee 


| PRAT OY PAG in Ok ma is 


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TAU Era yee ae La 3) 
’ 7 ar of , 


7 ‘ . ’ 
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ah 


(itneset {x Sui iY th 


Aiba hey tt VACVERI ART We Oe ATA. P 
: i Ne 


INDEX. 


A. 
PAGE 
Amgeria tipuliformis.............60:.005- 42 
Agrion’ sauciunl.£ wy. 5o-:chref eee latest 55 
Agrotis’ deyastator ./: .!.t)..'4<<anterree- dates 44 
Annual address of President............... 4 
Brinualimecwnys. 1s its Adee epee eae 2 
Annual meeting, London Branch.......... 7 
Annual meeting, Montreal Branch........ 8 
Annual report ‘Of Connells, Maree etek: 3 
Annual report of Secretary............... 1 
Aphides, or plant lice. =F i- ctejsratee ia les =i 31 
ATNTCUOOR: 3. 5. cna sinlsiabele acmieteerdeas yess 38 
APHIS CAVERNS: 5s... usa de weer eee eae iate le 33, 35 
PAD OIRG DLORSICHS par speiees cons Miaietneye terete hieatars 35 
Asphits | Cera). s:.:Scassis stehsfarstareaf ores ake 34 
Biphisy Cerasifolisi <j cre:.-)--1 acca) sehriete te he 35 
Aphis humiwlis | ii5 case ss ese 5g tee ess 35 
APIS MALL, (wesc. te 0 aianens sinensis See 32, 33 
PAINS} MA DIG" Ca: Cracteta. = aka whe Peete ie were 35 
Apple) fruit wormy..s/0 tasers asia sees 46 
‘Apple: plantjlouse:. vacerie 4 nieeiencriae 32, 33 
Apple rovt plant louse................... 34 
Apple tree borer, flat-headed.............. 25 
Apple tree borer, two striped ............. 26 
Arotia Teabellac.,.-.:< o.-cis«stea nore ereereiets 17, 46 
ArpynMis TALIA ©. (cece ae eee oe 8 
Cc. 
Cabbage butterfly. : Meets. 3405, 40 
Cabinet pests, how to destroy. Hope Cicer 18 
Carpocapsa pomonella.................- 7, 46 
Catalogue of Lepidoptera, Edwards’....... 19 
Cécidomyia destructor...............:... 56 
Ceraphron destructor....................... 58 
Olerry plant: louse =<: 3jfcjssran siete cities <os)< 34 
Chilochorus bivulnerus.................. 36 
Chrysobothris femorata .................. 25 
Clisiocampa Americana........... wancbdoearotnone 41 
Clisiocampa sylvatica................... 4, 41 
Oly ties) rob MI, 6. <fcatsesepseeavevsReatetuewestees 24 
Clytus speciosus......... PRIDE onic CCGAGe 23 
Coccinella bipunctata.........5.....6.6.. 36 
Wbecinellanmunda.; |). acces ese seeee ces. 36 
@oecinella 9! notatay: - {...32cece dees oe 36 
Codlingr worms. - = J5.)s eeasetsseee ne aes 7 
Colorado potato beetle.............. 5, 44, 47 
Colorado potuto beetle, experiments on.... 9 
Cotton worm 5... 7. Scieat ets see eee ilgl 
Currant: bush borers. «< s.caeeesoecctoi.s. 42 
Cumrant wormi-...<.....tey: cue etien es 42,47 
»D. 
WUplax PSTENICe....\....c.3res eed teacrareoemes ccc DD 
Dipti: elise; ays". bse cee ee eos aie 55 
Wiplax PUblOwNds, « seis ieee seeeyen Ginn nls hie tate 54 
Doryphora decem-lineata ........- --..9, 44 
Dpagon tied. .<ica:< sina ciwcty sf ig aia nites: 52 


” 


E. 
PAGE 
Economic Entomology, by A. Murray...... 19 
Ecpantheria scribonia.. ... ............. 17 
Entomological club of the A. A. A. S.....- 1] 
Entomological Commission, U. §.........5, 14 
Entomological works, recent............. 19 
Hri0soMa! Pyrls-so.sss245 AAAS sis ace sels 34 
Experiments on Colorado potato beetle..... 9 
FE. 

Financial statement of Secretary-Treasurer. 2 
Forest tent caterpillar................... 47 
G. 

Gooseberry fruit worm................ 43, 47 
Grapevine apple gall)... sy... fe secede e £8 
Grapevine beetles. )5 side Peaea ceteeiecci yale 54 
Grapevine filbert gall................... 49 
Grapevine flea beetle...............:... 45 
Grapevine phylloxera.................... 45 


Grapevine tomato gall..................... 50 


Grapevine trumpet gall.................. 5] 
Hi. 

Half hours with insects, Packard’s........ 21 

Halitca: chalyhoa se 32 222 ih-ccleetots a,cte ise 45 


Harpalus caliginosus, plates of... ......... 


Hessian flys. io 2 ee eet nacclsvo et case cetacs ccusc ace 56 

Hippodamia convergens.........--------. 36 

Hippodamia maculata.........-.-...-...- 36 

Hippodamia 13 punctata..........---..-. 36 
I. 

Insect register for 1877................+- 47 
Isabella tiger moth..........--.......--- 46 
L. 

TSA COS WENDY TL Ys, is w70i0:< <ieiciai steers of sa sjnsiee 36 
Larvee, fondness of for water............. 17 
Mibellula; depredsiie.£ (2 5.5.52 tpn aiata apteetors 55 
Libellula quadrimaculata ....... --2... 54 
ibellula, trimacniata.... 2. ence ccse. sc nie 52 
hooust;tree: borers... UasemaeGince<cce od 24 
London Branch, annual meeting of........ 7 
London Branch, report of council. ........ 8 
Tiydella \doryphorn) +. 5. ses-ouae ss cede 9 
ng. 

Mz unuscript notes ofmy journal »by Townend 
Glover 32 ei cma mae erase een 20 
Maple itree. borer: 333 Son nee 23 
Mays beatles). 28 caste aaere teas maleate a « 43 
Monohammus confusor.................. 28 
Monohammus scutellatus ................ 22 


iv 


PAGE 

Montreal Branch, annual meeting of...... 8 
Montreal Branch, report of council........ 8 
Mysia 1b\punctata,: <2... 5.2 ---ce ee 36 

N. 
Nannophyaibellatrye swe seas eter 5d 
Nematus ventricosus..-................- 42 
Nephopteryx Zimmermani,............. 11,13 

oO. 
Oberea tripunctata.............. eee 29 
Orthoptera, collected by the Wheeler ex- 

PECUION erosion) er ieee stereo 21 

Orthosoma cylindricumis.:... 0. sc. .0.csseceeeean 23 

P. 
Papilio dois 45.24: oS tee eee 9 
Ben Deetlescccseccnscscransncuecuces se ence neeemeee 47 
Pelidnota punctata..............qseecee 45 
Pempelia grossularia.::........-...----- 43 | 
Phyciodes Pharod.:: (c+ eee ia 8 
Phyllophaga quercina.. 0.02/52 2d. ees 43 
iBhyiloxera) vastabrix../ cc. ccteeecieeees 45 
IETGTATSSEEE ENS Baoataeeeecrenoore mia osostea scsascee 5, 7, 46 
Bin treetborers:...:s..cfescrewecercnse een 22, 23, 28 
Eipizairadicumi'.’\/s/. 4: sky merece 34 
IAM GHCe en Meee ct ers praetor tenerret 31, 45 


j PAGE 
Plampveevils <7 d.vcis measis ss see eee ee 47 
Pieromalus puparum:,...-\.-svscaesses ee 5) 

| R. 
Raspberry twig-girdler.................. 29 
Rhyncophora of America......... Epon ia 20 
Riley’s ninth annual report............... 19 
Rocky Mountain locust.........-...... 16, 21 
Root louse syrphus fly......-.-........4. 34 

S. 

Saperda candida. .n...rc<cyess-eseeeseesctsceteee 26 
Syrphusitly.... ....ckeeoeet eEr ee 34, 37 
4 ob 
Renticaterpillansi...s-waseseesescseeneeeere: 41, a 

Treasurer’s financial statement.......... ). 

Vv. 
Watisicoryloides..c-¢tsmcne cee eee 49 
IVittIs POM: = iocierers crcl ole Cea 48 

NoWAtIs tOMAtOS:). ...cieicieicins on cree Cea 50 
WWAtIS Viticola..cic.sesescsaseececessseeeee eee 51 

Ww. 

Wood-boring beetles, a few common.......... 22 


ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ONTARIO, 


FOR, LH E Ww EAR. 1877. 


INCLUDING REPORTS ON SOME OF THE NOXIOUS, BENEFICIAL 
AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. 


PREPARED FOR THE HONOURABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, ON 
BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY 


BY 


WILLIAM SAUNDERS, 


President of the Entomological Society of Ontario ; Editor of Canadian Entomologist. 


REV. C: J. S. BETHUNE, M, A., 
Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope. 
la (SOM DAL 
Arkona, Ontario, 


AND 
JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 
London, Onturio. 


REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, FOR THE 
YEAR 1877. 


To the Honowrable the Commissioner of Agriculture : 

Srr,—In accordance with the provisions of our statute of incorporation, I have the 
honour to submit for your consideration the Report of the Eatomological Society of Ontario, 
for the year 1877, in which you will find « detailed statement of the receipts and disburse- 
ments of the year, all of which are duly audited. 


The annual meeting of the Society was held at the City of London, during the time of 
the exhibition of the Agriculture and Arts Association, when the various reports were read 
and the officers elected for the ensuing year. . 

The Canadian Entomologist, our monthly organ, appears regularly, and fully maintains 
its high standing. Its pages during the past year, have been enriched by many articles of 
the highest practical importance from leading entomologists. The numerous learned and 
original investigations and discoveries in Entomological science, which have been announced 
in the pages of the Canadian Entomologist have gained for it a high reputation in foreign 
countries, as is shown by the largely increased list of exchanges. 

T have also the pleasure in submitting a Report on some of the noxious, beneficial 
and other insects of this Province, prepared on behalf of the Society by Mr. William Saun- 
ders, Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., B. Gott, and myself. This Report is well supplied with 
illustrations of the insects described, and will, we believe, prove valuable and interesting. 

I have the honour to remain, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
JosEPH WILLIAMS, 
Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological Society of Ontario. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The seventh annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario,ewas held in Lon 
don, at the rooms of the Society, on Wednesday evening, September 26th. 

The President, W. Saunders, in the chair. 

Present :—D. W. Beadle, St. Catharines ; Professor Buckland, Toronto ; P. C. Dempsey 
Albury, B. Gott, Arkona ; Rev. R. Burnet, London ; Chas. Arnold, Paris; David Boyle, 
Elora ; Colonel McGill, Oshawa; E. B. Reed, London; J. M. Denton. London ; Charles 
Chapman, London ; A. Puddicombe, London, and others. 

After calling the meeting to order, the President expressed his regret that the Society 
had during the year lost the valued services of one of its officers. Owing to pressing busi- 
ness engagements, the Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. J. H. MeMechan, had found it necesary to 
resign. Pending the appointment of a successor, Mr. J. Williams had kindly consented to 
act as Secretary pro tem., and in this capacity had rendered most valuable and timely 
assistance. 

The report of the Treasurer showed a very satisfactory state of the finances, there being 
a balance to the credit of the Society at ‘the close of the financial year of two hundred and 
thirty-six dollars. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY TREASURER. 


Receipts. 
To Balance from 1876. e/a. Boss fecesaal ke Eee $185 60 
“Mem bers’, fees astra oiee eee erence pascene. Cae on acai Se LEADS 
«Salles: of corks pins. )la pels OuCummetecer Sep igaa-cy (onsen sro daa) «neetetracieee 101 17 
& Government Grant, 2:s.c.-messce-s cl -= =) == ROP eee acca: Tad) ED, 
$1,231 32 


Disbursements. 

By CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST, printing, &e ...-..06 ee .cteeecee ee ceene vee BAT 75 
Se VAPOR OMe rate hs<c2 a tae lnc ote tas cnx atv aenises) ertcepengon ay ict 102 76 
otis) evra Ys ES WES as Acca" Ghar ao tceecerccyy = Leet eteesgunsaeyoe ves sigg-qubel UBD 
cs Mall Msiand stam pine ns. hecl-Ba = cews5}sy-j-12-1 ste hormedewer <at> ary oy ODO 
“ Travelling expenses to Annual Meeting ................:0.:seeeeeeee ee eee 6 00 
“ Sundry small expenses............... ...-- ~asieGe sts Preproeen, Rap) Vy 
‘“« Postage, express and duties ... ........ eee Rega atl Fas tgast on 46 82 
SCL DERE tac ce, 20s Pepe mPa Te RMR Mesa mpEiyva: oslo Seine Sop etcigs SERA ia soe va ae Alig OME 
« Engravings...... ....-+. JepnC- COO CORON MDT ERPE EC CLO Tg aces 20 04 
‘“ Merchandise, pins and cork... .. Bere hs oh Ohad eiers een on tac nene ae POOL) 
SCPIMINUTEND EN eee Ree REG ye satts a, sh wis s aanaseraetona hun Menu), Tpnibabe 
COD THEI A p= ecocoth EOP ack: Gaocnee SOUS IB SEO Ea eno . Se053 100 00 
Key Secra anya MrongumcInAl an Viet tt cts calcu sa |<sesave5-3e0steassasn senacnte ne ae MOO OU, 
<t-H) x DENSes mOLAMU AI MEVE DOU tasece cas ccesee on n,00 0-7 cienerncne ae=deneee) © LOCUUL 
Soo ALAN GO sie ienae ee eee enema Mec MaaL eiainresscccesicshecssensstenenretesedibaer , ZODAOD 

1,231 32 


We certify the above as a correct statement of accounts for the year ending September 
26th 1877, as shown by the Treasurer’s books, and with vouchers for the same. 
Joun M. DENTON, Auli 
CHARLES CHAPMAN. \ CGS. 


RFPORT OF THE COUNCIL, 1877. 


In presenting the seventh annual report, the Council feel highly gratified at the success 
that has attended the labours of the Society during the past year. 

Ve are happy to note the return of the Society’s Centennial collection of insects, which 
reached London in good condition shortly after the close of the International Exhibition. 
This collection, which was noticed in your last annual report, is now placed in the Rooms, 
where it will in future be available for reference. As this beautiful collection was made up 
largely from the cabinets of individual members of the Society, who generously loaned the 
insects for the purpose of exhibition, it was thought that if the immediate return of the 
loaned specimens was insisted on, the value of the series would be greatly impaired ; but we 
are happy to state that the parties concerned have in most cases given their consent to allow 
the specimens to remain on deposit in the Society’s Rooms, so that we still retain the Centen- 
nial Collection of Canadian Insects almost intact, a monument to the zeal and industry of 
those members of the Society who were actively engaged in this work. 

We may add that this collection was placed on exhibition at the Rooms on several ocea- 
sions after its return, when some of the members were present to assist visitors, and from the 
interest manifested then by the public in the matter, we would recommend that the Rooms 
be thrown open occasionally to all who may desire to visit them, and that publie notice be 
given of the same 

The CanadIAN Envomo.ocist has almost completed its ninth velume, and fully main- 
tains its reputation as a record of the latest investigations and discoveries in scientific and 
practical Entomology. We would return our heartiest thanks to all those who have so kindly 
contributed to the pages of the ENromo.oaisr, and request that they will continue to favour 
the Editor with the results of their observations and experiments. Although we have reason 
to feel gratified at the efforts of the Society to excite in the general public an interest in En- 
tomology, yet we would respectfully suggest that our successors may be able in some measure 
to improve on the means adopted in the past to render the ENTOMOLOGIST even more useful 
to beginners in this interesting science, either by more frequent descriptions and illustrations 
of our Common insects, and perhaps by referring to the insects that are likely to appear in each 
month of the summer, and the manner of their capture and preservation, or in any other 
method that may appear suitable. 


We are happy to note a steady increase in the number of members. ‘The Branch Soci- 
eties, especially in London and Montreal, are progressing favourably. ' 

The funds of the Society are in a gratitying state ; by economical management we have 
been enabled to sustain and successfully carry out all the operations we have undertaken ; for 
details we refer to the report of the Secretary-Treasurer. 

The Library has been enriched by a number of valuable scientific works, and others of 
more general interest, but which bear on Entomological subjects. Among the additions we 
may mention the Encyclopedia Britannica, as far as at present published, which will prove 
invaluable as a means of reference. Our stock o engravings and electrotypes has been 
alightly increased, but in this line we are greatly restricted by want of means, and are obliged 
generally to content ourselves with electrotypes of other illustrations. We believe that a 
much larger sum than is annually given for this purpose might be profitably expended in pro- 
suring original illustrations. 

Submitted on behalf of the Council by 

JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


The President read his annual address, which received a vote of thanks. Rev. R. 
Burnet, in seconding the motion of vote of thanks, took occasion to speak highly of the 
value of the labours of Mr. Saunders, and suggested that his address appear in the daily 
papers as well as in the Annual Report, which was approved of. 


ANNUAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT. . 


GENTLEMEN,—At the close of another year it is my duty and privilege to offer you 
a few remarks relating to our progress as a Society, and also to the general advancement 
of that department of natural science in which we all feel so deep an interest. 

The progress of the Entomological Society of Ontario during the past year has been 
steady and continuous. Every season witnesses an infusion of new blood into our ranks, 
mainly from among the young, who, when entering on the pursuit of this charming study, 
bring with them all the enthusiasm and ardour of youth. Our membership is thus grad- 
aally increasing, and our influence and sphere of usefulness yearly extending. The im- 
portance of the study of Entomology is gradually becoming more deeply impressed upon 
the public mind. The Entomologist needs no longer to apologize for the trivial character 
of his pursuits, for small and apparently insignificant as the operations of the individual 
destructive insect may appear, yet when multiplied, as they usually are, by millions, their 
work is so disastrous and so desolating that the study of their life and history, with the 
view of combatting more effectually their enormous increase, becomes of the most vital 
importance. 

We have to note the prevalence during the past year of several insect pests. Early 
im June our gardens, orchards, and even our forests in the western portion of Ontario were 
frightfully devastated with the Forest Tent Caterpillar, Clisiocampa sylvatica. Tiere were 
millions upon millions of them, and so enormous were their numbers, and so persistent 
their attacks, that after fighting them bravely for a week or two, many gave up the contest 
in despair, weary of the slaughter. Many an orchard was rendered bare and leafless, and 
in some instances the woods were so void of foliage as to remind one of winter. This 
was particularly the case about London, and our orchards and gardens here were saved 
from destruction only by the most persistent effort. For several weeks caterpillars were 
swarming everywhere, so that the timid scarcely dared venture out under the shade of 
trees for fear of bringing them home on their clothing or persons. By the end of June 
they had nearly all become chrysalids, and it was interesting to observe the strange look- 
me deformities they occasioned among ornamental shrubs and flowers by twisting the 
leaves into suitable forms in which to enclose their cocoons. On the trees the few frag- 
ments of leaves remaining were put to a similar purpose, and thus sewed up and hanging 
Meee er with the weight of sometimes two or three cocoons huddled together, they looked 
very odd. 


On examining a number of these chrysalids, a large proportion of them were found 
to be infested with parasites, which materially lessens the chances of their being so very 
numerous again next year ; still we fear that enough of them passed safely through all 
their preparatory stages to give us some trouble another season. 

The Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris rape, is still progressing westward. This year it has 
extended its domain as far as Chicago, where a few of the advance guard have been eap- 
tured. In the neighbourhood of London their larvee have been very destructive this sum- 
mer, so disfiguring and destroying the cabbages in many instances as to render them en- 
tirely worthless. The history of the introduction of this pretty little pest forms an in- 
teresting chapter in our Entomological annals. During the time of the Trent difficulty 
in 1861, a quantity of fresh vegetables were sent along with other stores to Quebec for the 
sustenance of the gallant little army which was despatched to our shores. As the Cabbage 
Butterfly is said to have made its appearance shortly after this period, it is presumed that 
it was accidentally introduced with the stores for the troops. In 1863 specimens were 
sent to us from this district for determination, which was the first intimation we had of 
their existence in this country. By 1866 the butterfly had spread further west than 
Montreal, and east us far as the Saguenay River. In 1869 it was reported as common in 
New Jersey, and by 1871 it had travelled east as far as Halifax, Nova Scotia, and west 
to the middle of the State of New York It now embraces an area bounded by the 
shores of the Atlantic from the River St. Lawrence to Virginia, and has overrun the whole 
country westward as far as Chicago. A few days since, while on a visit to the Muskoka 
District, | was surprised to find them plentiful, in company with the Colorado Potato 
Beetle, as far north as the head of Lake Rosseau. 

The wonderful manner in which this insect has adapted itself to the varying climatie 
characteristics embraced within this wide area, is a matter of astonishment. It seems te 
thrive adike in the cold north and sunny south, ‘and in every place where it established itself 
it has multiplied so rapidly as to become in a very short time the commonest of all butterflies. 
The little parasite, Pleromalus puparum, which has also fortunately been introduced from 
Europe, and which is finally destined to keep this pest within reasonable bounds, is on the 
increase here, but is not yet sufficiently numerous to fulfil its mission as successfully as we 
could wish. 

The Colorado Potato Beetle, as predicted, has at last found its way across the Atlantic, 
and founded colonies on the Continent and in the British Isles, Their arrival and settlement 
has caused a commotion almost as great as would the approach of a hostile army. According 
to newspaper accounts, large patches of‘ ground where the enemy has been seen lurking haye 
been saturated with benzine and fired, while in the search, the whole surface has been turned 
over with the spade and shoyel as carefully as if each specimen were a nugget of gold or a 
diamond, Cargoes of all sorts in which it was suspected the intruders could find a hiding 
place have been submitted to the most rigid examination by government officials, and various 
edicts were promulgated, with a view to strangle this evil in its infancy ; but the beetle is 
heedless of enactments, however prohibitory, and we fear that no vigilance, no matter how 
persistent, will prevail in preventing the spread of this little intruder, and that hefore long 
the potato grower in Hurope will be obliged to regularly adopt measures for poisoning this 
pest similar to those so successfully carried out by our own people. 

Since I was last privileged to address you, the Congress of the United States, in view of 
the enormous losses yearly inflicted on agriculture by destructive insects, have appointed an 
Entomological Commission composed of eminent Entomologists, who shall devote their whole 
time for several years to a study of the habits of the various insect pests, and the thorough 
testing of the efficiency of such remedies as have been or may be devised for their destruetion, 
and to report progress from time to time. A liberal appropriation to defray the expense of 
this ae has been made, and the labourers are now actively engaged in the field. 

Harly in the year, your President was requested by the ( shief of this Commission, Prof. 
U. V. Riley, to bring this important matter before our Government and ask their influence 
towards furthering the objects in view. Accordingly, at a meeting of the Council of Agri- 
culture, eid in June last, the writer introduced a resolution urging the co-operation of our 
Government with that of the United States in this undertaking, which was unanimously 
adopted by the Board and transmitted to the proper authorities. I am pleased to be able to 
state that the Minister of Agriculture, in his reply, assured us that this subject had already 


engaged their serious attention, and that every effort would be made to aid the Commission in 
its work. This season is being spent by these savans in especially studying the habits and 
breeding places of the destructive Locusts of the West, and already they have made extended 
observations, not only in the western territories of the United States, but also in some of the 
adjoining portions of our Dominion. 

The Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 
held its annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., commencing on the 30th of August, when 
many interesting subjects were discussed. An important paper was read by A. R. Grote, 
Esq., of Buffalo, N. Y., on a new insect, destructive to the red and white pine trees, the 
sources of our valuable lumber trade. From the details given of the work of this insect. 
we fear it may prove a formidable foe to the future growth of our pine forests. Our 
Society has usually been represented at¢hese annual gatherings, but on this occasion, owing 
to other pressing and unavoidable engagements, those of us who have usually attended 
were prevented from being present. F 

We cannot better illustrate the recent progress made in Entomological science than 
by referring to one department, namely, that of the study of our night-flying moths. This 
has been greatly stimulated by the general practice of sugaring, by which immense numbers 
of these insects have been attracted, and their capture in good condition made an easy mat- 
ter. This practice in America was but little followed until 1874, when an English Ento- 
mologist, Mr. George Norman, visited Canada, and, after having faithfully carried out the 
process of sugaring for a season, he published the result of his labours and his mode of 
operating, in our journal. His success was so unprecedented, and so many rare, or hitherto 
unknown species captured, that collectors everywhere were induced to imitate his example, 
and in theshort time that has since elapsed an immense number has been added to the list 
of known species, and our collections have been enriched by this means with an extensive 
series of hitherto rare specimens. . 

