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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY,
BULLETIN No. 32.
REPORTS
|| OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS
|| THE PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION,
MADE
_ UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE )
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WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1894.
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)EPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.
Bubuetin No. 32.
REEOR TES
OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS
-. THE PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION,
oe MADE
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST.
(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.)
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1894.
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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY,
Washington, D. C., April 14, 1894.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit for publication Bulletin No. 52 of
this Division. It comprises the reports of the field agents of the Divi-
sion for the past year (1893), a summary of which has been included in
my annual report.
Respectfully,
©. V. RILEY,
Entomologist.
Hon. J. STERLING Morton,
Secretary of Agriculture.
ty)
COMEERTS.
er rine RAO MET PAR Sooo yon. 2 cree fe eis Sas bo Debe oe oo ees eee
Ser eNDE INDI SCE = em eae tA ce eo a we Sook wee ee a
REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS IN NEBRASKA AND ADJOINING DISTRICTS
oS Ee SA eS a ee ee ee ------ Lawrence Bruner.-
REPORT ON SOME OF THE INJURIOUS INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA... D. W. Coquillett..
REPORT ON ENTOMOLOGICAL WORK IN OREGON AND CALIFORNIA; NOTES ON
Piel ee CEE TATIONS .. = — 5 200.22. gee an sand Albert Koebele..
Mary E. Murtfeldt..
Se = ae eee baen Herbert Osborn-.
2b Bae eet A. S. Packard..
5
J
BERG Wo aw?
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS IN THE
PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION.
INTRODUCTION.
For some years past it has been the custom, with the approval of the
Secretary of Agriculture, to bring together in a single bulletin, at the
close of each season, the formal reports of the field agents of the Divi-
sion; thus, Bulletins 22, 25, 26, and 30 of the Division comprise the
reports of the field agents forthe years 1889, 1890, 1891, and 1892. This
present bulletin is a cortinuation of this series. Ali of the field agents
represented in Bulletin ©0, with the exception of Mr. Larrabee, were
continued through the year 1895. All, however, were discontinued
February 15, 1894, and are no longer connected with the Division, with
the exception of Mr. Coquillett, who has been called to Washington and
is now an Office assistant.
Mr. Bruner has reported in the main on the observations made upon
injurious locusts, and judging from these observations there is no reason
to fear serious injury during the year 1894. The occurrence in special
abundance of several injurious insects, including the army worm and
the wheat-head army worm is reported, and a number of new insect
injuries are mentioned.
Mr. Coquillett’s report consists principally of a somewhat detailed
account of several different kinds ofleaf-eating caterpillars which attack
fruit trees and nut trees in California. To this he adds a section on
arseniureted and sulphureted hydrogen as insecticides.
Mr. Koebele presents a few additional observations upon the sub-
ject of the hop plant-louse in the northwest, and some additional facts
regarding the latest importation of beneficial insects from Australia.
Miss Murtfeldt gives a general summary of the injurious insects of
Missouri for the year 1895.
Prof. Osborn, in a like way, reports upon the injurious insects of
Towa for the season, and includes some important observations on the
hatching of the eggs of the horse bot-fly.
Dr. Packard reports the almost complete recovery of the regions in
Maine ravaged in 1878-’87 by the spruce worm, and he includes a
number of new observations upon insects injurious to forest trees.
C. V. R.
7
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REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS IN NEBRASKA AND
ADJOINING DISTRICTS.
By LAWRENCE BRUNER, Special Field Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.
LINCOLN, NEBR., November 3, 1892.
Sir: I submit herewith a short report upon my investigations among the injurious
insects of Nebraska and adjoining districts during the past summer. While these
pests have not been generally numerous and destructive over the region assigned
me, a few species from among the hosts of these creatures that are ever present have
been sufficiently abundant to commit injury to the crops attacked and to require
special attention on the part of the entomologist and agriculturist. Some of my
time has also been given to a further study of destructive locusts and allied insects
belonging to the order Orthoptera, in which I have been especially interested for
some years. For this purpose three separate trips were made into quite distinct
regions, viz, one to Colorado for the purpose of investigating a local locust outbreak
about the town of Grand Junction, a second to western Nebraska and eastern Wyo-
ming to examine into a reported appearance of the Rocky Mountain locust, and,
lastly, a short tour of inspection through the eastern and central parts of Nebraska
for the purpose of ascertaining exactly how numerous and extensive were the inju-
ries caused by the ‘‘ native ” species of locusts that had been reported as committing
hayoe with various garden truck, small trees, grape-vines, and also in some instances
field crops.
Many of the notes made on other insects than locusts, and in fact some of the lat-
ter also, were obtained in connection with work carried on at the University of
Nebraska or while engaged in field work for this institution. These latter are sub-
mitted herewith as of some possible value to the general public aside from citizens
of the State.
Very respectfully, yours,
LAWRENCE BRUNER.
Ci V. RmEy;
U. S. Entomologist.
LOCUSTS OR **GRASSHOPPERS.”
The past summer again has been noted as one in which the various
species of indigenous locusts were present in overwhelming numbers
over a large area of country. The injuries wrought by these insects
were, therefore, great and widespread. Reports bearing on the subject
were received from a number of correspondents located in this and
adjoining States. The newspapers also contained like reports, from
all of which it becomes quite evident that something definite in the
9
10 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
way of remedying the evil must be done soon if we would expect to
escape future ravages from this source. Many of the common species,
like the red-legged locust (Jelanoplus Jemur-rubrum), the two-striped
locust (Melanoplus bivittatus), and the differential locust (Melanoplus
differentialis), and others of like nature, are becoming more and more
reconciled to ‘‘civilized ways” each succeeding year, and hence are bet-
ter enabled to withstand these conditions than are others. This being
true, they increase proportionately as the area embracing the conditions
under consideration enlarges. Other influences, of course, also either
favor or retard the increase of these particular species, us they do allied
forms; but these influences seem to have less to do with the matter in
their case than in that of the majority of species. They are the “hardy
forms” of the family, and are capable of adapting themselves in their
life struggle to a greater amount of variation in climate, altitude, and
surface configuration. |
Several trips were made during the summer in connection with the
study of our destructive locusts. Besides the time thus spent, some
attention was given the subject here at home. One of these: trips was
made during the latter part of June to western Colorado, where I went to
examine into locust injuries in and about Grand Junction. Although
I reported at the time, I submit the following account of this trip for
your inspection :
A Report on Locust Injuries in the Vicinity of Grand Junction, Colo.—
At the request of the Board of Trade of Grand Junction, I visited that
place during the month of June to examine into a plague of locusts that
were engaged in devastating the region about that city. After spend-
ing a week here I found the conditions to be about as follows: About
four years ago it was observed that grasshoppers were unusually abun-
dant on a piece of waste land near the Grand River, a little south of
the town of Fruita, which is situated about 12 miles west of Grand
Junction. As the ’hoppers had plenty of food and were not destroyed
by parasites or disturbed by the settlers or by birds to a sufficient extent
to reduce their numbers, and having suitable places for the deposition
of their eggs, the result is plain. The winter following the egg-laying
reported was favorable, and the following spring, being likewise favor-
able to the young, resulted in the spreading of the pest to several of the
surrounding farms, where they did some damage to crops and orchards.
Again nothing was done to diminish their numbers or to prevent their
injuries or their spread to new ground. The season was also favorable
to their development, egg-laying, and spreading. The opening of the
third year came, and in course of time the young hatched and began
their work upon the crops over a greatly extended area. Their injury
was quite extensive, in fact, and comprised both field crops and orchards.
This year many thousands of dollars’ worth of property was destroyed
by them. The orchards in particular suffered from their depredations.
As the principal product of the region is fruit, the destruction of fruit
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 11
trees was greatly felt by the settlers who happened to lose by their
attacks. One orchard alone is reported to have suffered to the extent
of $25,000. That this estimate was none too great I can attest from
personally having visited and examined it. The orchard in question is
of 80 acres in extent and composed of thrifty trees, all of bearing
size. Fully one-half of the trees were destroyed by the locusts, which
came by the millions from adjoining fields of alfalfa. They ate off the
leaves and even stripped the smaller twigs of their bark. A great
many other orchards were more or less completely destroyed by the
pest last year. Even with all this amount of injury going on about
them, the inhabitants did but little toward protecting themselves, and
what little fighting they did do was undertaken so late in the year that
it did comparatively little good even in the line of preventing egg depos-
iting. The warfare did not begin until after the “hoppers had attained
their wings and were spreading out over the region preparatory to egg-
laying. Af this time they had mostly left the fields of alfalfa and grain
and were nearly all in the trees composing the various orchards of the
region. Here they remained upon the twigs and branches, feeding upon
the leaves and tender bark of the new growth. In this situation it was
next to impossible to dislodge them or get at them with a remedy.
Some bran and arsenic was used by a few of the settlers in fighting the
pest, but this was handled so carelessly in many instances that not
only were domestic fowls and an occasional larger animal destroyed,
but also nearly all of the native birds of the region that occasionally
add to their insect diet other food were killed. In fact, the only good
feature connected with the use of the bran-arsenic remedy in this par-
ticular instance was the destruction of many rabbits. These latter
were killed by the hundreds and pretty well exterminated in the imme-
diate vicinity of the orchards where the remedy was used.
The present year, the fourth in which these insects have been pres-
ent in this region, I chanced to visit the locality about a week before
the mass of hoppers had attained their growth. I was therefore in
time to do some good for the residents by suggesting and showing them
a more profitable and, at the same time, practical method of warfare
suitable to the particular occasion, viz, the ‘‘ hopper-dozer,” or kerosene
pan. It was ascertained that the majority of the insects were still
confined to the edges of alfalfa and grain fields, or else were to be found
amongst the rank vegetation growing along the edges of irrigating
ditchesand over such grounds as were more or less frequently watered by
the wastefrom these ditches. In such localitiesit wasseen thatthe most
practical remedy that could be employed at this time was the * dozers.”
Accordingly several of these machines were ordered made, and meet-
ings of the farmers and fruit-growers and other interested parties called
for the purpose of discussing the subject preparatory to attacking the
foe. At these meetings, held in both Grand Junction and Fruita,
addresses were delivered outlining the various methods that have been
12 REPORTS OF ‘OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
used at various times in the past in different countries and under divers
conditions in fighting the locust pests of the world. In connection
with the remarks made, charts were exhibited showing the differences
among the species committing these injuries against which relief had
been sought. Both the practical remedies, or such as can be applied with
a saving, and the impractical remedies, or such as cost more to apply than
would be the value of the crops intended to be saved, were described
at some length. It is needless to say that I favored the practical rem-
edies, although there were many among the audiences who insisted upon
the adoption of some remedy where there would be little or no outlay of
labor. Nevertheless the “practical” methods were insisted upon by me
since the people were not overburdened with cash to such an extent
that they could afford to go into a series of doubtful experiments at
this late date of the trouble.
Every circumstance seemed to favor the use of the hopper-dozers at
this time.- Prior to my arrival the citizens of Grand Junction had
secured a 10,000-gallon tank of crude petroleum for use in destroying
the hoppers. This, as I afterwards ascertained, was intended to be
used for pouring into the irrigating ditches and allowing it to spread
over the country so as to come in contact (?) with the insects which it
was intended to destroy. In my addresses I insisted that this would
only be throwing the material away and would also destroy the vege-
tation wherever the oil reached, and that the locust would be mostly
left unharmed. We tried the oil in the ’hopper-dozers and were sur-
prised atthe results. It worked much better,if possible, than the refined
oil, and its cost was so very much less, being only 4 cents per gallon
delivered at Grand Junction, that its use in this connection could be
highly recommended. The comparative thickness made it more desira-
ble because of its remaining in the pan to betteradvantage. It could
even be cheapened by adding water to the oil in the pan on the dozers.
