J?
INSECT PEST SURVEY BULLETIN
Vol. 14
March 1T 1934
No. 1
Uil
United States
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
REPORTERS FOR THE INSECT PEST SURVEY, 1934
Tlie Entomologists of the Bureau of Entomology, U. S.
Department of Agriculture
Dr. J. M. Robinson, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn
Mr. C. D. Lebert, P.O. Eox 2006, Phoenix
Dr. W. J. Baerg, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mr. Dv;ight Isely, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Prof. E. 0. Sssig, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. 17. B. Herms, University of California, Berkeley
Mr. Stewart Lockwood, Bureau of Plant Quarantine and Control,
Department of Agriculture, Sacramento
Mr. H. S. Smith, Citrus Experiment Station, Riverside
Mr. Harold J. Ryan, County Agricultural Building, Los Angeles
Mr. D. B. Mackie, Department of Agriculture, Sacramento
Mr. M. L. Jones, Department of Agriculture, Sacramento
Mr. G. S. Hensill, University of California, Berkeley
Mr. A. E. Michel'cacher, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. A. W. Morrill, 915 Hill Street, Los Angeles
Mr. L. M. Smith, Deciduous Fruit Field Station, Route 1,
Eox 232, San Jose
Mr. F. H. Wymore, College of Agriculture, Davis
Dr. C. P. Gillette , State Agricultural College, Fort Collins
Dr. Geo. M. List, State Agricultural College, Fort Collins
Dr. W. E. Britton, Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven
Dr. E. P. Felt, Bartlett Research Laboratory, Stamford
Dr. L. A. Stearns, Agricultural Experiment Station, Newark
Dr. Wilmon Newell, Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville
Mr. J. R. Watson, Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville
Dr. E. Iff. Berger, State Plant Board, Gainesville
Dr. H. T. Fernald, 707 East Concord Avenue, Orlando
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OTATE PL*** f>r\A
&c.
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Georgia
Mr. M.
S. Yeoman s, State Board of Entomology, Atlanta
Mr. C.
H. Alden, State Board of Entomology, Cornelia
Mr. W.
H. Clarke, Peach. Experiment Station, Thomas ton
Mr. J.
B. Gill, Eox 572, Albany
Idaho
Prof.
Claude Wakeland, University of Idaho, Moscow
Mr. R.
W. Haegele, Entomological Field Station, Parma
Illinois
Mr. W.
P. Flint, State Natural History Survey, Urban a
Dr. T.
H. Prison, State Natural History Survey, Urbana
Indiana
Prof.
J. J. Davis, Purdue University, Lafayette
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryl and
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Dr. Carl J. Drake, Iowa State College, Ames
Mr. H. E. Jaques, Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant
Prof. Geo. A. Dean, Kansas State Agricultural Co liege, Manhattan
Dr. H. B. Hungerford, University of Kansas, Lawrence
Prof. H. R. Bryson, Kansas State Agricultural College, Manhattan
Prof. W. A. Price, University of Kentucky, Lexington
Dr. W. E. Hinds, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Dr. K. L. Dozler, 1519 N. White St., New Orleans
Dr. H. B. Peirson, State of Maine Forest Service, Augusta
Dr. E. IT. Cory, University of Maryland, College Park
Mr. A. I. Bourne, Agricultural Experiment Station, Amherst
Prof. R. H. Pettit, Michigan State College of Agriculture,
East Lansing
Mr. Ray Hutson, Michigan State College of Agriculture,
East Lansing
Prof. A. G. Ruggles, University of Minnesota, University
Farm, St. Paxil
Prof. A. A. Granovsky, University of Minnesota, University
Farm, St. Paul
Mr. Clay Lyle, State Plant Board, State College
Dr. L. Haseman, University of Missouri, Columbia
Dr. A. L. Strand, Montana State College, Bozeman
Prof. M. H. Swenk, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Mr. Don E. Whelan, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Mr. L. M. Gates, Department of Agriculture, Lincoln
Nevada
Mr. G. G. Schweis, P. 0. Eox 1027, Reno
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New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Mr. L. C. Glover, Agricultural Experiment Station, Durham
Dr. T. J. Headlee, University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
Mr. Harry 3. Weiss, Chief, Bureau of Statistics and In-
spection, Department of Agriculture, Trenton
Dr. J. R. Eyer, College of Agriculture, State College
Prof. C. R. Crosby, Cornell University, Ithaca
Mr. P. J. Parrott, Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva
Dr. R. D. Glasgow, New York State Museum, Albany
Mr. P. J. Chapman, Box 51, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
Prof. A. K. MacAndrews, Department of Forest Entomology,
New York State College, Syracuse
Mr. R. E. Horsey, Highland Park, Rochester
Dr. R. W. Leiby, Department of Agriculture, Raleigh
Dr. Z.P. Metcalf, North Carolira State College, State
College Station, Raleigh
Prof. J. A. Munro, North Dakota Agricultural College,
State College Station, Fargo
Prof. T. H. Parks, Ohio State University, Columbus
Mr. J. S. Houser, Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster
Dr. Herbert Osborn, Ohio State University, Columbus
Mr. S. ¥. Mendenhall, Ohio State Department of Agriculture,
97 Brighton Road, Columbus
Mr. J. N. Knull, Ohio State University, Columbus
Prof. C. E. Sanborn, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical
College, Stillwater
Mr. C. E. Stiles, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical
College, Stillwater
Dr. Don C. Mote, Oregon State Agricultural College, Corvallis
Dr. T. L. Guyton, Bureau of plant Industry, Harrisburg
Prof. H. E. Hodgkiss, Pennsylvania State College,
State College
Mr. A. B. Champlain, Bureau of Plant Industry, Harrisburg
Mr. H. B. Kirk, Bureau of Plant Industry, Harrisburg
Mr. J. R. Stear, c/o Koppers Experiment Earm, Ligonier
Mr. C. A. Thomas, Pennsylvania State College, Kennett Square
Mr. H. N. Worthley, Pennsylvania State College, State College
Dr. A. E. Stene, State Department of Agriculture, Kingston
Prof. Franklin Sherman, Clemson College
Prof. H. C. Severin, South Dakota State College of Agri-
culture and Mechanic Arts, Brookings
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Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
V7i sconsin
Wyoming
Puerto Rico
Hawaii
Mexico
Costa Rica
Brazil
Egypt
Prof. G. M. Bentley, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. P. L. Thomas, Agricultural Experiment Station,
College Station
Prof. G. F. Enowlton, Agricultural Experiment Station, Logan
Prof. C J. Sorenson, Agricultural Experiment Station, Logan
Mr. H. L. Bailey, State Department of Agriculture, Hontpelier
Dr. W. J. Schoone, Virginia Agri cultural Experiment Station,
Blacksburg
Dr. H. G. Walker, Virginia Truck Experiment Station, Norfolk
Mr. C. R. Willey, Division of Plant Industry, 1112 State
Office Building, Richmond
Mr. M. H. Hatch, University of Washingtor, Seattle
Prof. R. L. Webster, State College of Washington, Pullman
Dr. L. M. Peairs, West Virginia University, Morgantown
Prof. W. E. Rumsey, Agricultural Experiment Station,
Morgantown
Mr. E. L. Chambers, State Department of Agriculture, Madison
Dr. C. L. Pluke, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Mr. C. L. Corkins, Office of State Entomologist, Powell
Mr. G. N. Wolcott, Insular Experiment Station, Rio Piedras
Mr. 0. H. Swezey, Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association,
Honolulu
Dr. Alfonso Darcpf, Avenida Insurgentes 171, San Jacinto,
Mexico, D. E.
Dr. C. H. Ballou, Apartado 1368, San Jose
Mr. E. J. Hambleton, Escola Superior de Agricultura
Veterinaris , Estado de Minas Gerais, Vicosa
Mr. A. K. Rosenfeld, Botanical and Plant Breeding Section,
Ministry of Agriculture, El Giza
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THE MORE IMPORTANT RECORDS TOR JANUARY A1TD FEBRUARY, 1934
The month of February was marked 'oy unprecedentedly cold weather in
the East Central, New England, Middle Atlantic, and South Atlantic States,
with abnormally warm weather in the West and Northwest.
Cutworm activity started during the: latter half of February in the
South Atlantic States. Eggs were observed in the Norfolk trucking section of
Virginia, January 15. In Montana the army cutworm has been found actively
feeding in winter wheat.
Reports from Nebraska indicate that the Hessian fly is quite generally
infesting the wheat, infestations varying from less than 1 to over 4 puparia
per stem.
The chinch bug situation has not materially changed since last fall.
Infestations are generally heavy in the East Central and West Central States.
The green bug appeared during the third week of February in Oklahoma.
Winter survival of the sugarcane borer is reported high in Louisiana.
In the East Central and Western States winter mortality of the codling
moth has been very low; in the Pacific Northwest it is reported as negligible.