Our monthly journal, the CANADIAN ENToMoLOGIS?, is still well sustained, its pages 
being regularly filled with interesting and original contributions. Did time permit, I might 
have oceupied your attention at considerable length by referring to the many valuable points 
brought out in these papers. I cannot, however, refrain from adverting to the contributions 
of Mr. W. H. Edwards, of West Virginia, on the life history of some of our butterflies, in 
which it has been shown that not a few of our so-called species are merely dimorphic forms of 
other species, and attention drawn to the important influence of cold in modifying these 
forms. By exposing the chrysalids to the influence of this agency by laying them for varying 
periods on ice, or placing them in an ice house, some of these dimorphic forms have been pro- 
duced at will, thus throwing much light on the causes of variation in species. 

I would also call your attention to the many recent valuable additions to Entomological 
literature in America, especially to the beautifully illustrated work of Dr. A. S. Parkard, on 
the Geometrids of North America; to the continuation of Edwards’ magnificent work on 
North American Butterflies ; to the learned and elaborate treatise on the Rhyncophora of 
America north of Mexico, by Drs. LeConte and Horn ; to the excellent works of Prof. 
Townend Glover, of Washington, on American Diptera, Orthoptera, and Hemiptera ; to the 
valuable reports of the State Entomologist of Missouri, and many other excellent works. But 
I must not trespass longer on your patience. Thanking you for your kind partiality in hon- 
ouring me as you have done, 

I have the honour to be, 
Yours very sincerely, 
Wm. SAUNDERS. 
London, Ontario, September 25th, 1877. 


The election of officers then took place, with the following result: :— 

President.—W. Saunders, London. 

Vice-President.—E. Baynes Reed, London. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—J. Williams, London. 

Council_—Wm. Couper, Montreal; Rev. © J. S. Bethune, |’ort Hope ; J. Pettit, 


Grimsby ; J. M. Denton, London ; Rev. R. Burnet, London ; R. V. Rogers, Kingston ; Ja. 
Fletcher, Ottawa. 

Editor of Canadian Entomologist—W. Saunders, London. 

Editing Committee.—Rev. ©. J.S. Bethune, Port Hope ; E. B. Reed, London; and 
G. J. Bowles, Montreal. 

Library Committee.—The President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and J. M. 
Denton. 

Auditors.—Chas. Chapman and A. Puddicombe, of London. 

During the time allotted for miscellaneous business, Mr. D. W. Beadle, of St. Cathaj 
rines, spoke of the ravages of the Cabbage Butterfly, Picris rapw, and of the great benefit that 
would be conferred on gardeners by the discovery of some remedy which might be safely used 
for this pest. He also referred at length to the great success which had attended the labours 
of the Entomological Society, and of the high reputation it had acquired in America and 
foreign countries. 

The President, in reply, referred to the rapid increase of the small parasite Pteromalus 
puparum, which preys on this species, and the gratifying prospect of a speedy diminutior, n 
numbers of the cabbage butterfly from this cause. 

Mr. P. ©. Dempsey, of Albury, stated that hot water had been successfully used in his 
neighbourhood to destroy the Pieris larva; that experiment had shown that the cabbage 
would bear the application of water heated to 200° Fahrenheit, without injury, while water 
at a somewhat lower temperature than this would effectually destroy the larva. The hot water 
may be applied through a rose sprinkler, or by the use of a dipper. He also stated that a 
cold infusion of Quassia, in the proportion of two or three pounds to a barrel of water, had 
been found effectual in destroying the worm, and more convenient in its application than hot 
water. This solution may vive a slightly bitter taste to the vegetable, unless thoroughly 
washed, but it is perfectly harmless to the human-system, 

Mr. Chas. Arnold, of Paris, referred to the increasing ravages of the Codling worm 
(Carpocapsa pomonella), and stated that he had scarcely a sound apple in his orchard this 
year. This was, doubtless, partially due to the small crop, and he hoped that the scarcity 
of apples this season would so far starve out this insect that we might enjoy some immunity 
from its attacks for a year or two. 

Rev. Dr. Burnet, President of the Fruit Growers’ Association, expressed his pleasure at 
being present, and his high‘appreciation of the labours of the active members of the Society, 
and referred to the great benefits which fruit growers had derived from the publication of the 
results of their investigations on noxious insects injurious to fruits, 

Prof. Buckland, of the Department of Agriculture, Toronto, spoke of the great utility 
of the work carried on by the Society in diffusing information in reference to the various in- 
sect pests which afflict the farmer and fruit grower, and of the flattering notices he had seen 
in foreign journals concerning the CaNapIAN Entomoxocist. He believed the Society 
well deserved the cordial support of all those interested in agriculture. 

The President, in confirmation of these remarks, alluded to the fact that the CANADIAN 
ENTOMOLOGIST numbers on its exchange list many periodicals of the highest standing, English, 
American, French and German. 


ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LONDON BRANCH 


The Annual Meeting of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 
was held on January 23rd, 1877, at the rooms of the Society. 

The following officers were elected for the year 1877 :— 

President.—Chas. Chapman, 

Vice-President.—J. M. Denton. 

Secretary-Treasurer.—J. Williams. 

Curator.—A. Puddicombe. 

Council. —Messrs. H. P. Bock, W. Saunders, and J. Williams. 

The Annual Report of the Secretary-Treasurer was read and adopted ; it showed that a 
small balance remained after all expenses had been met. 


8 


REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. ~ 


The Council of the London Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario, beg to 
submit the following :— 

The prospects of the Branch are very good ; the meetings have been well attended, ex 
cepting during the heat of the summer, and many valuable additions have been made to 
our collections. 

The experiment of placing the Centennial Collection on exhibition at the rooms was so 
favourably received by the public, that it has been decided to take steps to the more frequent 
admittance of non-members, and in this way it is hoped and believed something may be done 
to create a wider and deeper interest iu our favourite branch of science. This is a matter of 
great importance, and we have no doubt our members will acquit themselves creditably in it. 

Submitted on behalf of the Council, by 
JosEpH WILLIAMS, 
Secretary-Treasurer. 


MONTREAL BRANCH OF THE: ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


The Fourth Annual General Meeting of this Branch was held on Tuesday, 1st of May 
at 8 o’clock p.m., at the residence of HI. H. Lyman, Esq., the President, in the chair. 
The following report was read and adopted : 


REPORT, 


Your Council beg to present the Fourth Annual Report of the Society’s operations. 

They would refer with pleasure to the satisfactory progress of the Society in the study 
of our science, evinced by the steadiness with which the monthly meetings have been kept 
up, and the interesting and valuable papers read at these meetings. Solid progress has been 
made in the identification and classification of the insects of Montreal, and much preliminary 
work has been accomplished, the value of which will appear hereafter. The only cause for 
regret is that our number continues so small, but the zeal and perseverence of the present 
members go far to compensate for their paucity in number. Your Council entertain the 
hope that at no distant day our membership wi!l be augmented. ‘by the addition of at least 
a few more students of our useful and interesting branch of natural history. 

Twelve meetings were held during this year, at which the following papers were read 
and presented to the Society : 

G. J. Bowles—* List of Eggs and Larve Described in the Seven Volumes of the 
CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST.” 

H. H. Lyman—“ Notes on the Occurrence of Argynnis idalia.” 

F. B. Caulfield—* List of the Geometride of Montreal.” 

W. Couper—“ On Phyciodes tharos.” 

H. H. Lyman—“ List of some of the Geometridz of Montreal.” 

F. B. Caulfield —“ Notes on some Species of Chrysomelide Occurring on the Island of 
Montreal.” = 

F. B. Caulfield—‘“ Notes oa the Species of Meloe in Canada.” 

H. H Lyman—* Entomological Rambles, Including Notes on Entomology at the Cen- 
tennial Exhibition.” f 

G. J. Bowles—“ The Noctuidse of Quebec.” 

G. J. Bowles—“ Notes on D’Urban’s Paper in the Canadian Naturalist, Vol. v., with 
Identifications of the Species.” 

. Some progress has been made during the year in the compilation of the “ Montreal 
Catalogue,” and the names of 790 identified species are now entered on the list, comprising- 
385 Lepidoptera, 367 Coleoptera, 4 Diptera, 15 Orthoptera, 16 Hymenoptera and 3 Hemip- 
tera. ‘The earnest co-operation of the members is requested by your Council in this work. 
There is no doubt but that it will be of immense value to future students and will form a 
lasting memorial of our labours. 

The finances of the Society have engaged the earnest attention of your Council. They 


9 


would recommend that the cash on hand be expended in books for our Library, under the 
direction of the new Council. 
The whole respectfully submitted. 
Gro. JNo. Bow1Es, 
Montreal, 1st May, 1877. President. 


The following were then elected to office for the ensuing year : 

G. J. Bowles, President, (re-elected) ; H. H. Lyman, Vice-President ; G. B. Pearson, 
jr., Secretary and Treasurer (re-elected); ©. W. Pearson Curator (re-elected) ; Council— 
F. B. Caulfield, Robert Jack, W. Hibbins, jr. 

After a pleasant conversation on Entomological subjects, and the examination of nume- 
rous specimens, the meeting adjourned. 

G. B. Pearson, Jun., 
Secretary. 


EXPERIMENTS ON THE CoLoRADO Potato BEETLE. 
By W. Brodie, Toronto. 


The following interesting paper giving details of experiments on the Potato Beetle was 
read at a recent meeting of the Toronto Entomological Society :— 

GENTLEMEN,—1 herewith submit for your consideration a synopsis of a series of experi- 
ments, conducted by myself. intended to determine certain facts in the life-history of Dory- 
phora 10 lineata, about which there is a good deal of popular misconception. 

The experiments were made in cages, where the natural conditions of temperature, light, 
and moisture were maintained as nearly as possible ; the same cages in which I had success- 
fully reared larvee of Papilio trolius and other delicate lepidoptera. 

To secure greater accuracy nearly every experiment was repeated, or two or more con- 
ducted simultaneously, and the results carefully compared and recorded. 

‘ The more important propositions supported by these experiments are : 

First.—The potato is the only plant in Ontario on which the beetle can feed so as to 
_become very numerous. 

Second.— Food is necessary to the imago, in order to develope the reproductive fune- 
tions. 

Third.—If not supplied with food the imago will die in a short time—perhaps never 
exceeding two weeks. 

Fourth.—The advent in Toronto of Lydella doryphora, by far the most reliable and 
valuable of all the enemies of D. 10 lineata. 

It is so generally conceded that D. 10 Jineata will not feed on the leaves of any of our 
forest trees neither on any of our grasses, nor cyperaceous plants ; that proofs of this need 
not be submitted nor discussed. The plants experimented upon, you will see, are mainly 
those which have been named as food plants by newspaper men, farmers and others. 

Experiment 1.—Thirty mature beetles, after being kept without food for twenty-four 
hours, were supplied with leaves of carrot, parsnip, beet, pumpkin, lettuce, sunflower, sage, 
Panicum crus galli, and cabbage, for eight hours ; none eaten ; when supplied with potato 
leaves, all ate freely. ‘ 

Experiment 2.—Thirty mature beetles, after being kept without food for thirty-two 
ours, were supplied for sixteen hours,—in addition to the plants named in experiment 1.— 
with red root, (Amarantus hybridus), sheepbur, (Cynoglossum officinale), burdock, (Lappa 
officinalis), smali bur, (Echinospermum lappula), sour dock, (Rumex crispus), Lobelia syphili- 
tica and L. inflata, lambs quarter, (Chenopodium album), wullein, (Verbaseum thapsus) ; 
none eaten ; when supplied with potato leaves all ate freely. This experiment was also re- 
peated three times, with uniform result. 

Experiment 3.—Thirty mature beetles, after being kept eleven days without food, were, 
in addition to the plants used in the second experiment, supplied with leaves of milk weed 
(Asclepias cornuti), arrow head (Saggittaria variabilis), Canada thistle (Cirsium avvense) 


10% 


water parsnip (Simm lineare), golden rod (Solidago nemoralis), fleabane (Hrigeron Canadense), 
cat mint (Nepeta Cataria), common plantain, (Plantago major), Apocynum androsemifolium. 
None were eaten. When supplied with potato leaves, all ate freely.. This experiment was 
repeated three times with unvarying results, 

The solanceous plants found in Ontario, outside of cultivation, on which it is generally 
admitted Doryphora will feed are the Hyoscyamus niger, Physalis viscosa, Nicandra physa- 
loides, Solanum niyrum, Solanum dulcamara, Datura stramonium. It is very doubtful if 
Doryphora, either in the lavrae or imago state, will feed on the last two named. They are, 
however, all late plants, and would afford no food in the spring season, and so scarce that 
they would not feed the July brood for one hour. 

Experiment 4.—Aug. 8. Took in fifty mature D. 10 lineata larvee, forty-five of which 
had changed to beetles on Aug. 26, while five had died in the pupating stage. These forty- 
five beetles were kept without food ; four died on the fourth day, thirty-seven were dead on 
the fifth day, thirty-nine on the eighth day, forty-two on the tenth day, forty-five on the 
eleventh day. Over 75 per cent. died within five days, the males dying first. No pairing 
took place, no ova were deposited, and no disposition to hybernate was evinced.. This is the 
average of three cases conducted simultaneously, and which varied but little. 

Experiment 5.—Aug. 8. Took in thirty mature beetles all of which had partaken of 
food, and kept them without food. Two were dead in fourteen days ; eight in nineteen days ; 
thirteen in twenty-three days; sixteen in twenty-seven days; twenty-four in forty-seven 
days. Twenty per cent. survived forty-seven days’ fasting; pairing occurred, and ova were 
deposited to a small extent during the first ten days. This is the average of three cases con- 
ducted simultaneously. i 

There is a very marked difference between this result and that of Experiment 4, where 
the beetles had never partaken of food. 

Experiment 6.—Aug. 15. Twenty pairs Doryphora, after being well fed were kept in 
a dry situation ; thirty two were dead in twelve days ; all dead in twenty-two days : the males 
died first ; a few ova were deposited during the first week. This experiment was repeated 
three times. 

Experiment 7.—As to the rate of feeding, five experiments were tried. The beetles 
numbered fourteen to twenty-one, and the times from 34 to 168 hours; the average of the 
five trials was, one beetle will eat one square inch of potato leaves in thirty hours ; the max- 
imum rate was ten hours, minimum was thirty-seven hours. It may be stated that one beetle 
during its imago life will defuliate one plant of potatoes. 

Experiment 8.—Aug. 20. Took in fifty beetles which had been well fed ; eleven imme- 
diately buried themselves in the sand. September 6. All dead above ground ; turned out 
the sand and found the eleven alive ; replaced sand, also beetles; eight at once buried them- 
selves. September 15. Three remaining on surface dead. September 20. Found all on 
surface of sand, which I found quite dry ; on wetting sand all went down, are now alive Octo- 
ber 16. 

Experiment 9.—September 1. Took 100 Doryphora larvee, some immature, fed them 
on potato. Sept. 10, all pupating. Sept. 20, 15 beetles out. Oct. 1, beetles all dead. On 
turning out the sand found that none had hybernated. This agrees with the results of seven 
experiments, and shows that there was no disposition to hybernate until after the middle of 
August, and then only by beetles which had fed. 

The date of hybernation will vary according as the season is warm or cold, but I think 
it pretty certain that beetles which have not fed will not survive the winter. 

A result of experiment 4was the finding of a pupa case of Lydella doryphora under 
conditions which were fully narrated to you at our September meeting, and which you all 
agreed were conclusive as to the advent of this farmers’s friend in Toronto. 

It is hoped the publication of this will elicit evidence of its occurrence in other counties 
in Ontario, but it must be borne in mind that the very general use of Paris green by potato 
growers, has hitherto prevented the increase of this as well as other natural enemies of D. 10 
lineata ; has, in fact, rendered their existence almost impossible. 


11 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE AMERICAN AS- 
SOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 


Room 56, Maxwell House, NASHVILLE, TENN., Aug. 31, 1877. 


Mr. Grote was called to the chair, and congratulated the meeting that there were 
found members from the South interested in the science of Entomology, and regretted 
the absence of the President of the Club and other officers. A letter was read from Pre- 
sident LeConte as follows: 


PHILADELPHIA, AuG. 24TH, 1877. 
Secretary of the Entom. Club Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. Nashville, Tenn. : 


Dear Str,—lI beg that you will express to the Entomological Club of the Associa- 
tion my great regret that I am not able to attend the meeting at Nashville. It was my 
intention to be present, but I find now at the,last moment that it will be extremely in- 
convenient for me to leave this city. I greatly wished to take part in the discussion on 
nomenclature, but I have already expressed myself so strongly as against such changes 
as are produced by the rehabilitation of forgotten or disused names, that I think my 
opinions are fully understood by my colleagues. 

Very truly yours, 
Joun L. LeConre. 

The Secretary’s report of last yean’s meeting was received and adopted. 

The chair drew the attention of the Club to the report of Capt. Dall on the subject 
of Zoological Nomenclature made at this meeting, and deprecated any separate action on 
the part of the Club. 


The following resolutions were then passed : 

Resolved—That since the Association has under consideration the subject of Nomen- 
clature, the present Committee of the Club on that subject, consisting of LeConte, Riley, 
Saunders, Scudder and Grote, be continued to report at next meeting. 

Resolved—That a request be made on the part of the Club to the Standing Com- 
mittee of the Association, that copies of Capt. Dall’s report on Zoological Nomenclature 
be printed and distributed to all active members of the Club before the issuance of the 
Nashville volume, so that the matter may be duly considered before the next meeting of 
the Club. 

The meeting then entered into an election for officers for the next meeting, with the 
following result : 

President: James A. Linter, of Albany, N. Y. 

Vice-President : Wm. Saunders, of London, Ontario. 

Sceretary : B. Pickman Mann, of Cambridge, Mass. 

Mr. Grote exhibited specimens in all stages of the New Pine Moth, Vephopteryx 
Zimmermani. He referred to Mr. Meehan’s remarks after the reading of the paper before 
the Association on Thursday last, that this was probably the insect so destructive to the 
Scotch Pine about Philadelphia. 

Prof. Nicholson stated’ that he thought from Mr. Grote’s description and specimens 
that this insect was the one noticed as attacking the Scotch Pine near Knoxville. The 
trees had been imported from the north. 

Mr. Grote alluded to the migratory habits of the Cotton Worm, and stated that in 
his original paper (Hartford Meeting) he had shown that the moth hybernated, but died 
before it could find cotton on which it could oviposit the ensuing year. Where the moth 
state was not reached the chrysalis perished in cold winters over the cotton belt. The 
broods were irregular, occurring in the same locality some years as early as June, some 
years as late as September. 

Prot. Stubbs stated that in the main Mr. Grote’s theory of a progression from south 
to north was, he was satisfied, correct. At the same time he called attention to occasions 


12 


where the moth appeared in small areas, and thought it possible that in some cases the 
insect might succeed in holding over. 

Mr. Grote stated that he. thought that in localities where the circumstances were 
favourable, Southern Florida and along the coast of Georgia, that this might occur. He 
had in his “original paper alluded to this, and he thought 1 it more likely that the irregular 
patches on the cotton belt were partial colonizations from the southward or from the sea 
coast of Florida or Georgia. The first brood was more irregular in distribution. He 
further said that Prof. Tatwiler, of Ala., had told him that the observations made in his 
locality were to the effect that the south wind brought the worm ; in the present year 
the prevailing winds were from the north and they had been free rom the worm in 
Northern Alabama. Mr. Grote concluded by urging the creation of a scientific commis- 
sion to look into the facts of the case. It was one that was most important to the 
agricultural interests of the South. 

Prof. Nicholson stated that he had observed a few specimens of the Colorado Beetle near 
Knoxville ; the seed had been brought from the north. 

J udge Bell stated that this year he had seen the Potato Beetle at Exeter, New Hampshire. 

Mr. Grote exhibited some rare ee collected at Buffalo, N. Y., by Mr. Ottomar 
Reinecke. Adjourned. 

(Signed) A, G. WETHERBY, 
Secretary, pro. tem. 


13 


A NEW LEPIDOPTEROUS INSEUT 
_INJURIOUS TO VEGETATION. 


BY A. R, GROTE, BUFFALO, N. Y. 
(Read before the Am. Asso. Adv. Sci., August 30, 1877.) 


In the months of June and July the Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) and the White Pine 
(Pinus Strobus), show by the exuding pitch that they are suffering from the attacks of an 
insect. The wounds occur on the main stem below the insertion of the branch. On cutting 
into the bark the injuryis found to be caused by a small larva, which, when full grown, 
measures 16 to 18 millimetres. The head is shining chestnut brown with black mandibles, 
The body is livid or blackish green, naked, with series of black dots, each dot giving rise to 
a single, rather stout, bristle, The prothoracic shield is blackish. The larva has three pair 
of thoracic or true jointed feet, and four abdominal or false feet, besides anal claspers. This 
larva, eating on the inner side of the bark, and making furrows in the wood, causes the bleed- 
ing which, when the depletion is excessive or continuous, and especially in the case of young 
trees, has proved fatal. 

In July the worm spins a whitish, thin, papery cocoon in the mass of exuding pitch, 
which seems to act as a protection to both the larva and the chrysalis. The chrysalis con- 
tained in the cocoon is cylindrical, smooth, narrow, blackish-brown, about 16 millimetres in 
length. The head is pointed, there being a pronounced clypeal protuberance ; the segments 
are unarmed ; the anal plate is provided with a row of four spines, and two others, more 
slender, on® either side of the mesial line, below the first. It gives the moth in ten to fourteen 
days. The perfect insect expands on an average 30 millimetres. An examination of the 
veins of the wing show that vein 7 of the primaries is wanting, while vein lis simple. On 
the hind wing the cell is closed or very nearly so. [t belongs thus to the Phycide, asub- 
family of the Pyralidae. The male antenne are bent a little at the base, the joints incon- 
spicuous ; the maxillary palpi in the same sex are not brush-like, and the hind wings are 8 
and not 7 veined. We may refer the moth, then, to the genus Nephopteryx. Veins 3, 4 and 
5 spring nearly together from the outer extremity of cell of the hind wings (though 5 seems 
to be nearly independent while running close to 4) ; vein 2 isnot far removed from 3. On 
the primaries veins 4and 5 spring from a common stalk, so that we must refer the moth to 
the sub-genus Dioryctria ot Zeller. In colour the moth is blackish gray, shaded with reddish 
on the basal and terminal fields of the fore wings, There are patches or lines of raised scales 
on the basal field and on the anterior and darker portion of the medium space. The median 
lines ure prominent, consisting of double black lines enclosing pale bands. The inner line at 
basal third is perpendicular, W-shaped or dentate. The outer line at apical fourth is once 
more strongly indented below costa. The black component lines do not seem to be more: dis- 
tinct on one side than on the other of the pale included bands or spaces. The median field is 
blackish, becoming pale towards the outer line, it shows a pale, sometimes whitish cellular spot, 
surmounted with raised scales. It can be seen that these raised scales (easily lost in setting 
the insect) accompany the median lines as well as forming the discal mark and the linear patch 
on the basal field. The terminal edge of the wing is again pale or ruddy before the terminal 
black line. The fringes are blackish, The hind wings are pale yellowish white, shaded 
with fuscous on costal region and more or less terminally before the blackish terminal 
black live ; the fringes are dusky. Beneath the fore wings are blackish, marked with pale on 
costa ; hind wings as on upper surface. Body blackish gray, with often areddish cast on 
thorax above and on the vertex. The eyes are naked, the labial palpi long, ascending with 
moderate terminal joint. Tongue rather long. The gray abdomen is annulated with dirty 
white, the legs are pale dotted. The species differ from the European abietella by the raised 


14 


scale tufts on the wings, and Prof. P. ©. Zeller, who has kindly compared examples for me, 
declares it to be quite distinct from any European species. The pupa seems to differ from 
that of ahietella by the clypeal prominence, which appears entirely absent in the European 
species, judging from Ratzburg’s excellent figures. The larvze is found to attack also various 
imported conifers ; for this reason I supposed it might be animported parasite. It has been 
noticed on the Scotch, Austrian and Russian Pine, and it will be found, I fear, a graye enemy 
to the cultivation of this genus of trees. = 

Since the insect is not noticed yet in any scientific publication, I propose to name it 
Nephopteryx (Dioryctria) Zimmermani, after Charles D. Zimmerman, of Buffalo, who has 
made many excellent observations on our noxious insects, and to whom Iam greatly in- 
debted for help in getting the present facts with relation to the species. He has kindly 
spent much time in climbing large trees and cutting out pupe and larvee and rearing the 
perfect insect. ; 

The larvee abietella is described by Ratzburg as living in the cones chiefly of various 
species of Pinus. Nevertheless he speaks of one instance in which it is found under similar 
circumstances to those which are usual with Zimmermani, which latter I have not yet 
noticed attacking the fruit. The European species is said to winter in pupa state. In the 
vicinity of Buffalo our species seems to be single brooded. I have not yet ascertained the 
winter state. Ratzburg recommends cutting off infested branches, but especially on small 
trees. I find the larvie of Zimmermani usually infesting the#main stem at the insertion of 
the branches. From the fact that the pitch of the trees offers a protection, I do not think 
that any washes would reach the insect. The knife, then, seems the only remedy. 

