Insect notes for 1909

Historic, archived document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

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BULLETIN No. 177.

INSECT NOTES FOR 1909.*

Oskar A. JOHANNSEN.

A miscellaneous lot of notes comprising both new observa-
tions, notices of species dealt with more fully in other publi-
cations, and mere statements of insect situations fall conve-
niently into an annual bulletin under the title of Insect Notes.
In this publication compilations and remedial measures are both
avoided for the most part, as the economic necessity for either
of these is met by illustrated descriptive circulars more satis-
factory to the people of the state who submit the standard
troublesome insects for determination.

The briefer notes of miscellaneous character found in this
bulletin are transferred with a little editing from the entomo-
logical note books of the department. The Lot numbers here
given are merely references to Station records for the species
in question and have no significance beyond permanently link-
ing the published account to the Station collection and notes,
which is in some cases desirable.

* Papers from the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station: Ento-
mology No. 4I.

ZZ MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQIO.

LEPIDOPTERA.
(Butterflies and Moths.)

¢ Forest CATERPILLARS.
Heterocampa guttivitta (The Saddled Prominent).

As during 1907 and 1908, the Saddled Prominent caterpillar
was exceedingly destructive to beech and other deciduous forest
trees during the summer of 1909, and many areas were entirely
stripped of their leaves. The total amount of damage, however,
was conspicuously less than during 1908, as would be expected
from the wholesale death of this species from fungus disease
over extended areas late the previous season. This remarkable
outbreak of a species usually not troublesome is fully discussed
in Bulletin No. 161 of this Station. For the past season there
is little general information to add except to state that the
trouble was very much less serious last summer.

Other species have been very destructive in forest and shade
trees during the summer of 1909 as was the case for the two
previous seasons, for Maine has experienced three consecutive
caterpillar summers. The Green-striped Maple-worm (Anisota
rubicunda), the Rosy-striped Oak-worm (Anisota virginiensis),
and the White Tipped Moth (Symmerista albifrons) were espe-
cially guilty. These received a fuller discussion in Bulletin
No. 162 of this Station last year.

Acrobasts rubrifasciella, a species abundant for several sea-
sons in Sweet fern (Myrica asplentfolia L.), constructing in a
tangle of leaves curious trumpet shaped cases, was very gen-
erally numerous again during the past summer. It was, how-
ever, attacked by parasites in great numbers during 1909.

Hyphantria cunea, the Fall Web-worm,* a common orchard
pest, was so unusually abundant upon orchard, shade and forest
trees as to rank among the conspicuous pests of 1909, the un-
sightly webs being met with everywhere. Attendant parasites
were common.

* A descriptive economic circular is available to applicants.

INSECT NOTES. 23

Achatodes zeae (Spindle worm).

In June the new shoots of the elder may be found to be with-
ered and dying and if the twig be cut open a white caterpillar
with black spots may be seen feeding upon the pith. This is
the spindle worm, the larva of the little moth Achatodes zeae.
The species, first described by Harris, and well known to sys-
tematists, has rarely since been mentioned by economic ento-
mologists. Besides the elder, it also is injurious to corn, dahlia,
and perhaps other thick-stemmed plants. In the elder twigs
the caterpillar when full grown gnaws towards the surface at
some point, usually near a twig node, pierces the bark or leaves
a thin layer unbroken, then pupates within its burrow. The
adults emerge in July and August. We have reared specimens
at Orono, Maine, bearing the date August 6, and also have
specimens from Ithaca, New York, which emerged July 14.
According to Forbes the adults in Illinois appear the latter part
of June.

The full grown caterpillar, which is about one inch long, is
yellowish white in color with flat blackish tubercles each with
a single bristle. On the first and second abdominal segments
the tubercles are arranged as follows: one on each side of the
mid-dorsal line, a second behind and below this, four grouped
around the spiracle of which the third is above and slightly in
front of it, the fourth behind, the fifth very small, in front and
above, the sixth directly below it; the seventh to the tenth are
on the ventral side of the segment, the eighth being very much
smaller, and the seventh of the first segment bears two bristles.
In some specimens and on some segments the third and fifth
tubercles are nearly or quite fused. The preanal and the anal
plates (fig. 26) are contiguous but not fused. The hooks of
the abdominal legs are uniform in size, about 22 in number, the
circle being widely open outwardly. The palpi of the second
maxillae are short and thick (fig. 24).

The pupa is reddish brown in color, over half an inch in
length, at the head end with two stout rounded tubercles, the
posterior end with the stout spines (fig. 27). The adult, which
expands over an inch, has rust red fore wings mottled with
gray, with orange spots near the tip, and yellowish gray hind
wings. It is figured by Holland in his Moth Book.

24: MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQI0.

Bucculatrix canadensisella (The Birch leaf Bucculatrix).

During the first week in September the leaves of the white
and yellow birch in various parts of the State were much in-
jured by the caterpillar of the Birch leaf Bucculatrix. The
injured leaves (fig. 19) had much of the green parenchymal
tissue eaten away, leaving only the epidermis of one side as a
transparent film, and even this was found pierced here and
there. Every birch in sight seemed to be iniested and had a
brown and scorched appearance, visible even at a great distance.