There were several species of locusts concerned in the depredations
in and about Grand Junction, as well as at other points in the surround-
ing regions of Colorado. I found Melanoplus atlanis, M. bivittatus,
and M, differentialis in the fieids of the region examined. There were
also several other species very numerous in the valley and upon the
surrounding hills wherever the vegetation was of sufficient size to sup-
port them. One was an undescribed species of Pezotettix, as these
insects have been classed by American writers, Somewhat resembling
M., turnbulli Thos., only with very short and rounded tegmina. Like
M. turnbulli, it seems to be confined chiefly to species of the Chenopo-
diacez, of which the region contains many forms. It is especially
fond of the greasewood (Sarcobates vermicularis). Peculiar enough
was the fact that on my arrival much of the preparation for defense
that was then under way was for the destruction of this Pezotettix,
that did none or very little of the injury that had thus far occurred in
the valley. I have proposed for this species the name Pezotettix cheno-
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 13
podii, and have furnished for publication in Insect Life a more detailed
description than is here given.
Whether or not my visit to the region in question resulted in any
good to the settlers I can not say, for | have not heard from there up
to the date of this writing. If the instructions which I gave and
insisted upon being carried out were followed the valley could be
practically freed from the pest.
In estimating the cost for the extermination of the plague in this
particular region, I believe that it could have been done with an
expenditure not to exceed a couple of thousand dollars in money. Of
course, the labor necessary for the extermination would be quite an
item were it performed solely for the destruction of the “hoppers without
any regard to the saving of crops, and if not done by the settlers them-
selves upon their own and adjoining lands. Some of these figures were
given to the public in my talks above alluded to.
In closing my remarks coucerning this visit to Grand Junction, I
wish simply to add that nature has made the region one of the very
best fruit districts in the country. Climate is favorable, but few insect
pests have been introduced from abroad, and these cannot live in the
changed conditions of the arid climate belonging to the country. Few
of the native insects can ever become injurious on account of the differ-
ences in the food-plants that this change would entail. Lastly, the
grasshopper plague of the past few years is due entirely to careless-
ness on the part of the settlers themselves, and a repetition of such an
occurrence can be prevented by a little watchfulness on their part. A
- little care in the way of cleaning up about the waste lands lying along
the ditches will be all that is necessary.
West Nebraska and Wyoming Trip.—On the 25d of August I left
Lincoln for the western part of this State and eastern Wyoming to
examine into the reported locust injuries in that section of the country.
Stops were made at Sidney, Pine Bluffs, Cheyenne, and the country
lying at the headwaters of Pole and Crow creeks. Over this entire
scope of country the various ‘‘ native species” of Acridians were exceed-
ingly numerous—much more so than ordinarily—and any one who has
collected these insects here knows what such an assertion means.
Judging from the collections made at each of the localities visited, I
have no hesitation in making the statement that fully one-half of the
species common to the country embraced were injuriously numerous.
Some of these had never before been observed by me to occur so plenti-
fully. While but little farming is done in this region, the injury was
nevertheless much felt by the settlers. The ranges were much reduced
in value by these insects, which must have devoured fully one-half of
all the grasses and other forage plants growing upon them. In many
places the vegetation had been eaten so closely that a sheep would
have had a hard time to feed upon the remnants.
In settled districts and where irrigating is resorted to remedies can
be suggested, but upon the high, dry plains of western Nebraska and
14 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
the adjoining portions of Colorado and Wyoming it is impossible to
destroy these locusts by any artificial means known to me. Climatic _
conditions alone must be depended upon for remedying the evil, since
the scope of country that would necessarily have to be covered is too
great to think of stamping out the pest artificially.
Rocky Mountain or Migratory Locust.—The Rocky Mountain or
migratory locust (Melanoplus spretus) has not been reported from any
point in excessive numbers during the past summer so far as I am
at present aware. Stillit seems to have been sufficiently common over
portions of the subpermanent region to warrant our watching its move-
ments. On or about the 18th of August it was reported that grasshop-
pers in considerable numbers were seen in the air at West Point, this
State. Although it is not definitely known to just what species these
hoppers belonged, they were without doubt stragglers of the present
species, since at about the same time it occurred in moderate numbers
here at Lincoln and several neighboring places. In fact, it has been
noticed by me both in the air and on the ground several times during
the summer, as it was also last summer. At no time, however, was it
observed in sufficient numbers to do perceptible injury to crops or
other vegetation, nor were the insects seen to deposit eggs. It did not
appear among the species that caused the observed and reported dam-
ages during the season.
Injuries from * Native” Locusts.—Much injury was done during the
summer by different species of our native locusts that have been very
common at a number of localities in this and adjoining States. Here.
at Lincoln we were obliged to fight them upon the experimental farm;
and from a field of oats of about 50 acres in extent at least 50 bushels
of winged locusts were captured with a hopper-dozer. They were
hatched upon waste land adjoining the farm, and during the dry, hot
weather of August left the weeds and moved into the more inviting
fields. Numerous reports of similar injuries reached me from nearly
every portion of this and adjoining States where farming was carried
onextensively. The species concerned were the common ones usually
engaged in such depredations in this central region, viz, the red-legged,
the two-lined, the differential and the lesser migratory. In some local-
ities all, in others only one or two, of these were concerned in the
injuries. At different localities different ones were present in greatest
force.
As stated above it is quite evident that if the losses occasioned by
these insects do not soon cease, something will have to be done to pre-
vent their further depredations.
OTHER INSECTS.
The Army Worm.—This year has been noted in Nebraska as one in
which the army worm (Leucania wnipuncta) was exceedingly abun-
dant and did much injury to crops in many of the western, northwest-
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REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 15
ern, and northern counties. Millet appeared to suffer most, although
late oats and corn in a few instances were injured to some extent.
One of these regions, viz, Ordai, in Valley County, was visited for the
purpose of studying the insect in its work upon the crops. In this
section of country several fields of millet had been almost entirely
destroyed by the worms about a week prior to my visit. Irom the mil-
let the worms moved into adjoining corn fields, at the edges of which
they were fought in two or three instances by means of deep furrows
in which logs were dragged backward and forward. Many of the lar-
ve or caterpillars had already entered the ground and transformed to
chrysalids; but still others remained in the fields hidden away under
garbage of all kinds, or crept about on the ground. Nearly all of
these contained the eggs of Tachina flies upon their heads and thoracic
joints. Flying and walking about the infested fields were large flocks
of Bartram’s sandpiper, red-winged blackbirds, sparrows, meadow-
larks and several other birds that had been attracted by the rich food
supply. These, together with the dipterous parasites, predaceous
eround-beetles, and several wasps, had, I was informed at the time,
destroyed more than three-fourths of the pests, thereby illustrating the
value of these creatures in keeping injurious insects in check.
Reports also reached me of the presence of this insect in hurtful
numbers at the following localities: In Dixon, Holt, Jefferson, Custer,
Valley, and several other counties not definitely stated.
The Wheat-head Army- Worm.—This year for the firsttime I have seen
the larva of Leucania albilinea to recognize it. Whilerunning the hop-
per-dozer on the experimental farm in capturing destructive locusts,
numerous specimens of the caterpillars of this insect were found
mingled with the dead hoppers in the kerosene-oil pans. They were
clinging to the stems of the grain and were knocked down by the
machine as it was dragged through the field. Although quite plenti-
ful, the larvie did not appear todo any appreciable injury in the field
of oats that had been planted to cut for hay. No attempt was made
to breed parasites from the insect, although some specimens were seen
to contain eges of some dipteron upon the thoracicsegments and head.
The Fall Web-worm.—This insect was again quite prominent among
the insect enemies that were present in cities and towns during the
Summer. Especially was this true with respect to its first brood. In
the cities of Omaha and Lincoln it appeared in large numbers, partic.
warly in the former city, where it stripped and covered the branches
of most of the box-elders and some of the other shade trees with its
unsightly webs. So alarmed about its continued presence and further
injuries were many of the citizens that they cut down the trees * to
save them.” In fact, the moths for the second brood issued in large
numbers, laid their eggs and died. These eggs hatched, and the situa-
tion certainly appeared quite critical. For some reason the greater
proportion of the caterpillars of this second brood died or were destroyed
16 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
before they had become half grown. Whether their demise was due to
disease or to the attacks of certain predaceous and parasitic insects, or
both, I have not learned. That they disappeared at this particular
stage of their growth remains a certainty, as I have been assured by
several correspondents who were greatly interested in the subject and
who watched them very closely. In this city also this second brood of
caterpillars was less numerous than the first, and, as in Omaha, they
dwindled from time to time so that comparatively few matured.
The Hight-spotted Forester.—During July reports of injury by this
insect to vineyards reached me. About the second week of the month
a few of the grape-growers in the vicinity of Omaha became so alarmed
about the ravages of the larve of this moth that they asked me to
visit their vineyards at their expense. I did so and found that the cat-
erpillars had been quite numerous and done much damage by devour-
ing the foliage in several of the smaller vineyards. At the time of my
visit (July 13) most of the caterpillars had disappeared; but such as
remained were much infested with the eggs of some Tachina fly. As
many as four to eight of theseeggs were frequently found upon a single
caterpillar. These parasitic flies had evidently been quite abundant
during the reign of the caterpillars.
Some spraying with Paris green and London purple was done with
beneficial results; but most growers ‘trusted in Providence,” and in
this instance, at least, fared fully as well as did those who ‘“ fought.”
The Stalk-borer.—While investigating the ravages of the eight-
spotted forester about Omaha much injury caused by the common
stalk-borer (Gortyna nitela) was also observed. The larve of this
insect seemed exceedingly common, and were working on sweet-corn,
tomatoes, egg-plant, etc., many of the stalks of which were bored into,
causing them to die. In some instances two, occasionally even three,
of the caterpillars were found working in a Single stalk. It is needless
to state that considerable injury resulted from their attacks. As a
remedy I suggested the collecting and burning of all injured stalks
containing larvee.
Unknown Lepidopterous Larva boring in Stalks of Corn.—Uate in
August a specimen of the work of some lepidopterous larva boring in
the stalks of corn was received from Mr. H. 8S. Smith, living uear Pen-
der, this State, with the accompanying letter:
‘“T today send you by mail an insect that is working on the corn to
a considerable extent, and that is at least new tome. It generally works
about the second joint above ground. Have now mostly left the corn—
not over one in twenty still in stalk.”
In a second letter (September 5) he wrote: ‘“‘ Would say that the insects
wanted have almost entirely left the corn. Only succeeded in finding
two, which I send you. Found one that was being eaten by a white
~ maggot that looks like the larva of the common ‘bluebottle.’ There
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 17
are always two holes in the cornstalk, one at each end of where it has
bored the inside out. The injured stalks break off in wind storms.”
The insects had entered the chrysalis stage when received, so that the
larva isunknown to me. It would appear from what Mr. Smith writes
that some of the larve leave the stalks to transform, while others do
not. At any rate, its comparative abundance and boring habits would
indicate that we have in this insect a quite dangerous corn pest. It
certainly will require additional study before we are entirely acquainted
with it in all of its changes and life-history. The only encouragement
that I can now offer is the presence, apparently, of a dipterous parasite
in the “‘ white maggot,” mentioned by Mr. Smith.