On the other hand, New York State reports very high mortality from winter
killing.
The San Jose scale is reported as more prevalent in Illinois, Georgia,
Idaho, and Mississippi, as compared with last year.
The mealy plum aphid is reported as more abundant in the prune orchards
of the San Joaquin Valley of California than at any time during the past four
years.
Dry weather during the early part of the winter is said to account for
an unusually heavy infestation of the citrus rust mite in Florida.
The seed corn maggot is quite generally troublesome in Mississippi and
parts of Texas.
The tomato pin worm has been found in a greenhouse near new Castle, in
Lawrence County, Pa., in the extreme western part of the State.
The percentage of survival of the Mexican bean beetle is reported to
have dropped materially in Ohio.
A heavy outbreak of the green peach aphid on spinach and cruciferous
crops is reported from the Norfolk trucking section of Virginia.
■The brown-tail moth has suffered rather high winter mortality in the
northern part of New England.
A serious infestation of the southern pine beetle in Virginia has been
materially reduced by very high mortality this winter.
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GENERAL. FEEDERS
GRASSHOPPERS (Acrididae)
Michigan. R. Hutson (February 20): Egg survival is great in regions
affected last year. .
Montana. A. L. Strand (February 19): Owing to the very mild winter over a
large part of Montana, grasshoppers of the Hippisci group are especially
active and large numbers of them are being sent in for identification.
In spite of the relatively warm weather during the last two months, none
of our economic species have hatched.
Arizona. C. D. Lebert (February 19): After one of the worst infestations
ever known in this State (1933) one would expect to find egg masses with
ease this spring. However, the reverse is true in the Salt River Valley.
To date, very few eggs have been found. The eggs of Melano-plus
• differentialis Thos. are more prevalent. Those of M. mexicanus Sauss. are
very scarce. Indications are that the poison campaign was very successful,
• or that there was a late second generation which did not oviposit, or
that a general migration occurred. (i believe that a supplementary second
• generation occurred, and therefore few eggs were deposited.)
CUTWORMS (Noctuidae)
Virginia. H. G. Walker (February 26): An egg mass of about 450 cutworm eggs
was found on a spinach leaf in the field at Norfolk on January 15.
Montana. A. L. Strand. (February 19): The army cutworm, Chorizagrotis
auxiliaris Grote, has been received during the past month from several
localities where it is active mostly in fields of winter wheat.
Utah. G. F. Knowlton (February 19): Cutworms are moderately abundant in
northern Utah.
Arizona. C. D. Lebert (February 19): Several species of cutworms are
moderately abundant in the Salt River Valley.
California. M. L. Jones (December 1935): Cutworms and other noctuids are
reported as generally distributed in small numbers on celery.
MONARCH BUTTERFLY ( Danaus menippe Fab.)
Florida. H. T. Fernald (February 14): I have seen faded specimens of the
monarch butterfly at intervals durin ; this entire winter; quite a differ-
ence from the winter of 1952-33, when I saw none.
WHITE GRUBS (Phyllopha.^a spp.)
Iowa. C. J. Drake (February 19): White grubs are extremely abundant;
thousands of acres of grass and other croos were destroyed in 1933.
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Missouri. L. Haseman (February 20): Recent letters report serious damage to
sod during the fall but local diggings at Columbia do not show many worms.
In north-central Missouri we may have trouble.
Arizona. C. E>. Lebert (February 19): White grubs are very numerous in soil
of farming areas.
CEREAL AND FORAGE-CROP INSECTS
WHEAT
HESSIAN FLY (Phytopha^a destructor Say)
Missouri. L. Haseman (February 20): The results of scouting for the Hessian
fly last fall indicate that we will probably not have any serious trouble
this year.
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (Januarv 1 to February 15): The new wheat crop shows
a varying infestation, judging from samples sent in by correspondents
during the period here covered, the variation running from 42 percent to
100 percent of the stems infested and the infestation varying from 0.6
puparium per stem in a Hall County field to 4 puparia per stem in a
Nuckolls County field.
CHINCH BUG (Elissus leucopterus Say)
Illinois. W. P. Flint (February 19): "weather conditions have been ideal for
chinch bug hibernation, with a very high, survival in the central part of
the State. No extensive counts have been made as yet.
Iowa. C. J. Drake (February 19): The chinch bug is very common throughout
the State.
Iowa. H. E. Jaques (February 24): Southeastern Iowa is thickly sprinkled with
chinch bugs. They are more abundant than they have been for many years,
and our very open winter has made it easy for them.
Missouri. L. Haseman (February 20): Much winter burning has been done, but
the mild winter has favored the pest. Unless there is heavy spring and
summer rainfall, the chinch bug situation will be serious. Clump-grass
was burned February 17, with slow back fire; ore clump examined February
20, showed 54 live bugs and 4 dead remains; within 25 feet of the burned
clump an unburned one of like size showed 244 live and 19 dead. In addi-
tion to an apparently large kill by burring, these figures indicate
approximately & percent winter mortality. If the difference in count of
the two clumps is duo to burning, it indicates a greater percent of kill
by burning than we usually estimate.
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): Among the cereal pests,
the chinch bug was the subject of the most frequent inquiries. Daring
the second week in February a considerable amount of winter burning was
resorted to in southeastern Nebra.ska, where the insect is very abundant.
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GREET BUG (Toxoptera -raminvm Rond.)
Oklahoma. C. P. Stiles (February 24): Green bugs have made their appear-
ance in Kingfisher and Alfalfa Counties. Parasites have increased
rapidly in the infested fields, and unless weather conditions are un-
favorable for the development of parasites wo do not expect severe
damage .
CORN
LESSER CORN STALK EORER (Elasmopalvus lipnosellus Zoll.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 2l): Larvae of the lesser corn stalk
borer were moderately abundant in cornstalks at Hartford, January 8.
SOUTHERN CORN STALK 20RER (Diatraea crambidoides Grote)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 31): Larvae were moderately abundant in
cornstalks at Hartford, January 8.
.ALFALFA
ALFALFA WEEVIL (Hypera postica Gyll . )
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): The alfalfa weevil is scarce to
moderately abundant in infested counties.
California. A. S. Michelbacher (February 19): Owing to the mild weather
this insect has remained more or less active during the entire winter.
In the Tracy area, by the 8th of December, both the larvae and adults
were hard to collect. On the 12th of February the highest weevil popu-
lation encountered was in a field near Vernalis, where an average of 8
larvae and 7 adults were collected per 100 sweeps. In all the other
fields examined the count per 100 sweeps never exceeded one or two
individuals, and in some none were collected. Weevils were, however,
foiind from one end of the district to tl e other.
In the region about Pleasant on the larvae could be collected
throughout the entire winter in fields where there was a slight growth
of alfalfa. They were never taken in large numbers, and the counts were
usually less than 3 to 100 sweeps. The highest number taken per 100
sweeps on February 12 was 12 larvae and 5 adults.
In the most heavily infested fields in the Niles territory the
weevil could be collected with ease at any time during the winter, 10 to
15 larvae usually being taken to 100 sweeps. As early as the first of
the year one count was made where 50 larvae were collected to 100 sweeps.
By the middle of January it was not uncommon to collect 25 larvae to 100
sweeps, and during the early part of February counts of over 100 were
made. In one field, on the 9th of February, an avera.ge of 247 larvae and
18 adults were found to 100 sweeps. The count in this field is the
highest that has come to our attention, and a survey of the district at
that time showed the counts in most fields to be less than 50 larvae to
100 sweeps.
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Observations of the weevil activity in field cages at Pleasanton
and Niles showed that the weevil ovipcsited rather freely in alfalfa
stems during the entire winter at Niles, and to a lesser extent at
Pleasanton. As things look now it is expected that the alfalfa weevil
will do little or no damage to the alfalfa crop this season.
ALFALFA CATERPILLAR (Eurymus eury theme Bdv.)
Arizona. C. D. Lebert (February 19): An adult was noticed February 16.
California. A. E. Michelbacher (February 19): During the past month a few
larvae of the alfalfa butterfly were collected.
PEA APHID (Illinoia pi si Kalt.)
Oregon. D. C. Mote (February 23): The pea aphid was found on peas near
Barlow, February 13.
L. P. Rockwood (March l): This aphid had attained a considerable
population in some early fall seeded vetch and pea fields by early
February. Meteorological conditions o^ the fall and winter of 1933-34
parallel rather closely those of 1917-18 which preceded the worst out-
break in the Pacific Northwest within recent years. It is feared that
there may be fewer predators than usual as field crop aphid s were un-
usually scarce in the season of 1933. We know that there arc fewer
coccinellid beetles than usual in their winter cache on Bald Peak in
the Chehalem Mountains. The only natural enemies observed as yet in the
fields are spiders and the fungous disease Emeu 3 a aphidi s Hoffman.
California. A. E. Michelbacher (February 19): The nea aphid was collected
in the alfalfa fields during the past month; it is becoming quite
abundant in some fields at the present time.