The full grown caterpillar is less than % of an inch in
length, of slender form, with deep incisures between the round-
ed segments. The head is pale brown; the body, dull pale
yellowish green. The first and second abdominal segments each
have six pairs of rather long bristles besides a few very minute
ones; the bristles of the following segments are somewhat simi-
larly arranged. There appear to be no distinct tubercles, nor
is there an anal fork. Each abdominal leg has 3 pairs of
claws (fig. 36); except the anal legs have but one claw each
(fig. 37). The palpi of the second maxillae are slender, each
provided with long bristles. The other mouth parts are as
figured (33-35).

The molting cocoons are small, circular, white, silken patches
in which the larva lies curled up and may be found on the sur-
face of the leaf (fig. 19) and also on the under side of twigs
and branches. When the larva has attained its full growth the
true pupal cocoon is formed. This is an oval yellowish body
with flat base and with 5 or 6 sharp longitudinal ridges. These
cocoons have been found on the twigs and leaves but as com-
paratively few are present there it is evident that the greater
number of larvae pupate elsewhere. The moths which have a
spread of wing of 34 of an inch have dusky wings crossed by
several silvery white bars. They appear in early spring. While
the larvae attack the Birch by preference we have found them
on Red Oak also.

For ornamental trees, a weak arsenical spray applied early in
August has been recommended. (Lot 793.)

Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths.

On account of the seriousness of the Brown-tail Moth and
Gypsy Moth situation these two insects should be constantly

INSECT NOTES. 25

held in mind by the people of the State. In response to our
request, Mr. E. F. Hitchings, State Entomologist, has kindly
sent us a brief statement which we give here in full concerning
the work with these two insect pests which is being carried on
under the supervision of the State Department of Agriculture.

“The gypsy moth situation in Maine at the close of the year
1909 is serious in the extreme. Although the field work, under
the direct management of the special field agent, Capt. E. E.
Philbrook, has been conducted with the same painstaking meth-
ods as in the past, yet, owing to an extended territory, opened
up for the first time by the scout made in the early part of the
season, and to the fact that not enough funds were available to
supply a sufficiently large force, the efficiency of the work has
been curtailed and we are now facing a very serious crisis. If
it had not been for the assistance of the Federal Government
the pest would have gained a foothold that would defy our best
efforts to control. The situation is a grave one and should
enlist the hearty cooperation of every good citizen of the State.
The moth is a menace to our northern woods, and those inter-
ested should see to it that sufficient aid is rendered to check its
onward march northward. York County is still the fighting
ground, although one small infestation has been found at Gor-
ham this fall.”

Brown-tml Moth Outlook.

“Tn the southern counties of the State where this pest was first
introduced, it is a serious menace to the summer people who
come to us for rest and recreation. Many cases of “brown-tail
rash” proved quite serious during the past summer, and one of
the scouts who was very badly afflicted died. The ravages of
the moth can be controlled on the fruit and shade trees by
spraying, but this is a very expensive method, especially for the
shade trees. Gathering and burning the winter nests for such
trees should be annually practised. The spread northward has
been all along the line. The moths were found in Madison
during the summer and nests were taken at Sangerville during
the spring. A scout was made in Bangor and vicinity with the
result that nests were taken the entire length of the electric
line from Hampden to Old Town and in Brewer. All nests
should be removed and burned at the earliest moment.”

26 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I9QIO.

Fruit TREE CATERPILLARS.

Ancylis (Phoxopteris) nubeculana, the apple leaf sewer.

From Enfield, Maine, August 28, and later also from other
localities come reports of injury to the leaves of several vari-
eties of apples. The leaf is folded along the mid rib, the two
sides being brought together, the caterpillar constructing its
nest within (fig. 18). The winter is passed in the larval con-
dition in the folded leaves which lie on the ground. In April
the larvae transform to chrysalids and about Io days later the
moths begin to appear, laying eggs in June. The caterpillar
is about %4 inch in length when full grown, yellowish green,
with yellow head, and horny shield on the next segment a little
darker, with a black dot on each side. On each of the remain-
ing segments there are some pale, shiny, raised dots (tubercles)
from every one of which arises usually a single hair. The
tubercles of the first and second abdominal segment are arranged
as follows: one on each side of the middle dorsal line, the
second behind and below this, the third above the spiracle, the
fourth and fifth below the spiracle and fused, the sixth below
and behind these, below this is the seventh with 2 or 3 bristles,
and the eighth near the central line on the ventral surface. The
claws of the abdominal legs, over 40 in number, alternately long
and short, are arranged in an unbroken circle. The anal plate
bears-4 long bristles and is widely separated from the preanal
plate which is small and bears 2 bristles. The anal fork (fig.
32) has 6 tines, the middle 4 slightly bifid at the apex. The
mouth parts are shown in figures (28, 29, 31). The palpi of
the second maxillae are quite slender, each with a long terminal
bristle.

When the injury to the tree is serious the fallen leaves may
be raked up and burned in the autumn to restrict the develop-
ment of the moth the following season. (Lot 792.)

Coleophora fletcherelia (Cigar case bearer).

The cases of this insect were gathered at Highmoor Farm
near Monmouth, Maine, June 24. The small caterpillars which
live in cigar-shaped cases feed from April to June on the buds
and foliage of apple trees. The little gray moths appear from

INSECT NOTES. 27

the middle of June to middle of July or a little later, lay eggs,
which hatch in about two weeks. The young, which are leat
miners, soon make cases, which they later attach to the bark,
thus passing the winter, beginning to feed again early the fol-
lowing spring. If the trees are sprayed for the codling moth
the case bearers are also destroyed. (Lot 762.)