Swarms.of a Noctuid Moth.—Large swarms of Noctuid moths appeared
almost simultaneously at many widely separated points in Nebraska
and adjoining regions during apple-blooming time, and a number of
letters were received concerning them. Many of my correspondents
seemed to think they were the codling moth (Carpocapsa pomonelia)
that had issued somewhat prematurely and were simply waiting for the
proper time for oviposition. Consequently, their having taken alarm
could not be wondered at. Judging from the material accompanying
some of the letters, it is supposed that the swarms were chietly made
up of a single species of cutworm moth (Chorizagrotis introferens),
although several other species were represented in some loealities. The
material received varied greatly in size and markings, as could be seen
even from the much-rubbed specimens in question. At the time nothing
was thought of the matter, and none of the insects were saved. A little
later, when the Entomologist requested an investigation of the larval
stages of this species, with its life-history and food-habits, the swarms
of moths had disappeared, their going having been apparently as sud-
den and complete a mystery as was their coming. <A careful search by
myself and several students at different places where moths had been
very plentiful during the invasion failed to reveal any larvee in uncom-
monly great numbers; and all requests by letter among such corre-
spondents as were addressed on the subject were just as futile.
It is greatly to be regretted that no solution of this insect’s life-
history and food-habits were made when such apparently good
opportunities were offered for the purpose. Was not this one of those
peculiar cases of an ordinarily rare insect gathering in countless
numbers and migrating to regions new that we sometimes hear about
or have oceasion to record? Were not the swarms of moths gradually
brought together and wafted into the region by some peculiarly favor-
able winds from the southwest? I can imagine no other solution of
this problem. It seems identical with the case of the Aletia wylina,
which often appears over much of the region lying to the far north of
its natural range, and away from all of its known food-plants.
1493—Bull. 32——2
18 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
SUGAR-BEET INSECTS. 3
Tanymecus confertus as a Sugar-beet Enemy.—Early in the season
information reached me of considerable injury to young sugar beets at
Ames, this State. With the report were inclosed specimeus of the beetle
known by the above name. A visit to the infested fields a few days
later resulted in confirming what had been claimed by my informant,
viz, that this insect was present in large numbers upon a certain field
of about twelve acres in extent, the greater portion of which had been
completely defolated. Investigation convinced me that the insect,
although quite a general feeder, was more partial to several of the
weeds growing in the field with the beets and only attacked the latter
when the others had been devoured. Chief among the weeds thus
attacked was the common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium). Such
other weeds as Chenopodium alba and Polygonum sp. were also eaten.
At the time of my visit the insects were mating, and as the cockle-
bur appeared to be their first choice as a food plant, it was surmised
that that was the plant which naturally attracted the insect in such
large numbers, and that the beet was only attacked after the other
had been exhausted. Further investigations revealed the fact that
last year, and in all probability for several previous years, the same
field and several of the adjoiing tracts of land had been allowed to
grow up with cockleburs. This leads me to conclude that the insect
had bred upon or within this plant in such numbers as to become a
pest the present year when most of the weeds upon which they fed
through choice had been destroyed. Later the insects dispersed and
nothing further has been heard of thein as a beet enemy.
Numbers of the beetle were carried home with me and kept confined
in a fruit jar with several plants as food. In all instances the cockle-
bur was totally destroyed before the others were attacked.
Eggs were laid by the insects indiscriminately upon the sides and
vottom of the jar, as well as upon the vegetation placed in the jar for
food. These, however, did not hatch, as they were evidently abnor-
mally placed. Here would have been a splendid opportunity of ascer-
taining something of the life-history, had I been provided with breed-
ing facilities for rearing and studying its various stages. My limited
room here prevented such a study and the opportunity was lost to me
for this year at least.
Where the insects attacked the young beets a sprinkling with Lon-
don purple was said to. be effective in checking their injury, but whether
by killing or driving the insects away was not reported.
The Juniper Bark-borer.—Au insect that is of special interest to us
in this part of the country where but few evergreens grow naturally, is
the one known as the juniper bark-borer (Phiwosinus dentatus) on account
of its usual mode of attack upon our red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
During the year this insect was called to my attention by Mr. R. Harvey,
of St. Paul, through the secretary of the State board of agriculture. It
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REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 19
appears that it has been brought into this particular region by means
ef a shipment of cedar posts and, escaping, has found the trees upon
the lawn of Mr. Harvey. These trees being smaller than the trees
usually attacked by this insect, the mode of attack was necessarily
changed to conform with the conditions. Instead of working under the
bark by running its galleries between the wood and bark, it attacked
the smaller twigs and limbs where it entered at the axils of these with
the still smaller twigs, reminding one of the attacks of Amphicerus
bicaudatus upon apple trees.
I remember another case, something similar to the present, where the
shipment of posts of this tree was the means of introducing a number
of specimens of the cedar borer (Hylotrupes ligneus). Some of the
mature beetles escaped and found a tree growing in the lawn of a resi-
dent of West Point, this State, which they attacked, and deposited
eggs that developed into larvee that killed the tree.
Lyda sp. on Plum.—The past summer, as in previous years, a species
of sawfly of the genus Lyda has been exceedingly numerous npon the
wild and some of the cultivated plum trees growing in parts of the
central region in this State. The larvee or slugs feed in colonies, spin-
ning webs and drawing the leaves of the branches and twigs together
in a somewhat similar manner to that of the choke-cherry Tortrix
(Tortrix rileyana). Although this insect has been exceedingly common
and destructive to this tree for several years I have thus far failed to
obtain specimens for the purpose of rearing the imago. Such few speci-
mens as have been sent in have always arrived in a condition that
prevented their development, and circumstances have always prevented
me from visiting at the proper time the regions overrun to secure them
for myself, nor have any of my correspondents from whom accounts of
the insect were received sent me material that could be used for breed-
ing purposes.
That this is a dangerous plum pest there can be no doubt, for entire
groves are reported to have been stripped by the slugs within a very
few days. Its unsightly webs and the curled dead leaves frequently
remain upon the trees months after the injury has been committed.
Several trials with London purple sprays have been reported as only
partially successful.
The Cucumber Plant-louse.—The cucumber plant-louse (Aphis eucum-
eris) has recently made its appearance in the State in hurtful numbers.
During the past summer complaints of its abundance were made by the
Gedney Pickle Company, of Omaha, which has about 1,000 acres of
cucumber vines planted each year. A visit on the 27th of July to the
fields near the city of Omaha showed the louse present in moderate
numbers in a few of the fields, but as Mr. Gedney remarked, “in a few
days the entire field could be overrun by the pest.” He, Mr. Gedney,
has paid some attention to the study of this insect, and was very
anxious about the outcome of the attack. Last year he said the com-
20 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
pany lost more than one-half of their entire crop of cucumbers on account
of its attacks, and to be threatened again the present year was quite a
check to the industry. This was especially hard since the custom fol-
lowed by the company is to contract with the different farmers of the
surrounding vicinity to plant a certain number of acres of the plants
and agreeing in turn to pay for the crop at a given rate per bushel.
The injuries wrought last year by the Aphis made it very difficult to
induce others to plant for them the present year. The kerosene emul-
sion was suggested as a remedy that could be effectively used.
Whether or not it became necessary to wage war upon the insect later
I have not learned. The pickle industry has become of sufficient
importance in the State to warrant our giving attention to the study
of the insect enemies of the cucumber in future, and I shall try to make
a special study of them another year.
Pine Scale-insects—Reports of injury to pines by Chermes pinicorti-
cis have reached me from time to time during the past two years. Thus
far, however, no specimens of the insect have been received. Several
times correspondents have sent twigs of pine containing the scales of
the pine-leaf scale-louse (Mytilaspis pinifoliew.) I have also observed
this last-named insect in great numbers at several widely separated
points within the State. It was seen upon a couple of trees growing on
the lawn of Mr. J. H. Masters, near Nebraska City. In Omaha it was
found upon some trees; at Tekamah it has been very abundant, and
among the native pines of the northwestern part of the State it is the
most characteristic insect enemy of these trees. Wherever this and
other scale-insects abound they are attacked by several of our Coccinelid
beetles, but more especially by the one known as the twice-stabbed
ladybird (Chilocorus bivulnerus). Sometimes this ladybird is so numer-
ous as to be present by the hundreds upon a single branch of trees
infested with scale-insects.
Chinch-bug Infection.—In compliance with your request I present here-
with a short statement relative to my experience with the chinch-bug
infection for field use during the past summer here in Nebraska.
Early in the season (April) indications pointed to the probability of
considerable injury during the year by the chinch-bug. Consequently
it was decided by the board of regents at one of their meetings to carry
on some experiments in the line followed with apparent success by Prof.
F. H. Snow of the University of Kansas during the four or five years past.
Certain funds were set aside with which to equip and carry on a labora-
tory for the propagation and spread of the fungus, Sporotrichum globu-
liferum, that is parasitic upon certain insects. Infected bugs with which
to start were obtained from Prof. Snow. Live, healthy bugs were
then gathered from whatever source they could be obtained, and these
were placed in jars, boxes, etc., with the ‘‘starters,” and the conditions
made to conform as nearly as possible with the directions issued by the
Kansas University and sent with shipments of the infected bugs. As
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 21
a rule no trouble was experienced in securing the spread of the disease
from the infected to healthy bugs in the laboratory. Only twice dur-
ing the earlier portion of our experiments did the infection seem ten-
porarily to lose its virulence on account of lack of material. For a con-
siderable time after starting in it was almost impossible to obtain the
necessary live bugs from farmers living in infested portions of the
State. As long as this was the case but few lots of dead or infected
bugs were sent out from the station. Later, when bugs were received
by us every day we found no difficulty in securing fungus-covered bugs
in sufficient quantities to supply all applicants with the disease to be
used in field experiments. Accompanying each small shipment of dis-
eased bugs were sent directions for their use, these instructions being
practically the same as those sent out by the Kansas station.
Later, about the third week in September, a circular letter asking for
information was sent to each person who had received bugs from us.
This was for the purpose of obtaining facts relative to the success or
nonsuccess attending the experiments in the fields over the infested
area by the farmers who had undertaken this portion of the work. Up
to the present writing about one hundred replies have been received. Of
these about one-half are favorable, the other half, uncertain or negative,
During the trials in the fields the weather was very unfavorable to
the growth of Sporotrichum, being very dry and hot; hence the sur-
prise that so large a proportion of the replies should be favorable.
Some of the correspondents reported the gathering of bugs in clus:
ters where they died without presenting any indications of the fungus
growth. These evidently died from the bacterial disease mentioned by
Prof. Snow. It also was present occasionally in our breeding cages in
the laboratory, where it did very effective work. It was especially
noticeable during the warmer and dryer part of the summer.
REPORT ON SOME OF THE INJURIOUS INSECTS OF CALI-
FORNIA.
Ly D. W. CoquiL_ETt, Special Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.
WASHINGTON, D. C., November 7, 1893.
Sir: I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1893. This consists prin-
cipally of accounts of several kinds of leaf-eating caterpillars which attack various
kinds of fruit and nut trees in California.
Very respectfully, yours,
D. W. COQuiLLETT.
Dr Co ..WiLEY,
U. S. Entomologist.
The Walnut Span-worm (Boarmia plumogeraria Hulst).—In Bulletin
No. 30 (pp. 26-29) of this Division, I gave an account ot a span-worm
that had occasioned very serious damage to English-walnut trees in a
certain locality in southern California. At the time of submitting that
report none of the moths had issued from the chrysalis state, and I was
therefore unable to give the technical name of the insect. Moths began
to emerge January 5, 1893, and continued at intervals to March 25.