Our species has a natural enemy in a small hymenopterous parasite with which I 
have found certain of the chrysalids to be filled. 


THE UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 


The enormous losses occurring yearly to agriculture in America from destructive in- 
sects are gradually awakening public attention in this direction, and also to the mecessity of 
careful observations on the habits of these pests, with a view to their destruction or limita- 
tion. We were much gratified to learn that the late Congress of the United States, 
recognizing the importance of this subject, made a liberal appropriation to provide for the 
appointment of a commission of practical Entomologists to investigate and study the habits 
and life history of these insect pests, and thoroughly test such measures as have been or 
may be suggested with a view of lessening their ravages, the investigations to be carried 
on for several consecutive years. The Government has been particularly fortunate in 
securing the services of three eminently practical Entomologists to undertake this work, 
Prof. Riley, State Entomologist of Missouri, Dr. A. S. Packard, of Salem, Mass., and Prof. 
Thomas, State /ntomoligist of Illinois. Prof. Riley has been designated Chief; Dr. 
Packard, Secretary, and Prof. Thomas, disbursing agent. While the destructive Rocky 
Mountain Locust, Caloptenus spretus, will specially engage the attention of the Commission 
during this year, careful observations will at the same time be made on other destructive 
pests. We desire to call particular attention to Dr. Packard’s request in this present 
issue, for specimens in all stages of the Hessian Fly, Joint Worm and Wheat Midge, and 
trust that all our members will endeavour to aid the Commission in their labours in every 
possible way. 

The headquarters of the Commission will be at St. Louis, Mo. ; there will also be an 
office, with a clerk to attend to certain routine business, at the rooms of the Geological and 
Geographical Survey of the Territories, at Washington, D. U., Dr. F. V. Hayden in charge. 

The locust area assigned to each Commissioner the present year is as follows :— 

1. Prof, Riley takes for his field the region east of the mountains and south of the 40th 
parallel, the west half of Iowa, and, conjointly with Dr. Packard, British America west of 
sa van meridian, where the principal source of the devastating swarms will probably be 
ound, 


2. Dr. Packard will take for his field West Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho, and the 
Pacifie Coast. 


15 


3. Prof. Thomas takes all the region east of the mountains not enumerated, including 
Nebraska, Minnesota, ete. 

The publications will consist of circulars, bulletins, memoirs, and the annual report of 
doings and results of the work of the Commission. 

To Prof. Riley are assigned more particularly the following divisions of the subject : 
Biology, or Natural History ; Insect Enemies and Farasites ; Remedies and Devices for De- 
struction. 

To Dr, Packard : Anatomy and Embryology. 

To Dr. Packard and Prof, Thomas, conjointly : Meteorological Bearings and Migrations, 

To Prof. Thomas: Geographical Distribution, Enemies not Entomological, Agricultural 
Bearings of the Subject. 

The Commission expects to secure co-operation with the United States Signal Bureau 
in affording meteorological data in connection with a study of the migrations of the locust; 
also, hopes to seeure the aid of the Canadian Government in co-operating with it in its inves- 
tigation in British America. 

It is the determination of the Commission to confine its operations more particularly to 
the practical bearings of the subject, with a view to ascertain all possible remedies against 
these destructive insects. All else will be made subservient to the great object for which the 
appropriation was made, to wit :— 


1. The best means of fighting the plague as it occurs in the States to which it migrates, 
but in which it is not indigenous. 

2. The thorough investigation into its habits in its native home, with a view of prevent- 
ing, if possible, its migrations therefrom. 

The following are the topies on which data are requested from observers in all parts in 
reference to the destructive locust :— 


1. Date, and time of day of the arrival of swarms. 
la. Direction and force of the wind at the time. 
1b. Temperature and character of the weather at the time (clear or cloudy). 
le. Direction of the flight, density, height and extent of the swarms. 


2. Date and time of day of the departure of the swarms. 
2a. Direction and foree of the wind at the time. 
2b. Temperature and character of the weather at the time. 
2c. Direction of the flight, density and extent of the swarms. 
3. Date when the first eggs, if any, were deposited the present year. 
4. Date when the eggs were most numerously hatching the present year. 
5. Date when the eggs were most numerously hatching in previous years. 
6. Proportion of eggs that failed to hatch the present year, and probable causes of such 
foilure. 
7. Nature of the soil and situations in which the eggs were most largely deposited. 
8. Nature of the soil and situations in which the young were most numerously hatched. 
9. Date at which the first insect acquired full wings. 
10, Date when the winged insects first began to migrate. 
11. Estimate the injury done in your County and State. 
12, Crops which suffered most. 
13. Crops most easily protected. 
14. Crops which suffered least. 
15. The prevailing direction in which the young insects travelled, and any other facts in 
relation to the marching of the young. 
16. The means employed in your section for the destruction of the unfledged insects, or to 
protect crops from their ravages, and how far these have proved satisfactory. 
17. The means employed in your section for the destruction of the winged insects, or to 
protect crops from their ravages, and how far these have proved satisfactory, 
18. Description, and, if possible, figures of such mechanical contrivances as haye proved 
useful in your locality for the destruction of either the young or the winged insects, 
19. If your seetion was not visited in 1876, please state this fact. 
20, If visited any previous year, please give the dates. 


16 


21. To what extent have birds, domestic fowls, and other animals, domestic or wild, been 

useful in destroying these insects ? : 7? 

As the successful prosecution of this work is as deeply important to the western portions 
of our Dominion (where immense damage is often inflicted by this destructive foe) as to any 
part of the United States, it is hoped that our Government will render all possible aid to the 
work of this Commission, either by instructions to parties engaged in surveys and other Gov 
ernment work in the western regions, to make the necessary observations, or otherwise by ap- 
pointing suitable co-operating agencies to aid in the work. 

No offizial report of the results of the labours of this important Commission has yet ap- 
peared, but the following telegraphic summary of the work of the season has lately been 
printed in the public newspapers :— 


U. 8. ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 
Report oF irs Lapours 1N THE NortH-WEsT. 
The Rocky Mountain Locust—His Parasites and Winged Enemies. 
HOW THE GRASSHOPPER PLAGUE MAY BE STOPPED. 


St. Lours, Nov. 12.—The labours of the United States Entomological Commission, 
appointed by Secretary Shurz last spring, to investigate the grasshopper plague, are drawing 
toward a conclusion. The Commission consists of Prof. C. V. Riley, State Entomologist of 
Missouri ; Cyrus Thomas, State Entomologist of Illinois ; and Prof. A. S. Packard, Jr., a 
Professor in the Peabody Academy of Science, of Salem, Mass. 

The commissioners were appointed on the 20th of March, and a couple of weeks later the 
three members were out on their exploring tour. Prof. Riley took the States of Texas, 
Kansas, lowa, and Colorado, and the British possessions as far north as the Saskatchewan Val- 
ley, and his investigations were to be directed more particularly to the biology of the grass- 
hopper, generally called Rocky Mountain locust by entomologists, its entomological enemies 
and parasites, and remedies and devices for the prevention of the grasshopper plague. Prof. 
Packard’s field was Montana, Utah, Idaho, the Western part of Wyoming, and the Pacific 
Coast, and he made a study of the anatomy and embryology of the grasshopper. The terri- 
tory assigned to Prof. Thomas, embraced Minnesota, Nebraska, the eastern part of Wyoming, 
and all the other states and territories west of the Mississippi not taken by Profs. Riley and 
Packard ; and the special subjects assigned to him were the geographical range of the grass- 
hopper, his enemies not entomological, and the agricultural bearings of the subject. The 
original bill prevailed for a commission of five, and an appropriation of $25,000. Congress 
cut the money down to $18,000, and reduced the number of commissioners to three. Prof. 
Riley says all the commissioners met with unexpected success in their investigations. They 
met with the most cordial receptions among the people of the west and south-west every- 
where, and were furnished by the farmers with a vast amount of valuable information which 
they never could have obtained if the informants had not felt themselves personally interested 
in the work of the commission. The U.S. signal burean also aided the commissioners ma- 
terially in furnishing them with accurate meteorological data, very necessary in the study of 
the migrations of the grasshoppers and their ova-deposits, as also the effect which climatic 
changes have upon them. Prof. Riley spent six weeks in the country in which the principal 
armies of grasshoppers are hatched, and which they leave as soon as the short, dry grass of 
the country, on which they principally subsist, is gone. The country is very thinly settled, 
but the professor was afforded every possible assistance in his investigations by the authori- 
ties of the Canadian Government, including Governor Morris and the Ministers of Agricul- 
ture and the Interior. Remaining in the British possessions about six weeks, Professor Riley 
closed his investigations and returned to Chicago, where he again met his fellow commis- 
sioners, Profs. Packard and Thomas, just returned from the districts visited by them Notes 
were again compared, views interchanged, and statistical and other matter exchanged, and the 
commissioners separated once more, returning this time to their respective homes to write up 
the results of their investigations. Prof, Riley has been at home now five or six weeks, and 
has been engaged on the report ever since his return. He expects to complete the report by 


17 


the middle of next month, and Profs. Packard and Thomas are to have theirs completed about 
the same time, when the commission will convene again and submit their labours as one work 
to the Government. 

The result of the investigation of the commission has verified previous reports of Prof. 
Riley’s individual investigations, and the commissioners are all of the opinion that a recur- 
-rence of the grasshopper plague can be prevented. They have found the native home of the 
insects ; they know on what they feed, and when and under what conditions they migrate, 
the direction they take, and the distance they go, and the length of time they remain before 
they commence their homeward flight again. hey know, also, the fatal effect that heavy 
rains and sudden changes of weather have on them, and that smoke will kill them as quickly 
as fire. They know, too, the parasites which live on the grasshoppers, and the birds —particu- 
larly the grackle and the English rook—that feed upon them. Knowing all this, they believe 
that the migration from British America can be, in a great measure, stopped, and that in 
case they do visit the fields of Missouri, Kansas, and other States of the union, the farmers 
can be forewarned in time to prepare for them with fire and water. The commission will 
recommend measures to Congress, looking to a Governmental treatment of this plague at its 
next occurrence, 


NOTES ON LARVAX—FONDNESS FOR WATER—HINTS TO BEGINNERS. 
BY ©, G, SIEWERS, NEWPORT, KY. 
(From the Canadian Entomologist.) 


Last spring, while collecting beetles under the bark of decayed logs, I met with numbers 
of the larvee of Aretia isabella (hairs brown in the middle, black at each end of larva), about 
to spin up. Not knowing their hybernating habits, they had always baffled me, and under 
the impression that they would require another season to mature, had been turned loose. I 
collected some twenty, put them into a box with cotton and paper scrap, and they at once 
spun up, all but four. These wandered up and down for a week, having some want, and 
wasting away. It struck me they might want water. Wetting a sable, I proffered a drink. 
They all drank greedily, grasping the brush with their fore-legs, and even following it around, 
I watered them two or three days, but tired of this and threw them out. The same day they 
were found spinning up on the fence. This spring I collected another lot, and gave them 
some curved bark to spin in. About one-half refused to spin. I soused them with water. 
Two remained contumacious, but another wetting brought them to terms. ‘The black larva 
of the Great Leopard Moth, #epentheria, hybernates also, spins up about the first of June, 
and emerges about the 15th with us. Feeds on Poke-berry plant, and will eat cabbage. I 
failed to winter some twenty this season. Hither they dry up in the house, or mould in the 
cellar. They should be wintered out-doors, in a box without bottom placed on the ground 
and half-filled with leaves and brush, exposed to the weather, but having proper drainage. 
They come out of the leaves in the spring distended by moisture. Whether they feed before 
spininng is uncertain. I collect them in the fall at the foot of willow trees, when digging up 
the pupa of Smerinthus geminatus. ji 

It is generally claimed that moist leaves will induce scouring in the Bombix mori, but 
out-door larvee get abundange of rain and dew, and may require it. In confinement they fail 
to get their full growth. Their food should be sprinkled daily. The great difficulty of keep- 
ing the food fresh deters many from rearing larve. To such I would say, try tin boxes or 
glass jars. Clean daily and keep moist. Two or three drops of water are sufficient. I have 
had a lot of empty fruit cans capped, and have kept food fresh in them for ten days. When 
the nearest food plant is three miles distant this is some object. I find that they do not re- 
quire light, and but little air. When they cease feeding, remove to spinning or ground 
boxes. The ground must be kept moist, or the larva will be unable to remove the skin 
around the thorax, and strangle. If they find it too dry they will come out and try to es- 
cape. Many wander about for a day or two before burying themselves. Covering the ground 
with sod often expedites matters, When ten days have passed they may be sifted out to 
give place for others, and laid out in another ground box on top, as it is preferable to have 


18 


eee 
as 


them in sight, on account of vermin. Never pull larve from their food, especially when 
moulting in changing food, Clip the old food off around them, and they will change them- 
selves. Placing some hungry Apatura clytons three inches from fresh food, they struck a bee 
line for it. 

Raising larve is by far the most instructive feature of Entomology, and very interesting. 
Entirely too little attention is paid to it. We want the whole life. How utterly ignorant 
we are, for instance, about the larve of Catocalae? Let all faulty females be confined, and 
they may lay impregnated eggs ; try the young on willow, walnut, or oak leaves. The female 
is known by the heavy body tapering to a point; the male terminates in a pair of claspers. 
Some species are readily determined by their antenn, the males being more broadly pecti- 
nated than the females. 

The larvee of wood-boring beetles can be raised in tin or glass on wet saw-dust (not pine); 
any mixed hardwood or poplar will do. I have kept them so six and eight months, changing 
the saw-dust once a month. But they are very tiresome, as one may have to keep them a 
year or two. 


HOW 0 DESTROY CABINET PESTS. 
By Pror, JAMES T, BELL, BELLEVILLE, ONT. 
(From the Canadian Entomologist.) 


There is nothing more annoying to the experienced, or more discouraging to the young 
collector, than to have his specimens destroyed by mites, by the Anthrenus, or by the larvae 
of Dermestes. Against the ravages of these enemies there is no security. Paste and paper 
fail to exclude them ; camphor is only a partial protector; and the only safeguard of our 
cabinets is constant vigilance, and the instant destruction of the offenders when observed. 

For this purpose many methods have been suggested—saturation with turpentine, 
immersion in aleohol or benzine, exposure to a heat of 210 degrees in a drying closet or 
oven, &c, ; but most of these ways are apt to injure, or even destroy, the specimens, while 
the last is often ineffective. Having, however, found a certain and rapid method of deal- 
ing with these intruders, I desire, through your pages, to make it known to my brother 
naturalists. 

Some two years ago I had a magnificent female Platysamia (Saturnia) cecropia measur- 
ing 6% inches across the wings when set out, which came out of a chrysalis in my breeding- 
box. I succeeded in killing and stretching it without damage, and when dry, transferred 
it to my interim box, which hung against the wall. In about a fortnight I was annoyed 
to see its antennz cut off, the head and thorax denuded of most of their down, and some 
large holes made in the abdomen. After some consideration, I placed a gallipot, contain- 
ing about 25 grains of cyanide of potassa roughly bruised, with a very little water, in the 
bottom of the ease. I then introduced six drops of sulphuric acid, and let down the glass. 
In less than a minute I had the satisfaction of seeing a fine, stout Dermestes larva writhing 
in the death agony on the bottom of the box. Since that time,I have tried the same seve- 
ral times, and always with the same success. It is equally applicable to the destruction 
of moths, &e., in stuffed birds and quadrupeds as no animate being can inhale this gas and 
live. : 


James T. BELL, 
Belleville, Ont. 


[Nore.—Great caution would be necessary iv using this remedy, not to inhale any of 
the highly poisonons gas which, by the use of the inzredients named, would be rapidly gene- 
rated.—Ep.C. E.] 


19 


RECENT ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS. 


The following brief notices of some of the most valuable Entomological publications 
which have appeared during-the past year, are from the pages of the Canadian Entomo- 
logist :— \ 

Economic Entomology, by Andrew Murray, F. L. 8., London, England. Aptera, 8vo., 
pp: 433, profusely illustrated with wood-cuts. 

This useful volume is the first of a series of haud books which are intended to serve 
as guides to the different departments of the collection of Economic Entomology in process 
of formation at the Bethnal Green branch of the South Kensington Museum, and also as 
practical treatises for the use of the public generally. In order the better to serve its primary 
purpose of guide to the collection, the contents of the several cases are described in this 
volume in the order in which they present themselves to the visitor, containing in some 
instances other specimens than insects. The work opens with a short chapter on Crusta- 
ceans likely to be mistaken for insects; for example, species of Oniscus, Porcellio, and Ar- 
mcdlillo. Next in order are the Miriapods—Julidae and Scolopendridae ; then Scorpions 
and their allies ; Spiders, Mites, Lice, Thysanura (Spring tails) and Lepismidae. Three 
new genera and thirteen new species are described in this volume. 

The descriptions are briefly and plainly written, and the habits and life history of the 
species are delineated in a pleasing and popular manner. The work is well printed in good, 
clear type, and most of the illustrations are excellent. Already we have found it very use- 
ful, giving in a condensed form a vast amount of information not otherwise readily obtain- 
able. We heartily commend this work to our readers, and trust that the talented author 
may be spared to complete the series proposed, which will appear in the following order ;— 
2nd vol. Bugs ; 3rd, Locusts, Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, and Earwigs ; 4th, Two-winged 
Flies; 5th, Bees, Wasps, &c. ; 6th, The Dragon Flies and May Flies; 7th, Butterflies 
and Moths, and lastly, the Beetles. 

Ninth Annual Report of the Noxious, Beneficial and other Insects of the State of 
Missouri. By Chas. V. Riley, State Entomologist, March, 1877; 8vo., pp. 129 with 
33 illustrations. 

We welcome the ninth of this series of valuable reports with much pleasure. The 
following are the subjects treated of in the order in which they appear; The Gooseberry 
Span Worm; the Imported Currant Worm ; the Native Currant Worm; the Strawberry 
Worm; Abbott’s White Pine Worm; LeConte’s Pine Worm; the Colorado Potato 
Beetle ; the Army Worm; the Rocky Mountain Locust; the Hellgrammite Fly, and the 
Yucea Borer. The bulk of the report, sixty-seven pages in all, is occupied with details 
in reference to that terrible scourge of the West, the Rocky Mountain Locust, Caloptenus 
spretus, the other and less important subjects being much more briefly treated of. These 
reports contain an immense fund of valuable information, and have done much to popu- 
larize Entomology in America. 


CATALOGUE OI THE LEPIDOPTERA OF AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO, 
By W. H. Epwarps. 


Part I—Diurnals. (Published by the American Entomological Society, Philadelphia, 8vo. pp. 
68 Price $1 ; interleaved for additions, $1.80. 


This work of Mr. Edward’s is conservative in its character, and as such is most re- 
freshing ; after having tried in vain to fathom the innovations with which we have for 
the past few years been perplexed, this excellent catalogue comes to our reseue, and will, 
we feel sure, be appreciated by all who do not believe in the excessive multiplication of 
genera and their establishment on minute and often variable characters. Here the dear 
old familiar names are nearly all in their places again, and we go back to the time-hon- 
oured method of heading our collections with Papilio, and embracing in it some 22 species. 


20 


For ourselves, we have for some time past been literally at sea in reference to names for 
butterflies, wandering about without chart or compass to direct us ; we scarcely knew the 
name of any species, and didn’t expect ever to have the time or disposition to master the 
new names proposed, and hence we have been so discouraged that we have done really 
nothing to our collection of butterflies for a long time past. We are not disposed to ob- 
ject to changes in nomenclature where it can be made to appear that a necessity for such 
modifications exists, but we have been unable to see any good reason for adopting the 
wholesale changes which have heen proposed, and we believe that the great bulk of work- 
ing Entomologists hold the same view. With a catalogue now more to our mind, suffi- 
ciently progressive, and, at the same time, a most convenient help, we shall be able to 
classify our species under genera we can comprehend, and go to work with a will again. 
In the general arrangement the author, while adopting and incorporating some of 
the work of later systematists, adheres mainly to the order of Doubleday and his asso- 
ciates in the “Genera of Diurnal Lepidoptera,’ and where the genera have numerous spe- 
cies, as in Colias, Argynnis, Thecla, Lycaena, Pamphila, &c., they are for the sake of con- 
venience divided into sections. In crediting genera the author strictly follows the rules 
adopted by American Entomologists at the recent meeting in Buffalo, and appends the 
name of the party who first gave the genus a proper definition. For this reason Hiibner’s 
genera are excluded and two of the genera made by Mr. Scudder in the. Hesperide, 
Amblyscirtes and Pholiosora, have been credited to Dr. Speyer because his definition of 
them is the first published. With regard tc Mr. Scudder’s genera, we think he should 
have had credit for them. We all know what pains-taking and unsparing effort he has 
bestowed in labouring to introduce what he conscientiously believes to be needed reforms 
in Entomological nomenclature, and although the present zeneration of Entomologists is 
not disposed to adopt such wholesale reform as he proposes, he is undoubtedly deserving 
of full credit for any of his material which may be used. His work on New England 


Butterflies, in which all these genera are minutely defined, has long been written, but its 


expensive character has been an obstacle in the way of its publication. Under these cir- 
cumstances, which are very exceptional, we regret that Dr. Speyer’s references of these gen- 
era to Scudder have not been followed. 

There are 506 species enumerated in this list, embraced in 64 genera. There are 
also references by the use of a system of special signs to all writers who have treated of 
the preparatory stages of our butterflies, no matter how brie#y ; we regard this as an ex- 
cellent and valuable feature in the work. The catalogue is in every way well got up, and 
we hope all our readers will procure a copy of it, and if, after they have given it a careful 
perusal, they think as well of it as we do, they will set to work and arrange their collec- 
tions in accordance with it, feeling profoundly thankful to the author for the timely relief 
he has afforded. 

The Rhyncophora of America, north of Mexico, by John L. LeConte, assisted by George 
H. Horn. From the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 15. 

This work, which fills a volume of 455 pages, is probably the most important contribu- 
tion which has been made to the Entomology of America for many years. Its production 
must have been attended with immense labour and long and careful study. In addition to 
the work of classifying this numerous and difficult group of insects, a very large number of 
new species are described. We tender our sincere thanks to the authors for their kindness 
in sending usa copy of this useful and long-needed memoir. 

Manuseript Notes from my Journal, or Illustrations of Insects Native and Foreign ; 
Order Hemiptera, sub order Heteroptera. By Townend Glover, Washington, D. C. 

In the 12th No. of Vol. vi., we called the attention of our readers to the issue of a 


valuable work by the same author on Diptera. The volume now at hand on the Hemiptera ~ 


is published in similar form and style, quarto, on heavy paper, printed on one side only, and 
the text a fae-simile of the author's handwriting. In this volume their are ten excellent 
plates, nine of which are devoted to the illustration of the species to which the notes refer, 
and one to the figuring of those portions of the insects on which their classification is based. 
There are figures of 238 species, many of the smaller ones in duplicate, one showing the 
insect magnified, the other of the natural size. In addition to the plates and there explana- 
tory matter, there are 134 pages of text, 2 explanatory, 17 devoted to the classification of the 
Hemiptera, and the remainder to notes on the insects themselves, their habits, the animal and 


21 


vegetable substances they injure, the remedies used for destroying them, &c., all being re- 
ferred to in alphabetical order. 

This work is another evidence of the indomitable perseverance of this energetic Ento- 
mologist, and will be a valuable aid to those who desire to study this hitherto much neglected 
order. The author has again placed us under deep obligation for his kind remembrance of us. 