Enarmonia prunivora (Lesser apple worm).

As we have no Station records of the occurrence of this
insect in Maine, it may be of interest to note that a number of
specimens of this species was reared August 5-9 from a lot of
small apples obtained June 30 from an orchard at Oxford,
Maine. ‘The owner of the place reported very serious injury
to his crop due to this insect as well as to the codling moth
(Carpocapsa pomonella) and the plum curculio.

According to Fletcher and others this insect also attacks
haws, crabapple, plums, and elm and oak galls. The larva feeds
upon the apple in a manner similar to that of the codling moth,
for which it is doubtless frequently mistaken. Besides by its
smaller size the larva may be distinguished from that of the
codling moth by the presence of the anal fork. The adult moth
expands about 5g of an inch across the wing. The ground color
of the front wings is black, with patches of pale rusty red, of
gray, and of yellowish white and steel blue oblique lines. The
hind wings are dusky gray at the base, shading to black at the
apex.

The insect may be combatted by methods used against the
codling moth. (Lot 78s.)

GARDEN CATERPILLARS.

The woolly bear caterpillars, Estigmene acreac,* and Dia-
crisia (Spilosoma) virginica* have caused much damage to
garden crops, taking practically anything from peas to onions,
and to flower gardens. Though very troublesome, neither of
these hairy caterpillars were as numerous as during 1908.

* A descriptive economic circular is available to applicants.

28 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQI0O.

HEMIPTERA.
(Bugs. )

San Jose Scale in Maine.

The following particulars concerning this pest are given by
Mr. E. F. Hitchings in answer to our inquiry.

“A single infestation of this most dreaded of all orchard pests
is situated in the town of Limerick. As near as can be ascer-
tained it was introduced about 8 years ago on one or more
apple trees procured from a New York nursery. The spread
is confined to some 20 trees in a rather isolated orchard where
there would be but little danger of its extending to other locali-
ties. As soon as the infestation was discovered, the affected
trees were sprayed with the lime-sulphur mixture. The orchard
was again visited at the time when it was thought the first young
would appear. It was found that a large proportion of the
scales was destroyed, but the young were crawling on a number
of the trees. ‘The trees were then sprayed with kerosene emul-
sion, which killed the exposed young. It is proposed that a
thorough treatment will be given the orchard and followed up
until the infestation is entirely destroyed.”

Specimens of this long dreaded orchard pest were received
at the Station from Limerick, Maine, in August, 1909, for
determination. Most of the scales on the several twigs sub-
mitted were dead but there were some live and healthy speci-
mens. ‘The infestation at Limerick is the first occurrence known
in Maine. Any one finding scales on his trees resembling those
shown in figures 11 and 12 should send specimens to the Depart-
ment of Agriculture at Augusta or to the Experiment Station
at Orono for identification. (Lot 794.)

Eriopeltis festucae (Cottony Grass Scale).

The white egg sacs of this insect on leaves of meadow grass
are an annual occurrence and were plentiful in the vicinity of
Orono this past season. Little complaint has been made for
several years by owners of grass lands invaded by the cottony
scale. (Lot 770.)

~

INSECT NOTES. 29

Typhlocyba comes (Grape leaf hopper).

This bug is reported from Calais, Maine, as being very de-
structive to the Virginia creeper, infesting almost all the vines
of that section. The correspondent states that it has been
prevalent there for a number of years and while the plant is
not absolutely destroyed the growth is much checked, and the
leaves become spotted, wither and fall.

The eggs are stuck to the lower surface of the leaves in June;
from June to September the immature form, the nymph, a light
yellowish green bug with yellow side stripes, works upon the
leaves. The adults, about 1% inch in length, marked with yel-
low and red, beginning to appear in August, continue the work
of destruction begun by the nymphs. Spraying in July with
whale oil soap solution and the use of sticky screens have been
recommended for the pest in vineyards. (Lot 790.)

Psylla floccosa Patch (Downy Psyllid of Alder).

Very common upon the Alder (Alnus imcana) from early
spring to late June, are fluffy, woolly masses, abundant on the
under side cf leaves. Fig. 17 represents such a characteristic
mass. If the white fluff is removed, little yellow and green
crab shaped objects are found beneath the protective mass which
is secreted by wax glands similar in function to those of cer-
tain woolly plant lice and scale insects. About the last of June
these insects acquire wings and shaking themselves free from
the white secretion, take to flight. This species was described
and figured in Canadian Entomologist, September, 1909. (Lots

727, 735, 740, 744.)

APHIDIDAE.

Plant lice found a favorable season and many species were
noticed in the vicinity of Orono. Attention, however, was con-
centrated for the most part on those species of the Genus
Chermes causing abnormal growths on spruce. Six species
were studied, namely, Chermes pinifoliae Fitch, Chermes abietis
Linn, Chermes similis Gillette, Chermes floccus Patch, Chermes
consolidatus Patch, and Chermes lariciatus Patch. ‘The three
new species were very briefly described in Psyche for Decem-

3G MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQIO.

ber, 1909. Pinifoliae and abietis were treated in an economic
bulletin No. 171 of this Station and the six species are de-
scribed and figured and the main points in their life histories
given in Chermes of Maine Conifers, Bulletin 173 of this Sta-
tion.