Owing to the fact that the female is wingless, and that the chrysalis
state is passed in a cell in the earth, we are enabled to prevent the rav-
ages of this pest by simply preventing the female moths from ascending
the trees and depositing their eggs. To accomplish this many devices
and substances have been used, as in the case of the canker- worms, the
females of which are wingless, and the transformations of which are
similar to those of the present species; hence every remedy that can
be successfully used against the canker-worms is equally applicable to
the present species.
Perhaps the simplest device to use for the purpose of preventing the
female moths from ascending the tree consists of a band of tarred
building paper about 6 inches wide, wrapped around the tree close
to the ground and fastened with a stout string passed around the band
near its upper edge. The lower edge of the band should be pressed
firmly into the earth, so that no portion of the tree below the band is
exposed to view. Some kind of sticky substance should be painted or
smeared around the upper portion of this band to a distance of two or
22
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 23
-moreinchesin width. For this purpose may be mentioned tar, printer’s
ink, molasses, melted India rubber, and a mixture of oil and resin
boiled together. These bands should be placed upon the trees a short
time before the first moth issues from the ground, and should remain
upon the trees until the last moth of the season is dead. My notes
indicate that in southern California this period extends from about
January 1 to the latter part of April, and during this period the sticky
substance should be renewed at short intervals, never allowing it to
become sufficiently hard to permit of the moths passing over it. After
the last moth of the season has passed away the bands should be
removed from the trees, and thorougily scalded, in order to destroy any
eggs that may have been deposited upon them.
For a description of the numerous devices that have been employed
for the purpose of preventing the female canker-worms from ascending
the trees and depositing their eggs, the reader is referred to the Third
Report of the United States Entomological Commission (pp. 183-188).
Procherodes nubilata Pack.—This is a second kind of span-worm
that sometimes occurs in destructive numbers on the cultivated Eng-
lish walnut in southern California. It does not confine its attacks to
this tree, however, as I have frequently found it upon apple and
willow; but it appears to prefer the English walnut to any other tree.
This span-worm is considerably flattened, and during the day time
remains at rest iv a crevice or other irregularity in the bark of the
tree, and being of nearly the same color as the bark its presence is not
easy to detect. In this respect it closely resembles the caterpillars of
the red underwinged moths (Catocala), but is readily distinguishable
by possessing only two, instead of eight, abdominal prolegs.
This span-worm has the same general appearance of the walnut
span-worm referred to above, except that the tubercles or piliferous
spots on various parts of the body are of neaily a uniform size, whereas
in the latter some of those on segments 4, 5, 6, and 11 are much larger
than the others.
When jarred from their perch these span-worms, in common with the
other members of this group, spin a silken thread, by means of which
they remain suspended in the air. I have never observed them assume
a rigid attitude, attached to some object by the four posterior prolegs
alone, a habit so common in related forms. Instead they rest with the
body closely appressed to the bark of the tree.
The eggs from which these span-worms hatch are deposited singly,
being attached at one of their sides. The young span-worm, in issuing
from the egg, makes its escape through a circular opening in the flat-
tened end. The full-grown span-worm secretes itself in crevices on the
tree, usually beneath a loose piece of projecting bark; here it spins a
thin cocoon, and shortly afterwards assumes the chrysalis form.
My notes indicate that at least three broods of these insects are pro-
duced in one year; the winter is passed in the larva state, and the
24 -REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
moths from these issue during the month of April. A second brood
issues in August, while the third and last brood of the season makes
its appearance in November and during the first half of December.
Both sexes are winged and it would therefore be quite useless to place
obstructions around the trunks of the trees, as is sometimes practiced
in dealing with those kinds of span-worms which are wingless in the
female sex; moreover, as already stated above, the larve of the present
Species assume the chrysalis form on the tree instead of entering the
earth, and this habit of itself renders the above-mentioned method
entirely useless in dealing with this species.
Whenever these span-worms appear in destructive numbers, about
the only practical remedy we are able to suggest is to spray the infested
trees with Paris-green solution, composed of one pound of Paris green
thoroughly stirred into 200 gallons of water. If a small quantity of
soap is added to the solution this will cause it to spread more evenly
over the tree. It should be borne in mind that a very small quantity
of this poison will prove fatal to the recently-hatched span-worms,
whereas the nearly full-grown ones will be able to withstand a much
larger quantity of the poison. Hence the importance of applying the
poison while the span-worms are still very young.
The Orange Leaf-roller ( Tortriz citrana Fern).—This is a small, greenish
caterpillar that ordinarily lives in a rolled or folded leaf, upon which it
feeds, but it also has a habit of burrowing into the green oranges, caus-
ing them to turn prematurely yellow and finally to drop from the tree.
I first obtained specimens of this insect on the 6th of May, 1885, and
since that time have occasionally met with it, although never in large
numbers. Last season, however, it appears to have been quite plentiful,
judging from the number of letters received asking for information con-
cerning it.
Although ordinarily met with upon orange trees, I have also found
this leaf-roller upon apricot, willow, oak (Quercus agrifolia), wild wal-
nut (Juglans californica), and golden-rod (Solidago californica).
The larve which live in the oranges desert their burrows and creep
into some sheltered place when about to pass through their transforma-
tions, but those which live in rolled or folded leaves assume the
chrysalis form within such leaves.
The time passed in the chrysalis state varies greatly according to
the season of the year; my notes show that five of the chrysalides
remained in this state 9, 11, 11, 12, and 19 days, respectively. There
are doubtless four or five generations each year. I have found this
insectin some stage of its growth during the mouths of January, March,
April, May, June, and September, but it is most abundant in early
summer. The species was described by Prof. C. H. Fernald, in Entomo-
logica Americana (vol. V, p. 18), from specimens bred by the writer.
_ Two different kinds of internal parasites are known to me to attack
this insect. The first of these is a small, black, four-winged fly belong-
ing to the Microgastrine. The larva of this parasite when full-grown
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 25
issues from the caterpillar of the Tortrix and spins a compact, white,
elongate-ellipsoidal cocoon measuring nearly 6 milimeters in length.
When about to issue, the parasitic fly cuts a circular lid out of one end
of its cocoon, from which to make its escape.
The second kind of parasite,.of which I bred only a single specimen,
is a small, grayish-black, two-winged fly belonging to the family
Tachinide and apparently to the genus Phorocera, but the species is
probably as yet undescribed.
Should the orange leaf-rollers ever appear in destructive numbers, I
know. of no more effective remedy to use for their destruction than that
of spraying the trees with Paris green and water at the rate of 1
pound of the Paris green to 200 gallons of water. I have used this
preparation on orange trees without in the least injuring the trees upon
which it was sprayed.
It is quite impossible to ascertain to what country this species is
native, though I strongly suspect that it was imported into California
from some of the Pacific Islands. It is interesting in this connection to
note that in his Narrative of an Exploring Expedition (vol. U1, p. 13)
‘Capt. Charles Wilkes states that the oranges grown upon one of the
Friendly Islands “do not succeed because they are injured by an insect
which leaves its larva on the fruit, and causes it to fall before it reaches
maturity.” While this description tallies fairly well with the present
species, there is also a possibility that this reference is to a dipterous
larva belong to the family Trypetide, two species of which are known
to attack oranges in this manner.
The Brassy Cutworm (Teniocampa rufula Grote).—On the 6th of June,
1888, I received a package of green apples, pears, and peaches from
Mr. C. R. Johnson, of Pomona, Cal. The apples and pears had large
cavities eaten into them, extending sometimes to the core, and nearly
buried in one of the peaches was a naked caterpillar having the gen-
eral appearance of an ordinary cutworm. ‘The apples and pears were
from three-quarters of an inch to an inch in diameter, and the peaches
were somewhat larger.
Accompanying this package was the following letter:
I mail samples of the worm referred to in the Pomona Times, of which you make
inquiry in your letter received today; also some fruit samples upon which they
worked; viz, apple, pear, peach, and apricot. I found it difficult to get any of the
worms; since the sun has been shining and the weather warmer they have almost
entirely disappeared. I have not been able to learn of any very serious damage to
the fruit in our immediate neighborhood. I think they would have destroyed the
small amount that I have, but I went around each tree, and inside of a circle of about
12 inches in diameter, just at the roots, I dug out from 15 to 40 worms to each tree.
The Rev. J. F. Moody, of this place, tells me today that in his neighborhood he
noticed that quite a large hole had been dug around each tree by the chickens, which
I think destroyed the worms. A lady in the southern part of this city says that one
of her neighbors has found some prunes with the inside eaten out by a worm of the
same description as the one I send you.
During the cool, cloudy weather they could be found up in the trees throughout
the day, and they destroyed flowers and small shrubbery.
26 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
This caterpillar has a polished appearance, and in certain lights
shows a slight brassy reflection. When first exhumed from beneath
dead leaves or other litter, it feigns death, but soon makes its escape
by crawling beneath some object, its movements being quite rapid. It
pupates within a small cell in the earth.
There are two well-marked broods of these caterpillars each year.
The first brood pupates in January and February and the moths issue
about six weeks later. The caterpillars of the second brood assume
the chrysalis state in the months of June and July and are changed to
moths from the first week in September to the middle of October.
It is very probable that the food of the caterpillars of this moth
ordinarily consists of the leaves of various kinds of weeds, and that
their fondness for green fruit has only recently been acquired. I have
repeatedly found them beneath stones, dead weeds, and other litter
lying upon the ground, and on the 9th of June, 1888, I found forty five
of these caterpillars beneath dead weeds lying upon the ground under
some orange trees in the city of Los Angeles.
Up to the present time this species has been reported only from Cal-
ifornia.
Associated with these caterpillars were the following predaceous
beetles, which doubtless prey upon them: Calosoma peregrinator, Cala-
thus ruficollis, Platynus maculicollis, Pterostichus vicinus, Amara cali-
fornica, and Amara stupida. With two exceptions all of these beetles
when exhumed endeavored to hide themselves again, but the Calosoma
and Amara stupida would nearly always start up the trunk of the
nearest tree. In the month of May of the present year I saw an allied
species, Calosoma latipenne, engaged in feeding upon a caterpillar of
Agrotis saucia. Indeed, this habit is so prevalent among the different
species of Calosoma that they are called “ caterpillar hunters.”
The caterpillars above described are but little subject to the attacks
of internal parasites. JI have bred but a single specimen from a large
series of caterpillars placed in my breeding cages from time to time.
The parasite referred to is a large Tachina fly, which issued on the 29th
of July, 1888. It apparently belongs to the genus Eucnephalia.
As to a remedy, the one practiced by Mr. Johnson, of exhuming the
caterpillars and then destroying them, is perhaps the most effectual
that could be adopted. If it should be proved that these caterpillars
will feed readily upon green alfalfa or upon weeds of any kind, quanti-
ties of these could be gathered and pressed into balls, which could then
be soaked in a strong solution of Paris green and water and placed
upon the ground beneath the trees; the caterpillars by feeding upon
these poisoned balls would thus be destroyed. Trees might be pro-
tected from the attacks of these insects by placing around the trunk
of each tree a collar of smooth tin or other obstruction over which the
caterpillars could not make their way. The custom of allowing chick-
ens the run of the orchard before the fruit ripens will also result in
ataig see, cata Se
oe
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 27
great benefit, since these useful fowls will sueceed in digging up and
destroying large numbers of these and other noxious insects.