G-RASS
CHANS FLIES (Ti?ula spp.)
Kentucky. W. A. Price (February 23): Crane fly larvae appeared in masses
in an orchard that was heavily mulched, at Farmers.
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): Crane flies (undetermined) have been
moderately abundant for the past few weeks at Baton Rouge.
SUGARCANE
SUGARCANE BORER (Diatraea sac char alls Fab . )
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): In the examinations made in the
vicinity of Baton Rouge, the survival of the sugarcane borer is high.
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SUGARCANE R00TST0CK WEEVIL (Anacentrinus subnudus Buchanan)
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): All stages except the egg have been
found all winter at Eaton Rouge and Plaquemine. Eggs may have been
present but were never found.
FRUIT INSECTS
APPLE
CODLING MOTH (Carpocapsa pomonella L.)
Hew York. P. J. Parrot t (February 23) : In some sections of western New York
large numbers of hibernating larvae have been killed by low temperatures.
Illinois. W. P. Flint (February 19): Over the southern half of Illinois
winter weather has been unseasonably mild to date, and codling moth
larvae have suffered very little winter injury. Larvae kept alive out-
doors at Urbana show a higher percentage alive at this time than for
several years.
Missouri. L. Haseman (February 20): Recent checks at Columbia show only
7.6 percent mortality of larvae in our breeding cages.
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): The codling moth is very abundant, and
winter mortality is very low.
Idaho. R. W. Haegele (February 21): Winter mortality is negligible in
southwestern Idaho. There is an enonous carry-over of worms from 1933
and a heavy infestation is expected for this year.
C. Wakeland (February 20): We have had no winter to date, consequently
a high survival is expected. Temperature has not reached zero in most
parts of Idaho. Perennials have blossomed all winter. Mortality of
the codling moth should be the lowest in the last 12 years.
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): The codling moth was reported as
causing slight damage locally on pears in Yolo County during December
1933.
FRUIT TREE LEAF ROLLER (Cacoecia nrgyrocpila Walk.)
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): Fruit tree leaf rollers are scarce.
Utah. 3. F. Knowlton (February 19): Eggs are abundant in Utah County and
moderately abundant in northern Utah.
APHIDS (Aphiidae)
New Jersey. R. C. Burdette, B. F. Driggers, and 0.0. Hamilton (February 26):
Eggs of green aphids (Aphis pomi DeG.) and rosy aphids (Anuraphis
roseus Baker) are moderately abundant.
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Kentucky. W. A. Price (February 23): Aphid eggs are very abundant in
orchards generally over the State.
Idaho. C. Wakeland (February 20): Orchard aphids are reported by fruit
growers as being already hatched.
Utah. G-. F. Kr.owlton (February 19): Fruit aphid eggs are moderately
abundant in northern Utah.
SAN JOSE SCALE (Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst.)
Georgia. 0. I. Snapp (February 2l): The San Jose scale is now very much
more abundant on peach trees than usual at Fort Valley. The percentage
of live scales at the present time is a little lower than usual, which
no doubt is due to low temperatures. A minimum of 14.4° F. was recorded
on January 30. There have been three cold spells during the winter. Of
4,100 scales examined on February 1? and 19, 3,301 were found to be alive,
C. H. Alden (February 2l): Some crawlers have been observed this winter
at Cornelia. There are none at this date, probably on account of the
cold spell.
Kentucky. W. A. Price (February 23): There has been a marked decrease in
the numbers of the San Jose scale over last year.
Michigan. R. Hut son (February 23): The San Jose scale is moderately abun-
dant; reported from as far north as Shelby and Hart.
Wisconsin. E. L. Chambers (February 19): The small percentage of the San
Jose scale that survived the winter of 1932-33 developed rapidly during
the summer and, aided by a long growing season, established quite
severe infestations on many trees and shrubs in the several counties in
Wisconsin where this pest now exists.
Mississippi. C. Lyle and assistants (February): The San J§se scale is very
abundant in Lee, Finds, Bolivar, and Washington Counties. Some trees
have been killed. Crawlers were noticed until the cold wave of the
week of December 25.
Idaho. R. W. Haegele (February 2l): Winter mortality is negligible in
southwestern Idaho. The scale showed increase during 1933.
APPLE MAGGOT (Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (February 15): During the last week in January we
received from Burt County several specimens of apples showing heavy
injury by the apple maggot.
PEACH
LESSER PEACH BORER (Aegeria pictioes G. & R.)
Mississippi. J. Milton (February 19): The lesser peach tree borer was in-
juring trees rather badly in a small home orchard near Florence, Rankin
County, in December.
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PLUM CURCULIO (Conotrachelus nenuphar Ebst.)
Georgia. C. H. Aider. (February 21): The plum curculio is still in hiberna-
tion at Cornelia.
PLUM
MEALY PLUM APHID (Eyalopterv.s arundinis Fab.)
California. L. M. Smith (February 23): The mealy plum aphid, H. pruni
(Geoff roy) , is unusually abundant in prune orchards in San Joaquin County.
There are more eggs present on the trees than there have been in the
past 4 years.
RASPBERRY
ROSE SCALE (Aulacasm s rosae Bouche)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (February 15): During the second week in February
a Richardson County correspondent sent in some raspberry canes heavily
infested with the rose scale.
GRAPE
APPLE TWIG BORER (Amphicerus bicaudatus 'Say)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): Complaints of injury to grape and
Scuppernong vines, which was evidently caused by the grape cane borer,
were received from Waynesboro, Wayne County, and Philadelphia, Neshoba
County, a few weeks ago.
CITRUS
FLORIDA RED SCALE ( Chr^acniplialuS <-.onidum L.)
f Florida. J. R. Watson (February 25): The Florida red scale is moderately
abundant.
CALIFORNIA RED SCALE (Chrysoirohrl ar> aurantii Mask.)
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): The red scale was causing medium
damage generally in citrus throughout Orange County during November
and December 1933. Infestation by the red scale is reported as slight
on 16 acres of citrus locally and as medium locally on citrus through-
out Santa Barbara County. It is reported as medium generally on citrus
in San Diego County.
BLACK SCALE (Saissetia oleae Bern.)
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): The Commissioner reports the black
scale as causing medium dama rally in citrus throughout Ora'
County during November and December 1933. He notes that parasitism
continues with much bette^ results than was expected during the early
rt of the season. In San Diego County the damage by the black scale
ht generally on lemons during December 1933.
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PURPLE SCALE (Le-d do sashes becki.i Newm.)
California. M. L. Jones (February ?): Reported as causing medium damage in
citrus throughout Orange County and severe damage locally on citrus
throughout Santa Barbara County during November and December 1933.
CI Till COLA SCALE (Coccus p seudomagno 1 i arum Kuw.)
California. M. L. Jones (January 17): The citricola scale was reported as
causing medium damage to 39,000 acres of citrus generally in Tulare County
during December 1933.
ITALIAN PEAR SCALE (Diaspis pyricola Del G.)
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): In Sonoma County the Italian pear
scale was causing severe damage to 3,000 acres of prune, apple, and pear
trees locally during December 1933. Trie Napa County correspondent reports
the bro^n apricot scale, Lecanlum corni Louche, and the Italian 'pear scale
as causing medium damage to 15,000 acres of prunes generally during
December. He notes that there has been a decided increase in the amount
of spray material used throughout the county on these two pests, owing
to a good price for the crop for the past year. He estimates that approx-
imately 25 percent of the orchards in the county will be sprayed in 1934.
CITRUS WHITEFLY , ( Pi al euro de s citri Riley & How.)
Florida. J. R. Watson (February 26): The citrus whitefly is moderately
abundant.
Mississippi. G. I. Worthington (February 18): Slight infestation by the
whitefly was noticed on gardenia at Cleveland in January.
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21 ) : The whitefly is moderately abundant
at Audalusia on gardenia.
SLACK CITRUS APHID (Toxoptera aurantiae Boyer)
California. M.'L. Jones (February 7): The black citrus aphid was common
on citrus in Orange County in November and caused slight damage generally
to citrus in December 1933.
CITRUS RUST MITI (Phyllocoptes oleivorus Ashm.) -****
Florida. J. R. Watson (February 26): The dry weather of the first part of
the winter was responsible for an unusually heavy infestation of rust
mites; at the same time it checked nearly all growth on young trees in
the central part of the State, with the result that the green citrus
aphid (Aohis soiraecola Patch) is rather scarce at the present time.
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CITRUS RED SPIDER (Paratetranychus citri McG.)
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): Damage oy the citras red spider was
general on citrus in November and medium locally on citras in December
1933 in Orange County. Reported as severe on 39 acres of citrus locally
in Santa Barbara County. The red spider, with the red scale ( Chrysorrrphalus
aurantii). was scarce on 15 acres of citrus locally during December in
Santa Barbara County. In San Diego County the citrus red spider was
scarce generally on lemons during December.