A woolly species, Pemphigus venafuscus Patch, on the stems
ot ash occurred in abundance in the vicinity of Orono. This
species was described and figured in Entomological News, July,
1900.

The Canadian tick-trefoil is yearly visited by a plant louse
causing leaf curl and twist. This was described as Microparsus
variabilis new genus and new species in Entomological News,
October, 1909.

Gall making aphids of the elm were abundant but as the
group will be treated more fully in a separate publication it is
not necessary to discuss them here.

Anaphothrips striata (Grass thrips).

Late in June Timothy grass showed the characteristic dry and
bleached stems due to injury by the grass thrips. In some
meadows considerable areas were rendered conspicuous in this
way. (Lot 750.)

ORTHOPTERA.

(Grasshoppers, roaches and crickets.)

Grasshoppers caused enough damage during 1909 as during
1907 and 1908 to be classed as a plague. Orchards and garden
crops suffered from the attacks of these ravenous insects. The
species concerned, as far as ascertained, were the same as those
mentioned in the Insect Notes for 1908.

DIPTERA (Flies).

MyYcETOPHILIDAE (Fungus gnats).

A work on the fungus gnats of North America is now in the
ccurse of preparation, the first part of which appearing in Bul-
letin 172 of this Station. As it is the purpose to discuss in that
paper in detail the habits of several species, it will only be

INSECT NOTES. 31

necessary here to state that certain forms are exceedingly com-
mon and some are known to be injurious to corn, potatoes,
apples, mushrooms, and other forms of plant life.

Of the lower forms the larva of Mycetobia lives on decaying
wood and has also been accused of attacking the sound roots
of apple and peach trees, though it is very doubtful if they are
able to cause serious injury here. Walsh, Riley, and Glover
all agree as to the inoffensive character of the members of this
genus. The Sciophilinae and Mycetophilinae are known to live
upon decaying wood and also upon mushrooms. In the tenth
report of the State Entomologist of New York, Lintner quotes
a prominent mushroom grower as saying that the crowning evil
of mushroom culture is the maggot of the fungus gnat. “By
cutting open the mushroom you may see numerous worm holes
in some of these, both in the caps and the stems, and no doubt
can discover some of the maggots. They are tiny fellows with
white body and black head, measuring about 1-5 of an inch in
length. . .’ It may be stated in this connection that fre-
quently associated with the maggots of the fungus gnats are
larvae of Phoridae, also serious pests.

The Sciarinae, a subfamily of the fungus gnats and known
to the Germans as Trauermiicken (Mourning gnats), which
also have been accused of damaging fungi by Doctors Smith,
Felt, and others, are probably less frequently found in sound
plants than in such as are already badly decayed, differing in
this respect from those mentioned before. Professor Forbes,
State Entomologist of Illinois, reports that they are occasion-
ally injurious to seed corn. ‘They are also known to feed upon
potatoes affected by scab or rot, and in some instances appear
to be the precursor of some form of scab. his form of scab
should not be confused with the common potato scab (Oospora
scabies). ‘They are found in apples associated with the rail-
road worm (apple maggot) and in bulbs of tulips and peonies.
Whether they are actually injurious to the roots of potted plants
is not yet definitely known, though they are looked upon with
suspicion by florists generally.

Mycetobia divergens Walker.

The larva of this species, living in decayed wood from an
apple tree, was sent to us by a correspondent from Gardiner,

32 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQIO.

Maine. As the larva is not figured in Bulletin No. 172 some de-
tails will be figured and described here. The larva is white in
color, 12 segmented, slender and legless. The head is yellow-
ish brown, oblong, about twice as long as wide, the labrum has
a rounded margin, setose ventrally. The mandibles are brown,
margined with a number of teeth and with a toothed claw on
the inner side (figs. 41, 42) ; the lateral comb of the epipharynx
has 6 teeth (fig. 39) ; the labium has several smaller as well as
two larger ones and its lateral margins are fringed with long
hairs (fig. 38). The maxilla is shown in figure 40. There are
a few scattered bristles on the head and two eye spots. The
two main tracheal trunks end in the thoracic spiracles (fig. 43)
on the center of the lateral margin of the first thoracic segment
and extend to the apex of the twelfth abdominal segment; they
are connected by a strong commissure at the anterior end of
the second thoracic segment. The length of the full grown
larva is about 1% of an inch.

The pupa is brown; tapering, with a few spines on thorax
and abdomen projecting backward; length 1-6 of an inch.

TIPULIDAE (Crane flies).

Two crane flies from Maine may be noticed at this time as
being of particular interest. The one, Ctenophora apicata, be-
cause of its rarity, and the other because of possible economic
interest to potato and apple growers.

Ctenophora apicata.

Nine males and six females of this handsome crane fly were
reared from larvae and pupae found in the decaying wood of
an elm tree. They were collected at Orono, Maine, June 23,
by Mr. William Woods. Though this species is not of eco-
nomic importance still it may not be out of place to give here
a brief description owing to its rarity. The male appears never
to have been described.

The full grown larva is white, cylindrical, over 12¢ inches
long. The head is black, well formed, oval, 3-64 of an inch
in diameter and twice as long; apparently only the apical fourth
can be exserted. The antennae are cylindrical with an apical
papilla. On the dorsal surface of the head at some distance

INSECT NOTES. 33

‘ack of each antenna is a slender, flexible spine. Here and
there upon the body may be seen a minute bristle; at the caudal
end are the two black spiracles, dorsad of which are 4 finger-
like processes and ventrad are 2 conical protuberances.