While on the subject of caterpillars injuring green fruits, I may add
that the well-known corn ear-worm (Heliothis armiger) sometimes eats
out theinterior of green peaches. On the 14th of June of the present
year, Mr. G. A. Compere, of Los Angeles, handed me a green peach
containing a caterpillar of this kind that had hollowed out the entire
interior of the peach. I removed it from its habitation and offered it
a fresh, half-grown peach, into which it at once began to gnaw an
entrance. This caterpillar pupated during the latter part of June, and
the moth issued on the 25th of July. .
As also bearing upon this subject I may add that on the 13th of
September, 1891, I received from Mr. F. G. Ryana green orange about °
three-quarters of an inch in diameter, in which were two holes extend-
ing quite to the center of the orange, and in one of them was a half
grown corn ear-worm, busily engaged in feeding upon the interior
portion of the orange. This is the first instance that has come to my
notice of this insect attacking oranges, although I have occasionally
seen it feeding upon orange leaves.
Tent Caterpillars.—During the latter part of April, 1892, while inves-
tigating the leaf-eating caterpillars occurring in the orchards of
Alameda and Santa Clara counties, I found quite a large number of
colonies of a thinly hairy caterpillar which, by rearing to the per-
fect state, was identified by Dr. Riley as Clisiocampa thoracica Streteh.
The moths appear during the month of June, and shortly afterward
deposit their eggs upon the smaller twigs of the trees on the leaves of
which the caterpillars are to feed. The eggs are deposited upon one
end in an irregular band completely encircling the twig and measuring
from 5 to 9"™. in width, each cluster containing upward of 250 eggs.
These are arranged somewhat spirally, and are partially covered over
with a brown substance resembling glue; but this does not entirely
conceal the eggs. They do not hatch until the following April.
Shortly after issuing from the egg the young caterpillars proceed to
spin over them a silken web or tent, and in this tent they pass the
greater portion of their time when not engaged in feeding. Before
attaining their full size they desert their tent and live exposed upon
the tree, but still keep together in companies, and during the warmer
portion of the day may frequently be seen huddled together upon one
side of the trunk of the tree. I have found colonies of these eaterpil-
lars on cherry, plum, prune, and willow, and they fed indiscriminately
upon the leaves of each of these trees. The caterpillars from the dif-
ferent trees were indistinguishable, as were also the moths into which
they were finally transformed. On one oceasion I saw a nearly full-
yvrown caterpillar of this species feeding upon the leaf of the common
nettle (Urtica holosericea). This was growing beneath a willow tree,
and the caterpillar had evidently fed upon the leaves of the latter
until dislodged by accident.
28 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
When full grown, these caterpillars crawl into some sheltered place
and spin their thin, pure white cocoons. The cocoon proper measures
_from 18 to 26™™. in length, and the width is about two-fifths of the
length. It is thinly sprinkled with a yellow powder, and around it is
spun quite a large quantity of fine, soft, white silk. About four weeks
elapse between the spinning of the cocoons and the issuing of the
moths, the latter issuing at various hours of the day, from 9 o’clock in
the morning to 5 o’clock in the afternoon. The sexes appear to be quite
evenly divided; out of a total of 27 moths which I reared, 15 were
males and 12 females.
I did not succeed in breeding internal parasites of any kind from
these caterpillars, but they evidently do not altogether escape the
’ attacks of such parasites, since I found two of the caterpillars each of
which had a white egg of some kind of Tachina fly attached to its
head. This parasite, however, appears to be very rare. Out of a total
of 350 of these caterpillars which I examined the two mentioned above
were the only ones showing any indication of its attacks; and from
about 300 reared not a single parasite made its appearance.
As stated above, the young caterpillars spin a silken web or tent in
which to dwell, and as this is a very conspicuous object, their presence
upon the trees may be easily detected and the web with its entire con-
tents may then be removed from the tree and burned, or destroyed in
some other manner. Later in the season, when the nearly full-grown
caterpillars are congregated upon the trunk of the tree they may be
destroyed by wrapping a barley sack tightly around the trunk of the
tree where they are located, thus crushing them. The method first
mentioned is greatly to be preferred, since the white webs of the young
caterpillars are much easier to discover than are the caterpillars them-
selves, and of course it is far better to destroy them at this time than
to wait until they have committed all the injury to the trees that they
are capable of doing.
In a certain locality in Alameda County I found a second species
of tent-caterpillar upon cultivated gooseberries, and in a neighboring
canyon this same species occurred in large numbers upon wild black-
berry (Rubus vitifolius) and also upon willow. It is readily distin-
euished from the one described above by the velvet-black color of
its body which is marked with a series of indistinct dull orange yellow
dashes that sometimes form two more or less distinct dorsal lines and a
lateral line; on either side of each of the segments from the second to
the eleventh is a transverse, bluish-gray subdorsal spot; the spiracles
and venter are wholly black; the body is thinly clothed with reddish
hairs which are most abundant on the back and low down on each side
of the body; the head is opaque black, the clypeus gray and bordered
below with yellow. The full-grown caterpillar measures about 35™™
in length. The cocoon resembles that of the preceding species but is
somewhat darker and more dense, the yellow powder is more abundant,
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 29
aud the loose, fine, soft silk spun about the cocoon is less in quantity.
The cocoons are spun in May, and the moths issue in the latter part of
that month and during the month of June. The two sexes are so dis-
similar in color that they might readily be supposed to belong to two
distinct species. The males areof a reddish brown ground color, while
in the females the color is a light, ocher yellow. The moths issue at
almost every hour of the day and night, and the sexes are evenly dis-
tributed. This species is Clisiocampa californica Pack.
I found but a single cluster of eggs of this species, but these had
already hatched and near them was the silken tent and colony of
young caterpillars that had issued from these eggs. This cluster was
attached to a small twig of a willow tree; it measures 16™” in length
and reaches only two-thirds of the distance around the twig. The eggs
number about 150 and are arranged in irregular oblique rows; they are
thinly covered with a substance somewhat resembling glue, which on
one-half of the cluster completely conceals the eggs from view.
As in the preceding species, the young caterpillars spin a silken web
or tent in which to live, but after becoming about half grown they
desert this and lead a wandering life; they do not appear to possess the
habit of congregating together when not feeding, which is such a char-
acteristic trait of the preceding species. Besides the food-plants men-
tioned above, Mr. Henry Edwards states that these caterpillars also feed
upon the leaves of the apple, pear, oak (Quercus agrifolia), ash (Fraxi-
nus oregona), buckeye (dvsculus californica), California holly (Hetero-
meles arbutifolia), and Madroiie (Arbutus menziesii). (See Fifth Report
U. 8. Entomological Commission, p. 119).
Three different kinds of internal parasites are known to me to attack
these caterpillars. On the 17th of May, 1892, a larva of a Tachina fly
issued from one of them and soon afterward pupated. On the 9th of
May a larva of an Ichneumon fly spun its cocoon within the body ofa
one-third grown caterpillar in which it had lived, causing the body of
the caterpillar to swell out and burst open on the underside, the cocoon
as spun protruding through this opening and fastening the body of the
caterpillar to the surface upon which it rested; the winged parasite
issued ten days later, and has been identified by Dr. Riley as Limneria
fugitiva Say. ‘This parasite has not previously been reported as occur-
ring west of Missouri, where Dr. Riley bred it from the larve of four
different kinds of moths, including the forest tent-caterpillar (Clisio-
campa disstria Hiibn.). (See Insect Life, vol. 111, p. 157).
The third parasite referred to issued on the 28th of May. It belongs
to the family Braconide and to the genus Rhogas.
The above two were the only species of Clisiocampa that I found in
the orchards of Alameda and Santa Clara counties. Neither of these
occurs in southern California, so far as I am aware, but a third species,
Clisiocampa constricta Stretch, is not rare in certain parts of Los
Angeles County, where the caterpillars feed upon the leaves of an ever-
30 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
green oak, Quercus agrifolia. These caterpillars are not common in the
valleys, but along the mountain sides they are sometimes very abun-
dant, and I have found them at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet. So
far as at present known, they attack only the various kinds of oak.
So far as I have observed, these caterpillars do not spin a web or
tent in which to live at any period of their lives. The cocoon is of a
pure white color, and the powder with which its meshes are partially
filled is also white, and not yellow, as in the two preceding species.
The loose silk spun about the cocoon is scant, and is much coarser and
stiffer than that of the preceding species. The cocoons are spun in
May and June, and the moths issue in June and July. Two male and
four female moths which I bred all issued from the chrysalis after 5
o’clock in the afternoon.
Three different kinds of internal parasites are known to me to attack
the caterpillars of this Clisiocampa. On the Sth of July, 1891, two
Tachina flies issued from some of these caterpillars in one of my breed-
ing cages; these flies are known as Masicera frenchii Will, hitherto
reported only from Maine, where it attacks the larve, or chrysalides,
of a large buttertly, Papilio turnus var. glaucus. Under a high power
the eyes of this parasite are seen to have a few microscopic hairs.
Heretofore it has not been reported west of Colorado. I have bred a
closely related species, Masicera archippivora Riley, from the chrysa-
lides of two kinds of butterflies, Pyrameis cardui aud P. carye.
A single specimen of a second kind of Tachina fly was bred in July,
1892, from a caterpillar of the above Clisiocampa by Dr. A. Davidson,
of Los Angeles, to whom I am indebted for this specimen. It issued
from the caterpillar after the latter had spun its cocoon, but before
the change to the chrysalis had taken place.
The third kind of internal parasite which attacks the caterpillar of
this Clisiocampa belongs to the family Ichneumonide, and has been
identified as Pimpla inquisitor Say. In the month of June, 1887, six
larve of this parasite issued from one of these caterpillars after the lat-
ter had spun its cocoon, and spun their white cocoons within that of
their host; the winged parasites issued during the following autumn.
This parasite is very widely distributed, being found as far eastward as
Washington, D.C. It infests a great variety of caterpillars and has
also been bred from larve found feeding upon the eggs of spiders. On
the 26th of April, 1892, Dr. Davidson bred five specimens of this Pim-
pla from some egg-mass:s of the spider, Hpeira angulata Clerck.
ARSENIURETED AND SULPHURETED HYDROGEN AS INSECTICIDES.
Not being entirely satisfied with my experiments with these two
gases in the past, and wishing to test arseniureted hydrogen pro-
duced in a different manner than previously employed by me, with
a view of discovering a cheaper gas than hydrocyanic acid to be used
for the destruction of scale-insects on citrus trees, etc., I decided to
:
:
|
7
Se TS a ——— - s
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 31
makeaseries of experiments with these two gases. Accordingly, during
the months of March and April of 1893, I carried out such a series of
experiments, the results of which but confirm my previous statements
to the effect that both in regard to the expense and effectiveness
hydrocyanic-acid gas is preferable to either of the two gases men-
tioned above.
For the production of sulphureted hydrogen I used iron sulphide
(FeS), commercial sulphuric acid (H,SO,), and water. The iron
sulphide was obtained for 20 cents per pound, aud requires about the
same quantity of sulphuric acid and water that potassium cyanide
requires in the production of hydrocyanic-acid gas. The sulphide was
partially pulverized, and none of the pieces were over one-eighth of an
inch in diameter. When the acid was added to the sulphide, no action
took place, but as soon as the water was added, quite brisk action at
once began, with evolution of the ill-smelling gas. The action of the
acid and water upon the sulphide was very much slower than their
action upon potassium cyanide, even when the latter is used in large
pieces. The tests were made during the month of March, from about
9:30 o’clock in the forenoon to about noon of different days, when the
weather was comparatively cool.