The Rocky Mountain Locust ; being report of proceedings of a conference of the Gov- 
ernors of several western States and Territories, together with several other gentlemen, held 
at Omaha, Oct., 1876, 8vo., pp. 58. 

We are indebted to our esteemed friend, C. V. Riley, for a copy of the above pamphlet, 
which contains much valuable information on the habits of this destructive pest, as well as a 
summary of the best means yet known for counteracting its ravages. 

Packard’s Half Hours with Insects, Boston, published by Estes & Lauriat, 1877, 12mo., 
pp. 384, illustrated, $2.50, which was originally issued in twelve numbers, has lately been 
published in book form. We desire to correct some typographical and other errors of import- 
ance, Page 187, in explanation of Fig. 188, for Bucculating read Bucculatrix ; page 289, 
line 23, for Disippus read Archippus, and in line 25, for Archippus read Disippus ; page 305, 
line 13, for sumae, read cottonwood, and on page 306, in explanation of Fig. 236, for sumac 
gall read vagabond gall. We cheerfully commend this useful work to our readers, 

Report upon the Orthoptera collected by the Wheeler Expedition, by Samuel H. Scud- 
der ; 8vo., 17 pp. In this paper the author gives much valuable information in relation to 
the Orthoptera occurring on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains; 17 new species are 
described, and definitions of 8 new genera given. Report of the Hayden Expedition, from 
the Department of the Interior, containing Brief Synopsis of North American Har-wigs, with 
an appendix of the fossil species; 8vo., 12 pp. List of Orthoptera collected by Dr. A. S. 
Packard, in Colorado, &c., during 1875; 8vo., 7 pp. Notice of a small collection of Butter 
flies made by Dr. Packard in Colorado and Utah. All by Samuel H. Scudder. We tender 
our best thanks to the author for copies of these papers. 

Harpalus caligenosus from Nature, by Franklin C. Hill; two plates. We are indebted 
to Mr. Franklin C. Hill, of Princeton College, N. J., for copies of these excellent plates, 
recently published. They are beautifully finished and conveniently mounted on cards, 5 x 8, 
with all the organs and divisions both of the under and upper surface, distinctly named. 
They will prove a valuable help to beginners, and indeed to all who are not already familiar 
with the names of the different portions of the body of Coleopterous insects. 


, 


22 


A FEW COMMON WOOD-BORING BEETLES. 


BY THE REV, ©. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., PORT HOPE, ONT. 


EXPLANATION OF THE PLATF. 


Fig. 1. Monohammus scutellatus, Say—A Pine-tree Borer. 

Fig. 2. Clytus spaciosus, Sap.—The Maple-tree Borer. 

Fig. 3. Orthosoma cylindricum, Fab.—A Pine-tree Borer. 

Fig. 4. Clytus robinie, Forst.—The Locust-tree Borer. 

Fig. 5. Chrysobothris femorata, Fab,—The Buyrestis Apple-tree Borer. 
Fig. 6. Saperda candida, Fab.—The White-lined Apple-tree Borer. 
Fig. 7. Monohammus confusor, Kirby.—The Pine-tree Borer. 

Fig. 8. Oberea tripunctata, Fab.—The Raspberry Twig wirdler. 


Our Canadian wood-boring beetles, with the exception of a few somewhat minute species, 
belong to the two great families of Buprestidae and Cerambycide. These include an im- 
mense number of different genera and species; in Crotch’s List of the Coleoptera of North 
America (north of Mexico), there are enumerated the names of no less than 169 species of the 
former family and 552 of the latter, about one-third of these are found in this country. It 
is evident, then, that to give a bare list of all our Canadian species of wood-borers would oc- 
cupy no little space, while a detailed description of them, if one were competent for the task, 
would fill many issues of this Report. We propose, therefore, on the present occasion to merely 
give a brief account of the eight species depicted on the accompanying plate. These we have 
selected on account of their frequent occurrence in almost all parts of the country, and the 
consequent familiarity of their appearance even to non-Entomologists. Our readers will, we 
are sure, be pleased with the beauty of the figures, which have been admirably drawn upon 
stone by Mr. L. Trouvelot, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Taking the species in the order in which they are numbered on the plate, we come first to 


I. MonoHamMts ScuTELLAtus, Say—A PinE-TREE BoRER. 


This beetle, which derives its specific name from its conspicuously white scutellum, is of 
a shining black colour on both the upper and under surfaces, thickly punctured with irreeu- 
lar impressions ; on the wing-cases there are, as shown in the figure, a number of scattered 
whitish spots of various shapes and sizes; these, on close inspection, are found to be com- 
posed of:dense short white hairs, which often become rubbed off and disappear ; the thorax is 
armed on each side with a thick triangular spine ; the antennz are many-jointed, and about 
the same length as the body in the male, while in the female they are about twice that pro- 
portion. The size of the beetle varies from less than half an inch in the male to over three- 
quarters of au inch (exclusive of the antennz) in the female. The larva is a large thick 
white grub, destitute of legs, divided into a number of well-marked segments ; the head armed 
with a strong pair of jaws. The larva infests the pine, after the timber has been cut or newly 
fallen, and often causes serious injury to it by boring large oval-shaped holes which extend 
for long distances through the interior of the log. The perfect insects appear in June, and 
are sometimes very abundant ; we have occasionally found them swarming in great numbers 
on fallen pine trees. The insect is common throughout Canada and the neighbouring States. 

The following general account of the larvee of the family (Cerambycide), to which 
this beetle belongs, taken from Harris’s Injurious Insects, pages 93-4, will be of interest, 
and will enable the reader the more readily to understand the structures and habits of these 
borers in their earlier stages. ‘The larvae hatched from the eggs—which are laid by the 
parent beetle in holes and chinks of the bark—are long, whitish, fleshy grubs, with the 
transverse incisions of the body very deeply marked, so that the rings are very convex or 
hunched above and below. The body tapers a little behind, and is blunt-pointed. The head 
is much smaller than the first ring, slightly bent downwards, of a horny consistence, and is 
provided with short but very powerful jaws, by means whereof the insect can bore, as with 


23 


Rete. 


a centre-bit, a cylindrical passage through the most solid wood. Some of these borers have 
six very small legs, namely, one pair under each of the first three rings, but most of them 
want even these short and imperfect limbs, and move through their burrows by alternate 
extension and contraction of their bodies, on each or on most of the rings of which, both 
above and below, there is an oval space covered with little elevations, somewhat like the 
teeth of a fine rasp ; and these little oval rasps, which are designed to aid the grubs in their 
motions, fully make up to them the want of proper feet. 

“Some of these borers always keep one end of their burrows open out of which, 
from time to time, they cast their chips, resembling coarse saw-dust ; others, as fast as they 
proceed, fill up the passages behind them with their castings, well known by the name of 
‘powder-post.’ These borers live from one year to three or perhaps four years before they 
come to their growth. They undergo their transformations at the furthest extremity of their 
burrows, many of them previously gnawing a passage through the wood to the inside of 
the bark, for their future escape. The pupa is at first soft and whitish, and it exhibits all 
the parts of the future beetle under a filmy veil which enwraps every limb. The wings 
and legs are folded upon the breast, the long antenne are turned back against the sides of 

. the body, and then bent forwards between the legs. When the beetle has thrown off its 
pupa skin, it gnaws away the thin coat of bark that covers the mouth of its burrow, and 
comes out ofits dark and confined retreat, to breathe the fresh air, and to enjoy for the 
first time the pleasure of sight, and the use of the legs and wings with which it is pro- 
vided.” This account of the larval and pupal state of the long-horned beetles, applies more 
or less closely to all the insects described in this paper, with the exception of No. 5, Chyso- 
bothris femorata, which belongs to the Buprestida, a totally different family of beetles. 


II. Cyrus spectosus, Say (genus Glycobius, Lec.)—THE MAPLE-TREE BORER.* 


The colours of this very handsome insect are deep velvety black and bright yellow. The 
figure represents its shape and markings so accurately that further description is unneces- 
sary ; the size depicted, however,is decidedly above the average. This wasp-like beetle is not 
very abundant, hut may oecasionally be found on Maple trees, which its larve infest both 
when growing in the forest and also when cut into cord-wood. The eggs are laid by the 
parent beetle on the trunk of the Sugar-maple during the middle of summer ; when 
hatched the grubs penetrate through the bark and make long winding borings through the 
solid wood. Occasionally they are very destructive to young Maple trees, but on the 
whole they are not so sufficiently numerous ‘o be objects of dread. Should they at any time 
threaten injury to these favourite shade trees, the larvae may be got rid of by passing a 
somewhat flexible wire into their burrows until it reaches the grub within. The entrance 
may be discovered by the sawdust that they cast out. 


II]. ORTHOSOMA CYCLINDRICUM, Fab. —A PINE BorER. 


This large beetle is the commonest and best known of our wood-borers ; its habit 
* of flying through open windows into lighted rooms during the warm evenings of July, 
usually to the great alarm of the inmates, has caused its appearance to be very familiar 


Fig 1. 
to every one. «tis one of our largest beetles, measuring oftentimes as much as an 
- inch and a half in length by over a third of an inch in breadth. Its general colour 


*A full account of this insect, by Mr. K. B. Reed, will be found in tle Report of the Entomological 
Society for 1872. 


24. 


is a chestnut brown, approaching black on the head and antenne. The thorax is armed 
with three sharp spines on each side; each wing-case has three slightly elevated ridges 
running lengthwise for nearly the whole length; the eyes, which are situated behind 
the antenn, are enormously large and very conspicuous. The larva (Fig 1) is a large 
fat white grub, with powerful jaws of a darker colour ; it feeds upon the wood of the 
Pine, and from its size often injures the timber very materially. It will, no doubt, how- 
ever, be considered a decidedly beneficial insect by some of our readers who live in newly- 
cleared settlements, when we mention that it affects pine-stumps especially, and often 
aids materially in reducing them to a state of rottenness. 

The perfect insect, like most of the long-horned beetles, possesses the power of mak- 
ing a curious creaking noise. In the generality of species this is produced by rubbing 
the joints of the thorax together, or against the base of the wing-covers ; but this spe- 
cies, according to Professor Riley (Canadian Entomologist, vol. iv. p. 140), “is a true fid- 
dler, stridulating, like the Orthopterous Locustide, by rubbing the hind femora against 
the elytra. Ifa specimen be carefully examined, the inside of these femora will be found 
rasped from the base to near the tip by a number of short longitudinal ridges, which, 
when played against the thin and sharp emarginations of the elytra, produce the rather 
loud creaking so peculiar to this beetle.” 


IV. CLYTUS ROBINI& Forst.—THE LocustT-TREE BORER. 


(The synonym of this insect has been rather perplexing ; it is now included in the 
genus Cyllene Newm. ; for a long time we were accustomed to call it Clytus flewwosus Fab., 
but the specific name given above has the priority. It was also long considered to be 
identical with C. pictus, Drury, that bores into the hickory, but the late Mr. Walsh 
proved satisfactorily that the two species are distinct. ‘lhe general colour of this insect 
is deep black with light yellow stripes ; on the head and thorax these stripes form narrow 
transverse bands, but on the wing-covers there is first of all a narrow yellow anterior 
edging (not shewn in the figure) ; then a slightly flexuous stripe (not straight as in the 
figure ; this is followed by a narrow zig-zag band forming a letter W across the wings, 
and three irregularly wavy and broken stripes ; there is also a yellow dot at the tip, and 
broader stripes on the sides of the abdomen of the same colour. The antenne are long 
and many jointed, and of a dark brown colour; the legs arelong and of a tawny hue. 
The larva is a whitish coloured grub, about an inch long and the thickness of an ordinary 
goose quill, and is furnished with six very minute legs. When young it appears to bore 
chiefly into the sap-wood, but afterwards strides off into the solid wood of the tree, 
perforating it inevery direction. Its presence is early indicated by the little heaps of 
sawdust extruded from the holes, and accumulated about the base of the tree. 

The following account of the habits of this insect, hy Dr. Harris, (Injurious Insects, 
page 103), is so excellent and coincides so exactly with our own observations that we can- 
not forbear quoting it,-though it may be familiar to some of our readers. “In the month 
of September,” he says, “these beetles gather on the locust trees, where they may bé seen 
glittering in the sunbeams with their gorgeous livery of black velvet and gold, coursing 
up and down the trunks in pursuit of their mates, or to drive away their rivals, and 
stopping every now and then to salute those they meet with a rapid bowing of the 
shoulders, accompanied by a creaking sound, indicative of recognition or defiance. 
Having paired, the female attended by her partner, creeps over the bark, searching the 
crevices with her antennz, and dropping therein her snow-white legs, in clusters of seven 
or eight together, and at intervals of five or six minutes, until her whole stock is safely 
stored. The eggs are soon hatched, and the grubs immediately burrow into the bark, 
devouring the soft inner substance that suffices for their nourishment till the approach of 
winter, during which they remain at rest in a torpid state. In the spring they bore 
through the sap-wood, more or less deeply into the trunk, the general course of their 
entrance. For a time they cast their chips out of their holes as fast as they are made ; 
but after a while the passage becomes clogged and the burrow more or less filled with 
the course and fibrous fragments of wood, to get rid of which the grubs are often obliged 
to open new holes throughthe bark. The seat of their operations is known by the oozing 


A 


of the sap and the dropping of the sawdust from the holes. The bark around the part 
attacked begins to swell, and in a few years the trunks and limbs will become disfigured 
and weakened by large porous tumours, caused by the efforts of the trees to repair the 
injuries they have suffered.” 

The history of this insect is rather a curious one. For a little over a hundred years 
it has been known to inhabit the State of New York, its appearance and habits being 
recorded by some English Entomologists of the last century. About thirty years ago it 
was found as far west as Chicago, whence it spread throughout the State of Illinois, but it 
was not till 1863 that it reached Rock Island, about two hundred miles further west, 
where— Mr. Walsh relates—it suddenly appeared in great swarms and utterly destroyed 
all the Locust trees. The first record we have found of its appearance in Canada is by 
Mr. Couper, who states (Can. Journal, 1855, p. 377) that he observed some Locust trees 
attacked by this insect in Montreal in September, 1855. In 1862 it began to be very 
destructive to the Locusts in Toronto, and for several years was excessively abundant 
there. In 1867 we found it at Credit, about twenty miles west of Toronto ; it almost en- 
tirely destroyed all the Locust trees in the neighbourhood. In 1873 Mr. Reed relates its 
appearance in enormous numbers at London, Ont. ; now it appears to be generally dis- 
tributed throughout this province, and occasionally becomes very injurious to these orna- 
mental trees. The perfect insect, in the localities it frequents, may usually be found in 
September on the flowers of the Golden-rod (Solidago), of which it eats the pollen, as well 
as upon the trunks of the trees it infests. 

It is not easy to apply a remedy for an insect of this kind, still much may be done 
to save favourite trees in one’s garden, provided they are not very large. The most satis- 
factory plan seems to be to rub over the trunk and large limbs of the tree with strong 
soap about the end of August; this will prevent the mother-beetle from laying her eggs 
upon the bark in September. Of course the application will have to be renewed after 
heavy showers. Dr. Harris suggests that whitewashing, or covering the trees with graft- 
ing-wax, would be effective in repelling the female. It would be of benefit also to gather 
and destroy the beetles wherever they may be found ; children might be employed for 


~ this purpose to search the flowers of the Golden-rod as well as to carefully examine the 


trunks of the trees; should they be too high up to reach, a sharp blow with a stick on 
the trunk of the tree will cause them to fall to the ground. A little familiarity will soon 
overcome the natural repugnauce to handling so wasp-like a ereature, 


V. CHRYSOBOTHRIS FEMORATA, Fab.—THE BUPRESTIS, OR FLAT-HEADED 
APPLE-TREE BORER. 


This insect belongs to the family Buprestidae, while all the others on our plate be- 
long to the Cerambycide ; the difference in shape and structure, and especially in the 
length of the antennx, is very noticeable in the figures. The’ aceompanying wood cut 
(Fig, 2), when compared with that of the pine- borer given above (Fig. 1), will show our 
readers how this insect differs in this larval nes also from the long- hor ned beetles The 
larva is shown at a, the chrysalis at 6, the head and first segments of the larva at c and 
the perfect beetle slightly enlarged at d. 

The natural history of the insect may be briefly related, as 
follows: The egg is deposited by the female beetle in the chinks 
and crevices of the bark some time during the early part of sum- 
mer; from this the young grub soon hatches, and works its 
way into the soft sap-wood immediately beneath. Here it eats 
away, while the cavity inside becomes larger and larger, and it 
increases in size itself, gradually working upwards until it be- 
comes pretty well grown, when it bores into the solid heart of the 
wood, and forms a flattish burrow, corresponding to its own flat 
form. When several attack the same tree, as is generally the 
case, their burrows, of course approach yery near each other, 
and cause its death ; in any case, they very much injure its 
vitality and bring on decay. In the spring of the year the grub 
Fig. 2. assumes its pupa state, and comes out as a perfect beetle in the 


26 


end of June, or during July, when it may be found hasking on the tree trunks in the © 
hot sunshine. It is very lively when danger threatens, and will take wing instantly if | 
an attempt is made to catch it. Its blackish colour above so much resembles the bark — 
of the tree that it readily escapes the notice of an ordinary observer ; but beneath it is of 
a beautifully burnished dark copper-colour, looking as if it were made of metal, beneath 
the wing covers it is bluish. While the figure gives the shape of the insect very correctly, 
it much exaggerates its size, which seldom exceeds three-eighths of an inch ; the light spots 
on the wing-cover are also erroneous in being very much too conspicuous. 

The presence of the grub in the tree may be detected by the discolouration of the bark, 
and its flattened, dried appearance. All such spots should be opened with a knife, and 
the insect at once despatched. The burrows may be discovered by the presence on the 
bark of the fine sawdust cast out by the larva. 

The insect attacks not only the apple, but also different kinds of oak, especially the 
white oak, and according to Prof. Riley, the mountain ash, linden or bass-wood, box-elder, 
beech, plum, pear, cherry and peach. 

With regard to remedies, one important fact—we quote from Prof. Reily, (7th Mis- 
souri Report, page 76) should be borne in mind, The natural breeding place of the insect 
is undoubtedly in the old decaying oaks of our wodds, and I have known it to swarm in 
old post-oak stumps from which the tops had been felled for a number of years. In fact 
it prefers partially dead or injured trees to those which are thrifty and vigorous, and 
partly for this reason, and partly because rough, cracked bark forms a better nidus to lay 
her eggs, the species is most abundantly found on the south-west side of young apple 
trees where they are most apt to get injured by sun-scald. Sickliness in the tree, or 
injury from any cause predisposes to its attacks. It is for this reason that transplanted 
trees, checked as they are in their growth, usually fare badly. But there is yet one other 
predisposing cause which few people suspect, and that is reckless and careless pruning, 
especially of the larger branches. Many a fine orchard tree, and many more city shade 
trees, receive their death shock from the reckless sawing off of limbs without effort being 
made to heal the wound by coating with grafting-wax, clay or other protecting substance. 
Around such an unprotected sawed limb, as around the frustum of a felled tree, the rain 
and other atmospheric influences soon begin their work of causing decay between the bark 
and the solid wood ; and this is but the forerunner of greater injury by insects which are 
attracted to the spot, and which, though hidden meanwhile from view, soon carry the de- 
struction from the injured to the non-injured parts. Among the insects thus attracted, 
the Chrybothris plays no mean part, where, had the wounded limb been protected, its 
presence would never have been known. It thus becomes of the first importance in 
treating this insect, to keep the young trees vigorous and healthy, and the bark as smooth 
and as free from injury as possible. Young trees are far more liable to be attacked than 
old ones, and consequently require greater care.” 

As a preventative against the insects’ attacks there is nothing better than coating the 
trunk and larger branches with soap at least twice a year, once toward the end of May, 
and again in July or August. The soap is not only obnoxious to the beetle, but it tends 
to keep the bark clean and smooth, so as to offer no attraction to the female, and is withal 
beneficial to the tree. The trees should also be examined carefully late in the fall. At 
this season, or even in the winter time, the young borers which have juss commenced 
work, are easily detected and destroyed by a knife before they have done much harm. 


VJ. SAPERDA CANEIDA, Fab.--THe Two-StriTeEpD APPLE-TREE BORER. 


This insect, which rivals the foregoing species in the injuries it inflicts upon Apple 
trees, is a pale-brown beetle with two chalky-white longitudinal stripes running from the 
head*to the apex of the wing-covers ; its under side, legs and face are also chalky-white, 
and its antenne a little darker ; its length is about three-quarters of an inch. The larva 
is of a pale yellow or whitish colour, with a brownish polished head and black jaws ; it 
is destitute of legs, but like other larvee of the same family, it is enabled to move in its 
burrows by the contraction and expansion of its well-defined segments ; when fully grown 
it is about an inch long. It may readily be distinguished from the preceding species by 


27 


its cylindrical and more symmetrical shape, as is apparent from the accompanying figure 
(Fig. 3). The larva is shown at a, the pupa or chrysalis at b, the perfect beetle at c. 
The perfect insect (to quote from onr Report for 1870) makes its appearance in June 
and Jay, bnt is seldom seen, as it usually remains in concealment during the day, and 
Mi ; flies only at night. The females 
deposit their eggs upon the 
bark of the tree near the base 
of the trunk, or collar as it is 
| termed. From the eggs are 
soon hatched out tiny whitish 
grubs, which penetrate the 
bark and leave a hole s0 
minute that it soon closes up. 
For the first year the grub 
5 feeds only upon the sap-wood, 
in which it excavates a round 
smooth cavity immediately *rereath the bark, generally nearly filled, when opened, with the 
saw-dust-like castings of the worm. These castings may very frequently be observed extruded 
from the burrow and on the ground at the base of the tree ; whenever they are noticed 
search should at once be made for the borer within. As this borer does not occur in any 
part of Canada in which we have resided, we have had but little opportunity of investigating 
its habits, we therefore quote the following excellent account from our friend Mr. Beadle’s 
Prize Essay on the Apple (Fruit Growers’ Report, 1868, p. 172): ‘* When the grub has 
become about half-grown it ceases to cast the dust out of its cavity, and proceeds to fill it up, 
at the same time boring a passage or gallery upwards into the heart of the tree. This gal- 
lery is continued upwards, of varying length, sometimes not more than two inches, and 
sometimes twelve inches, and is gradually brought outwards again to the bark of the tree, 
but not through it. When the grub has completed this gallery, it turns round and returns 
to that part which is nearest to the heart of the tree; this part it now enlarges by tearing 
off the fibre from the walls, and with this fibre carefully and securely closes the entrance, so 
that if some insect enemy should find its way through the hole in the bark at the collar into 
the chamber where it passed the first part of its life, that enemy could not enter the gallery 
to its present abode. Meanwhile it crowds its saw-dust like castings into the upper ex- 
tremity of the gallery against the bark, thus, at the same time, diminishing the danger of 
attack from that quarter, “and keeping its chamber tidy. Having thus perfected its arrange- 
ments, it again turns round go as to have its head upward, passes the winter in a torpid 
state, and in the spring casts off its skin and becomes a pupa, from which in June the 
perfect insect hatches, climbs:to the upper end of the gallery, tears away the fine sawdust, 
gnaws a hole through the bark and creeps forth.” When several of these borers are at work 
in the same tree, their excavations approach each other so closely as often to girdle the tree 
and cause its destruction. 

Many modes have been proposed for the destruction of this noxious insect, some of them 
essentially absurd, such as plugging up the holes in the trees which are made by the beetle 
when taking his departure from the scene of his early life, afte he has finished his work of 
mischief. The simplest and most effectual remedies are: (1) the application of soap 
(cold made soft soap is especially recommended) to the trunk o{ the tree early in June 
and again in July ; rub it well over, especially near the base of the trunk, and place a 
portion in the fork of the tree that it may be washed down into the crevices of the bark 
by the rains. (2) If the borer has already taken up his abode in the tree, eut into his 
burrows with a sharp knife and get him out ; his presence may generally be detected near 
the collar of the tree by the discolouration of the bark and by the sawdust castings. This 
is the most effectual, and by no means difficult remedy ; much benefit, however, may also 
be derived from washing this part of the tree with lye, or any strong alkaline solution, which 
will penetrate the interstices of the bark and kill any young grubs that may he com- 
mencing to make their way inwards. The trees should be carefully examined- —especially 
if young and not long planted out—at different times during the year, as well as in the 
Spring. 