The pupa is brown in color; 34 to 7% of an inch in length.
On the anterior part of the thorax on the dorsal surface are the
breathing organs, slender, transversely striated, about 3-32 of
an inch in length. Each intermediate abdominal segment has
8 pairs of sharply pointed conical protuberances, those on the
posterior part of the venter on the middle line larger than those
on the mid-dorsal line and much larger than those on the sides.
The last segment has but 4 and the next to the last 8 such pro-
jections. On the anterior segments some may be much reduced
or even wanting.

The adults show considerable variation in coloring, there
being a light and dark form of each sex. Between these forms
are several specimens showing more or less intergradation.

Male. Dark form. Shining black; the tips of the basal
antennal joints, the tips of the antennal branches, of which there
are four rows, knob of halteres and the palpi more or less fus-
cous; the fore legs, the tibiae and tarsi of the middle legs to-
gether with the middle section of the femora, the hind tibiae
and tarsi, and the dorsal portion of the collar are yellow; wings
deep blackish brown, except for the hyaline spots on the veins
bounding proximally and distally the discal cell and one at the
stigma (fig. 14).

Pale form. Shining reddish yellow excepting an occipital
triangle, the humeri, base of metanotum, thoracic and pleural
sutures, narrow lateral and hind margins of the more posterior
segments, dorsal spot on the first segment, and forceps them-
selves, tibial spurs and apical fourth of middle and hind femora
are black. Wings yellowish, subfuscous apically.

Female. Dark form. Like the male but the basal antennal
joints, the collar and the whole of the middle femora are black;
the lateral posterior margin of the fifth segment of the abdomen
and the tip of the ovipositor are yellow.

Pale form as described by Osten Sacken. (Lot 743.)

34 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I9Q10.

Trichocera regelationis.

In Insect Notes for 1907 (Bulletin No. 148, Me. Agric. Expt.
Station, p. 278) mention was made of the occurrence of this
species breeding in potatoes; the slender maggots having been
found in a lot of potatoes that froze the preceding fall and were
soft and rotting the following May. Whether this species would
develop in sound potatoes was not ascertained. In a letter dated
May 6, 1907, from a correspondent in Patten, we read: “.
This maggot goes only under the skin; not doing much damage
to the tuber. . . . Sometimes they will eat turnips, especially
sweet ones, so that it spoils them. Carrots, parsnips, onions,
and in fact everything that has a tender root.” From the con-
text of the remaining portion of the letter it is evident that our
correspondent has confused the maggots of several species of
flies, among them Sciara, Pegomyia, and perhaps others. For
this reason a brief description of the maggot will be given here
with the hope that the reader may keep a lookout for similar
larvae and submit them to the Experiment Station for identifi-
cation. This species has also been recorded as being injurious
to apples.

The maggot is a slender, legless, whitish creature, over 34
of an inch in length when full grown. Its head is brown,
narrower than the first body segment, but quite distinct wholly
exserted, and apparently not retractile, differing in this respect
from the majority of crane fly larvae. The body segments, 12
in number, are very indistinctly marked, the transverse folds
on each segment being nearly as distinct as the sutures them-
selves. The surface of the body is rather thickly covered with
fine pale hairs more or less erect and mingled with these are
scme small bristles not markedly differentiated from the hairs.
The mouth parts resemble somewhat those of Rhyphus. The
labrum, epipharynx, mandible, hypopharynx, maxilla and labium,
are as shown in the figures (figs. 52-55). The lateral comb of
the epipharynx (ep. c. fig. 53) has blunt, rounded teeth. On
the ventral side of the last segment is the anal plate (fig. 51)
perforated by a transverse slit at the center. The anterior
spiracles or breathing organs are small, rounded openings situ-
ated on the dorsal surface of the first thoracic segment; the

INSECT NOTES. 35

posterior spiracles (fig. 57) on the last segment open dorsally
and are each covered by a hairy flap (fig. 56 fl.). The body
ends in two fleshy lobes (fig. 56).

The pupa is over % inch long with small, papilliform, thoracic
spiracles; the caudal end narrower, its apex with 2 slender
pointed lobes. The slender, long-legged, mosquito-like adult
may readily be distinguished from other crane flies by the pres-
ence of a very short and much curved vein near the base of the
wing posteriorly and by other points in venation shown in figure
13. These flies are not uncommonly found even in late fall
and winter hovering over a small brook or spring or over the

snow. (Lot 188.)

RHYPHIDAE (False Crane flies).

Rhyphus punctatus.

This fly though probably of no great economic importance
may not be without interest because of the resemblance the
larvae bear to those of Trichocera described above and because
of the resemblance the adults bear to the malarial mosquitoes
for which they are occasionally mistaken by the non-entomol-
ogist. The larvae of the members of this family live in decay-
ing vegetable matter. ‘The specimens from which the following
description was drawn were found in cow dung.