When used so strong that its cost about equaled that of potassium
cyanide used for the purpose of generating hydrocyanic-acid gas, the
resulting sulphureted hydrogen was fatal to a very small percentage
of the insects (Lecanium hesperidum and L. olew) on the orange trees
experimented upon, and the leaves upon these trees were not injured
by the gas. Here I used about three times as large a quantity of the
sulphide as would have been required of the cyanide to destroy all the
insects of the tree, but it was scarcely one-tenth as effectual as the lat-
ter, and I therefore considered it would be quite useless to continue
experimenting further with the irou sulphide.
I had in previous years generated arseniureted hydrogen by acting
upon small pieces of sheet zine with commercial sulphuric acid in the
presence of an aqueous solution of white arsenic (AS,O3), but as this
is a somewhat imperfect method I decided to test the method of.gen.
erating this gas by acting with water and sulphuric acid upon zine
arsenide (AS,Zn;). Failing to obtain the last-mentioned substance at
any point on the Pacific coast, I was under the necessity of having it
manufactured expressly for my use. Accordingly I made the neces-
sary arrangements with Wade & Wade, manufacturing chemists of
Los Angeles, Cal. The arsenide is manufactured from metallic zine
and arsenic, one and three-tenths parts of the former being used to one
of the latter. The price of metallic arsenic in San Francisco, is 50
cents per pound, and of granulated zine, 60 cents. The two metals
in the proportion above given were placed in a crucible along with a
small Guantity of powdered charcoal, and the crucible closed and sub.
jected to the heat of an assayer’s furnace for a space of about twenty
32 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
minutes, after which it was removed from the furnace and allowed to
cool. The resulting arsenide was very brittle, and pulverized readily.
Even when the arsenide was used in such large quantities that its
cost was three times as great as that of potassium cyanide used in
sufficient quantity to destroy all the insects on the tree, it proved fatal
to only about two-thirds of the scale-insects (Lecaniwm hesperidum and
I. olec) on the lower portion of the tree, while those on the upper por-
tion escaped unharmed; the tree operated upon was less than five
feet in height, and was not appreciably affected by the gas. The latter
was confined upon the tree for a space of a full hour, and_yet, owing
to the great specific gravity of the gas, it did not become thoroughly dif-
fused throughout the space inclosed by the tent. Owing to this char-
acteristic of arseniureted hydrogen, and the further fact_of its being
more expensive than hydrocyanic-acid gas, there is RovMis to recom-
mend it over the last-named gas.
These experiments indicate that for the destruction of insects on
trees hydrocyanic-acid gas is much cheaper than either arseniureted
hydrogen or sulphureted hydrogen.
;
> * Ses OL ae
REPORT ON ENTOMOLOGICAL WORK IN OREGON AND
CALIFORNIA; NOTES ON AUSTRALIAN IMPORTA-
TIONS.
By ALBERT KOEBELE, Special Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.
ALAMEDA, CAL., November 8, 1893.
Sir: I herewith submit to you my report of observations during the year. Special
reports on work done in Oregon and Washington upon Phorodon humuli Schrank., and
on the investigation of the condition of predaceous insects sent from Australia dur-
ing my last trip to that country, have been made and forwarded to you. Ishall here
mention only certain additional facts connected with the same and note some other
observations made.
Respectfully, yours,
ALBERT KOEBELE.
©, Vs RILEy, 2.
U. S. Entomologist.
The hop louse, as could plainly be noticed during spring, has not been
so numerous during the present season in Oregon and Washington, owing
to the increase of insects living upon it, as shown by the interesting
letter of September 16, 1893, from Mr. H. J. Miller, of Aurora, Oregon,
as follows:
* * * The hop crop is very light, owing to cold rains in the spring and then
continual dry weather. In the spring when the lice emigrated to the hop the weather
was cold and rainy, and I noticed that the lice on the vines would turn white and
sickly and finally die. No spraying was done, as it was not necessary in this vicin-
ity. A few lice survived the cold weather, and just before picking time the weather
turned sultry, cloudy, and rainy, favorable for development of lice, and it could be
noticed that they increased very fast; but picking time was too close at hand for
them to do any damage.
As to collecting the lice from the plum trees, I have great faith in it, but to make
it successful, farmers for miles around should closely inspect their trees and free them
from vermin. One hop yard seemed to be infested as much as any of those of our
neighbors, but as some of our nearest neighbors had plum trees and did not clean
them, I am sure some of the lice emigrated from their trees to our yard, for they must
be able to travel long distances. The ladybirds increased for a while in the spring,
but as the summer advanced they began to dwindle away, and at picking time were
getting scarce. * * *
1493— Bull. 32——3 33
34 REPURTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
A fungous disease appears to have destroyed large numbers during
the early summer. It was only at picking time that the lice became
numerous, aud in consequence the coming season may again show an
increase. As already mentioned, the importance of an early warfare
against the hop louse can not be overestimated. Spraying and hand-
picking should be practiced upon all the plum and prune trees during
the autumn and early spring.
Since the season has been so backward it is not possible for me to
give a list of the most efficient enemies of the hop louse, viz, the
Syrphid flies, and but few of these were observed during my work.
Coccinellide, however, could be seen by the thousands during early
spring. I givea list of those met with in the yards, with notes thereon.
Notes on Ladybirds found in Hop Yards.—The largest number were of
the genus Hippodamia, and it is a difficult matter even for an expert to
define the species when seeing largé numbers together. Hippodamia
convergens Guer. and H. ambigua Lec. were the most numerous in the
hop yards during the early spring and were preying upon various
Aphidids infesting weeds. After devouring all these, they, as well as
all other species, left in all directions and could be found almost any-
where where plant-lice existed. As observed, these insects will also
prey upon Lecanium in its young stages after the most of the Aphidids
have disappeared. H. 13-punctata has been but rarely met with. JH.
spuria Lec. and H. parenthesis Say were more numerous and always
upon plant-lice. Coccinella annectans Crotch is a rare insect that feeds
upon Aphidids as well as upon the young of Lecanium. Coccinella
trifasciata Linn. is an abundant ladybird that is found feeding any-
where upon plant-lice, and as these become rare with the advance
of the season, it readily feeds upon bark-lice. C. transversoguttata
Fab. is one of the largest of this group and was also found in numbers
in the hop yards as long as the plant-lice upon which it preys existed.
The first eggs of any found amongst hop vines belonged to this species.
This was before the yards were plowed, which will destroy nearly, if
not all, the early stages of these valuable insects. Cycloneda sanguinea
Linn. is a very common ladybird and one of the most active in hunting
up the solitary Aphidids. Many colonies of the hop louse under
observation on plum and prune trees were entirely cleaned out by this
beetle and often in a single day. In order to get at the proper results
of the experiments it often becomes necessary to cover the lice treated
with netting on account of this insect. Adalia bipunctata Linn. is only
occasionally found. I have bred the same from larve feeding upon an
Aphidid infesting Crategus at Sisson, Cal. It has also been found near
Alameda, upon orange trees infested with Lecanium.
A. humeralis Say was found feeding upon plant-lice in Oregon and in
California. I found it more often upon plants infested with black
scale. A very common and variable ladybird is Harmonia picta
Rand., which is met with occasionally feeding upon plant-lice. The
“
i
kK
i
ae «Fs
" ¢ <a
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 35
pine and fir treesin Oregon which are infested with Kermes are alive
with this beetle, and the same may be said of the Monterey pine
infested with Lecanium, upon which this insect preys. H. 12-maculata
Gebl. has been but rarely found in Oregon feeding on plant-lice.
Our largest Coccinellide, Mysia and Anatis, are also aphis-feeding
insects, yet they are but rarely met, with since they live upon high
coniferous trees infested with Lachnus. In warm days during early
spring they were often found coming out from their winter quarters,
out of old stumps, from behind bark of trees, etc. Amongst the conif-
erous trees, Mysia hornii Cr., Anatis 15-punctata Oliy., A. rathvoni
Lec. and A. subvittata, Muls., were met with.
Psyllobora 20-maculata Say is found nearly everywhere, yet I can say
nothing in regard to its value as an aphis-feeder. It can be fonnd in
large numbers and in all stages feeding upon the powdery mildew
(Uncinula spiralis B. & C.) upon our grape-vines and no doubt upon the
mildew of other plants as well.
Our smallest Coccinellid#, the Scymnids, are chiefly found to be
Coccid-feeding insects, yet Scymnus nebulosus Lec. can be considered a
valuable agent in destroyirg the hop louse. In one instance this
beetle destroyed a colony that had been established upon a vine for
about three weeks. Scymnus sp. near tenebrosus Muls. is occasionally
found upon the hop louse, also in large numbers feeding upon Kermes
on fir trees.
Some Oregon Fruit Insects —One of the most abundant and injurious
insects to fruit buds in Oregon is Syneta albida Lec. I noticed that a
great part of the buds and blossoms on prune and plum trees were
eaten out, and it was not long before this beetle could be observed
doing the mischief. So numerous were they that along the edge of a
fir forest, upon plum trees, from fifty to one hundred could be shaken
off of every tree. Owing to its pale color, this beetle is not easily
noticed among the blossoms where it hides itself, yet it can easily be
shaken off.
A Tortricid larva that eats into and destroys a large part of the cur-
rant berries was observed in Oregon. The green as well as the ripe
fruit is attacked by the larva that lives in a web among the berries.
Carpocapsa pomonella has become very numerous and destructive in
that State, and as with nearly all newly introduced insects, its work
will be very seriously felt for afew years to come, until some natural
enemies will acquire the habit of feeding upon it. The enemies of this
insect are already many. During the present season I have bred this
yoth from cherries.
In Australia I have bred many species of Oscinids from larve prey.
ing both upon Coccide and Aphidide. After my return to Alameda
a Similar larva was found preying upon a small Aphidid that infests
Physianthus alba. During the autumn of 1892 six of these larve were
placed in a vial and from these three parasites were bred this spring.
36 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
During July of the present year these larve were again very numerous,
as well as the mature flies upon the same plant, and many were bred
from larve inclosed. While the larve of these flies prey upon all
sorts of Aphidids in Australia and are frequently found upon those
on orange and corn, this is the first time that I have observed them in
California.
During July of 1891 many of the eggs of Selandria cerasi examined
upon young pear trees were found to be infested with a parasite, while
others showed holes from which parasites had issued.
Notes on an introduced Australian Ladybird.—Since reporting upon
the recently introduced Rhizobius ventralis Gr. I have made further
notes which may be of interest. A colony of these beetles received
from Hon. Ellwood Cooper and liberated by Mr. S. F. Leib, of San José,
upon Lecaniwm olee infesting prune trees July 23, 1893, were examined
August 23 of that year, and numerous half-grown larve were found. On-
looking over the same trees September 22, only afew grown larve could
be found, yet pup were numerous. At my own place a few of the
mature insects were liberated upon Physianthus alba infested with L.
olee August 21. Grown larve were here observed October 6, and on
the 17th of the same month many pup were present. One of the
females liberated upon this plant August 21 was still present and lay-
ing eggs. The same conditions were found at two other places in Ala-
meda where this insect had been colonized upon black scales. <As this
Rhizobius will breed during the entire year, fully six broods can be
expected in the southern part of the State. The mother beetle will
deposit her eggs under the older Coccids in numbers. Often an entire
scale is found completely filled with the eggs of the Rhizobius. After
the young larve issue they remain under the scales and devour eggs
and Coccids before leaving. The plants may be full of young larve, yet
these are seldom seen, since they most always remain under the older
scales and feed upon the contents. As they become larger they can
occasionally be noticed walking around while feeding, yet are found
more numerous hidden away between curled-up leaves and even
among spider webs, where many pupate. If liberated upon any bush
or tree infested with Lecanium, a gravid female will at once begin to
oviposit, and will not leave the plant as long as there is sufficient food
for the offspring.