28 


Thus far this most injurious insect has only been found in certain portions of this 
country, being v-ry abundant in the Niagara district, and ia the neighbourhood of Montreal 
and Quebee, but happily rare, or entirely absent, from almost all other parts. Prof. Bell (in 
the Fruit Growers’ Report for 1875) relates that a specimen was captured in the year 1873 
near the Town of Belleville ; no doubt it was imported, probably in the larval state, in trees 
from the United States or some other district infested by the insect. : 


VII.—Mononammus ConFusor, Krrpy.—A PINE-TREE BORER. 


This fine beetle, which is especially remarkable for the extraordinary length of its 
-antenng, is, in our pine regions, one of the most common and destructive of our insect enemies. 
Its general colour is an ashen grey, mottled with variable darker spots ; the scutellum is white ; 
there are also patches of whitish colour on the head, thorax and abdomen. These variations 
of colour, being due to a covering of very fine short hairs, which oftentimes are rubbed off, 
are not to be depended upon in the determination of the species. Asin J. scatellatus (fig. 
1,) each side of the thorax is armed with a short thick spine. The length of the insect varied 
from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half—the average size being over an inch ; 
the antennee of the males vary in length from one and a half to three inches ; those of the 
female are somewhat shorter. The larva is a large, white, somewhat cylindrical grub, desti- 
tute of feet. During the summer, the female lays her eggs in crevices of the bark of the 
white and red pine, selecting for the most part timber that has been scorched by fire, or felled 
by the wind or the lumberman’s axe ; the larva when hatched soon eats its way into the wood, 
an d before this period of its existence is closed it often burrows immense galleries through 
and through the solid interior. As it lives a long time in the larval state, the perfect{insect 
is frequently only developed after the timber has been built into a house, and then suddenly 
emerges from its concealment to the great consternation of the inhabitants of the dwelling. 
The larva, when burrowing in the wood, makes a loud noise like the boring of an auger, which 
on a still night may be heard for a considerable distance. The species is very generally 
distributed throughout Canada and the Northern States ; in the pine-growing regions it is 
often excessively abundant. 

A very interesting and valuable account of this insect is given by the late Mr. E. 
Billings, of the Canadian Geological Survey in the Canadian Naturalist and Geologist, for 
December, 1862, (vol. vii. pp. 440-438). As the work is not likely to be in the hands of 
more than a very few of our readers, we cannot do better than give some extracts from it. Mr. 
billings, from his long residence in the lumbering districts of the Ottawa valley, had more 
than ordinary 0; portunities of observing the life and habits of the insect, and may therefore 
be justly considered an excellent authority upon the subject. ‘‘ These insects,” he relates, 
“attack dead timber, and also trees which have received some injury, and are in an unhealthy 
convition, I have never scen the female laying her eggs on a perfectly healthy and sound 
pine tree. Timber newly fallen is always attacked by them. The first dwellings constructed 
in the new settlements are generally made of logs with either the whole or a portion of the 
bark remaining on them. The inside is not plastered, except in the crevices between the 
logs; if these latter happen to be pine, the J/o:ohammus lays her eggs in the bark, on the 
outside of the house, and for months afterwards the larva may be heard in the stillness of 
the night, making a noise like the boring of a small augur. The perfect insect sometimes 
comes out on the inside of the wall, and suddenly drops down upon the floor, the table or the 
bed, to the great alarm of the inmates, who imagine that an insect with such great horns must 
bite or sting with proportionate severity. 

“ For the manufacture of boards or planks, the pine trees are cut up into lengths of from 
twelve to eighteen feet, and are either drawn or floated to the mill. The logs are got out 
during the winter, and if they remain in the mill yard one season, they are invariably found 
to be bored through in all directions by larvee of these beetles, and the boards greatly deterio 
rated in value, Where extensive operations are carried on, a single lamberman will some- 
times have a license giving him possession of over a hundred square miles of pine forest. 
In the months of May and June it often happens that great fires sweep through the woods, 
burning up all the fallen trees and dry branches strewn over the ground, and so scorching 
the living pines that most of them wither at the top and die during the season. Trees thus 
injured are soon attacked by both J. Confusor and M. Scutel/atus, and within one year are 


29 


so greatly bored that they are unfit for the manufacture of timber. Those experienced in 
the business, however, well understand the habits of the insects in this respect, and hasten to 
make the timber before it is destroyed. Pines scorched by the spring fires must be cut 
down and made into lumber the next autumn. After one of these fires it generally happens 
that there is a regular race between the lumberers and the beetles, the prize being a grove of 
white or red pine. I was told that Messrs. Egan & Co., lost £40,000 worth of timber by 
some unayoidable delay of a few months. Pine trees, when scorched, would be sound enough 
for timber five years afterwards, if it were not for the attacks of these formidable destroyers. 

“* When there are only a few pines, as in the neighbourhood of Montreal, itis rare to 
meet with more than one or two of these beetles together. But in the great forests of the 
Ottawa it is not unusual to find fifteen or twenty on a single tree. On one oceasion I saw 
an extraordinary number, and entered an account of the circumstance in my note-book on 
the spot. It was on the 11th of September, 1857. I was at that time making some 
geological observations in the neighbourhood of Lake Clear, in the County of Renfrew. 
Following on the lumber road through the woods, I came to a place which had been burned 
over some time during the preceding spring. ‘There was one large white pine standing on 
the sunny side of a small gently sloping hill, The height of this tree was about 120 feet, 
and its diameter nearly 3 feet. About 30 feet at the base was scorched; it was 60 feet 
to the lowest branch, and as nearly as I could judge, the foliage for 20 feet at the very 
top had turned yellow. The remainder was green, and apparently healthy. This tree 
was swarming with J. Confusor, and many of the females were occupied in laying their 
eges. I think there were at least 300 of both sexes, and I saw several flying from other 
trees thirty or forty yards distant. In flying, the body is not horizontal, but inclined 
at an angle of only fifteen or twenty degrees from the perpendicular, The insects were 
on all parts of the tree, and they did not appear to take a firm hold of the bark, for a 
heavy blow with a hammer, at the base, would bring down a dozen at a time, some of them 
falling from near the top. While falling, they did not attempt to fy. Thad fifty or sixty 
crawling around me at once, and had a fine opportunity to observe the very considerable 
variation in the size of the individuals, and the length of the antenne. When two of them, 
going in opposite directions, met face to face, a clumsy kind of fight took place, in which they 
reared up and pushed against each other, until one or other fell over backwards. They bit each 
other with their mandibles, but with no effect that I could perceive. The females fought with 
each other, or with the males, indifferently. There can be little doubt but that this tree was, 
during the next twelve months, totally destroyed. If there were 150 females, and each laid 
200 eggs, and half of these produced a healthy larva, then in one year this tree must haye been 
perforated by 15,000 galleries. I examined other trees in the neighbourhood, and on a few 
only did I see any of the beetles, usually from one to four or five on each. I can only 
account for the preference given to this particular tree, by supposing that it was in a better 
condition for the nourishment of the larva than the others, and that the instinct of the females 
direeted them to it. Itis probable that nearly all the females for a considerable distance 
around were thus brought together on one tree, and were followed by the males, 

“T cannot say whether or not these insects ever attack a perfectly healthy and sound 
tree. I think they do not, and yet their ravages are certainly injurious to the commerce of 
this country, as they destroy a vast deal of fallen or scorched timber which otherwise might 
be brought to market at any time during several years after the trees have received a death 
blow by fire or storm. I think also that thousands of trees, only sufficiently injured by fire 
to throw them for a while into a weakly or unhealthy condition, would recover were 
it not for the attacks of these formidable creatures.” 

The only means of warding off the attacks of these destructive insects is to manufac- 
ture, without delay, all scorched or fallen timber, and to strip the bark off all saw-logs 
that are left over a summer before being cut up in a mill. When the bark is removed 
the female has no convenient and safe place in which to deposit her eggs, and thus the 
timber escapes her attacks. 


VIII. Oserea TRIPUNCTATA, Fab.—THE RaspBeRRyY TWwIid-GIRDLER} 


We now come to the last insect on our plate; the figure is a good deal exaggerated in 
size, the length of the beetle being under half an inch, and its width one-tenth of an inch. 


30 


Its colour is deep black, with the exception of the thorax above and the front part of the 
breast beneath, which are rusty yellow ; on the thorax there are three small elevated black 
dots, arranged in a triangle (not two only, as in the figure), whence is derived the specific 
name of the insect. The antennz are nearly, if not quite, as long as the body. The beetles 
are usually found in July and the beginning of August; they attack all the varieties of 
raspberry, and come into gardens from the fields and clearings, where we have often taken 
specimens and observed their work. The mode of attack is peculiar; the first appear- 
ance of injury is usually manifested by the withering and drooping of the ends of the 
young shoots. On inspection, it is found that at the base of the affected part there are 
two rows of punctures, half an inch apart, running completely round the canes, and so 
girdling them that the supply of sap is stopped and the tops necessarily soon wither and 
break off. The parent insect begins by cutting with its jaws a series of small punctures 
side by side around the cane, six or seven inches from the top. As soon as the first row 
is completed, it turns round, and facing the other way, cuts asecond row, measuring the 
length of its own body. These two girdles being completed, it makes a small hole a little 
way above the lower girdle, and deposits in it its small yellow egg. The whole operation 
occupies an hour or more. From this egg there hatches out in a few days a small, yellow, 
footless grub, which proceeds to burrow downwards, eating the pith of the cane and even- 
tually causing its destruction. 

In our Entomological Report for 1873, Mr. Saunders gives a fall, scientific description 
of the larva of this insect and many other interesting particulars to which we beg to 
refer the reader. Though certain that the girdling of the raspberry canes was caused by 
this insect, he states that he had “not yet seen the beetle in the act of depositing their 
eggs” and making the girdles. We are glad to be able to complete the life history of the 
insect by the account we have given above, which is taken from repeated observations that 
we made ourselves several years ago at Cobourg, the substance of which we embodied in an 
article in the Canada Farmer of 1869 (page “358), The object of this singular girdling 
operation is, in all probability, to check the growth of the cane, and so prevent the crushing 
and destruction of the egg or larva by the rapid increase of cells and tissues in the plant. 

An obvious remedy for the injuries inflicted by this insect is to break off at the lower 
girdle and burn the affected twigs, as soon as possible after they are observed to wither ; 
the egg or newly-hatched larva will thus be destroyed and the increase of the species 
checked. 

In the foregoing description of the wood-boring beetles figured on our plate, our aim 
has been, not to write an original dissertation upon the insects, but to gather together 
from various sources, as well as from our, own observations, all the information respecting 
them that we have thought would be of interest or value to the readers of these Reports. 
We hope that the beauty ‘and graceful forms of the insects will lead many of our country 
friends to collect for themselves, and then study the life history of these wonderful denizens 
of our groves and forests. 


31 


THE APHIDES OR PLANT LICE. 


By W. SaunprErs, Lonpon, On. 


Under the common term aphis or plant louse is embraced a number of distinct species 
belonging sometimes to different genera, but all resembling each other so closely in appear- 
ance or habits as to lead to their being grouped under one common name. So closely do 
many of the species resemble each other, that their distinguishing features cannot be made 
out without the use of a magnifying lens. There are very few plants, shrubs, ornamental or 
fruit trees, but are more or less affected by these insects, and on many of them they luxuriate 
and thrive to such an extent as sometimes to threaten their destruction. These plant lice 
are not restricted to any part of a plant ; often they are found on the leaves, but sometimes 
on the stems, or again on the roots of plants, while other species roll up the leaves, or 
form gall-like swellings on them. This troublesome tribe of insects holds a position in regard 
to the vegetable world, somewhat analagous to that of some well-known parasites on animals; 
hence the popular name plant lice. They belong also to the same great order of insects, 
Hemiptera, all of whom obtain their livelihood in a similar manner, viz: by suction. They 
are all furnished with a beak-like mouth, sometimes hard and solid, which is thrust into the 
plant or animal they are feeding on, and used to extract its fluids. 

Plant lice are remarkable for their fecundity. People are often puzzled at finding their 
plants or trees swarming with plant lice, where a week or two before there was scarcely one to 
be found. As a general rule an aphis, during the summer season, reaches maturity in ten 
or twelve days from birth, after which it produces every day two young ones, which, contrary 
to the general rule with insects, are born alive. This rate of increase is maintained for a con- 
siderable period, from fifteen to twenty days or more ; the young begin to produce in like 
manner in from eight to ten days, and so on through the third, fourth and sometimes up to 
the twentieth generation in one season. Some idea may be formed of the numbers which in 
a short time this rate of increase would produce, from a calculation of Curtis, a celebrated 
English Entomologist, who has computed that, from one egg only, there would be produced 
in seven generations, taking thirty as the average of each brood, the enormous number of 
seven hundred and twenty-nine millions, so that were they all permitted to live, everything 
on the face of the earth would in a short time be covered with them. Indeed, sometimes the 
possible rate of increase is even greater than this. Dr. Fitch, late State Entomologist of 
New York, has ascertained by actual experiment that in the case of the grain aphis, the wing- 
less females become mothers at three days old, and thereafter produce four little ones every 
day, so that even in the short space of twenty days the progeny of one specimen, if all were 
preserved from destruction, would number upwards of two millions. 

It may be urged in objection to these calculations, that no allowance is made for a cer- 
tain percentage being males, but strange to say all through the summer there are no males 
born, but all are fertile individuals, giving birth to others, and these to others still, inde- 
pendent of any influence from the opposite. With many species, some individuals of each 
brood acquire wings, while others are wingless; the wingless ones remain, of course upon the 
plant upon which they were produced, while the winged specimens fly to other plants, where 
they establish new colonies. About the middle of September, the last generation for the year 
is produced, which consists of males and females, the males generally becoming winged On 
reaching maturity, the sexes pair, when the females no longer bring forth young, but lay eggs, 
which are able to resist the severe cold of winter, and these hatching in the following spring, 
produce mothers which bring forth their young alive. The individuals composing the late 
brood having provided for the continuation of their race, generally die on the approach of 
winter. 


32 P 


It appears that there are, however, exceptions to this general rule. In the case of the 
grain aphis, Dr. Fitch says that he has watched it the year round so closely that he is per- 
fectly assured that no eggs were laid and no males produced, and be further states that 
in the autumn the mature lice continued to produce their young ones until they and their 
young became congealed upon the leaves of the young grain by the advancing cold of the 
season, and in this state they were buried beneath the snows of winter and with the warmth 
of the ensuing spring they were thawed and returned to life again. Professor Cyrus Thomas 
also found living lice upon young fall wheat in South Illinois in the middle of winter, and 
after much sleet and rain had fallen. Even so far north as Connecticut, Prof. Verral found 
numbers of wholly plant lice of all sizes on the branch of an apple tree so late in the year as 
December 11th, and this after two snow-storms and many cold rains and freezing nights. 
Indeed those who cultivate plants in their houses or otherwise under glass during the winter, 
will ot require much further evidence than their own experience to convince them that plant- 
lice, tiny, tender looking, and juicy as they are, are endued with such perennial vitality and 
hardihood as to require great watehfulness and frequent use of remedies for their destruc- 
tion in order to keep them within due limits. 


In figure 4 we give a highly magnified view of 
the apple aphis, aphis mali, both in the winged and 
wingless forms ; the hair lines along side of the 
ficures show the natural size of the insects. At the 
tip of the abdomen is seen a little projection ; this 
is the ovipositer or egg-laying instrument, and on 
each side of this is another little horn-like projec- 
tion. These latter are called the honey-tubes, and 
through them a sweet liquid is produced which is 
sometimes discharged upon the leaves of the infested 
plant, which drying up, forms a sweet glutinous 
substance known under the name of honey dew. 

Fic. 4. In olden times the origin of this honey dew was 
shrouded in mystery, and many theories were advanced by sage philosophers to account for 
the strange phenomenon. Pliny, the great Roman naturalist, hesitates whether to call this 
honey dew, the sweat of the heavens, the saliva of the stars, or a liquid produced by the 
purgation of the air. Thanks to the careful observations of entomologists, philosopners have 
no longer any reason to puzzle themselves as to its origin. 

In this connection another strange feature deserves explanation. . Most attentive 
observers will have noticed that where trees or plants in the open ground are infested by 
plant lice, they are also much frequented by ants who are busy running up and down the 
trunk or stem the whole day long. This association of the insects has led some to sup- 
pose that the aphides are in some way produced from the ants, and we have heard of various 
ingenious devices being resorted to, to prevent the ants from ascending the trees, under the 
idea that in this manner the aphis might be in some measure got rid of. A slight examina- 
tion will suffice to show the fallacy of this view, and reveal the real objects the ants have in 
their visits. It is a well established fact, as most housewives know to their cost, that ants 
are very fond of sweet things. Examine closely one of the groups of plant lice which are 
being visited by the ants and you will see one or more ants walking about among them ; 
applying a magnifying lense to the group, and you will presently perceive an ant drumming 
gently on the back of a plant louse with its flail-like antennz until it coaxes the aphis to emit 
from its honey tubes a drop of the sugary liquid. This the ant absorbs and passes on to an- 
other, which is subjected to similar treatment, and so on until having filled itself, it descends to 
the earth and having regained its nest, discharges the sweet fluid into the mouths of the help- 
less maggots, the larvee of the future ants, which are entirely dependent for their sustenance 
on these industrious, working ,ants. Linneus, one of the earliest entomologists, and a most 
eareful investigator, truly observes, ‘‘the ant ascends the tree that it may milk its cows, the 
plant lice.” These honey tubes are shown more prominently in fig. 5, which represents a 
wingless aphis. 


33 


That the ants value their useful cattle, and carefully watch 
over them, there is abundant evidence ; they reeularly visit them 
for the purpose of milking them, and, according to Dr. Fitch, 
“some of the ants remain constantly by them night and day to 
protect these small, weak creatures from being molested by their 
insect or other enemies. Thus, before we are able to inspect a 
colony of plant lice, we are first obliged to brush off or destroy 
the ants which are guarding them.” The late Dr. Walsh says, 
“Tt is certainly true that the ants, if they can help it, will not 
allow any winged fly to visit their milch kine, being probably 
afraid that such flies come to rob them of the sugary fluid in 
which they take such delight. Thus, unconscious of what they 
are really doing, they often drive off Ichneumon flies, that would 
otherwise deposit their eggs in the bodies of the plant lice, and 

Fig. 5. thereby cause their death, and Syrphus flies that would otherwise 
lay their eges among the plant lice. But I have repeatedly seen them gathering in crowds 
round one of the fat fleshy aphis-devouring larvee of the Syrphus flies, pulling him about in 
every direction, as.if to ascertain whether he had got any honey in his body, like their friends 
the plant lice, and then, having apparently satisfied themselves that tke fat gentleman was 
not in the grocery business, and not knowing that he butchered daily hundreds of their 
honey-producing friends, turn away in despair, and leave him, unharmed and unwounded, to 
his own devices, as a hard case that nobody could make anything of. It is apparently for the 
same reason, namely, to prevent sugar-loving flies from robbing them of their own private and 
peculiar honey dew, that ants occasionally construct a kind of tent round a little flock of 
their plant lice, but only where those plant lice are located on a twig, and never, so far as I 
haye observed, where they are located on a leaf.” 

Notwithstanding all the care the ants may take to repel intruders, thousands of flies 
share in the sweets produced by the plant lice, and often the location of a colony of these in- 
sects, which would perhaps otherwise escape observation, may be detected by the loud buzz 
occasioned by the disturbance of the attending flies. ; 

But there is seldom a rule without its exception, and while the details given above ap- 
ply correctly to hundred of different species of plant lice, yet in the case of the grain plant 
louse, Aphis avenae, although the honey tubes are well develuped, yet they emit no honey, and 
in consequence of this, as has been remarked by Dr. Fitch, this species is not attended by 
ants. To use the words of the late Dr. Walsh, “ as this peculiar breed of cows gives no milk, 
the milk-maids do not think it worth while to visit them. 

Having now given our readers same idea of the general habits and immense fecundity 
of these interesting insects, we shall refer in some detail to a few of the most troublesome 
and destructive species reserving what we have to say in regard to the remedies which 
nature has provided or man invented for their destruction until we have completed the 
enumeration. 


THE APPLE-PLANT LoUSE (Aphis mali). ’ 


This insect which is represented in fig. 4 is the same as that which similarly infests 
the orchards in Europe and has doubtless been introduced on the trees imported into this 
country from across the Atlantic. The insects of this species of the previous year deposit 
in the fall in the cracks and crevices of the bark of the apple tree large numbers of their 
small oval black shining eggs. A large proportion of these are dislodged by the 
cold, driving rains and snows of winter, and destroyed ; doubtless also, multitudes are de- 
voured by the smaller insectiverous birds. The survivors hatch quite early in spring be- 
fore the buds are fully expanded, when the young lice locate themselves on the small, 
tender leaves displayed by the bursting bud, and there inserting their sharp leaks into the 
tissues of the leaves, pump out their juices. The wingless specimens are of a pale, yellow- 
ish, green colour with a yellow head and black eyes and are less than the tenth of an inch 
in length. The winged specimens have the head antenne and thorax black, and the body 
green. 


3 


34 


THE APPLE-ROOT PLANT LOUSE (Hriosoma pyri). 


This species is a woolly louse which 
works under ground and produces upon the 
roots of the apple tree swellings or excresences 
(see fig. 6, a) of varying shapes and sizes ; 
diseased growths which interfere seriously 
with the free circulation of the sap, an inter- 
ference which often results in the death of the 
parts involved, and sometimes when these in- 
sects are very numerous their united efforts 
will occasion the death of the tree. In the 
more northerly parts of the Northern States 

Fig. 6. this pest is very abundant and with us it is 
rare to receive a lot of young apple trees either from our own nurserymen or from those 
of the United States without finding some of them thus affected. 

The mature louse (fig. 6, b) is about the tenth of an inch long including the closed 
wings of a dull colour with transparent wings and black legs, and with a peculiar downy or 
frosted look produced by the exudation from its body of a bluish white, cottony matter by 
which character it can often be readily recognised. When the wings are expanded the 
insect measures nearly ,3,ths of an inch, (fig. 6, ¢). 

As this species, situated as it is under ground requires different methods of attack from 
those which infest the leaves of plants and trees we will refer to them here. The only arti- 
ficial remedy yet suggested for the destruction of this pest is hot water used plentifully so 
as to scald the roots, or, at least, the larger ones over their entire area. To accomplish this 
successfully, it will be necessary to carefully remove the earth from about the surface of the 
roots so as to lay them bare. No danger need be apprehended from using the water scalding 
hot as the application has often been made without injury. This remedy is not so applicable 
to large trees as it is to young trees in the nursery row or those lately planted. As a prepar- 
atory measure, mulching the tree has been recommended, which brings the insects nearer to 
the surface where they can more readily be reached by the hot water. 

Nature’s remedies are, however, in this instance, probably more effectual than any 
which man can devise. In the first place, these lice are subject to the attacks of a very 
minute parasitic fly ; and secondly, they are destroyed by the larva of the ‘ Root-louse 
Syrphus Fly,” Pipiza radicans, fig. 7 (after Riley). This latter friend is a fat, footless 
grub, fig. 7a, which lives underground among the lice and devours large numbers of them ; 
in the fall it changes to a chrysalis, fig. 7), and appears in the perfect form as a fly, fig. 7c, 
in the following spring. 


Fig. 7. 


Tue Cuerry-PLANnt Louse, Aphis cerasi. 


Probably no species of tree is so regularly infested by aphides as the cherry, and no 
species included in this large family of pests is more disgusting in appearance than this 
cherry-plant ‘louse, for, while most others are of a more or less lively green colour, 
this is nearly black. 

These insects begin to appear soon after the leaves have expanded, hatching from eggs 
deposited the previous year. They multiply with amazing rapidity, the young ones hud 


35 


dling around their parents so closely as to entirely cover the twig, leaf-stem, or portion of 
the leaf on which they are feeding ; indeed it is not uncommon to find them two deep, a 
portion of the crowded host standing upon the backs of others, all intent on the one 
business namely, that of absorbing the juice of the tree, which they do by inserting their 
beaks into the suc¢ulent portions. They seem never to suffer from over-crowding. Dr. 
Fitch estimates—his calculation being based on actual count—that the two surfaces of a 
small leaf, but an inch long, would furnish ample space to accommodate a thousand of 
these insects. 