The larva is a slender, cylindrical, legless maggot over 3¢ of
an inch in length with 12 distinct body segments which
are broadly marked with mottled brownish or purplish bands
leaving only the sutures white. The twelfth segment is shorter
and smaller than the others, less sharply separated from the
eleventh, and ends in 2 rounded fleshy lobes margined with
setae (fig. 48). Ventrally there is an oval anal plate perforated
by a transverse slit near the posterior margin (fig. 49). Dor-
sally are the 2 crescent shaped spiracles (fig. 48 sp.) which are
bounded laterally though not covered by flaps; between them
is a transverse fold margined with setae. The thoracic spiracles
(fig. 47) are small and have but 3 more or less oval apertures.
The antennae are very minute, two segmented and papilla-like.
The mandible (fig. 44) is apically densely covered with two tufts
of hair, one on each side, and which so overhang the tip that

36 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. IQIO.

its structure cannot be described. On the inner side of the
mandible is a spur with several teeth. The lateral comb of the
epipharynx (fig. 46) is provided with several blunt teeth. The
labrum is oval and margined with setae, the labium (fig. 45 Im)
is deeply bifid.

The adult which is frequently seen upon the windows of
dwellings resembles somewhat some malarial mosquitoes in pos-
sessing spotted wings—but it may readily be distinguished from
the mosquito by its short, blunt proboscis.

CuLIcIDAE (Mosquitoes).

These pests are with us the greater part of the year, though
troublesome mainly in spring and summer. In recent years
they have been much studied because of their relation to malaria
and other diseases. In Insect Notes for 1906 (Bul. No. 134,
Me. Agr. Expt. Station) is given a short list of Maine mos-
quitoes, among them two species of Anopheles, one of which
is known to be a malaria carrier. Anopheles may readily be
distinguished from the others by the spotted wings, by the form
of the mouth parts which consist of 3 slender processes, and by
the habit of standing when at rest upon a wall with the body
inclined at an angle with the vertical. Though no special effort
was made to collect them, two rather rare non-malarial mos-
quitoes were taken the past season, Culex atropalpus and saxa-
tilis. The former was bred from larvae taken in the rock pools
from the Stillwater branch of the Penobscot river, September
22. Of the latter, specimens were captured in the basement of
a dwelling in Orono on December 17 and 21.

As all mosquitoes breed in water, the covering of rain water
barrels, filling in of small pools and draining of swamps will
do much toward reducing the number of these insects.

MuscipaE (Flies).

Epochra canadensis (Currant fruit fly).

In a letter dated July 16 a correspondent from Westbrook
reports that one-third of his currant crop was ruined by a mag-
got which lives in the fruit. It is the larva of the currant fly,

INSECT NOTES. 37

a small white maggot about 1-3 of an inch in length. The adult
is a small two-winged fly with banded wings. It is described
in Bulletin No. 35 Me. Agric. Expt. Station. (Lot 766.)

Drosophila buscku.

This insect belongs to the same genus as the little yellow flies
commonly known as Pomace or fruit flies. It has been bred
several times from larva found in potato affected by rot.
Apparently only the potatoes with broken skin were attacked,
though there were a number of decayed tubers. From this it
seems evident that the flies were not responsible in starting the
rot. As may be expected this fly in all its stages greatly re-
sembles Drosophila ampelophila, the common Pomace fly, de-
scribed by Professor Comstock in the Report of the Ento-
mologist, Department of Agriculture for ’81-’82.

The egg though similar in shape differs from that of D. am-
pelophila in having 4 slender and pointed filaments (not blunt)
near the micropyle. ‘The larva is elongate oval, about 5-16 of
ar inch in length when full grown; the head end more slender
and pointed; the posterior end of the body broadest. The an-
tennae are minute tubercles placed on the dorsal surface of the
first segment; the 2 jaw hooks are black in color and each pro-
vided with 4 slender teeth of which the third from the base is
smallest (fig. 50). Fringing the mouth are a number of
minute colorless, recurved hooks only distinctly visible in pro-
file. The cephalic spiracles each consist of about 12 tracheal
tubes of varying lengths, slightly hooked at the end. These
tubes may be extended or retracted within a cylinder which is
somewhat longer than wide. The body is covered, though not
densely, with erect setulae, and each segment is provided with
about 8 spinose protuberances, fewer and longer on the last 2
segments where they nearly equal the caudal spiracle in length.
The latter consists of 2 coalesced tubes. The pupa, which is
about 4% of an inch long, resembles the larvae in having the
body sparsely covered with setulae, spinose protuberances, and
a caudal spiracle of 2 coalesced tubes. At the head end there
is a large concavity, covered by a plate which comes off when
the adult emerges. To this plate are attached the thoracic
spiracles, cylindrical processes each terminating in 12 tracheal

38 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I9Q10O.

tubes of varying length. The adult is a little yellow fly about
¥g of an inch long with striped thorax and abdomen with black
markings. (Lot 847.)

Pegomyia sp.? (Cabbage maggots).

A correspondent from Bowdoinham, Maine, in a letter dated
July 1, reports the destruction of 25,000 cauliflower plants by
maggots. As no specimens were received the species was not
determined, though it may have been Pegomyia brassicae or
some allied form.

Musca domestica (House or typhoid fly).

The ever present and pestiferous house fly because of its
filthy habits continues to be a serious menace to the health of
the community. As they breed in stable manure every effort
should be made to reduce their number by the removal of this
refuse from the vicinity of dwellings. Foods of all kinds should
be carefully protected from them. Milk should be handled with
great care to prevent flies from contaminating it, as it is a most
excellent medium for the development of the typhoid bacilli as
well as of the bacilli of some other intestinal troubles to which
young children are highly susceptible. Upon this subject much
has been said and written, but too much stress cannot be laid
upon a matter of such vital importance.