COMMON" RED SPIDER (Tetranychus telarius L.)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 24): J. P. Kislanho reported that he had
observed heavy red spider infestation on Satsuma trees.
AVOCADO
A TORTFJCID (Amorbia essigana Busck)
California. M. L. Jones (January 17): The avocado tortrix is reported as
causing damage generally on avocados in San Diego County.
PULLER'S ROSE BEETLE (Asynonychus gortmanl Crotch)
California. M. L. Jones (Pebruary 7): Puller's rose weevil (Pantomorus
godmani) was reported as causing severe damage generally on citrus,
avocados, and ornamentals in Santa Barbara County during December; also
reported as doing slight damage locally on citrus and ornamentals in
San Diego County.
LATANIA SCALE (Aspidiotus latanlae Sign.)
California, M. L. Jones (Pebruary 7): The latania scale was reported as
causing slight damage locally on avocados in San Diego County during
December 1933.
PAPAYA
PAPAYA FRUIT PLY (Toxotrypana curvicauda Oerst.)
Florida. H. T. Pernald (February 14): The papaya fruit fly is doing con-
siderable damage at Orlando to the fruit of the papaya. I have seen it
reported from near Miami.
A SPHIITSID (Erinnyis alo-oe Drury)
Florida. J. R. Watson (December 9, 1933): This sphynx is very abundant on
a plantation of papayas at Lake Alfred.
-15-
TRUCK-CROP INSECTS
VEGETABLE WEEVIL (Listroderes obliquus Gyll.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): The vegetable weevil was moderately
abundant on turnip tops at Auburn in December 1933; at Flamton, January
23; at Vinegar Bend, January 15; and on turnip tops and bulbs at McKenzie,
February 17.
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): Thus far the vegetable weevil has
attracted less attention than during the past three or four years.
Specimens of the larvae or complaints of their injury have been received
from Florence in Rankin County, Lauderdale in Lauderdale County, Tyler-
town in Walthall County, and Bude in Franklin County. The first speci-
mens to be received at this office during the present season were
collected on January 25 at Lauderdale. (February 24): J. P. Kislanko
indicated that the weevil had caused severe damage to turnips in Jones
and Stone Counties and some injury in Forrest County.
California. M. L. Jones (December 1933): The Humboldt County Commissioner
reports the vegetable weevil as causing slight damage on vegetables in
a field of approximately one half acre. The insect is established in
this county in a very limited area. The known infestation is within an
area of two or three acres. Inasmuch as the infestation is confined to
this small area, an eradication program is being attempted.
SPOTTED CUCUMBER BEETLE (Diabrotica duodecimpunctata Fab.)
Virginia. H. G. Walker (February 26): The 12-spotted cucumber beetles were
active in fields of kale and spinach in the Norfolk area on January 25.
Florida. J. R. Watson (February 26): The spotted cucumber beetle is
moderately abundant.
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (January 29): The spotted cucumber beetle is
moderately abundant on beans at Irvington and Auburn.
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): A few spotted cucumber beetles are out
at Baton Rouge.
Texas. F. ■%, Thomas (February 21): The spotted cucumber beetle is present in
a half acre of English peas at Sugarland, but it is not as abundant as
D. balteata Lee.
STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE (Diabrotica vittata Fab.)
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): The striped cucumber beetle is very
abundant on late English peas at Baton Rouge.
Alabama. J. Jj. Robinson (February 21): The striped cucumber beetle is scarce
at Auburn.
WESTERN SPOTTED CUCUMBER BEETLE (Diabrotica soror Lee.)
Oregon. D. C. Mote (February 23): Adults have showed up in clover fields
near Corvallis.
-16-
California. A. E. .Michelbacher (February 19): This beetle has been present
in fair numbers all winter.
SEED CORN MAGGOT (Hylemyia cilicrura Rond.)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): The seed corn maggot has attracted the
attention of early gardeners at various places. Injury to seeds and
young plants in gardens was reported from Bogue Cliitto in Lincoln
County on January 9, injury to cabbage at Star in Rankin County and
Edwards in Hinds County was reported on January 25, and a grower at
Pascagoula in Jackson County reported severe injury to young English
pea plants on February 3.
Texas. F. L. Thomas (February 21): The seed corn maggot is at present
causing slight injury to spinach at Dickinson, Galveston County, and
Winterhaven, Dimmit County.
SAY'S STIFK BUG (Chlorochroa sayi Stal)
California. A. E. Michelbacher (February 19): Say's plant bug has been
present in fair numbers all winter.
SOUTHERN GREEN STIFK BUG (Nezara viridula L.)
Louisiana. W. S. Hinds (February 21): A pair was observed mating at Baton
Rouge .
FLOWER THRIPS (Frankliniella tritici Fitch),
Mississippi. M. M. High (January 2): The wheat or grass thrips was found
very abundant attacking cucumber and beans, and less numerous on tomato
in Gulf port greenhouses. The writer has never before found this thrips
so abundant on cucumber. The injury was severe only in one house where
adults and larvae were numerous.
A MOLE CRICKET (Gryllotalpa sp.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 16): Mole crickets are moderately abundant
in vegetable gardens at Brundidge .
' TOMATO
TOMATO PIN WORM (Gnor imp schema lycopersicella Busck)
Pennsylvania. C. A. Thomas (February 21): Dr. Guyton's inspectors found the
tomato pin worm near New- Castle , Lawrence County, which is not far from
the Ohio border.
Correction: The note on G_. lycopersicella Busck, in the Summary for 1933,
p. 335, Insect Pest Survey Bulletin, should be "southeastern Pennsylvania"
instead of "northeastern" in the second line.
-17-
BEAN
MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE (Epilachna corrupta Muls.)
Ohio. N. F. Howard (February 16): The percentage of survival of overwintering
Mexican bean beetles dropped considerably between January 16 and January
31. The intervening cold wave, when ternperatures fell below zero, was
at least partly responsible for this increase in mortality.
PEAS
BANDED CUCUMBER BEETLES (Diabrotica balteata Lee . )
Texas. E. L. Thomas (February 17): This beetle is moderately abundant in a
half acre of English peas at Sugarland.
CAB3AGE
CABBAGE APHID (Brevjcoryne brassicae L.)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (January l): Cabbage and turnips at Bude, Franklin
County, were reported as moderately infested with plant lice.
G. I. Worthington (February 18): The cabbage aphid has been general
throughout the winter on turnips, collards, and cabbage in Sunflower,
Bolivar, Washington, and Coahoma Counties.
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 20): The cabbage aphids are fairly
abundant on the older cabbage.
CABBAGE WE3WCRM (Hellula undalis Fab.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 2l): On October 2, 1933, the turnip webworm
was reported moderately abundant on turnips at Gadsden and .Auburn. On
turnips and collards at Dadeville.
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 2l): Rape was rather heavily infested at
Sessums, Oktibbeha County, in November 1933.
CUCUMBERS
MELON APHID (Aphis gossypii Glov.)
Mississippi. M. M. High (January 2): The melon aphid was found fairly
abundant on cucumbers, from about mature plantings to plants only a
few inches high. In places, both old and young cucumbers were seriously
injured.
ONIONS
ONION THRIPS (Thrips t abaci Lind.)
Louisiana. W. E. Hinds (February 22): Onion thrips were observed killing
onion seedlings in large spots in seed beds at Angola in January and at
Opelousas on February 22.
«_ LIBRARY
3TATE PtANT SOAHt)
-18-
SPINACH
GREEN PEACK APHID (Myzus persicae Sulz.)
Virginia. H. G. Walker (February 26): A very heavy outbreak of the spinach
aphid occurred on spinach, kale, and collards at ilorfolk, beginning about
December 15, 1333, causing serious injury until about the 10th to the
15th of January 1934. Diseased and dead a~,hids were present in the
field almost from the beginning of the outbreak, but the fungous disease
did not begin to be effective until about January 9, and then, in a
period of 5 or 6 days, it killed at least 95 percent of the aphids in
the Norfolk trucking area.
PEPPER
A WEEVIL (Euxenodes so.)
Florida. J. R. Watson (November 24, 1933): Weevils were heavily infesting
• .- . peppers in Dade County at Miami. (Determined by L. L. Buchanan, who says:
"This tropical or subtropical genus has not been reported from. the
United States heretofore. The Florida specimens are very close to and
probably identical with an unidentified Cuban species in the National
Museum collection. A related species from Central America is labeled
as having been in stem of pepper plant, and also 'from eggplant'.")
Florida. F. S. Chamberlin (January 31): This weevil, reported as causing
injury to peppers in Dade County the past season, could be' found in
only one small pepper patch this month.
STR4WB"^RRY
STRAWBERRY LUTE (Tarsonemus fragariae Zimm.)
California. L. 1.1. Smith (February 23): The strawberry mite has been unusuall;
abundant in the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and San Jose districts of
California. The winter has been abnormally warm and the mite did not
go into hibernation, but c~.r.tinujd to breed and lay eggs throughout the
winter.