While looking over a lemon tree infested with Lecanium olec and L.
hesperidum, upon which this Rhizobius had been liberated August 21, I
was agreeably surprised, not only in finding large numbers of the same
in all stages, but also R. debilis Black. that had been liberated in my
yard upon Aspidiotus perniciosus by Mr. Craw during May of 1892,
The tree mentioned is about one-half mile distant from the original spot,
where the same insect can still be found.
3
NOTES ON THE INSECTS OF MISSOURI FOR 1893.
By Mary E. MurtTrexpt, Temporary Field Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.
; KIRKWOOD, Mo., November 22, 1893.
S1r: [inlose herewith my account of the more conspicuous of the injurious insects
observed in Missouri during the past season. As in previous years, my grateful
acknowledgments are due to you for many determinations.
Very respectfully,
Mary E. MURTFELDT.
Dr. C. V. RILEY,
U.S. Entomologist,
Among the entomological developments of the earlier partof the cur-
rent year may be noted the appearance of the army worm (Leucania
unipuncta),in such numbers as to justify its appellation, in hay and
grain fields contiguous to streams and lowlands, where it caused con-
were unusually abundant during September.
it could not be employed to much advantage.
oy)
ed
siderable loss. It also occurred in large numbers together with other
cut-worms in vegetable gardens as well as on the lawns and meadows
of St. Louis County, and was frequently brought or sentto me asa dep-
redator upon vegetables. So far as it came under my personal obser-
vation, however, when found in gardens, it was merely feeding upon
the grasses that had come up among the other plants. The moths
During the latter part of the season there was an unusual outbreak
of our indigenous locusts (grasshoppers). The meadows, gardens,
berry beds, nurseries, and young orchards were seriously ravaged by
these pests. The species most abundant were Schistocerca americana,
(Edipoda sulphurea, G2. canthoptera, Melanoplus bivittatus, and the omni-
present M. femur-rubrum. In some of the nurseries and newly set
- orchards of St. Louis County not a leaf was left entire on apple, pear,
and plum trees, and the tender twigs were also in many instances com-
pletely barked, thus destroying the season’s growth. Spraying with
Paris green was resorted to by numbers of nurserymen, and, in a meas-
ure, protected the stock from premature defoliation. So far as I can
learn the hopper-dozer is not extensively, if at all, used in Missouri, and,
indeed, on the hilly and uneven surface of the greater part of the State
abi REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
Among orchardists there was, in the spring, great complaint of the
work of the buffalo tree-hopper (Ceresa bubalus). Bundles of scarred
and blighted twigs were sent to me from many sections of the State,
including the Olden fruit farms, in Howell County, the most extensive
in the country, and the Flint Hill orchards, in Oregon County, both on
the southern boundary of the State; from Kansas City on the west, and
from Holt County in the extreme northwest, showing that the insect is
by no means local. A considerable proportion of these twigs showed
the cuts of several previous years, as well as the more characteristic
recent punctures. Irom this it would seem that the insect remains in
the neighborhood of its breeding place until the languishing branch or
tree no Jonger affords it sustenance. Like all haustellate species it
can be exterminated only by such insecticides as kill by contact, such as
kerosene emulsion, thymo-cresol, and preparations of paipone acid ;
and the use of these on the bender foliage, amid which the little Spiny-
backed hoppers lurk in the early summer, is apt to have a bad effect.
From eggs placed the preceding autumn was bred in considerable num-
bers a minute egg parasite, which proved to be an undescribed species
of Cosmocoma. ‘This little fly had destroyed the larger proportion of
the eggs sent to me, and may in time render its host innocuous. The
tree-hopper is quite common in the vicinity of St. Louis, but no con-
spicuous injury from it has come under my observation.
A leaf-hopper, Ormenis pruinosa, was remarkably abundant in vine-
yards, where it was popularly mistaken for ‘‘mealy bug,” and caused
considerable blighting of leaves and twigs. An interesting parasite,
which attacks the full grown larve and pupe, inclosing them with
itself in a convex disk composed of two mica-like plates joined at the
edges, was bred from a number of the clusters and determined as an
undescribed Dryinus. This parasite is unfortunately rather rare.
The Osage-orange Pyralid (Lowostege maclure Riley) is spreading
over the State, its work being most disastrous on young hedges, the
growth of which it seriously checks. Spraying with Paris green dur-
ing the months of June and July has been practiced to some extent in
the vicinity of St. Louis, and has been found a reliable remedy. But
it is so difficult to secure concerted effort in this direction that the
increase of the insect is not materially interrupted. Close clipping of
hedges about the lst of August is also advisable, as at this time a
majority of the eggs and newly hatched larve of the second brood are
on the leaves and are, by this process, removed and burned. In the
course of a few minutes’ examination of some clippings, I found many
egg masses and clusters of young larve, and noted that during the
remainder of the season the worms were far less numerous than they
had been the previous year when the hedge had been trimmed earlier.
Pruning about this time may therefore be relied upon as an important
preventive measure.
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 39
It is perhaps worthy of record that the large, formidable appearing
larve of both Citheronia regalis and Eacles imperialis were never
before so abundant in this locality as they were this autumn. They
were brought to me again and again as something very wonderful and
from appearances very dangerous. About the Ist of August a bat-
tered female of imperialis was brought me in a box in which in the
course of two or three days she placed two hundred and seventy-five
eggs. These were subglobose, 4™™ in diameter, of a cream-white
color, streaked or tinged with pale brown. The larve hatched in seven
days. AsI was about leaving home for several weeks the young larve
were placed upon a small sycamore tree (Platanus) and left to their
fate. Upon my return a careful examination resulted in the discovery
of about a dozen of the half-grown larve. These also disappeared
one by one, having been, in all probability, devoured by birds.
The Horn Fly.—The past season was notable for the invasion of the
State by this cattle pest, at least for its manifestation in such numbers
as to prove injurious to cattle and excite alarm among stock-growers.
The newspapers contained numerous references to it, many of them ot
a sensational character, although the reality was in most instances
quite bad enough. The insect was reported to me by letter from six
or seven different sections of the State and has undoubtedly appeared,
in greater or less numbers, over the entire area. In our suburb of
Kirkwood and on the neighboring dairy farms its attacks upon the
delicate and thin-skinned Jerseys were very disastrous, certain cows
showing much greater sensitiveness toits bites than others. Thecause
of the trouble was net immediately recognized, but as soon as the fly
was identified the remedies suggested by the Department were applied
and brought measurable relief. Oar town veterinarian recommended
for the cases to which he was called an application of liquid tar, to be
procured in pint cans from druggists. This was thickly spread over
the shoulders, neck, and udder, and, though very disfiguring, was, all
things considered, the best repellant used, as its effect extended over
a period of a week or ten days, much longer than that of kerosene
emulsion or carbolized vaseline. It is, however, more expensive both
in money and labor, and, therefore, not so well adapted to use on large
herds of cattle as the kerosene emulsion. The habit of the horn fly
of resting on the cattle by night as well as by day gives the latter no
respite, since, even when not biting, its presence seems to be irritating.
From my observations this year, however, I draw the hopeful conelu-
sion that in our climate and that of Kansas and southern Llinois it
will not be able to multiply as it does in localities not subject to annual
and protracted droughts. After dry weather set in the droppings were
so quickly hardened that the larvee were unable to develop, and by the
Ist of August but few flies were noticed upon cattle in this locality,
We also found that chickens in the stable yard and pasture rendered
good service by scratching into and spreading the droppings and pick-
40 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. |
ing out whatever larve were contained therein. I have not been able
to learn that much was done in the State in the way of spreading or
liming the manure but this will doubtless in time become one of the
regular duties of our herdsmen ; while the use of the repellant sprays
and other applications, when necessary, will serve to protect the ani-
mals, not only from the particular insect under consideration, but from
the attacks of bot-flies, Tabanids, Stomoxys, and other biting flies from
which they ordinarily suffer exceedingly.
The Fruit Bark-beetle—Previous to the current year there is but one
brief reference to the presence of the above-named insect, the Scolytus
rugulosus of Ratzeburg, in Missouri. This is found on the last page of
the third volume of the American Entomologist, published in 1880,
where Prof. Riley mentions, after determining the insect for various
localities in the Eastern States, that he “‘ had received the insect some
years ago from Hillsboro, Mo., attacking the peach.” Probably it has
occurred, unrecognized, in many orchards since that date, where its
work was referred to that very comprehensive affection termed “ blight.”
However, during the past spring several correspondents of the Rural
World and the St. Louis Republic discovered the minute beetles emerg-
ing through the pin-hole-like orifices in the bark of twigs and small
branches of peach, plum, and cherry, and specimens were sent to me
for determination and for the purpose of finding a remedy. From Clay-
ton, in St. Louis County, Mr. J. W. EH. Bellville, one of the county offi-
cials, sent me specimens of the insect early in May, emerging from
twigs of cherry, with the information that one or two of his trees had
already been killed by them and that the beetles were so numerous
that he feared the destruction of his entire orchard. An examination
of the twigs revealed a large number of the beetles, and under the bark
a few full-grown larve and pup. The beetles were engaged in boring
back into the twigs, in every case, so far as noticed, entering through
the latent buds and even through some that were unfolding. By
August the trees severely affected had lost most of their leaves, the
bark of the branches was shrunken, and the twigs were breaking off.
Beetles were again found making their way back into such twigs and
branches as showed a measure of vitality. Very few larve were found
jn the portions of the trees examined, and such as were discovered were
ready to transform, indicating the double-broodedness of the insect.
Mr. Bellville wrote me that he thought he had protected some of his
trees by spraying at this time with Paris green. So far as I have been
able to find out by personal examination and inquiry the insect is yet
quite local in the State, and if horticulturists can be brought to realize
the danger of neglect in this case it can no doubt be held in check, if
not entirely stamped out.
The Pear-tree Clear-wing Borer in Apple.—This insect (Ageria pyri
Harr.) appears for the first time, I believe, to swell theranks of the almost
innumerable pests of the apple tree, upon which it may prove more
injurious than it has hitherto done upon the pear.
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 41
Early in May I received from Mr. S. W. Gilbert, of the Flint Hill
- fruit farms, in Oregon County, a few small lepidopterous larve taken
from the young apple trees, with the information that ‘the worms eat
the inner bark next to the hard wood and are usually, if not always,
concealed at least one-eighth of an inch from the dead bark.” Mr. Gil-
bert further says: ‘I find the insects especially abundant on trees that
have been ‘sun scalded’ on the southwest side. They work at the
edges of the green bark next to the dead portion of the tree. Among
the young Missouri pippin trees last year I found a large number that
had on their trunks from one to several spots of dead wood about twice
the size of a silver dollar, and in every case we find this spring these
worms working around the deadened spot.” The larve accompanying
the above note were about one-half inch in length by one-tenth inch in
diameter, subcylindrical, of a yellowish-white color, with a few scattered -
soft white hairs arising from inconspicuous piliferous plates. Head
dark brown, rather broad and short, collar covering rather more than
half of the top of the first joint. The appearance was almost precisely
that of a Tortricid, except that the jaws seemed somewhat broader and
stronger. In the course of a few days, however, the peculiar cocoons,
or follicles characteristic of the 4igerians were formed between pieces
of bark, except in the case of two larve, in whose place appeared two
rather large white cocoons of a parasite, probably an Apanteles. But
one of these developed and this, to my very great regret, escaped from
the rearing jar and could not be recovered. On June 9 two moths
emerged, both males, which upon comparison proved to be the species
above named. These were the only examples that I was able to obtain,
but several other correspondents reported borers in young apple trees
whose habits seemed to agree with those sent by Mr. Gilbert.