Frontina archippivora (A parasitic fly).

A specimen of the chrysalis of the monarch butterfly (Anosia
piexippus) sent from South Berwick was found to be parasi-
tized by the above named fly. The pupal stage of the parasite
was passed outside of the butterfly chrysalis. The flies emerged
August 28. (Lot 789.)

INSECT NOTES. 39

COLBOR DIRE:
(Beetles. )

Carpophilus henupterus.

Many of these beetles and their larvae and pupae were found
in a box of California dried peaches sent to the Station for
examination from a storage house in Portland. The beetle
(fig. 15) which is about % of an inch in length may readily be
recognized by its short wing covers which are not produced
over the last 2 abdominal segments. The insect is mainly dark
brown in color; the legs, the posterior half and a spot near the
lateral anterior margin of each wing cover, are yellow. The
legs are rather stout, the tibiae are somewhat broadened, and
the antennae are clubbed. Both larvae and adults feed in de-
caying and fermenting sap, pomace and fruit, particularly im-
properly cured dried figs, peaches, apples and the like, and are
often associated with mites and the larvae of Pomace Flies
(Drosophila). The insect is very widely distributed, almost
cosmopolitan, and once established in a fruit packing house may
prove a serious pest.

The larva or grub is a slender flattened creature about 1-5
of an inch in length, white in color with a brownish head and
3 pairs of legs. ‘The mouth parts are as shown in figs. 20-22.
There is a pair of thoracic spiracles on the second segment, and
8 pairs of abdominal spiracles, none on the last segment. Upon
the body are a few scattered setae; on the dorsal surface of the
last segment (fig. 23) is a pair of stout pointed tubercles, a
stouter pair at the apex and a smaller one at the base of each
of the latter. The pupa is of the simple, unprotected type, each
abdominal segment has about 4 strong setose spines, largest
posteriorly.

The destruction of all infested fruit by burning, and thorough
fumigation of the warehouse by hydrocyanic gas are the only
remedies which can be suggested for the destruction of this
pest. (Lot 843.)

Euphoria inda (Bumble flower beetles).

Large beetles (fig. 16) about 5 of an inch in length, have
been reported to the Station several times this season eating

4c MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I9Q10.

apples in storage. As a single individual does not always con~
fine its attention to one apple, a few beetles may sometimes
injure a large number by biting into them. Harris records a
similar habit regarding peaches. The head and thorax of this
beetle are dark reddish brown, or almost black, thickly covered
with short yellowish hairs, the wing cases are light yellowish
brown mottled with irregular black dots. The under side of
the insect is very hairy. As this insect is quite conspicuous it
may be controled by hand picking. (Lot 826.)

Conotrachelus nenuphar (Plum curculio).*

At Lisbon, Maine, this insect has nearly ruined a crop of
plums, while the apples from orchards in many parts of the
State are reported as being commonly and generally infested
with this pest. (Lots 747, 757.)

Elateridae (Wire worms) .*

A farmer from Lagrange says: “. . . these threaten to
ruin my potatoes. Every one raising potatoes in this vicinity
has the same complaint. We did not see anything of them on
this farm last year but one of my neighbors had them in his
potatoes. ” Deep plowing and harrowing in the fall to
expose the pupa and beetle, as a preventive measure, are most
highly recommended. (Lot 763.)

Scolytid Beetles in Pine Cones.

Some specimens of cones from the White Pine, brought to
us by Doctor Chrysler of the University of Maine, collected
June 15 in Orono, were found to be mined by a Scolytid beetle.
Every cone on the branch brought in was affected. On open-
ing a cone, the whole structure was found to be mined through,
two or three beetles being inside; and a gummy brown mass
at or near the base giving evidence of the work within. The
beetles made an exit at or near the apex. The cones were those
which started to grow last year. Professor J. M. Swaine, of
Macdonald College, Canada, who has made a special study of
this family of beetles, to whom specimens were sent, determined
them as Pityophthorus coniperda. (Lot 734.)

* A descriptive economic circular is available to applicants.

INSECT NOTES. AI

Xyleborus dispar (Shot borer).

In a letter dated June 3, from a correspondent in West Tre-
mont, Maine, the complaint is made that this beetle is killing
the young apple trees. This beetle is a native species and
attacks both hard and soft wood trees as well as the apple trees.
The young larvae bore into the wood, making deep channels
which in the small twigs interfere with the circulation of the
sap, and the twigs wither, giving the appearance of blight.
The beetle is less than one-eighth of an inch in length, dark
brown or nearly black in color, with legs and antennae rusty red.
They leave their burrows in July and deposit eggs before Au
gust, according to Harvey. It is a difficult insect to exterminate,
especially in orchards in the vicinity of forest trees. Cutting
out of diseased limbs and burning is the most satisfactory treat-
Mieiim el Ot 7/ZO:

Monohammus scutellatus (Pine borer).