BggTS
BEET LSAFHOPPBS (Eutcttix te-vlluB Bak.)
Idaho. E. W. Haegele (February 21): The beet leafhopper is scarce in
southwestern Idaho. Mild winter and good hibernating conditions
resulted in early spring populations abut the same as last fall. The
populations, however, are very small.
Utah. G. F. Knowlton (February 19): Beet leafhoppers are scarce to moderate-
ly abundant in northern Utah.
-19-
FOREST AND SHADE-TREE INSECTS
GYPSY MOTH (Porthotria dispar L.)
Massachusetts. Monthly Letter Bur. Ent., No. 235 (January): C. W. Collins,
of the Melrose Highlands field laboratory, reports that the unusually
cold weather that prevailed in New England from December 28 to December
30, inclusive, was undoubtedly fatal to eges of the gipsy moth in
sections of the infested territory where they were in exposed situations,
unprotected by snow, ice, or other material.
J. N. Summers has staged that an exposure of between -20° and -25 F. is
necessary to kill entire egg clusters of the gipsy moth, although some
eggs in each cluster may be killed by an exposure to -15°.
BROWN-TAIL MOTH (Nygmia phaeorrhoea Don.)
Vermont. Div. of Forest Insects, Bur. Ent. (February 23): An examination of
40 hibernating webs of the brown-tail moth collected in four separate
localities in Vermont in early February showed a total mortality of
the hibernating larvae in all but one web taken at Ryegate. It is
believed that this single web, which contained 230 living and 9 dead
larvae, was protected by snow or otherwise during the cold weather.
Massachusetts. Monthly Letter Bur. Ent., No. 236 (January): There probably
was some mortality of the small brown-tail moth caterpillars in their
winter webs. Records of experiments and observations indicate that
the caterpillars of the brown-tail moth in their winter nests can with-
stand slightly lower temperatures than can gypsy moth eggs. Records
furnished by the Boston office of the Weather Bureau show that
temperatures of -20° F. and below occurred in December at certain points
throughout the territory generally infested.
Virginia. K. G. Walker (February 25): Winter webs were more plentiful in
the State than at any time since 1915. Nests were found in all towns
bordering the Connecticut River from Earnet south to Massachusetts and
in two adjoining towns to the west. Approximately 1,100 nests were
taken in a control project covering these towns. Indications point to
a high percentage of mortality among the hibernating larvae.
EUROPEAN PINE SHOOT MOTH (Rhyacionia buo liana Schiff.)
Massachusetts. Div. of Forest Insects, Bur. Ent. (February 23): In the
Boston infestation of the European pine shoot moth two lets of 100
infested pine shoots each, collected in two different localities,
showed a survival of only 1 percent.
SPRING CANKER WORM (Paleacrita vernata Peck)
Missouri. A. F. Satterthwait (Fobmary 12): Male moths are unusually notice-
able the last week of January and the first week of February. Thus far
this year none have been observed or reported.
L. Haseman (February 20): Male moths were on the wing in great numbers
during the night of February 16 at Columbia, but two days later a light
blizzard struck which has not been so cood for them.
-20-
FALL CANKER WORM (Alsophila pone tar ia Harr.)
Connecticut and New York.. E. P. Pelt (March l): Eggs were deposited in
extraordinarily large numbers1' last fall in southwestern Connecticut,
southeastern New York and western Long Island in particular, and the
probabilities are that the outbreak may approach in magnitude the almost
unprecedented one of last year.
SOUTHERN FUSE BEEIELE (Sendrcc tonus frontalis Zimra.)
Virginia and Pennsylvania. Div. of Forest Insects, 5ur. Ent. (February 16):
Four days of unusually cold weather in the last week in December resulted
in a mortality of from 70 to 90 percent of the brood of the southern
pine beetle in a concentrated infestation near Fairfax, Va. The brood
in all of the trees was killed, except in the thicker barked portions of'
the larger trees. It is very likely that the later cold period of the
last two weeks has resulted in added mortality. As the eggs are consider-
ably more resistant to cold than any other stage, it is feared that a
safe mortality has nut yet occurred. The infestation, which during the
recent mild seasons has extended up through Virginia well into Pennsylvania
has received a very decided setback by lev/ temperatures, as a very large
percentage of the overwintering forms have been killed by the cold in
northern Virginia.
ASH
CARPENTER WORM (prionoxystus robiniae Peck)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (February 15): A report of a considerable infestation
of ash trees in Nuckolls County was received early in January.
el::
EUROPEAN ELI.: SCALE (Go say"1 aria spuria Mod.)
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): The European elm scale has increased
during the last year or two, end the open winter has not caused a very
high mortality; so we expect it to be more injurious than usual.
LCC'TGT
A N0T0D0NTID (Dasylophia anguina A. & S.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): E. anguir.a reported moderately abundant
at Oak Hill on October 14, 1933. (A notodontid moth known to feed on
locust and other legumes. J. A. H.)
MAPLE
GLOOMY SCALE ( Chry somphalus tenebricosus Comst.)
North Carolina. Z. P. Metcalf (February 19) : The gloomy scale on maples is
more abundant than for th*. cast few years. A few specimens are parasitized.
-21-
OAK
CALIFORNIA OAK WORM (Phryganidia californica Pack.)
California. M. L. Jones (February 7): :The California oak moth is reported
as scarce on oaks locally in San Diego County.
PUIS
PINE NEEDLE SCALE (Chionaspis pinifoliae Pitch)
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): Many more reports than usual of the pine
leaf scale are "being received. These come from practically all sections
of the State. There has been a very marked increase of this insect the
last two seasons.
A PINE SAWYER (MonochamKte- spp.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (January 5): Pine sawyers are very abundant at Blount
Springs.
WILLOW
SCALE INSECTS (Chionaspis spp.)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (February 15): Reports were received from Garden
County late in January that the black willows in that region were
severely infested with a scale insect; from the description it was
evidently either Chionaspis ortholobis Comst. or C. salicis-nigrae Walsh.
INSECTS AFFECTING GREENHOUSE
AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS-
BEET AK.IYW0RM (Lap hyp-ma exigua Hbn.)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 24): On February 21 J. P. Kislanko collected
some larvae from fuchsias at Hattiesburg; they have been identified as
L. exigua.
A TORTRICID LEAF-TIER (Platynota stultana Wlsm.)
California. H. J. Ryan (January 22): Collected on cyclamen in two nurseries
in Los Angeles County and reported doing considerable damage by mining
and tying the leaves together. The larvae were quite abundant on some
of the plants.
A NITIDULID (Conotelus ob scurus Srichson)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21); Small beetles identified by J. M. Langston
as C. ob scurus were reported as extremely abundant in the blossoms of
dahlias, asters, and chrysanthemums in a garden at Meridian, Lauderdale
County, on November 4. The species was also very abundant in dahlia
blossoms at State College during the fall.
COTTONY-CUSHION SCALE (Icerya purchasi Mask.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): The cottony-cushion scale was moderately
abundant on mimosa at Dothan on November 6, 1933.
Arizona. C. D. Lebert (February 19): A few cottony-cushion scales have "been
found on citrus and ornamentals in the vicinity of Phoenix. Infestations
seem much lighter than in previous years.
DESTHUCTOH SCALE (Aspidiotus destructor Sign.)
Florida. E. W. Berger and J. C. Goodwin (February 22): The destructor scale
is moderately abundant alon;r the lower eastern coast.
MEALYBUGS (Pseudococcus spp.)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): Complaints of infestations
of house plants "by P. citri Eisso were received during the period here
covered.
California. F. 0. Essig (February 27): Mealybugs ere abundant in all gardens
in the San Francisco Bay Region, and have been all winter.
GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY (Trial euro des vaporariorum Westw.)
Utah. G. F. Knowlton (February l): Greenhouse whiteflies are damaging
fuchsia and Jerusalem cherry at Yost,
ANTS ( Formic idae)
Wisconsin. E. L. Chambers (February 19): Some of our florists are having
unusually great inconvenience in their greenhouses because of ants, which
seem to be responsible for the distribution and encouragement of the
various scale insects and plant lice, principally mealybugs on peonies
and begonias.
A MIDGE (Sciara i neons tans Fitch)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): During the period here
covered, housewives complained frequently of infestations of the soil of
house plants with larvae of the fickle midge and also an abundance of the
adult midges in the house. These complaints were most numerous in mid-
January and came from all sections of southeastern Nebraska.
AP30HVITAE
AREORVITAE APHID (Dilachnus thu.jafilir.a- Del G.)
Mississippi. C. Lyle and assistants (February): During January specimens
of the arborvitae aphid taken from arcorvitae were received from Woodland,
Chickasaw County, and Clinton, Hinds County. Rather heavy infestations
were reported in each instance. This aphid has be<~n general and severe
throughout the winter and late fall in the northeastern port of the State.