When we consider the rapid rate of increase which prevails among the aphides, some 
details of which we have already given, it is not astonishing that the leaves, leaf-stalks, 
tender twigs, and even the fruit-stems are so soon found to be swarming with these pests, 
their black bodies literally covering every succulent portion, while all around flies, wasps, 
and other insects are swarming, keeping up a constant buz and hum about the infested 
tree, to which they are attracted by the sweet liquid which exudes from the bodies of 
these aphides. By the end of June they have usually attained their maximum numbers, 
for by this time their numerous enemies, which we shall hereafter refer to more in detail, 
have become so multiplied as to begin to get the better of them, and when once the scale is 
turned against them they are sometimes destroyed so rapidly and entirely that in a few 
days not a living specimen can be found, the empty skins of the slain being the only remain- 
ing relics of the vast hordes but recently seen. Dr. Fitch well remarks, “ It is by looking at 
the works of nature in a definite manner, aud tracing out her operations specifically and 
in their minute details that we arrive at some faint conceptions of their magnitude and 
grandeur, and become vividly impressed with the truth that no other agency than that of a 
Creator infinite in wisdom and power could have peopled the world which we inhabit with 
such countless numbers, and such an endless variety of objects animate and inanimate, each 
occupying its appropriate sphere, and all so arranged as to fulfil the objects for which they 
were called into existence. Has the reader as he has passed a forest ever attempted to 
conjecture the number of trees which it contained ? and has his mind passed onward to a 
surmise of the probable number of leaves growing upon each tree, and onwards still to 
the number of insects which may be drawing their sustenance from each one of these 
leaves ; and still further to the number of miuute and infinitesimal parasites which may 
be subsisting upon these insects?” Such reflections could scarcely fail to lead the thought- 
ful observer “ from nature up to nature’s God.” 

During July the cherry tree generally enjoys some respite from the attacks of these 
tiny foes, but early in August they usually appear again to increase and multiply until 
being again overtaken by their enemies they are a second time overcome, this later brood 
is seldom as numerous as the first one. This black aphis seems to be restricted to the 
cultivated cherry, for wenever find them invading any of our native or wild cherry trees, 
and these in turn seem each to have a species of plant louse peculiar to them, which sel- 
dom if ever attach themselves to the foliage of other kinds. Dr. Fitch has deseribed in 
his first report on the noxious insects of New York, a green species Aphis cerasifulie which 
affects the undersides of the young and tender leaves of the choke cherry, and refers to 
another which infests the wild black cherry. 

Thus wemight go on enumerating and describing species after species to the exhaustion 
of the patience of our readers, for there is scarcely a tree, shrub, or plant, which is not at 
some period or other in the year infested with them. We would, however, particularly 
mention the currant plant louse Aphis ribis, which swarms on our currant bushes, and 
which has probably been imported into this country from Europe ; the Cabbage-plant 
louse Aphis brassice, also introduced from Europe ; the Hop-plant louse Aphis humuli, and 
the Grain-plant louse Aphis avene, since these from their great abundance frequently 
attract general attention. 

We nowpropose to refer to the remedies which nature has provided, and man has 
devised for the destruction of these tiny foes, and beginniug with the more important and 
most effective, we shall first advert to the natural enemies of the plant lice. It has been 
truly said, “ the plant louse has but one friend—the ant, but its enemies are legion ; and 
wisely is it so arranged, for were they permitted to increase and multiply at their natural 
rae without material check, ere a few months had elapsed every green thing on the face 

ofthe earth would be so covered with them as to cause general destruction. 


36 


$e 


Foremost in the list of enemies we must place the lady-birds which feed on little else _ 
than aphis either in the larval or perfect states. Probably the commonest species is that 
known as the nine spotted lady-bird Coccinella 9 notata fig. 8, a nearly round insect, of a 
brick red colour, with nine black spots, fig. 9, shows the same in the : 
larval condition. Another common species is the two spotted lady- 
bird Coccinella bipunctatavery similar in form and colour to the pre- @ 

\.” vious species, but smaller and with two black spots instead of nine. 
Fic. 8. The spotted lady-bird Hippodamia maculata fig. 10, is also 
frequently met with, and being found both in Europe and America has _prob- 

7 ably been imported from one country to the other. The colour of this 
is pink withlarge black spots. The thirteen spotted lady-bird Hippodamia 13 
punctata fig. 11, is rather larger than either of the preceding species 
and has thirteen black spots on a brick red ground. 

The trim lady-bird. Coccinella munda, Fig. 12, may be readily [ 
distineuished from most of the other species by its having no black spots on its 
red wing cases. The convergent lady-bird Hippodamia convergens, Fig. 13, is 
of a deep orange red colour, marked with black and 
white. Its larva a, is blue, orange and black in colour, 
| 6, shows the pupa or chrysalis suspendep by the tail, 
i . and c, the perfect beetle. This insect is also very useful 
Fic. 12, in destroying the eggs and young larve of the Colorado 


yotato beetle. BN. 
The fifteen spotted Mysia, Mysia 15 punctata, Fig. 14, is one of Fie. 13. 

S the largest species. The perfect 
insect varies much in colour 
from a light grey to a deep 
chestnut brown. An ordinary 
observer might readily conclude 
that the different forms belonged 
to those of distinet species, the 
more prominent of these varia- 

Fic, 14. tions are shown at d, e, f, g, in 
the figure, This predacious species also devours the young of the Colorado beetle, at a, the 
larva of thislady-bird is represented in the act of devouring one of these young enemies. In 
addition to those we have enumerated, there are a number of other less common species, in 
colour mostly yellowish or reddish with black spots or bands. In the larval state they all 
resemble each other very much, being elongated in form and active in habit, usually of a 
dull colour withmore or less yellowish or bluish markings. Fig. 9 may be referred to as a 
type of the whole. ‘ 

There is still another species, belonging to another genus of lady-birds, which, from its 
abundance and great usefulness deserves mention, we refer to the twice-stabbed lady-bird 
Chilochorus bivulnerus, Fig. 15, a highly polished black insect with two red 
| spots, and which in form much resembles the half of a split pea. This species 
preys more particularly upon bark lice, and hence is most commonly found on 
the trunks and branches of trees. The larva, Fig. 16, is a verycurious, 
: _ prickly looking creature, extremely active and voracious in its habits. 
BS Ta chrysalis may often be seen on thetrunk of trees partly covered 
by the prickly larva skin. j 
Prominent also among the insects which subsist upon plant lice, are the aphis 
a lions, the larvae of the golden-eyed and lace-winged 
flies. The perfect insects are very pretty and delicate- j.. 44 
looking creatures, with prominent fiery eyes, slender ; 
bodies, and two pairs of large, beautifully netted, pale green wings 
Many of them, however, when handled, impart an intensely dis- 
Fic. 17. agreeahle odour to the fingers, and one of a remarkably permanent 
character, Fig. 17 represents this insect in theperfect state. ~ 


37 


The eggs of this insect are curiously placed upon stalks as shown in Fig. 18. Dr. Fitch 
says, “ Nature has furnished these insects with a fluid analagous to that with which spiders 
are provided for spinning their webs, which possesses the re- 
markable property of hardening immediately on being ex- 
posed tothe air. When ready to drop an egg, the female 
touches the end of her body the surface of the leaf, and 
then elevating her body, draws out a slender and cob-web- 
like thread half an inch long or less, and places a little 
i oval egg at its summit. Thus a small round spot resembling 

aia, 18, mildew is formed upon the surface of the leaf from the 
middle of w hich arises a very slender glossy white thread, which is sometimes split at its 
base, thus giving it a more secure attachment than it would have if single. The egg at its 
summit is of a pale green colour when newly deposited, but before it hatches it becomes 
whitish and shows two or three faint dusky transverse bands. The larva leaves it commonly I 
think in less than a week from the time it is deposited, through an opening which it gnaws 
in the summit, and the shell remaius empty supported on its stalk, somewhat shrivelled and 
of a white colour. 

The young larva begins at once to seek its food, and if it finds itself in the midst of a 
colony of plant lice, many of these speedily fall victims to its enormous appetite, but if not 
so favourably situated, a vigorous search is generally rewarded by the finding of a cluster of 
insects’ ees or some newly hatched eatterpillars, either of which will furnish our young tra- 
veller with a dainty meal. The larvee of the different species vary somewhat in colour and 
ornamentation, but in most instances the ground colour is of a dull reddish brown, and there 
are whitish markings along the sides, and a dark central stripe. They all have long, narrow 
bodies, and are furnished with six rather long legs, and two long and slender, but powerful 
jaws curved like a sickle, and down each side of the body is a row of tubercles, each tubercle 
being tipped with a cluster of spreading hairs or spines. Fig. 18 will give a good idea of 
their general appearance. In some species the bristly clusters of hairs are so multiplied as to 
almost cover the surface. Dr, Fitch mentions a novel use to which these hairs are put, he 
says that these voracious creatures uften conceal themselves from view by placing the empty 
skins of the victims they have devoured, between their radiating bristles so that they adhere 
and thus compietely hide the insect frem view. It is the skins of the woolly plant lice that 
they mostly employ for this purpose, and thus covered they resemble a little mass of white 
down adhering to the bark of the tree, presenting just such an appearance as does a little 
colony of woolly plant lice. By this device they are enabled to approach their victims without 
exciting their alarm and to quietly devour them one by one. 

» After acquiring full growth the ant-lion having made a hearty meal, remains for a time 
torpid, and then begins to spin its cocoon, which is formed from a glutinous fluid supplied 
and distributed by the hinder extremity of the body, a fluid which hardens as it is spun into 
threads. In a few hours the insect spins enough of its cocoon to hide itself from view, and 
when completed the threads composing the cocoon are so closely compacted as to give the sur- 
face a papery look. During the operation the larva contracts much in size and bandages 
itself so tightly within its enclosure that the cocoon appears very small in comparison with the 
size of the larva constructing it. Here the insect changes to a chrysalis of a pale green colour 
and remains in this condition in summer a fortuight, but if the insect belongs to the later 
brood, it remains in the chrysalis state all winter, appearing as a perfect fly the following 
spring. 

Other enemies to the plant lice are to be found among the larvae of the various species 
of Syrphus flies. These flies vary in size, some being smaller, others larger than the common 
house fly, and usually more slender in form, they are also handsomer, their bodies beiog of a 
bright yellow colour, banded and spotted with black. Fig. 19 represents one of the species, 
They are very swift of flight, darting about with great rapidity, again 
hovering with poised wing in the bright sunshine, or alighting upon 
> flowers These flies place their eggs singly, fastening them to a leaf or 
twig infested by plant lice, usually placing them in the midst of a colony 
where the young larve may not have long to search for appropriate food. 
Fig. 19. One cannot go far in summer in the careful examination of groups of 
plant lice without meeting with those small white oval eggs. The young larva when hatched 


38 ; 


is not unlike a lcech, both in appearance and movements. Having no eyes, it appears to be 
placed at a great disadvantage in the search for food, but fixing the hinder extremity of its 
body to the surface on which it is placed, it reaches as far as it is able to stretch first on one 
side, then on the other. If no food is reached, it moves a little further, and then repeats the 
same motions, and so on until it reaches a plant: -louse, when at once it seizes its prey, holding 
it up in the air, as shown in fig. 20, until having sucked it empty, nothing remains of the 

. louse but a shrivelled skin, and all this occupies scarcely more than a moments 
time ; indeed it has been asserted that a medium sized larva will thus consume 
a hundred plant lice in an hour, These larvee are semi-transparent, so much so 
that the movements of some of the internal organs are plainly discernible through 
the skin in one of the larger specimens. Their usual colour is whitish or green- 

Fig. 20. ish, with white, yellow or dull reddish markings, or with a combination of these 
down the centre of the back. When they have completed their growth, they fix themselves 
to the surface of a leaf or a piece of bark and contract themselves to an oval form, which 
gradually becomes hard and horny, and ofa blackish colour, and within this shell the ‘change 
to a chrysalis takes place, and in due time, from it the perfect fly escapes. 

But the aphis has foes which attack it from within, as well as from without. Almost all 
insects are infested more or less by parasites, and the aphides are no exception to this general 
rule. There are several genera of tiny parasites which thus befriend man, all of which are 
included in one group named Aphidiides. Dr. Fitch’s remarks on this interesting group are 
so much to the purpose that we quote them entire. He says: ‘ These are all exceedingly 
small insects, little exceeding the twentieth of an inch in length, and mostly with black bodies, 
variously adorned with bright tawny yellow, and pale sulphur yellow bands and other marks. 
One of these small Ichneumon flies, resembling a winged ant in appearance, may occasionally 
be discovered busily at work among a colony of aphides. With her long thread-like antennz 
stretched out in front of her, and rapidly vibrating, she approaches an aphis and touches it 
gently, much like an ant when nursing these creatures. By this slight touch, she at once 
ascertains whether the aphis has been previously visited. If it has not, she curves the tip of 
her abdomen forwards under her, puncturing the body of the aphis and inserting an ege 
therein. She then passes to another and another. From this egg hatches a minute worm, 
which resides within the aphis, subsisting upon the juices which the latter extracts from the 
plant. Thus it grows with the growth of the aphis, which furnishes the exact amount of sus- 
tenance which the worm requires for bringing it to maturity. It is singular that the parent 
Ichneumon fly knows if two eggs were deposited in the aphis the worms from them would 
die for want of a due supply of food, and that by a mere touch with her horns, she is able to 
ascertain which individuals have already been impregnated. Some of the species of Aphidius 
are larger than others, and their offspring consequently require a larger quantity of food ; but 
each parent has the instinct to select an aphis of such size as will yield the amount of suste- 
nance which its young requires. 

“ By the time the worm has attained its growth, the aphis becomes so exhausted that it 
dies. If it should now drop from the leaf to the ground, it would be liable to be found and 
devoured by centipedes and other insects which feed upon the careases of animals of this 
class, and thus the worm within it would be destroyed. Nature has, therefore, so constituted 
the aphis that in these circumstances it dies without a struggle or a spasm, with its beak in- 
serted, and its claws clinging to the surface of the leaf, standing with its antenne turned 
backwards, and its whole aspect so life like that in the infancy of my studies, J supposed these 
were one of the varieties natural to the species with which they occurred. Their bodies are 
remarkably plump and smooth, commonly clay-coloured, or the hue of brown paper, and the 
aphis lions and other insects, which destroy the aphides, appear to pass by those which have 
these parasites within them. Hence, where a leaf or twig has recently been cleared of plant 
lice by their enemies. several of these ichneumonized individuals may frequently be found re- 
maining upon it, dead and unmolested. In other instances, the whole colony of aphides ap- 
pears to be exterminated by these parasites alone, the dead swollen bodies of their victims 
covering the surface of the leaves or twigs as closely as they can stand. The worm remains 
within the body of the dead aphis during its pupa state. It then cuts a circular hole through 
the any hard skin, and comes out in its winged and perfect form.” 

‘ These parasitic insects, which feed internally upon the aphides, are as efficient in de- 
stroying them as the aphis-lions or any other class of their enemies. And it is truly wonder- 


39 


ful, that whilst every kind of tree and plant appears to have one or more species of aphis in- - 
festing and blighting it, each species of aphis seems to have a particular parasite preying upon 

and deyouring it ; for each kind of aphis, from which I have reared these insects, has fur- 
nished a species differing from all the others, and, in some instances, two species have been 

obtained from one kind of aphis.” 

How complicated and how wonderful are the marvels of Nature. There seems a provi- 
dence in all these arrangements. Kirby has well said that it is strange that among the in- 
numerable species of insects, many of them extremely fragile and exposed to dangers and 
enemies without end, no link should. be lost from the chain, but all be maintained in those 
relative proportions necessary for the general good of the system; that if’ one species for a 
while preponderate and instead of preserving seem to destroy, yet counter-checks should at 
the same time be provided to reduce it within its due limits ; and further, that the operations 
of insects should be so directed and overruled as to effect the purposes for which they were 
created, and never exceed their commission ; nothing can furnish a stronger proof than this, 
that an unseen hand holds the reins, now permitting one to prevail and now another, as shall 
best promote certain wise ends, and saying to each “ Hitherto shalt thou come and no further,”’ 

A few words will suffice to indicate the remedies which man has devised to lessen the 
numbers of these destroyers of vegetation. It is universally conceded, that where the remedy 
can be conveniently applied there is nothing more effectual than tobacco smoke. To exter- 
minate them in green-houses, smoking — by strewing a few leaves of tobacco on hot coals—is 
regularly resorted to, and, if thoroughly done, is very effectual. A few favourite plants may 
be similarly treated by enclosing them in a light paper-covered frame and smoking under it, 
or by placing them under an inverted barrel or box ; after such treatment the plants should 
be immediately washed with luke-warm water from a syringe or watering-pot. Where this 
remedy cannot be applied, drenching with tobacce-water has been recommended, also the ap- 
plication of strong soap-suds, or weak lye, sprinkling it freely on the plant, and even dipping 
the succulent ends, where the aphides cluster, into the liquid. 

Hot water has also been recommended, but this, if not cautiously applied, is very apt to 
injure the plant. Some species will bear an application of water heated to 130° Fahrenheit; 
indeed, some few will bear a higher temperature than this without injury, but others are more 
susceptible in this respect, hence the remedy requires careful handling. 


40 


REPORY 


SOME OF OUR FRUIT INSECT ENEMIES, 


FOR 1877. 


BY B, GOTT, ARKONA, ONT. a 


It was with much pleasure and satisfaction that I was able to be present for the first 
time at our Society’s annual meeting, last September, in London, Ont., I then and there 
imbibed deeper and wider ideas of the extent and importance of the work in which our 
entomologists are so ardently and devotedly engaged, I also had an opportunity of per- 
sonal acquaintance with the characters and qualifications of the men who are the founda- 
tion and the noble pillars of the Society. The men then present were practical and in- 
telligent, and the earnest sympathy they showed in the work and objects of the Society, 
could not be otherwise than encouraging to those engaged in this interesting and service- 
able study. It is not easy to conceive how any people possessing and supporting such a 
Society, whose work and results are so palpable to the masses, can be otherwise than 
progressive ; and as far as their productive results are concerned, every way prosperous. 
Should we not desire that the effective membership of the Society may largely increase, 
and that thus the educating and elevating influences of the study may be extended, and 
felt to be not only an assistance but a powerful helper of the people through the leugth 
and breadth of the land. In my own individual case I find my interest in the subject of 
entomology annually deepening and widening in proportion to the extent in which my 
attention is directed to it. Since being engaged to some extent as I have been for the 
last few years in the critical but interesting production and cultivation of fruit in this 
western part of Ontario ; I found from the very start that something more was necessary 
to success than a mere knowledge of the theory of production. I found insect enemies 
to contend with, for which, in my ignorance, I had made but little or no provision. My 
combativeness was at once aroused; but finding progress in a hand to hand fight very 
slow, and not very encouraging or satisfactory, I began to reflect that prudence was the 
better part of valour, and I at once set myself bravely to the task of arriving at some 
knowledge of their differences, their habits, their possible numbers, and their possible 
use ; with also some data for successful competition. I have not advanced far, but I soon 
found that my opportunities, my samples and specimens were not scarce, especially in 
our summer and growing season, and that their differences and peculiarities were very 
interesting, and their numerical forces sometimes appalling. Some were feeding voraci- 
ously on a specific plant, shrub, or tree, or on a class of these; and others were feeding 
as voraciously on their opposites. Some were most injurious and destructive in their im- 
mature state, and others needed the complete forces of maturity to do the same amount 
of effective execution ; some were most active in their destructive work on the roots in 
the ground, some were content with the leaves, and yet others were satisfied with noth- 
ing of less value than the fruit. So I concluded that insect depredators were not wanting 
more or less for everything that grows. It would almost appear too, that we have pe- 
culiar local insect troubles, as though special and individual classes of insects were local- 
ized and restricted to sectional divisions ; but by further acquaintance with the subject, I 
must suppose this can hardly be. However, it is beyond dispute, and capable of most 
positive and convincing proof, that in this department of natural research there is much 
to be studied and much to be learned; there is ample and profitable room for the intel- 
lect, and investigation of the most vigilant and the most penetrating. 

Moreover, what abundant cause have we for gratitude and thankfulness to those patient, 
honoured, and great names whose owners haye worked hard and long, and spent their valu- 


41 


able and industrious lives in this interesting field of inquiry, and have freely left us, as a 
legacy, the cherished results of their labours—‘ their works do follow them,’—and we are 
thereby assisted in those difficult and puzzling problems of insect life and insect differences 
and relationships ; and although there is yet much to be done, much has already been ac- 
complished and vividly portrayed before our vision. The field has already been surveyed 
and mapped, and it only remains for us to follow those lines to arrive at rich and desired re- 
sults. I propose, therefore, in the following pages, to give as short and concise an account 
as possible of some of the most palpable insect enemies of our fruit, &c., for the past 
season. And this I do, not with the intention to supplant the able and graphic report of 
insect enemies by the President of the Fruit Growers’ Association, in his address before that 
body last September ; or of that of the President of the Entomological Society, at about the 
same time, but rather as an adjunct additional testimony in the same direction. I further 
may be allowed to state that I make no pretentions to scientific accuracy, but shall simply 
state my observations as they occur to me in my own untutored way. With these prelimi- 
naries I come at once to the subject in hand, viz :— 


The insect enemies of our Fruits, de., for 1877. 


By this caption Ido not mean that I shall confine myself exclusively to those insects 
merely which feed alone on our fruits, but shall include also those injurious to the leaves and 
even the roots and branches of our fruit trees and shrubs, as equally noxious to our fruit 
products and prospects. And first, | may mention the 


AMERICAN LACKEY Worm, OR TENT CATERPILLAR (Clisiocampa Americana) 


Of Harris. For larva: and eggs see fig. 21; the male moth is shown in fig 22, the female in 
fiz. 23. This insect, by its appalling and unprecedented numbers, and by its voracious and 
AAs s ‘ devastating habits,at least 
in ethis section, for the 
last few seasons, has filled 
us with the most serious 
apprehensions for the safe- 
ty of not alone our fruits, Fig. 22. 
but also for the very life of the trees. So seri- 
ous was this damage during the past season that 
the aid of legislation was talked of, to compel 
people to do what they could for the suppression 
of this insect grievance ; because not only the 
orchards of the negligent and careless were thus 
blighted, but those also of the industrious and 
careful were besieged and destroyed by the very 
enemies his careless neighbour was rearing and 
helping to propagate. People began to ask of 
one another, “‘ What is the use of planting and 
cultivating or- 
chards, they 
will only be 
devoured and 
ruined by the 
caterpillars ?”’ 
Aided also by 
C. Sylvatica, Fig. 23. 

Fig. 21. the larva of which is shown in fig. 24, those 
orchards standing in the neighbourhood of forests have suffered very severely ; and although 
persistent and industrious, our efforts seem feeble and almost totally unavailing to save our 
orchards and our gardens. This latter insect is very active, and is on constant parade over 
trees and shrubs, over fields, orchards, and gardens, where anything ean be found to gratify 
its devouring appetite; and then, it is recruited so plentifully and so frequently that we fairly 
Sicken of the fight, and despair of the prospect of victory. But there is to this dark picture 


42 


a cheering ray, a bright prospect of assistance, from 
a small ichneumon fly. On examining a number of 
me — the cocoons of clisiocampa, as they were safely nes- 
eS tled in the folded fragments of leaves left on the 
I trees, we found a large proportion iufested with 
Fig. 24. maggots or small white grubs. These we found were 
of two or three distinct sorts; one was a largish white grub, and existed in the body of the 
caterpillar, sometimes solitary and sometimes in pairs, and entirely devoured the internal por- 
tions ; and in other cases they were smaller and closely ‘huddled together, but in each and 
every case the destruction of the caterpiller and of the future egg-laying moth was most 
complete. 

Our methods for suppressing this grievance and lessening their numbers were not very 
effectual, but consisted in entrapping the moths by means of light, and in taking their ege 
clusters from the branches of the trees and destroying them. As soon as the young larvze 
were hatched in the spring our practice was, as early as possible in the day, while they were 
yet very young and closely compacted, to collect them in masses and destroy them. In this 
way millions were easily and effectually captured and destroyed, but there are always some 
careless neighbours who would do nothing, and declare it was of no use fighting them as they 
would eat up the trees anyway, and so by swarming in from the forests, and those neglected 
orchards, the trouble was annoyingly kept up. 