Beetles of this species were found quite abundantly, June 30,
in Orono, upon the larch. On many of the trees the young
twigs appeared as if the bark had been chewed off. In Insect
“Notes for 1908 (Me. Agr. Exp. Station Bulletin No. 162) there
is a record of this species destroying pine needles. The beetle
is about 34 of an inch in ‘ength with antennae double the length
of the body in the male. It is shining black, its wing-covers
having small patches of short hairs here and there resembling
spots of white mold, their surface rough from coarse confluent
punctures and the thorax similarly punctured across its middle,
its base and apex with irregular transverse wrinkles, and its
sides with a conical spine, which is not clothed with hairs, and
the scutellum coated over with white hairs. The large white
grub bores in the wood. ‘The beetle is rather common in Maine.
If anyone should see this insect feeding upon leaves or twigs
of any tree, he will confer a favor upon us if he send in a
record of his observations. Lot 78o.

42 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION: IQI0O.

HYMENOPTERA.
(Four-winged flies, etc.)

Lophyrus abietis (Spruce saw fly).

This saw fly, noted last year in Bulletin 162, was again very
abundant the past season on fir and spruce. From Birch Is-
land, near the mouth of Damariscotta River, a correspondent
writes August 3: “. . . I find the saw fly busily at work, and
the devastation in the country around is appalling. Here it is
now at work on the red spruce and I have a number of trees
entirely eaten off, and the caterpillars lie as thick as leaves.
. . .” In woodland trees artificial remedial measures are
probably impractical and there the pest can only be left to such
natural control as climatic conditions, fungous disease, or the
attacks of predaceous or parasitic insects. For ornamental
trees we may resort to spraying as soon as the larvae are in
evidence.

From a large number of cocoons collected, abour an equal
number of males and females emerged. A few parasites,
Pimpla sp. and others, were also reared from the cocoons.
(Lot 791.)

Nematus erichsoni (Larch saw fly).

A report from Gardiner, Maine, dated July 14, states that
“a small grove of larch near the house stripped almost as bare
as winter.” ‘This is the insect which caused such devastation
to the larches in this State a number of years ago, that in some
sections they were wholly exterminated.

As with the Spruce saw fly we must place our chief reliance
upon the natural enemies, parasites and predaceous bugs and
climatic conditions, to hold this pest in check upon woodland
trees. Spraying where feasible will control them. (Lot 765.)

INSECT NOTES. 43

Dee NATION sOF PATE Ss.

PLATE

10-12 San Jose or Pernicious scale (Aspidiotus permiciosus).

IO
Ihde
Tee
13
14
15

16

17

18
19

Page 28.
Active young, greatly enlarged (After Felt).
Young scale in black stage, greatly enlarged (After Felt).
Group of adult scales, enlarged (After Felt).
Wing of Crane fly (Trichocera regalationis). Page 34.
Wing of Crane fly (Ctenophora apicata). Page 32.
Sap beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus), greatly enlarged.
Page Sop
Bumble flower beetle (Euphoria inda). ‘Twice natural
size, sage 320)

PLATE
Leaf of the Alder showing secretion of Downy Psyllid.
Page 20.
Apple leaf folded by apple leaf sewer. Page 206.
Birch leaf showing work of Bucculatrix canadensisella.
Page 24.

PLATE

All details are of the larvae unless otherwise noted. an =
antenna; ep = epipharynx; ep.c =comb of epipharynx; fl =
flap covering spiracle; hyp = hypopharynx; Im = labium; Ir =
labrum; mn = mandible; mx = maxilla; sp = spiracle.

20
21
22

23

24
25
26
27

Carpophilus hemipterus. Page 39.
Mouth parts; Dorsal aspect. x 63.
Labium and maxilla; Ventral aspect. x 63.
Labium; Ventral aspect. x 175.
Caudal end; Dorsal aspect. x 40.

Achatodes zeae. iPagew22)

Mouth parts; Dorsal aspect. x 20.

Maxilla. x 20.
Anal plate; Dorsal aspect. x Io.
Apex of abdomen of pupa. x 40.

44

C1 Or C1 Gn On
N O01 © tH

ci Cm

MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.

1910.

Ancylis (Phoxopterus) nubeculana. Page 26.

Mandible. x 8o.

Labrum; Dorsal aspect.

Antenna. x 8o.
Labium and first

maxilla.

Anal fork. x 175.

Bucculatrix canadensisella.

Labium and first

maxilla.

Mandible. x 175.
Labrum; Dorsal aspect.
Abdominal leg. x 175.

Claw of anal leg.

Mycetobia divergens.

Labrum; Ventral

Lateral comb of epipharynx.

Maxilla; Ventral

meted

aspect.

aspect.

Mandible; Lateral aspect.

Mandible; Mesal
Thoracic spiracle.

Rhyphus punctatus.

aspect.
X 350.

Mandible; Lateral aspect.
Labium, maxilla and hypopharynx; Ventral aspect. x 63.

Lateral comb of epipharynx.

Thoracic spiracle.

Caudal end, dorsal.

X 350.

Anal plate. x 25.

Drosophila buscku.

Mandibular hook.

KLFs:

x 8o.

x 80.

x 175.

175:

X 350:

x UE

X 350.

x 8o.

Trichocera regelationis.

Anal plate. x 175.

Mandible; Mesal
Labrum; Ventral

aspect.
aspect.

Mandible; Lateral aspect.
Lower mouth parts; Ventral aspect. x
Caudal end; Dorsal aspect. x 40.

Caudal spiracle.

x 8o.

x 175.
<17s.
a7 Se

Page 24.

X 350.

Page

Page 31.

Page 35.

Page 37.

34.

7

5-