-23-
boxwood
BOXWOOD LEAF MIKES (Monarthropalpus buxi Labou.)
West Virginia. F. W. Craig (February 21): I am sending a twig from a boxwood
infested with what I take to be the boxwood leaf miner, collected in the
east end of the city of Charleston. (Det. W. Middleton.)
CAMELLIA
CAMELLIA SCALE (Lepidcsaphes camelliae Hoke)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): Camellia .japonica leaves showing a heavy
infestation were received from Aberdeen, Monroe County, on February 16.
TEA SCALE (Fiorinia theae Green)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): Camellia .japonica leaves showing more or
less heavy infestation of the tea scale have been received during the
past few weeks from Lauderdale, Amite, Copiah, and Monroe Counties.
EITONYMUS
EUONYMUS SCALE (Chionaspis euonymi Const.)
North Carolina. Z. P. Metcalf (February 19): The euonymus scale is unusually
abundant in the eastern part of the State.
Mississippi. J. Milton (February 19): The euonymus scale is very abundant on
euonymus on the old Capitol Grounds in Jackson.
NARCISSUS
A BULB FLY (Eumerus narcissi Smith)
United States. R. Latta (January 19): The species is quite common in bulb
districts in California, but only one specimen had been found in Oregon,
on a large bulb ranch near Portland. In 1931 one pair was collected in
a greenhouse on Long Island, N. Y. , by Blanton and Spruijt. During the
past summer a single male was collected at Morning Sun, Iowa, by Helen
Latta, from flowers near a bed of naturalized daffodils.
OLEANDER
POLKA DOT WASP MOTH (Syntomeida epilais Walk.)
Florida, J. R. Watson (December 1933): We received larvae from as far north
as Daytona Beach, where they were said to be very ab*«l&ant ^§¥. were
sent in from Orlando, feeding on Carissa grand if lora./ Continued to be
injurious to oleanders all winter. Reports have come from as far north
as Daytona Beach and Clermont, in Lake County.
H. T. Fernald (February 14): Somebody from Gainesville last fall reported
the injury to oleanders by the caterpillars of S. epilais Walk. var.
jucundissima Dyar. This insect was also very abundant around Orlando.
-24-
Nov; the moths arc appearing and laying their eggs and the eggs laid
earliest have already "begun to hatch. I raised some of the caterpillars
last fall and got the adults last week and this, so there is no doubt as
to what the caterpillars were. I have also raised from the same cage,
which contained nothing else "but sand, three flies which no doubt are
parasites. (Det. by J. M. Aldrich as Achaetoneura sp.)
E. W. Berger and J. C. Goodwin (February 22): The oleander caterpillar
is moderat-.ly to very abundant in certain localities in Hillsborough,
Pihullas, and Polk Counties.
PALI.!
PALMETTO WEEVIL (Hhyncho-phorus cruentatus Fab.)
Florida. E. W. Berger and J. C. Goodwin (February 22): The palmetto weevil
is moderately to very abundant along the lower eastern coast, on
Phoenix canariensis.
VIOLET
CYCLAMEN MI IE (Tars one mas pallidus Bks.)
Wisconsin. E. L. Chambers (February 19): We have had several complaints of
injury to violets and have investigated some of these cases, which prove
to be damage by the cyclamen mite forming galls in the flower stem and
deforming: the blossom.
INSECTS ATTACKING II A N AND
DOMESTIC A II I M A L S
MAN
MOSQUITOES (Culicinae)
Missouri. L. Haseman (February 20): Common species of mosquitoes hibernating
in basements began to move out during the very springlike days of
February 16 and 17 just ahead of the present cold spell.
Mississippi. G. I. Worthington (February 18): Mosquitoes were general until
January 1 in buildings and other hiding places in Sunflower, Bolivar,
Washington, and Coahoma Counties.
Utah. G. F. Knowlton (February 7): First and second instar mosquito wigglers
were picked up yesterday in marshes at Blue Creek.
3EDBUG (Cimex lectularius L.)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (February 15): Inquiries as to the control of bedbugs,
especially in chicken houses and brooders, were received during the
period from January 8 to 27. These came from southeastern Nebraska.
-25-
DOG FLEA (Ctenocephalides canis Curt.)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk ($5(#*JSQB.ry 15): During the second week in February
several inquiries were received from northeastern Nebraska, from Thurston
and Douglas bounties west to Antelope and Buffalo Counties, asking
about the control of fleas, presumably C. canis, in houses, barns, and
hog houses.
RAT FLEA (Ceratopryllus fasciatus Bosc.)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): Rat fleas were moderately abundant at
Montgomery on November 13, 1933.
ANTS ( Formic idae)
troublesome
North Carolina. Z. P. Metcalf (February 19): Ants are generally abundant and /
throughout the State.
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): Ants were reported on January 8 as very
abundant in houses at Birmingham and on January 22 as very abundant around
fruit trees at Birmingham.
TROPICAL RAT MITE (Liponyssus bacoti Hirst)
Texas. E. W. Laake (January 24): One infestation of rat mites was reported
during December 1933 and January 1934 at Dallas and vicinity.
Oregon and Washington. H. H. Stage (October and November 1933): The tropical
rat mite has been a serious pest to C.W.A. employees in the vicinity of
Olympia, Wash. They persisted on the bodies for some time and caused
large welts and swellings in the neck and shoulder parts. These mites
were also annoying in flop houses in Portland, Oreg., during October and
November 1935.
HORSES
HORSE BOTFLY (Gastrophilus intestinalis DeC.)
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): A Dawson County correspondent
reported prevalent trouble with the common horse bots (G> intestinalis) in
his locality during the early part of January.
POULTRY
A BLACK FLY (Simulium occidentalis Townsend)
Iowa. C. J. Drake (February 19): The black fly, S. occidentalis, is pupating
in Plymouth and Sioux Counties. Infestation is very heavy in Big Sioux
and Black Rivers and their tributaries.
PIGEON FLY (Pseudolynchia maura Bigot)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): Pigeon flies are moderately abundant .
at St. Elmo on pigeons.
-26-
HOUSEHOLD AND STOR ED-PRODUCTS INSECTS
TERMITES (Isoptera)
Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 21): Termites were moderately abundant at
Mobile on January 1 in a dwelling and on January 8 at Selraa in a church;
also January 15 at We tump ka in chrysanthemum stems.
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): Many letters have been received during
the past few months complaining of injury to houses by termites.
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): A Lancaster County
correspondent reported an infestation of the common termite (Reticulitermes
tibialis Bks. during the second week in January*
Texas. E. W. Laake (January 24): Six infestations of termites were reported
during December 1933 and January 1S34 at Dallas and vicinity.
BOXELDER BUG ( Leu toe oris trivittatus Say)
Illinois. W. P. Flint (February 19): Reports of annoyance by boxelder bugs
usually cease by the middle of November. This winter we have had reports
of annoyance from these insects during all of the winter months.
Kentucky. W. A. Price (February 23): Clusters of boxelder bugs have appeared
on buildings in Lexington, Covington, and Richmond.
Iowa. H. E. Jaques (February 24): Boxelder bugs are thickly sprinkled over
southeastern Iowa. It has been many years since they were so abundant,
and our very open winter has made it easy for them.
Missouri. A. F. Satterthwait (February 12): The boxelder bug has found
frequent occasion during this winter to issue from its hibernating
quarters both inside and outside of houses.
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January ltto February 15): During the warm weather
of January and early February many complaints of the annoying activity
of boxelder burs in the house were received from southeastern Nebraska
west to Franklin and Buffalo Counties.
Oklahoma. C. F. Stiles (February 24): The boxelder bug has already made its
appearance in some parts of the State. It was very numerous last fall.
Utah. G. F. Knowlton (February 19): Boxelder bugs are abundant and annoying
in many localities of northern Utah.
California. A. S. Michelbacher (February 19): The boxelder bug has been
present in fair numbers all winter.
EUROPEAN EARWIG (Forficula auricularia L.)
Massachusetts. H. C. Purchase (December 11): This fall, while digging in
th< ;t : i ■ t Avon, I came acr:ss a large number af these insects, and
I find that they attack dahlias, in which they seem to have quite an
-27-
interest, as they do considerable damage to these plants. They go under-
neath the leaves of the dahlias in the evening, and the following morning
the underside of the leaf is speckled with many brown spots and in a short
time the leaves wither and fall off. I also found a considerable number
of them around the roots of rose bushes, and they breed around the roots
of sweet Williams.
California. A. 3. Michelbacher (February 19): The European earwig has been
quite active for some time. On the 24th of December observations made at
Berkeley revealed numerous egg masses. On the 21st of January egg clusters
were found with great ease, and also many recently hatched young were
observed.
CLUSTER ELY (Pollenia rudis Eab . )
Kentucky. W. A. Price (February 23): Cluster flies have appeared by thousands
in several residences in Fayette and Carlisle Counties.