Measuring Worms (Geometers) AND LEAF ROLLERS, (Tortrices) 


were this year, as usual, very abundant on all our fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs and 
plants, but the diligent overseer, by his watchfulness and skill can, with comparative ease, so 
reduce these troublers that their work on the mass of foliage is scarcely perceptble. The 
only way they seem to us damage, and in which we feel them to be a burden is as assis- 
tants combined with the already multitudinous forces in the same field of destruction, we feel 
that we could readily do without their services. 


THE CurRANT Bush Borer (supposed to be the European Aegeria Tipuliformis, See fig. 25.) 


is doing us considerable damage in our currant plantations, and here, too, this 
evil is permitted by the careless and indolent cultivators to increase upon us, 
so that eventually, currant growing in this country will become very uncertain 
and very troublesome. ‘These insects eat out the heart of the young stem and 
so weaken it that it is incapable of ripening its fruit and shortly dies or breaks 
off. Of far more serious moment at present, however, is 


THE CURRANT OR GOOSEBERRY WoRM (Nematus Ventricosus). 


The larva of 
this pest is seen 
in fig. 26. The 
perfect fly, male 
and female, fig. 
ty 27; and the 

% eggs as laid on 
athe leaves in 

y fig. 28. This 
*) abundant and 
voracious insect 
feeds readily in 
the larval state 
either on the 
leaves of tte 
currant or those 
of the goose- 
berry, but I pre- 
fer to call it by Fig. 27. 
way o: distinction, the Currant Worm, and the insect that feeds on the fruit of the goose 


Fig. 26. 


43 


berry and currant, the Gooseberry Worm. This in- 
sect is very common and very injurious and has been 
for many years past, and in all parts of the country, 
so that a description is needless as all are thoroughly 
familiar with its appearance and its work. It is felt 
to be such a severe scourge, however, and so discour- 
aging in its effects upon us that it has very sensibly, 
suddenly and effectually checked the production of 
this refreshing summer fruit. We seem to be help- 
less in the matter and have little or no respite for the 
incessant attacks upon us of several broods in one 
season, will effectually, baffle the most determined 
and the most industrious. Our readiest and best re- 
medy is applying powdered White Heelebore to the sur- 
face of the leaves which is a temporary relief as it 
does not agree with the best functional interests of 
Fig. 28. their insect constitution. But the thought of poison 
among our summer fruits is rather appalling, and not of the most relishable or attractive 
character. ; 
THE GoosEBERRY Fruit Worm (Pempelia Grossularia). 


For a representation of the moth and cocoon of this species, (See 
fig. 29). ‘This is, perhaps, the most insidious and annoying enemy 
of the gooseberry and the currant. It winters as a chrysalid near 
the surface of the ground just under the bush where it was last feed- 

Fig. 29. ing. In the early spring as soon as the sun has warmed the soil the 
active and vigilant moths appear, and after copulation, commence at once their work of egg 
depositing in the young fruit almost before the full and proper expansion of the blossoms. 
These eggs quickly give rise to little white, insidious worms that make their way into the 
very heart of the berry and grow and thrive upon its internals. As soon as this berry is con- 
sumed and unable, longer, to serve the worm any good and substantial purpose, it leaves and 
immediately attaches itself to another by means of its silken cords or web-like productions, 
and thus secures itself safely against all danger and loss. In this way it has attacked and 
destroyed a dozen or more berries to satisfiy its cravings before it has reached the period of 
maturity or the season for change. When this period arrives it falls to the ground by means 
of its silken threads, buries itself in the earth and changes to a chrysalis, The remedies are 
hand-picking, and the application of noxious substances to the bushes in early spring, but 
these are troublesome and partly ineffectual and hence not very satisfactory. 


Toe May Bertie (Phyllophaga Quercina.—See Fig. 30). 


2 represents the larva, 1 the chrysalis, and 
3 and 4 the perfect beetle. The larva of this 
active summer evening buzzing beetle stands 
charged with many and grievious offences 
against the farmer and the fruit grower. A 
neighbour of mine said to me the other day 
‘« My corn was only half a crop—those cussed 
white grubs eat it so ; it wilted to the ground ;” 
but I suppose that in his case, perhaps, some- 
thing else did it. However, although our soil 
is peculiarly suited to their purposes, and is 
liberally supplied with the larva in all stages of 
growth, I have but one or two heavy griey- 
ances to lay to their charge, one of which I 
feel pretty deeply and severely. f had long 
noticed, after planting out young evergreens in 
nursery rows in the spring, particularly seed- 
lings of spruce, hemlock, and fir, that oeea- 
sionally several of them just after commencing 


44 


their growth would suddenly wilt and at once give up; and this Spring this oceurred more 
extensively than ever. I was in difficulty and could not decipher the cause, as my land I 
knew was good and well adapted to their successful growth. Upon pulling them up, however, 
I found that every particle of fibrous root was entirely gnawed off ; and besides this, the bark 
was taken off almost up to the collar, and the tough naked woody branches of the roots only 
left. This last season I lost whole rows in this way, and, on closely investigating the case, 
I am pretty well satisfied that the larvas of the May Beetle are chargeable with the whole 
trouble ; and worse, I know of no remedy! The other charges are, eating the roots entirely 
off from several of our strawberry plants, and also eating large and injurious holes in our 
potatoes, &e., We. 


Tue Hawk Morn, or Sphinges 


are growing annually more numerous, but we have no very grievous complaints to make against 
the fine and handsome larvae of these beautiful moths. Occasionally, however, the foliage 
suddenly disappears from some branch of our apple trees or our cherry trees, or it may be 
from our grapes or our potatoes, or perhaps from the tomato vines, and we know from the 
character and the abundance of the surrounding droppings that one or more of these diligent 
creatures has been at work. These ravages, however, are not burdensome, and then we rea- 
dily bear with much from them solely on account of the magnificence and grandeur of their 
characteristic appearance. About the second and third weeks in October last there were a 
number of fine larvze discovered among the grass and late growing green plants in this place. 
They were about two anda half or three inches in length, fine green colour, mixed and 
striped with yellow ; had the characteristic horn on the last segment, and would curl up as a 
crescent on being disturbed. I could not determine it, but I have reason to believe it was 
one of the sphinges. 


Cur Worms. 


With these I sometimes conclude that the very earth is infested, so great are their num- 
bers and so active their operations. There are evidently many species of them, but the worst 
and by far the most dreaded is the sneaking thief that cuts our cabbage and tomato plants 
after they have commenced to grow so finely. 


AGRosTIS DEVASTATOR 


of Harris, and very correctly labelled. These are the most insidious in their attacks, and 
the most annoying in their devastations, apparently, of any of our garden enemies, and we 
seem powerless in our defences. They are the most industrious while we are asleep, and like 
many another dastardly thief hide as soon as the light appears. Our remedies are, vigilant 
searching for them and destroying them by hand. 


THe Potato BEETLE ( Doryphora decemlineata ). 


No longer maintains the destructive character which it brought with it at the first, nor 
are our people so alarmed and troubled by its presence ; it has become now a familiar matter- 
of-course arrangement. Although yet pretty numerous, it affects only the careless and the 
indolent ; the industrious and the ingenious not only baffle their efforts, but to a very large 
extent render them harmless. It is row well ascertained by our potato raisers that the first 
broods are comparatively light, and that the insects best efforts are not made until mid-sum- 
mer and after, so by planting largely or altogether carly maturing varieties, and these placed 
in the ground as early as possible to get their tops and their tubers ripe before the second 
brood appears, all danger is out of the way. The beetle is perfectly baffled by this arrange- 
ment, and it goes wandering about over the fences and on the streets and roads seeking green 
fields where to pasture, and to deposit its myriads of eggs. This season the crop of potatoes, 


— 


at least in this section, has been most abundant and of great excellence, the variety mostly 
Early Rose, the best potato that was ever given to the American people. Our remedies for 
the beetle were hand picking ; and occasionally a dose of Paris Green applied as a liquid, 


Tue GRAPE VINE BEETLE (Pelidnota Punctata, see fig.-31.) 


Seems very fond of harboring about our 
grape vines, and has this season been pretty 
plentiful, but we fail to observe that its presence 
is an alarming evil or that its injuries are very 
distinctly marked. It rather appears a sort of 
harmless case, a pretty creature, whose only 
office is to vary and beautify nature. But these 
remarks are not in the least applicable to THE 
GRAPE VINE FLEa BEETLE, Fig. 32 larva; 
Fig. 33 the perfect beetle (Haltica Chalybea), 
whose numbers in the spring are rather alarming. 
This insidious, heartless Jittle arch rogue 
ee attempts to baffle and frustrate our plans in the 

e very start. This it does by boring into the 
swelling bud and totally destroying its promising 
contents, and thus by one offort he flattens our 
SiS sanguine hopes by taking the entire product of 

Fig. 31. the bud, leaf, cane, fruit and all. We this year 
hired our children to capture them on the vines 
as they were at work, which they readily, cheerfully and effectually did. In this way their 

efforts were greatly lessened. It 
is becoming more and more evident 
that we also in this country may 
yet have trouble from THE GRAPE 
Vine PHytioxera ( Phylloxera 
Vastatrix). 1 have already seen 
Fig. 33, the specimens of it, and it is my most 
perfect beetle. 3 are 
decided opinion that unless some 
effectual remedy is found, our grape vines will 
be found to suffer much from the injurious 
effects of this tiny insects, upon their leaves and 
especially their roots. Grape growers should 
seriously study this subject at once ; for should 
_ the evil become established upon their vines, 
_ it would at length be very difficult to eradicate. 
For description and very full particulars, see 
Rev. Mr. Bethune’s very able and instructive 
article on the subject in the Society’s Report 
for the year 1874. 
Puant Lice (Aphididae, Fam. Eriosoma), 
Fig. 32, larva. particularly. Although aphidians in great 
numbers and different species feed very heavily upon the | leaves of our Cherry, Pear, Apple 
and other trees, yet this white woolly aphis feeding in immense numbers on the stems and 
shoots of our young apple trees seem to be the most injurious, and should be looked after 
most vigilantly. They differ from most insects in one particular, viz.: they attach them- 
selves to a certain spot or spots on the trees, and without locomotion attract their food to 
them! An opening is made in the bark of the tree which bleeds freely for their support. 
And the accumulation of unused or unsuited matter forms excresences about the place. It 
seems to me they pump very heavily on the vitality of the tree, especially in its young and 
tender years ; and should be kept off by means of oil applications, or destroyed by the hand 
rubbing them from the spot and crushing them. 


46 


THE APPLE Fruit Mo ta.—(Carpocapsa pomonelia). 


commonly called codling moth, (See Fig. 34). As usual, has been very dilligent this 
} season, and wherever there was fruit upon which to 
feed, it has shown that this fruit was not over- 
looked. An account of the general and almost un- 
paralleled scarcity of the fruit, however, this season, it 
is confidently hoped that they have not propagated 
to any great extent, and that a comparative immu- 
nity from their ravages may be expected in the future. 
eny=> The apple-grower must ever be industrious, and at 
all times on the watch, never forgetting that “ eternal 
vigilance is the price of fruit.” 'This advice also holds 
good in the case of plums, for THE PLUM CuRCULIO 
(Conotrachelus Nenuphar, see Fig. 35), has had much 
better accommodation for rapid propagation than 
that of the apple moth. The plum crop in some sec- 
tions was very abundant and good ; but in others it 
was totally destroyed by the workings of thisindustrious 
and active beetle. I noticed also that the little Turk, 
as it has appropriately been called, would not scruple 
a scarcity of plums occurred, and that in this way the 
the peach crop this season suffered very severely. 
Tor Cappace Worm (Pieris rapae), has this season 
been at work in full force, and has been very generally 
and extensively disastrous to our cabbages. They are very 
troublesome, especially to market gardeners, and where re- 
medies were not used, the cabbages were totally destroyed. 
The parent of this larva seems to have no definite con- 
ception of the nature and severity of the changes of our 
climate, and in this respect it shows its foreign origin, as 
in any fine day in October she may be seen busily flitting 
about over the cabbages, Wc. apparently eager in the business 
of depositing her eggs; and the young larva may be 
Fig. 30. seen thus late in the season in all stages of development, 
regardless of the severe and destructive changes that are at hand. A sharp Canadian 
frost comes as it did this year, Nov. 9, and lays the whole brood motionless on the 
ground. Neyertheless there may be some danger of protecting these late worms in our 
ellars and cabbage pits, where the crop has been early stored away ; and so the condi- 
tions for future broods may thus be secured. 
But perhaps there is little need of concern on this 
point, as insect nature has usually been found 
to carefully and effectually provide for itself. 


f° THe IsABELLA TickR Mora.—(Aretia Jsa- 
bella. See Fig. 36 for representation of this in- 
sect in its various stages).—As usual, has an 
abundance of her hairy larva abroad this fall. 
But as these hairy caterpillars are not known to 
be very seriously injurious to vegetation, and so 
scarcely come under our caption. I therefore 
pass them gently by. I have thus hastily glane- 
ed at some of the most common and prominently 
destiuctive insects that have come forcibly before 
my notice this season. I regret, however, my utter 
inability to treat the subject more thoroughly, 
and to better advantage. 


Fig. 36- 


47 


ot following details were got up for one of our weekly newspapers this summer, and 
entitled, 


AN INSECT REGISTER FOR 1877. 


May 10th.—Tent caterpillars first hatched out. 

May 25th.—Gooseberry worms began actively to work into the young fruit. 

May 30th.—Forest tent caterpillars began to leave the woods in great numbers. 

June I1st.—The currant worms began to work on the leaves, but apparently were not so 
numerous as formerly. 

June 18th. —Potato beetle larvae began to hatch out, but not so numerous as in former years. 

June 20th.—Gooseberry worms leave the bushes, and retire into the ground to change, Also 
cut worms are not so numerous or destructive as in former years. 

June 21st.—Tent caterpillars began to spin cocoons and retire to change. 

June 25th.—The plum weevils very numerous, and have destroyed many of our plums and 
peaches. Also the apple fruit worm, or codling moth, larva not much to do 
this season—no apples. 

s —Canker worms, measuring worms, and other larvae of various insects are yery 
i plentiful this season, and we are suffering much from their depredations. 

June 27th.—Not many tent caterpillars now abroad. 

June 28th.—First swarm of bees this season. 

June 30th.—First newly-made tent caterplllar’s cluster of eggs. Moths perfected. 

se —The currant worm moth still propagating, and young hatching out. 

July 2nd.—Pea beetle began to deposit eggs in young peas. 

Oct. 12th.—The cabbage worm butterfly still depositing her eggs, and the young larva still 
hatching out. 

Nov. 9th.—Hard frost, completely stopped the cabbage worm from further increase. 

Nov. 12th.--Canker worm moths very thickly on the wing, their females clustering on the 
branches of the trees. 

Nov. 29th,—Musquitoes, black flies, and most of the insect world silently nested away for 
this season. 


Arkona Nurseries, November, 20th, 1877. 


ON GRAPE VINE GALLS. 


COMPILED BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 


THE GRAPE-VINE APPLE GALL. (Vitis pomum) Wats & RILEY, ORDER, Diptera 
Famiy, Cecidomyide. 


The following discriptions have been compiled from the valuably reports of Prof. C. V. 
Riley, St. Louis, Mo. 


Besides the leaf-gall caused by the Grape Phylloxera, the Grape Vine is subject to 
various other gall-growths or excrescences, the nature of which often puzzles the vine grower. 
1 shall give an account of four of the most conspicuous which are found in Missouri. They 
are all caused by Gall-gnats (Ceoidomyide), the larvee of which are distinguished by being of 
an orange-colour ; but more especially by having on the upper surface, near the head, a horny 
process known as a breast-bone.* This process is variable in shape, but more often clove- 
shaped, Y-shaped, or oar-shaped. It always has a stem, which is mostly hidden, and termi- 
nates in two projections or prongs (sometimes three in those which are oar-shaped), which are 
armed with sharp points. It is retractile, and the prongs 
may be exerted at will, and are doubtless intended to assist 
in abrading the tissues of plants, so as to cause an abnormal 
flow of sap, which serves as food for the larve. That they 
have little, if anything, to do in causing the gall growth, we 
may infer from analogy, and from the fact that many Ceci- 
domyidous galls are formed before the larvee hatches, and de- 
pend on something deposited with the egg. The perfect flies 
are of a dull black colour, like that represented at figure 37, 
(a female, 6, antennze of male), aud many species so closely 
resemble each other, that it is next to impossible to distinguish 

Fig: 37. themwhendry. Thosewhich produce the galls here mentioned, 
are difficult to rear, and with one exception not yet known. 

The Grape-Vine Apple-gall has been a fruitful source of speculation, and has giyen rise 
to some curious botanical theories, as the following extract will attest : 


AN APPLE GROWING ON A GRAPE-VINE. 


A Vegetable Phenomenon.—In the garden of Capt. David E. Moore, Lexington, Va., 
there is growing on a grape vine, a fully developed apple. On one side of the apple is an ap- 
pearance of what might have been a grape-bloom. This interesting Zwsws natwre is, as far 
as we know, without precedent, and of course has attracted marked attention, and caused no 
little speculation in the circle learned in such matters about Lexington. The prevailing 
opinion, we learn, is that an apple-bloom falling accidently upon a grape-bloom, became in- 
corporated with it and produced the>result ; but, if so, is it not singular that such an acei- 
dent has never occurred before? And, if so, again, does it mot teach that the grape and 
apple may be grafted on each other? We hope the pomologists of Lexington will note very 


* This process is said by all authors with whom I am acquainted, including Baron Osten Sacken, to be 
neutral, for which reason I suppose, it has been called the “ breast-bone.” I believe myself that it is dorsal. 
As, however, it sometimes has a good deal the form of the breast-bone, or “ wish-bone” of a fowl, the term may 
be retained, though conveying a wrong idea. The larve are also said to differ from all other insect lary in 
having fourteen joints. I kave examined a great number of Cecidomyidous larve without being able to make 
out any such abnormal number, while in many species it is difficult to detect more than twelve and a subjoint. 
Usually, I have been able to clearly make out thirteen joints and a subjoint, which is,the normal number iu 
insects. (Rules.) 


: 


49 


carefully all the phenomena of this freak of nature, and that they will have the apple photo- 
graphed, with a portion of the vine, before its removal, for engraving and publication in Hor- 
ticultural journals.—Richmond Whig. 


When growing’on vines in the vicinity of hickory trees, it has ridiculously been con- 
sidered a hybrid fruit between these two very widely separated plants. 

The form of the gall is variable—sometimes being quite flattened or depressed, but more 
often spherical, or flattened at base and more pointed at tip. When young it is downy on 
the outside, aud succulent, with a pleasant acidu- 
lousfflayour. When mature, it usually has eight 
or nine longitudinal lobes, as in a musk-melon, and 
is smoother (Fig. 38 a). A transverse section (b) 
shows it to consist of a fleshy outside covering, like 
the hull of a walnut, and of a much harder, 
woody interior, with numerous longitudinal two- 
tiered cells or cavities, the upper tier twice as long 
and more regularly separated by harder fibre than 
the lower. The yellow larve are found in these cay- 

Fig. 38 ties, and they have a brown clove-shaped breast 

is eall which bears so creat a semblance to a fruit, doubtless carries the semblance 

Ba ihe falling to the Saad And, as the seed is released upon the death of the fruit 
which surrounded it, and consigned to the bosom of the great mother earth for development, 
so the larvze escape from the decomposing and softening gall to consign themselves likewise 
to the same great nursery, which seems to be absolutely necessary for their well-being and 
growth, as I have kent the galls for over a year out of earth and away from her fecund influ- 


ences without getting the perfect gnats, 


This gall was first described in the American Entomologist, (vol. 1, p. 106.) 
THE GRAPE-VINE FILBERT-GALL, (Vitis coryloides) W. & R. 
(Order, Diptera ; Family, Cectdomyidae.) 


Bier : : implies, bears some resemblance to a large bunch of 
SU TOE Mies feet ie filberts or hazel-nuts. It is found more fre- 


quently than the other, and especially on the 
River Bank grape (Riparia), in the month 
of July. It is an assemblage of separate 
galls, more or less coalescent, varying in 
number from ten to forty or more, and of 
different shapes, being either round, irregu- 
larly oval, fusiform or pyriform, but gener- 
ally narrowing at the tip. When young, 
f these galls are densely pubescent or woolly 
on the outside, but less so when mature. 
The interior is fleshy, juicy, sub-acid, and a 
tranverse section shews a single longitudinal 
cell in each (Fig. 39 c), The gall is evi- 
dently a deformation of a bud, as it springs 
from a single point where a bud would be, 
and often has quite a stem toit. A stunted 
deformed leaf is also sometimes found upon 
it, as given in the figure. 

The larva is orange-yellow, partly trans- 
parent, partly opaque, and has the breast- 
bone clove-shaped, as in the preceding (Fig. 
39 a), first described in Am. Entomologist, 
(I. p. 107). 


ay na i 


THE GRAPEVINE Tomato-GALL, (Vitis tomatos.) 
(Made by Lasioptera vibis O. S.) 
(Order, Diptera, Family, Cecidomyidae.) 


The following clipping will show that 
this gall, which is quite common on the 
River Bank grape and its cultivated varie- 
ties, has not remained unnoticed by the 
curious, and that it has, like the others, its 
fruit resemblances. 

Freak in a Vineyard.—In_ gathering 
grapes to-day we found one of the clusters 
in shape a perfect tomato. It is of quite 
large size, and on the outside is divided into 
eight segments or lobes, having a seed to 
correspond with each segment or lobe. It 
was found on a cluster of one of Rogers’ 
Hybrids, and a peculiarity is, that the grape 
is blue, while this is ved. In flesh and seeds 
and all else it is a perfect grape. President 
Wilder’s Trophy tomato stands about three 
rods from the vine. I call upon President 
Wilder to explain with what sort of propa- 
gating qualities he has invested his Trophy 
tomato, to know, if we continue the cultiva- 
tion of that fruit, whether our apples, plums, 
cherries, etc., will or will not turn into Tro- 
phy tomatoes. I have saved the eight seeds 
for the further solution of the problem. If 
President Wilder declines an explanation 
for fear of the consequences, I call upon all 
the horticulturists of America to commence 
at once an investigation and I will furnish 
them with the hide, which I have carefully 
preserved as a testimony against him.— 
Rural New Yorker. 


Fig. 40. 


R. L. Dorr. 
Dansville, Livigston County, N.Y. Oct. 6th, 1872. 


It is the most variable gall with which I am acquainted, as it may be found of all sorts 
of fantastic shapes, from the single, round cranberry like swelling on a tendril to the large 
collection of irregular bulbous swellings on the stem or leaf-stalk ; sometimes looking not un- 
like a bunch of currants or a bunch of grapes, but more often like a bunch of diminutive 
tomatoes, such as the Cluster Tomato, grown by Mr. J. C, Ingham, of St. Joseph, Michigan. 
It was first briefly described together with the fly which produces it, by Baron Osten Sacken 
(Diptera of N. A., part I. pp. 201-2). The substance of the gall is soft, juicy and translucent, 
the flavour pleasantly acid, and the colour yellowish-green, with rosy cheeks, or else entirely 
red. Each swelling has several cells (Fig 40a) in each of which is nursed an orange-yellow 
larva, which, upon the dissolution of the gall, enters the ground to transform, and emerge a 
pale reddish gnat with a black head and antennz and gray wings. ; P 

This gall-maker is subject to the attacks of at least two different enemies—one a species 
of Thrips, which.invades the cell and destroys its inmate, and one a true Hymenopterous 
parasite, "belonging !apparently to the family Proctotrupide, and which after killing the gall- 
maker, spins a cocoon within the cell. 


51 
LLL SEEEEE——E—EEESESESESSESESESESESESESESESESS=S=S=S==SS=S====S—_ 
Tue GRAPE LEAF TRUMPET-GALL—(Vitis viticola 0. S.)—Order Diptera, Family 
Cecidomyide. 


_ This is another, more regular gall, made by a gall-gnat which has not yet been described. 
is elongate, conical, and grows more or less numerously from the surface of the leaf, look- 
ing something like a small trumpet. (Fig. 41) 


re, T have found it on both wild Cordifolia and 
A) a) > Riparia, and it doubtless oceurs on their cul- 
Cea AY tivated varieties. It is also found on Labrusca 


and Vulpina. (See A. E., II. p. 28.) The 
usual colour is a bright crimson, but it some- 
times inclines to green ; especially when young 
or on the under side of the leaf; for though 
y it is more often found on the upper side, I 
” have met with it antiposed. Upon cutting 
into these galls, we shall find them to be hol- 
low, and each to contain a pale orange larva, 
vihich probably resembles those already men- 
{ioned in transforming under ground. The 
gall was at first briefly deseribed by Baron 
\Osten Sacken (Diptera of N. A., part L., 
pv. 202). Similar but distinct galls grow on 
the leaves of Hickory and Hackberry, but are 
always green, 


52 


| DRAGON SaaS, ~ 


By Josrpa Wiuitams, Lonpon, ONTARIO. 