ANTS ( Formic idae)
Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 21): A grower at Bogue Chitto in Lincoln
County reported on January 22 that the Argentine ant (Iridcmyrraex humilis
Mayr) was burrowing into the crowns of his strawberry plants. This
species was also reported as very troublesome in Jackson. Ants, identified
by M. R. Smith as Tapinoma sessile Say, were moderately abundant during the
fall in the old Argentine ant infested area at Corinth, Alcorn County.
Fire ants, Solenopsis geminata xyluni McC, were troublesome in houses
at Tupelo, Lee County, on December 14, and were found in large numbers
destroying woolen clothing at Mississippi State College on February 22.
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): The basement ant (Lasius
interjectus Mayr) was the subject of many inquiries from Omaha and Lincoln
citizens when the winged individuals emerged, during the period from
January 6 to February 15, especially during the third week in January.
CLOVER MITE (Bryobia praetiosa Koch)
Colorado. G. M. List (February 20): Inquiries in regard to the clover mite
entering dwellings have been very numerous during the rather open winter.
BEAN WEEVIL ( Acanthoscelides obtectus Say)
Nebraska. M. E. Swenk (Ja
Nebraska. M. H. Swenk (January 1 to February 15): The usual number of
complaints of infestation of stored navy beans with the bean weevil were
received during the period here covered.
PEA WEEVIL (3 rue has pisorun L.)
Oregon. D. C. Mote (February 23): The pea weevil passed the winter with
very little mortality.
-28"
INSECT CONDITIONS IN PUERTO RICO LURING OCTOBER 1933 - JANUARY 1934
San Juan Plant Quarantine Office .
LEPIDOPTERA
A light infestation of larvae of Me rue a testulalis Geyer was found in
the lima bean pods at Caguas on January 12, 1934. (A. S. Mills.) (Pet. 0.
Heinrich.)
Adults of Phalonia subolivacea Wlsra. were reared from flower heads of
margarita at Guayama on December 25, 1933. (Pet. A. Busck) (A.S.M.)
Adults of Plutella maculipannis Curtis were present in numbers on cabbage
leaves at Bayamon on January 1, 1934. (Det. A. B.) (G. G. Anderson.)
A 1 percent infestation of larvae of Etiella zinckenella Tr . was found in
pigeon pea pods while examining five boxes at Isabela on December 6, 1933.
(Det. C. H.) (A. G. Harley.)
HOMOPTERA
Young shoots of Jasminum sp. were thickly covered by Orraenis pygmaea Eab.
and _Q. mar^inata Brunn, at Mayaguez on November 24, 1933. (Det. P. V. Oman.)
(A. G. H.)
A moderate infestation of Tritoger.aphis ambrosiae Thos. was on the leaves
of lettuce at Villalba on November 21, 1953. (Dot. P. W. Mason.) (R. G. OakleyJ
One grapevine ( Vitis vinifera) was rather lightly infested with Aphis
illinoissnsis Shimer at May ague z on October 13, 1933. (Det. P. 7. M.) (A. G. H.)
Adults of Nezara viridula L. were common on fruit of tomato at Loiza on
November 27, 1933. (Det. H. G. Barber.) (R. Faxon.)
COLEOPTERA
Several adult Diabrotica annul a ta Suffr. were on leaves of 5 wild cucumber
vines at Villalba on October 26, 1933. (Det. H. S. Barber.) (R. G. 0.)
A few adults of Gale rue el la varicornis Weise were on Cordia sulcata leaves
at Ponce on December 5, 1933. (Det. H. S. B.) . (R. G. 0.)
A large number of Cerotoma ruf icornis Oliv. adults were on squash leaves
at Aguine on December 4, 1933. (Det. H. S. E.) (R. G. 0.)
A small number of Stelidota geminata Say adults were on the fruits of
orange at Ponce on December 9, 1935. (Det. E. A. Chap in.) (R. G. 0.)
An adult Lachnopus coffeae Mshll. was caught on a leaf of Melia sp. at
Ponce on October 30, 1933. (Det. L. L. Buchanan.) (R. G. 0.)
An adult Diaprepes capsicalis Mshll. was found on a leaf of carrot at
Villalba on November 21, 1933. (Det. L. L. B.) (R. G.'O.)
-29-
DIPTERA
Argyrophylax albincisa Wied. adults were numerous on "banana leaves at
Guayama on~December 24, 1933. (Det. J. M. Aldrich.) (A. S. M.)
Adults of Lixophaga diatraeae Tns. were numerous on "banana leaves at
Guayama on December 24, 1933. (Det. J. M. A.) (A. S. M.)
Many Agromyza caerulea Malloch adults were reared from flower heads of
margarita at Guayama on December 25, 1933. (Det. J. M. A.) (A, S. M.)
Psychodid adult, larvae, and pupae (Psycho da alb i punctata Will.) were
reared from a dead cockroach which was lying in a wet position at Mayaguez
on October 13, 1933. (Det. Alan Stone.) (A. G. H.)
ORTHOPTERA
Nymphs of Ellipes rainuta Scudd. were common on leaves of cucumbers at
Caguas on November 17, 1933. (Det. A. N. Caudell.) (C. G. A.)
i
INSECT CONDITIONS IN COSTA RICA OCTOBER 1 - December 31, 1933
C. H. Ballou, San Jose, Costa Rica.
(Unless otherwise indicated, observations were made at San Pedro de Montes de Oca.)
COCCIBAE
Aulacaspis pentagona Targ. was very abundant and severely damaging peach
during the time here covered, and observed damaging Diosoyros virginiana and
Hibiscus mutabilis. This scale was observed on peach at Gaudalupe, at San
Ysidro de Coronado, and at Paso Ancho de Sebastian in late November and early
December.
Pseudococcus citri Risso was noted as damaging mandarin and orange during
the time here covered and during December was observed in injurious numbers on
coffee.
Saissetia hemisphaerica Targ. was noted in damaging numbers on Diospyros
kaki the last of October. The scale was being attended by Solenopsis geminata
Eab.
Chrysomphalus dictyospermi Morg. was noted in damaging numbers on rose
at Chapui on October 8. The scale was very abundant on and injurious to
orange the middle of December.
APHIIDAE
Toxoptera aurant iae Boyer damaged orange during the entire period.
Apni s spiraecola Patch was appearing in injurious, numbers on orange the
last of December. All stages were present.
Aphis pomi DeG. was noted as injurious to quince on November 28, 1933.
-30-
The chermid Freysuila ernstii Schwarz was observed in injurious numbers
on Caoba (Guara caoba) the first of October, when all stages were present.
On October 10 the trees were sprayed with water, which removed the waxy
coating of nymphs, giving about 98 percent control.
MISCELLANEOUS HOMOPTERA
Membracis mexicana Guer. was present in injurious numbers during the
period here covered, guapinol (Hymenaoa courbaril) , guachipelin (Diphysa
robinioides) , soursop, and coffee being attacked. Egg scars in coffee trees
were very numerous the last of December at Guadalupe and at San Francisco de
Dos Rios, as well as at San Pedro de Montes dte'Oca.
'-....• Aconophora pallescens Stal was observed damaging quince on Pecember 26,
at which date all stages were present.
Antianthe expansa Germ, was noted damaging eggplant and pepper (Capsicum
annurnft) during the middle of November. It was also very abundant on and
injurious to pepper at Paso Ancho de San Sebastian the first of Pecember.
HEMIPTERA
Collaria oleosa Dist. was observed in injurious numbers on various
grasses during the period here covered.
Halticus canus List, was noted damaging Phase plus vulgaris during
November.
Stenomacra marginella H. S. was observed in injurious numbers on
Perse a aiaericana and P. drymifolia.
Cryptopeltus notatus Dist. was observed on tomato at Paso Ancho de San
Sabastian as well as at San Pedro de Montes de Oca during December.
Leptoglossus zonatus Dall . was noted damaging asparagus during October
and tomato during December.
COLEOPTERA
Cerotoma rogersi Jac . injured soybean during the period here -covered.
Epilachna virgata Muls. was noted as very injurious to dama (Citharexylum
caudatiom) during the last of October.
Epitrix fuscata Jac.-Duv. was injurious to potato during late October
and was destroying the tomato crop by the middle of December. The beetle was
also observed on tomato at Paso Ancho de San Sebastian on December 10.
Diabrotica nummularis Harold was damaging tacaco (Polakouskia tacaco)
during the middle of October. The beetle was observed ruining roses at
Chapui on October 8.
Nodonota lateralis Jac. was noted as. destructive to dahlia at Paso Ancho
de San Sebastian on October 14. N. ira.zuensis Jac. was oresent in injurious
-31-
numbers during the period here covered, attacking corn, soybean, guava,
"beans, zinnia, camellia, "bottle "bush (Callistemon lanceolatus) and raurta
(Calyptranthes costaricensis) . It was observed at San Ysidor de Coronado
and Paso Ancho de San Sebastian, as well as San Pedro de Montes de Oca.
The scarabaeid G-ymne t i s liturata Oliv., which scars fruit stems to
suck the juice, was observed damaging avocado on December 16.
LEPIDOPTERA
Jocara claudalis Mosch. and J. subcurvalis Schaus appeared in injurious
numbers r.on Persea americana during October and December. Damage "by J.
claudalis was also observed at Paso Ancho de San Sebastian during December.
Stenoma sororia Zell . was observed injuring Persea americana during
the time covered "by this report.
Caterpillars of Halisidiota underwoodi Roths, were observed injuring
plum (Prunus cerasifera var. pissardi) on December 14.
Caterpillars of Leucine des elegantalis Guen. were destroying a large
part of the fruit of the tomato tree all during the month of October.
ORTHOPTERA
A tettigoniid, Cocconotus ravus Hehn, was present in injurious numbers
during the period here covered. Cabbage, dracena (Corydyline terminal is, and
Dracaena fragrans), geranium (Pelargonium sp.), granadilla (Passiflora
ligularis) , Miltonia andresii, vaguita (a handsome orchid), and coffee were
"being attacked. On November 27 it was observed injuring coffee at San
Francisco de Dos Rios.
DIPTERA
Maggots of Anastre-pha striata Schin. were observed on November 18
ruining the fruit of guava.
INSECTS COLLECTED AT VICOSA, MINAS SERAIS, BRAZIL
By E. J. Hambleton
Sscola Superior de Agricultura e Veterinaria, Vicosa, Minas Gerais.
COLSOPTERA
Nodonota granosa Lef. ? (new to U.S.N.M.) was found attacking sunflower
on March 5, 1932. (Det. H. S. Barter.)
Stephanoderes braziliensis Hopk. was found attacking quince on March 4,
1932 (Det. M. W. Blackman) and attacking Mandioc on June 6, 1933.
Xyl chorus aff inus Eichh. was attacking palm on May 19, 1933. (Det.
M. W. B.)
Haptonchus luteolus Er. was attacking citrus fruit on July 23, 1933.
(Det. S. A. Chapin.)
-32-
Gnathocerus cornutus Fab. was attacking corn on Fee. 10, 1933. (Det.
3. A. C.)
Europs sordidus Grouv.(?) was attacking citrus fruit on July 23, 1S33.
(Det. W. S. Fisher.)
Litargus tetraspilotus Lee. was attacking citrus fruit on July 23, 1933.
(Det. W. S. F.)
HEMIPTERA
Nysius ellipticus Berg, was attacking sunflower on March 5, 1932. (Det.
H. G. B . )
Asthenidea clara B. White was attacking citrus fruit on July 23, 1933.
(Det. K. G. B.)
PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA
Anastatus punctiveatris (Ashm.) was attacking Orthoptera eggs on August
20, 1932. (Det. A. B. Gahan.)
Trichaulus piliventris (Mayr) was collected August 30, 1931; specimens
found attacking curculionid larvae. (Det. A. 3. G.) (This parasite is one
of the Idarnines which are all supposed to he parasites of fig insects, i. e.,
Agaonidae. A. B. G. )
Eupelraus coccidivorus Gahan was attacking Ceroplastes sp. on May 22, 1935.
(Det. A. B. G.)
Trichogramma minutum (Riley), dark race, were collected on Diatraea eggs
on May 4, 1933. (Det. A. B. G. )
Spilochalcis immaculata Cress, was collected on Alabama argillacea on
May 10, 1931. (Det. A. B. G.)
Eupelmus cushmani Cwfd. was collected on Al ah atria argillacea from Mar. -
June, 1931 - 33. (This parasite is active from March until June.) (Det. A.B.G^
Specimens of Homiteles n. sp. wars found attacking Alabama argillacea
larvae from March to June, 1931. (Det. B. A. Cushman.)
Hemi teles n. sp . was found attacking Alabama argillacea Eon. larvae
from March to June, 1932. (Det. R. A. C.)
Euc oil idea sp. was found attacking the cabbage leaf miner on July 10,
1932. (Det. L. H. Weld.)
Idechthis canescens Grav. specimens were found attacking noctuid lar"
on February 15, 1932. (Det. R. A. C.) (The breeding records look doubtful.
This species is normally parasitic on store d-product pests suah as Fpnestia
kuehniella Zell. R, A. C.)
Cop i do soma truncatellum (Dalm.) was found attacking lepidoptcrous larvae
'<?• June 29, 1933~ (Det, A. B. G. )
-33-
Ophion ancyloneura Cam. specimens were found attacking curculionid
larvae on March 15, 1930. (Det. R. A. C.) (A very peculiar host for an
Ophion. R. A. C.)
Hadronotus brasiliensis Lima was reported attacking pentatomid eggs on
March 21, 1933. (Det. C. F. W. Muesebeck.)
INSECT CONDITIONS IN EGYPT DURING- NOVEMBER 1933 - FEBRUARY- 1934
By Arthur H. Rosenfeld
Botanical and Plant Breeding Section, Ministry of Agriculture,
El Giza, Egypt.
The peasants of the Kharga and-Dekhla Oases complained that the weevil
Tanymecus musculus Fahr. was gnawing stems of "barley and wheat; it was
controlled with poisoned bran used for grasshoppers. Feb. 4, 1934.
The spiny bollworm (Earias) attacked cotton this past year more severely
than usual, infestations as high as 12 percent "being common around Bilkas,
Sherbin, and Abu Masoud, all in Bihera Province. Feb. 4, 1934.
Dr. Ismail Fahmy, in charge of borer investigations for the Ministry,
reports that he has found Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn. on maize at Fakous, Ikyad,
and Samaana, all in Sharkia Province, an infestation of 10 to 15 percent.
(Feb. 4, 1934.)
Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn. was reported "by Entomologist Ismail Fahmy on
December 25, 1933, as infesting about 3 percent of the maize at Rosetta and
Port Said, thus greatly extending the known eastward range of the European
corn "borer. No reports of infestation "by this insect have "been made in
Palestine. Fahmy has recently made a systematic search for it, starting from
Mansoura to Kafr-el-Arab on the east side of the Damietta "branch of the Nile,
and from Talkha to Kafr~el-Battikh on the west side. On the east side he
found the first infested area at Mahalet Inshak (about 12 miles north of
Mansoura) and from there northwards an infestation ranging from 2 to 10 per-
cent. On the west side he found it in all the area examined, infestation
ranging from 2 to as high as 20 percent. The highest infestation was around
Markaz Sherbin, this area averaging about 15 percent.
Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm. was collected on apples from Assiut on
November 15, 1933.
We have two borers, Sesamia cretica Led. and Chilo simplex Butl. ,
neither of which has done much damage this year, except in one locality where
old corn stalks were piled up for sale during the winter in the midst of
cane fields and thus were afforded ideal hibernating conditions. Collected
November 15, 1933.
Anacridium aegyptium L. early in October attacked some cotton fields at
Ezbet Khourshid, near Alexandria, where it was controlled, according to the
Entomological Section, by hand picking in the early morning, no serious
damage occurring. In Assiut Province, Upper Egypt, this species has the
habit of collecting in large numbers in the fall in orchards and on high ground
but only a few were observed in October 1933f the Government entomologists
UN/VERsity OP c
" liiiiiif
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3 1262 09244 6235
attributing this to previous annual campaigns against them. Incidentally
another locust, Locusta migratoria L. , is reported to have assumed consider-
able importance in the Sudan. (Reported December 25, 1933.)
Cur main cane insects are the two Pseudococcus — P. calceolariae Mask.
and P. boninsis Kuw. In former years they have caused much damage, hut have
"been hut little in evidence this past year, possibly owing to the record
breaking heat last June, when the maximum in the shade in the Upper Egyptian
cane fields was very frequently about 115 degrees and several times approached
120, and also to the ravages of .coccinellids, which right now (Nov. 15, 1933)
are very abundant.
Incidentally a cane jtest, Aphis maidis Fitch has been destructive to
latre maize this season (1933), in many cases the tassels having been so
seriously damaged as to interfere with pollination. The attack was most
notable during the last weeks in October and the first of this month, and
one of our entomologists told me yesterday that he estimated a loss of around
half a million bushels of corn in Egypt as a result of this insect's attack.
Natural enemies appear to be particularly scarce this year, although
coccinellids and syrphids are now (November 15, 1933) getting in some good
work.
Aphi s laburni Kalt. reported on Phase olus and other beans on November
15, 1933.
Aphis compositae Theob. on Oestrum sp. from Giza on November 15, 1933.
Myzus braggii Gill, on artichokes from Giza on November 15, 1933.
Hyalopterus arundinis Pab. and H. insignis Theob. reported on bamboo from
Giza November 15, 1933.
Chaitophorus populi L. on white poplar at Giza November 15, 1933.