In the months of July and August there are few insects more abundant than the Dragon 
flies, and none which attract more attention from even the most indifferent observer, and a de- 
scription of the more common kinds and some account of their habits may not be uninterest- 
ing. For the following account we are largely indebted to the graphic description of A. 8. 
Packard, Jun., in our ‘‘ Common Insects.” 

In various countries these insects have received various popular names—the French call 
them Demoiselles ; the Germans, Florfliegen or Gauze-flies, or Wasserjungfern or Virgins of 
of the Water ; while the English style the Dragon flies, Horse-stingers, or Devil’s Darning- 
needles. The English terms, although less poetical than those of our European friends, are, 
we believe, more appropriate to the private character of these insects. 

The accompanying illustration of one of our most common species (Libellula trimaculata), 
Fig. 42, will give an idea of the appearance 
of these insects. Of the general character 
of the group Packard says :—‘‘ Were we 
to select from among the insects a type 
of all that is savage, relentless, and blood- 
thirsty, the Dragon fly would be our 
choice. From the moment of its birth 
until its death, usually a twelvemonth, it 
riots in bloodshed and carnage. Living 
beneath the waters, perhaps eleven months 
of its life, in the larva and pupa states, 
it is literally a walking pitfall for luck- 
less aquatic insects; but when trans- 
formed into a fly, ever on the wing in 
pursuit of its prey, it throws off all con- 
cealment, and reveals the more unblush- 
ingly its rapacious character. 

“Not only does its horrid visage and ferocious bearing frighten children, who call it the 
‘Devil's Darning-needle,’ but it even distresses older persons, so that its name has become a 
by-word. Could we understand the language of insects, what tales of horror would be re- 
vealed! What traditions, sagas, fables, and myths must adorn the annals of animal life 
regarding this dragon among insects ! 

“To man, however, aside from its bad name and its repulsive aspect, which its gay trap- 
pings do not conceal, its whole life is beneficent. It is a scavenger, being like that class ugly 
and repulsive, and holding literally, among insects, the lowest rank in society. In the waters 
it preys upon young mosquitoes andthe larva of other noxious insects. It thus aids in 
maintaining the balance of life, and cleanses the swamps of miasmata, thus purifying the air 
we breathe. During its existence of three or four weeks above the waters, its whole life is a 
continued good to man. It hawks over pools and fields and through gardens, decimating 
swarms of mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other baneful insects. It is a true Malthus’ delight, 
and following that sanguinary philosopher, we may believe that our Dragon fly is an entomo- 
logical Tamerlane or Napoleon sent into the world by a kind Providence to prevent too close 
a jostling among the myriads of insect life. 

“‘ We will then conquer our repuguance to its ugly looks and savage mien, and contem- 
plate the hideous monstrosity—as it is useless to deny that it combines the graces of the 
Hunchback of Notre Dame and Dickens’ Quilp, with certain features of its own—for the 
good it does in Nature. 

‘« Even among insects, a class replete with forms the very incarnation of ugliness and 
the perfection of all that is hideous in nature, our Dragon fly is most conspicuous. Look at 
its enormous head, with its beetling brows, retreating face, and heavy under-jaws—all eyes 
and teeth—and hung so loosely on its short weak neck, sunk beneath its enormous hunch- 


53 


back—for it is wofully round-shouldered—while its long, thin legs, shrunken as if from 
disease, are drawn up beneath its breast, and what a hobgoblin it is ! 

“Its gleaming wings are, however, beautiful objects. They form a broad expanse of 
delicate parchment-like membrane drawn over an intricate network of veins, Though the 
body is bulky, it is light, and easily sustained by the wings. The long-tail undoubtedly acts 
as a rudder to steady its flight.’’ 

While we do not hold the Dragon fly to be the “ very incarnation of ugliness and the 
perfection of all that is hideous,” as does the author above-named we do not believe its bene- 
fits to man have been exaggerated. The rapid flight and enormous range of vision of these 
creatures enable them to capture other insects with ease ; while, their taste not being limited, 
they destroy moths, butterflies, and other insects without compunction, and they have been 
known to destroy and eat each other as well as very small fishes. However, it is this rave- 
nous propensity which makes this insect so valuable to man, as they destroy immense numbers 
‘of other insects which are injurious to vegetable and other products, while they do not injure 
these substances themselves. A few of them shut in a house will soon rid it of flies, bugs, and 
mosquitoes, and therefore their presence should be welcomed. The popular opinion that they 
are dangerous to man is without foundation, as they can neither bite, sting or poison him. 

We may now consider the development of Zibelluda trimaculata, previously figured, as 
it furnishes some curious and interesting information, and may be taken as representing that 
of the group. 

When the female is about to deposit her eggs, she attaches herself to some plant growing 
out of the water, and pushing her abdomen beneath the surface, glues a bunch of eggs to the 
submerged stem or leaf (Uhler). These eggs produce larvae which have a distant and ugly 
resemblance to the perfect insect. The larva is active and passes its existence in the water, 
feeding on numerous weaker insects. It possesses a curious syringe-like apparatus 
situated in the end of the body, by which it discharges a stream of water for a distance of 
two or three inches behind it, thereby propelling the insect forward. The motion thus given 
is most irregular and appears to be beyond the control of the larva. This curious arrange- 
ment serves for respiration as well as locomotion. - 

The larva soon reaches the pupa state (corresponding to the chrysalis state of a butterfly), 
in which it is also active, crawling over the bottom of the stream preying on other insects. 
In this state it is longer than the larva and still more resembles the perfect insect. When 
about to become a perfect insect, the 
pupa climbs up some suitable plant 
near the surface of the water, and at- 
taching itself firmly awaits the last 
great change. In a short time the 
skin opens down the back and the 
adult Dragon fly, by bending back- 
wards and forwards for some time, 
emerges. It only requires to remain 
a few hours, until its wings attain 
their full size and hardness, when it 
_ starts off on a life-long expedition of 
plunder. 

In Fig. 43 we have a representa- 
tion of three stages in the life of a 
foreign Libellula. The figure on the 
left shows the larva using its mask to 
capture prey ; the figure on the right 
represents the perfect insect in the act 
of emerging from the pupa case. 

The full-grown Libellula may be 
described as follows :—The body is 
much elongated and cylindrical, and 
attains a length of two inches, in average specimens. ‘The head is large and bears two very 
large and prominent compound eyes. These eyes which consist of many thousand facettes 
each, are so large that they meet on the upper surface of the head, This great power of vision 


54 


—S 


is still increased by three simple eyes, or ocelli, situated on the upper surface of the head. 
From the front part of the head project two short tapering antennz. The mouth occupies 
the front surface of the head, and is a most formidable structure. The upper lip is broad 
and conceals very powerful toothed organs, called mandibles ; the other organs of the mouth 
are also armed with strong teeth which enable the creature to satisfy its carnivorous desires. 
The most remarkable portion of the mouth, however, is the lower lip, a large, flat, lobed 
organ, closing the mouth from the under side, and which may be projected forward to a” 
comparatively great distance when attacking other insects. 

The thorax, or middle portion of the body, is three or four times as long as the head, 
and very much greater in diameter. It resembles the head in colour, being of a medium 
chocolate shade, and is sparsely clothed with very short hairs of the same hue. 

The abdomen, or posterior part of L. trimaculata tapers very gradually to the end, 
and is much smaller than the thorax in diameter, but more than twice its length. The 
colour is slightly paler, and is relieved by a line of yellowish blotches along each side, 
which gradually becomes smaller in size toward the end of the body. The upper surface 
is arched, while the under is flattened. 

The legs are six in number, and are attached three to each side of the lower surface 
of the thorax. 

The wings, which are four in number, are attached two to each side of the upper 
part of the thorax, and are about one and a quarter inches long, and three-eighths to 
nearly half an inch in breadth ; the front ones being slightly the narrowest. The sub- 
stance of the wings is a very delicate network covered by a thin transparent membrane, 
having a shining surface. From the place of attachment of each wing, there proceeds a 
narrow elongated patch of a deep brown colour, while from about the middle of the wings 
there is a large irregular patch of the same colour, which extends completely across. The 
structure of the wings combines great strength with lightness, thereby enabling the in- 
sect to fly with very great rapidity. Their shining surface, transparency and brilliant 

i colouring in this and other members 

_. of the same order, combine to give 

) them a beautiful appearance when fly- | 

ing in the bright sunshine, and eyvi- 

dently suggested the popular names 

given to them by the French and 
Germans. 

There are several other members 
of the same group which are more or 
less common in various parts of the 
country. 

Libellula quadrimaculata, the four- 
spotted Dragon fly, (Fig. 44.) is seen 
on the wing in June, flying through 
dry pine woods far from any standing 
water. 

Big. 4. Another very common Dragon- 
fly is the ruby Dragon-fly Diplax rubicundula, whichiis yellowish red. 


rams 
RR 


55 
i ee ee oe Te ee ee 


Another common form is Diplas berenice, (Fig. 45, male ; Fig. 46, female). The ac- 
companying cut (Fig. 47.) represents the larva, probably of this species, accord- 
ing to Mr. Uhler. It is black, the head blue in front, spotted with yellow, while 
the thorax and abdomen are striped with yellow. There are fewer stripes on 
the body of the male, which has only four large yellow spots on each side of the 
abdomen. 

Still another specimen is Diplax Elisa. It is black, with the head yellowish 

and with greenish yellow spots on the sides of the thorax and base of the 

Fig. 47. abdomen. There are three dusky spots on the front edge of each wing, and a 
large cloud at the base of the hind pair towards the hind angles of the wing. 

Rather a rare form, and of much smaller stature is the Van- 
nophya bella, (Fig. 48.) 1t was first detected in Baltimore, and was 
afterwards found unfrequently by a pond in Maine. Its abdomen 
is unusually short, and the reticulations of the wings are large and ¢ 
simple. The female is black, while the male is frosted over with * 
a whitish powder. 

In the allied genus Agrionina, there are many interesting insects ; 
we give an illustration in fig. 49. of one of the most common, Agrion 
saucium. This insect is smaller in size than those we have previously 
mentioned. 

Although in this country we rarely see Dragon-flies gathered in 
large numbers at one time, yet it is known that in some countries they 
not unfrequently form immense swarms. In Kirby and Spence’s En- 
tomology we find the following :—‘ Meinecken tells us, that he once 
saw in a Village in Anhalt, on a clear day, about four in the afternoon, 
such a cloud of Dragon-flies (Zibel/ulina ) as almost concealed the sun, 
and not a little alarmed were the villagers, under the idea they were 
locusts ; several instances are given by Rosel, of similar clouds of these insects having been 
seen in Silesia and other districts ; and Mr. Woolnough, of Hollesley in Suffolk, a most at- 
tentive observer of nature, once witnessed such an army of the smaller dragon-flies, ( Agrion) 
flying inland from the sea, as to cast a slight shadow over a field of four acres, as they passed. 

A migration of Dragon-flies was witnessed at Weimar, in Germany, in 1816, and one 
far more considerable, perhaps the greatest on record, May 30th and 31st, 1839, when cloud- 
like swarms of these insects, chiefly (Zibellula depressa) were seen at Weimar, Hisenach, 
Leipsig, Halle and Gottingen, and the intervening country, extending over a large district.” 

Although so well known in the adult or perfect state, comparatively little is known 
of the transformations of Dragon-flies. They may be easily kept in aquaria where their 
various changes may be watched, and any one who can spend the necessary time and 
patience in rearing them, so as to trace up the different stages from the larva to the adult 
fly, and describe and figure them accurately, will do good service to science (Packard). 

The graceful appearance of these insects has not escaped the notice of poets, for 
Moore alludes to them as “ the beautiful blue damsel flies,” while Tennyson, in his poem 
of the “ Two Voices,” gives the following description :— 


Fig. 49. 


To-day I saw the Dragon-fly 

Come from the wells where he did lie. 
An inner impulse rent the veil 

Of his old husk : from head to tail 
Came out clear plates of sapphire mail. 


He dried his wings : like gauze they grew ; 
Through crofts and pastures wet with dew 
A living flash of light he flew. 


56 


THE HESSIAN FLY. 


(Cecidomyia destructor Say.—Diptera : Tipulide. 
By THE Rev. C. J. S. Betuune, M.A. 


For many years this Province has happily been almost entirely free from the ravages of 
the Hessian Fly. During the present year (1877) however, this very destructive insect has 
again appeared in the wheat-fields, and is attracting much attention from farmers and others 
specially interested in the culture of this most important cereal. As far as we have been 
able to obtain information the Hessian fly has been recently observed in the counties of Grey, 
Simcoe, York and Ontario, and also in the County of Oxford. No doubt, if not checked, it will 
soon spread over a much wider area, and cause much loss and disappointment to our wheat- 
growers. 

The subject being one of so great importance, it has been considered advisable to repro- 
duce here our Report upon this insect, published six years ago (Report of the Entomological 
Society of Ontario, 1871, pages 392-5). 

The Hessian fly, together with a number of other most destructive insects, has come to 
us from the other side of the Atlantic. European entomologists have repeatedly maintained 
that it must be a native of America, as no such insect was observed amongst their wheat- 
fields during a long series of years ; and Mr. Curtis has even gone so far as to call it “the 
American wheat-midge,” in contradistinction to what he terms “ the British wheat-midge ” 
(C. tritici). It is now, however, generally admitted that it is of European origin, and it is 
almost certain that it was first brought to this continent in. some straw used for the purpose 
of packing by the Hessian troops, under Sir William Howe, during the American War of 
Independence. These soldiers landed on Staten Island, and on the west end of Long Island, 
in the year 1776, and in this neighbourhood the fly was first observed; hence it obtained 
its popular name of “ Hessian Fly.” Having multiplied in these places—as Dr. Harris 
relates—‘ the insects gradually spread over the southern part of New York and Connecti- 
cut, and continued to proceed inland at the rate of fifteen or twenty miles a year. They 
reached Saratoga (two hundred miles from their original station) in 1789.” Proceeding in 
this manner, the tiny pest gradually spread over the country, and has been found in almost 
every locality where wheat is grown. In the old world also, its depredations haveibeen 
sufficiently great to attract notice in England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, 
Italy, Russia,—in fact in almost every country where this grain is cultivated to any extent. 
Our own Dominion, though frightfully devastated in subsequent years, was not invaded 
by the pest till about the year 1816, when it became prevalent in Lower Canada. It 
appears to have been first noticed in this Proviuce in the year 1846. (For a detailed his- 
tory. of its progress in this country and the neighbouring States down to the year 1854, see 
Prof. Hind’s Essay, pp. 42-46.) 

So much has been said and written respecting the Hessian fly, and so many descrip- 
tions of it have appeared in agrieultural and scientific publications, that we feel disinclined 
to attempt any new account of it or repeat once more “an oft told tale.” As we have no 
new light to throw upon the subject, and, with the exception of some specimens received 
from Ancaster during the past summer, have had no opportunity for some years of investi- 
gating its habits, we shall not hesitate to make free use of the writings of others, especially 
those which are not likely to be accessible to the majority of our readers. In every case 
we shall, of course, make due acknowledgement of the source from which information is 
derived. 

The Hessian fly, though known for its destructive qualities for some time before, was 
first scientifically described by Mr. Say—one of the most eminent of the early American 


57 


Entomologists—aunder the name of the Destructive Midge (Cecidomyiu destructor). “This 
insect—Dr. Fitch relates—as a general rule passes through two generations annually, The 
first of these occupy the autumn, winter and fore part of spring, and is reared at the roots 
of the young grain slightly under the ground. he second occupies the remainder of the 
spring and summer, and is nurtured in the lower joints of the straw. The time when its 
several changes occur, however, is not perfectly uniform, being varied by the climate, the 
state of the weather and perhaps other contingencies, and it is not improbable that individual 
specimens, placed in circumstances unfavourable to their developement, in some instances 
haye their growth so much retarded as to require even a whole year to complete their meta- 
morphoses. In the ordinary course of nature, therefore, our crops of winter wheat are liable 
to two attacks of the Hessian fly, one generation reared at its roots produeing another which 
occupies, the lower joints of the stalks. Thus the larvae and pups are present in it almost 
continually, from the time the tender young blades appear above the ground in autumn till 
the grain ripens and is harvested the next summer. Our spring whe:t, on the other hand, 
ean rear but one brood of these insects ; they consequently resort to it but little if at all. 
Nor can the Hessian fly sustain itself except in districts where winter wheat is cultivated, in 
which to nestle during the autumn and winter.” 

The eggs of the autumn generation are deposited by the female fly generally early in 
September, in the young fall wheat, in a crease of the leaf. Twenty or thirty eggs are laid 
on a single leaf, and these hatch out in about four days if the weather be warm. Mr. Tilgh- 
man, of Maryland, has published in The Cultivator, of May, 1841, the following minute and 
interesting account of the mode in which the eggs are laid: “ By the second week of Octo- 
ber, the first sown wheat being well up, and having generally put forth its second and third 
blades, I resorted to my field on a fine warm forenoon to endeavour to satisfy myself by 
ocular demonstration whether the fly did deposit the egg on the blades of the growing plant. 
Selecting a favourable spot to make my observation, I placed myself in a reclining position in 
a furrow, and had been on the watch, but a minute or two before I discovered a number of 
small, black flies alighting and sitting on the wheat plants around me, and presently one 
settled on the ridged surface of a blade of a plant, completely within my reach and distinct 
observation. She immediately began depositing her eggs in the longitudinal cavity between 
the little ridges of the blade. I could distinctly see the eggs ejected from a kind of tube or 
sting. After she had deposited eight or ten eggs, I easily caught her upon the blade and 
wrapped her up in a piece of paper. After that I continued my observations on the flies, 
caught several similarly occupied, and could see the eggs uniformly placed in the longitudinal 
cavities of the blades of the wheat, their appearance being that of minute reddish specks.” 
These eggs are computed to be about one-fiftieth part of an inch in length. 

When hatched from the egg, the next proceedings of the insect are thus related by Mr. 
Herrick :—‘“ The little wrinkled maggot or larva creeps out of its delicate membraneous egg 
skin, crawls down the leaf, enters the sheath, and procceds along the stalk, usually as far as 
the next joint below. Here it fastens lengthwise, and head downwards, to the tender stalk, 
and lives upon the sap. It does not gnaw the stalk, nor does it enter the central cavity 
thereof ; but as the larva increases in size, it gradually becomes embedded in the substance of 
the stalk. After taking its station the larva moves no more, gradually loses its reddish colour 
and wrinkled appearance, becomes plump and torpid, is at first semi-translucent, and then 
more and more clouded, with internal white spots ; and when near maturity the middle of the 
intestinal part is of a greenish colour. In five or six weeks (varying with the season) the 
larva begins to turn brown, and soon becomes of a bright chestnut colour, bearing some re- 
semblance to a flax-seed.” Two or three larvee, thus embedded in a stalk, serves to weaken 
the plant and causes it to fall down, or to wither and die. 

In this condition, the “ flax-seed state,” as it is usually termed, the insect remains all 
winter. Regarding the structure and formation of this peculiar appearance there has been 
much controversy, into which we need not enter here. Suffice it to say, that some have held 
the opinion that the larva spins its cocoon which bears this form ; others, that it is the hard- 
ened outer integument of the worm, separated from the insect, which remains within ; others 
again, and notably, the late Mr. Walsh, that the pupal cocoon is exuded from the larva, 
Whatever may be the process, in this condition it remains till the warm days of spring arrive, 
whengthe insect eompletes its pupal state, and finally comes forth as a tiny two-winged fly. 
(Fig. 50.) 


58 


“The head, antennx, and thorax of this fly are black ; the hind 
body is tawny, more or less widely marked with black on each wing, and 
clothed with fine greyish hairs. The egg-tube of the female is rose- 
coloured ; the wings are blackish, except at the base, where they are 
tawny, and very narrow,—they are fringed with short hairs and are 
. rounded at the tip; the legs are pale red or brownish, and the feet are 
“ plack. The body measures about one-tenth of an inch in length, and 
the wings expand one-quarter of an inch or more. After death the 
hind body contracts and becomes almost entirely black.” (Harris, 
Injurious Insects, p. 570.) The antenne of the female are about half 
the length of the body; those of the male three-fourths. ‘The former 
are composed of sixteen oval joints twice as long as thick, and clothed 
with a number of hairs ; the latter have short, round joints, each with 
a chord of rather long hairs, 

After these flies come forth from the pupa state in the spring they speedily, set to work 
to lay their eggs on the leaves of the spring wheat, now appearing above the surface of the 
ground, as well as upon that sown the autumn before. From this batch of eggs another brood 
is soon hatched, the work of destruction goes on, and late in summer the second generation of 
flies comes forth. The larve of the summer brood are found almost always under the sheath 
of the leaf just above the first joint ; their suction of the juices at that point weakens the stalk 
so much that a high wind very soon bends it down, and even breaks it off when the straw 
approaches ripeness. Of course the size and value of the grain is also immensely lessened by 
the absorption of the sap, which ought to go to filling out the ear. The winter brood attack 
the young plant lower down, and injure it at the root, frequently killing it outright. 

Having now traced the life of the insect from the laying of the eggs in one autumn to the 
same point in the following year, we may turn our consideration to the remedies for the foe, 
which, as in the case of the wheat midge above, may be classified as natural and artificial. 


Natural Remedies.—Though we are, unhappily, so very deficient in natural checks to the 
spread of the wheat-midge on this side of the Atlantic, our case is very different as regards 
the Hessian fly. » It is preyed upon and devoured by a number of parasitic insects, whose 
combined attacks are computed to destroy nine-tenths of every generation of this pernicious 
foe. Mr. Say described one of the most useful of these parasites under the name of C'eraphron 
destructor. Itis a shining black four-winged fly, about one-tenth of an inch in length. “In 
the month of June, when the maggot of the Hessian fly has taken the form of a flax-seed, the 
Ceraphron pierces it through the sheath of the leaf, and lays an egg in the minute hole thus 
made. From this egg is hatched a little maggot, which devours the pupa of the Hessian fly, 
and then changes to a chrysalis within the shell of the latter, through which it finally eats its 
way, after being transformed to a fly. This last change takes place both in the autumn and 
in the following spring. Two more parasites, discovered by Mr. Herrick, also destroy the 
Hessian fly, while it is in the flax-seed or pupa state.” (Harris.) A fourth has been found 
by the same observer to attack the eggs of the enemy. ‘This egg parasite is a species of 
Platygaster. It is very abundant in the autumn, when it lays its own eggs, four or five to- 
gether in a single egg of the Hessian fly. This, it appears, does not prevent the latter from 
hatching, but the maggot of the Hessian fly is unable to go through its transformations and 
dies after taking the flaxseed form. Meanwhile‘its intestine foes are hatched, come to their 
growth, spin themselves little brownish cocoons within the skin of their victims, and in due 
time are changed to winged insects, and eat their way out.”—Harris, 

It is owing almost entirely to these minute allies that our crops have been preserved to 
so great an extent, of late years, from the ravages of the Hessian fly. For a time the pest 
inflicted great damage, but its enemies soon increased and gathered strength, and have suc- 
ceeded in keeping it within due bounds. Assuredly, we should feel deeply grateful to the 
merciful Creator, who has provided such effectual, though apparently insignificant, means to 
save the fruits of our fields from destruction. 


Artificial Remedics.—These are often attempted, but seldom with entirely satisfactory 
results. The best precaution to take—where the insect has shown itself in numbers and 
where the wheat-midge is not apprehended—is to sow the next crop of fall wheat as late as 
can be done with safety in the autumn—about the middle or towards the end of September. 


59 : 
a 
This course prevents the parent fly from obtaining any young wheat upon which to lay their 
eggs, and destroys the prospects of another generation. A fertile, thoroughly-cultivated, and, 
well drained soil is as effectual a means of eseaping loss from the attack of this insect as any, 
probably, that can be mentioned. Benefit may also be derived from the sowing only of an 


approved flinty-stemmed variety of wheat, which is thus more capable of resisting the fly’s 


attacks upon it. But after all the chief reliance for immunity is to be placed upon the 
labours of the parasitic insects mentioned above. 


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