In all cases it was recommended to drench the trunks of the trees
with kerosene emulsion two or three times during the months of June
and July, or to apply the soft soap and soda mixture that has been so
often used to prevent the borer beetles from laying their eggs. As it
was not asserted that this 4 gerian confined its attacks to that portion
of the trunk just above ground, as is the habit of the allied peach
borer, I could not advise mounding as a preventive.
The Peach or Plum Bark-louse.—While at Carthage, in Jasper
County, last December, in attendance at the annual meeting of our
State Horticultural Society, one of the residents of the city brought me
a number of peach twigs from his orchard in the suburbs, thickly coy-
ered with the characteristic scales of Lecanium persice Fab., with the
information that many of his trees had become unthrifty and unfruitful
in consequence. This was my first acquaintance with this scale, as it
has not hitherto proved sufficiently injurious to attract much attention
from peach-growers; and upon looking up such of its literature as was
at my command I found that its complete life history had not been pub-
lished.
42 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
Karly in April other infested twigs were sent to me from Jefferson
County, and, about the same time, a subscriber of the Rural World
sent still others over which were scattered the largest and most brightly
colored scales that had yet met my eye. They were not darkened by
the smut fungus which after a year or two follows the attacks of this
insect and completes the disfigurement and destruction of the tree.
The scale is a very handsome one, as scales go. The form is hemi-
spherical, tending to conical in the center, 2.5 to 4™ in diameter; sur-
face highly polished, though not smooth, being indented with more
or less distinct, shallow, crenulated grooves, radiating from the cen-
ter to the margin; general color black, or very dark brown, with a longi-
tudinal dorsal band of bright, sealing-wax red and fine streaks of red
alternating with broader ones of paler brown to form a border. When
detached from the twig during winter or early in the spring, the under
side will be found slightly concave and, occupying the center, is the
still quite well-defined body of the female, surrounded by a brown
jelly like substance which fills the remainder of the shell across which
four, or sometimes six, diminishing white thread-like lines extending
to the edge of the scale, have the appearance of legs and would seem
to assist in keeping the scale in place. When lifted carefully from the
posterior end, the long hair-like beak can be distinguished with a strong
lens and is capable of being drawn out to a length of 2™™,
On May 2, my attention was called by a friend to a young Lombard
plum in his garden, which exhibited the worse case of attack yet seen—
probably the unchecked development of several seasons. The twigs
and smaller branches were absolutely incrusted on all sides with the
Ooccids, presenting to other than entomological eyes, a repulsive spec-
tacle. Even at this late date segregation had not taken place. By the
20th of the month, however, the eggs were fully formed and every scale
was crowded with them. The egg is broad oblong in form, 0.5™™ in
length, pale yellow in color, and in the mass quite free and granular.
Hatching began June 10 and continued for nearly a month. The
young larve were the largest species yet observed, very flat, uniformly
pale yellow, the carapace being indicated by a very thin lateral rim.
The legs were rather long and well developed. Antenne five or six
jointed, one-half the length of the body. By July 15 hatching was
completed, and in the meantime, those first hatched, of which a part
were separated and kept on fresh twigs in the rearing jar, had nearly
all become stationary on the leaves and transformed to male pupe.
Twigs brought me from the tree at this date had the foliage covered
with the young in all stages, the majority being still ina state of great
activity, resembling in general appearance and in the peculiar wavy
motion when crawling, a myriad of small Tingitids. The sexes were
undistinguishable. The mature larval scale is about 2™™ in length,
slightly convex, of a translucent greenish-white color. Two converg-
ing carine inclose a narrow flat dorsal space, from which a border,
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 43
divided into six or seven panes, by similar, though finer, opaque, white
ridges, slopes slightly on all sides. Under the scales, which were
stationary, and which in no respect differed from those that were still
moving about over leaves and twigs, were found male pup entirely
detached and displaying wing padsand other members as seen in nymphe
of the higher Hemiptera.
On the 22d of July winged males appeared in the rearing jar, the
pupal period being about one week. In this stage, also, the insect is
beautiful, with filmy, iridescent wings expanding 4™™; body rose red,
with some dark brown shadings about the head and tip of the abdomen,
and an especially distinct, dark-brown, transverse thoracic band.
August 10 hundreds of winged males, fresh pup, and active larvie
were still found on the leaves. The act of copulation did not come
under my eye, although the winged forms continually fluttered over
those that were crawling. The life of the male seems to be of about a
week’s duration. My observations on this insect were interrupted by
absence from home from the middle of the month until the 5th of Sep-
tember, when I found that the males had disappeared and that the
females had attached themselves to the bark of such twigs as still
retained a measure of vigor. The scales were about one-half grown,
had darkened, thickened, and become centrally elevated. As in all
scales, growth by the exudation of waxy material around the margin
was slowly progressing. At the present date (November 10) the
Scales are not more than two-thirds the size that they were last year
and not nearly so numerous and drop easily from the twigs upon which
the black fungus has appeared. This is very likely due to the debility
of the tree, which will scarcely survive the winter.
Among the natural checks of Lecanium persicwe, one true parasite
(Chiloneurus albicornis) was bred in small numbers from the mature
scales and the active young were extensively preyed upon by Chrysopa
larve, by Camptobrochis nebulosus—a small, speckled, gray bug that I
have always found in numbers upon leaves infested with Phylloxera
rileyi, the oak Chermes, and similar minute forms—and more especially
by the flocculent larve of a small Coccinellid about 3"™ long and
nearly as broad, black, with a red spot on each wing cover, which has
been kindly determined for me as Hyperaspis signata. The larve of
the latter were very numerous and active among the swarming young
of the Lecanium, but, strange to say, were not found on any other Coccid
or Aphis during the season. As I was desirous of preserving this
Lecanium through the summer for study, no insecticides were used
upon the tree, but from experiments made upon several twigs and
branches there is no doubt that kerosene emulsion, thymo-cresol, and
an insecticide called Cannon’s fruit protector, would all prove efficient
remedies if systematically used, especially upon the young larye.
The observations of the past season upon the insect under considera-
tion have brought out the following peculiarities: The very late hatching
44 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
and dispersion of the young; the unusual length of active larval life;
the occurrence of both sexes upon the leaves; the fact that the females
do not fix themselves until after impregnation, and, under certain not
well-understood conditions, a very remarkable preponderance of males.
The Linden Leaf-Roller.—The only shade-tree pest of importance, not
observed in this locality previous to the past season, was the above-
named Pyralid (Pantographa limata Gr. & Rob.). This appeared on
both the native and European lindens (Tilia americana and T. europea)
along the walks and on the lawns of many residents of Kirkwood, and
attracted general attention by the peculiar manner in which it twisted
the leaves. On the trees of the “ Linden walk” in the grounds of Mr.
A. 8S. Mermod the insect occurred in such numbers that almost every
third leaf, of the European lindens especially, was thus rolled, and the
trees reminded one of Christmas trees covered with candles.
The newly hatched larva beginsits case by simply folding under a bit
of the edge of the leaf, severing the folded part at the end toward the
base, and feeding on the green tissue of the portion inclosed. After
the first molt, it effects another roll and by a series of stitch-like bands
of silk fastens it in place and continues the process until the entire
leaf (of the European linden) or the apical two-thirds of our native
species is included in the coil. During the day it feeds sparingly upon
the included portions of the leaf, but at night, when it spins and folds,
it also eats ragged holes in the adjacent leaves or gnaws their edges.
The nearly full-grown larve sometimes desert the first case and form
a fresh and very perfect one shortly before leaving the tree for pupa-
tion. Within this case the larva rests in slovenly fashion among a lot
of sticky web and scattered frass. The larva and its case are described
by Prof. Fernald in the Canadian Entomologist (vol. XVI, p. 26).
In the specimens examined this summer the form was rather sub-
cylindrical than fusiform and tapered only slightly posteriorly, and the
head and collar were more frequently brown than black. Prof. Fernald
also says: ‘* While the imago of Pantographa limata Gr. is a typical
Pyralid, the larva is so very much like Tortricid larve, both in struc-
ture and habits, that I unhesitatingly referred it to the Tortricide till
it emerged.” This is true of the larve after the last molt or just
before changing, but the younger larve have the somewhat slimy sur-
face and other less definite characteristics which the experienced
observer at once recognizes as peculiar to the leaf-feeding Pyralids.
When ready for transformation, the larva cuts a circular hole through
the side of its case and lets itself to the ground, where it forms from a
leaf a spacious, oval tent which it lines with silk, or more frequently
the leaf will be attached to the lower part of the trunk of the treé or
some other flat surface and will then be in the form of an eggshell
divided in half longitudinally and applied by the edges. In the rear-
ing cages, these large, low tents were affixed to the glass by numerous
stitch-like bands of silk, and the glass was so thinly coated with web
that the larva or pupa within was but slightly obscured from view.
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REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 45
The pupa averages 16™™ in length, is rather stout for a Pyralid, of a
shining red-brown color, sometimes tinged with olive. Pupz were first
observed on July 9, and the moths began to emerge on the 25th of the
same month and continued coming out in the rearing cage until the
10th of August.
This species is one of the largest and handsomest in the group, hav-
ing a wing expanse of from 1 to 12 inches (25 to 35™™), and being more
lustrous and variegated in coloring than is usual among its leaf-feeding
allies.
The second (or it may have been the third) brood of the larve
appeared on the trees about the middle of September, and singularly
enough from one to three of them, still very small, were often found in
the large cones deserted by the preceding brood. In the rearing cages
they developed very irregularly, one or two moths appearing early in
November, while others that were, perhaps, somewhat underfed are
still reposing in their cases unchanged.
No parasites were bred except a Tachinid of the genus Parexorista.
Spraying was not resorted to this year, but will be practiced should
the insect again appear in injurious numbers, as it is evident from
tests on a small scale that a very small proportion of Paris green in
water is quickly fatal to it.
Insecticides —In the Missouri botanical garden, when necessary to
spray fruit or other trees, the arsenites were this year in many cases
combined with the most approved fungicides, and I was assured that
the latter were quite as effectual against vegetable parasites when
thus associated, while the lime and copper compounds seem to prevent
that scorching of the foliage which frequently attends the application
of the simple arsenites-and water. A number of nurserymen and
orchardists of my acquaintance have used the same combination when
spraying, and claim great success in it.
A preparation known as Cannon’s fruit protector was tested against
certain insects, especially Coccide, with good success. In cdor and con-
sistency, as well as in its effects, it differs but slightly from thymo-eresol,
on which I have previously reported, and Ido not think that it is in
any way superior to the latter. It is in the form of a molasses-like
fluid of which one part to eighty or one hundred parts of water are
used, to be applied as a spray or drench, as a combined insecticide and
fungicide. Delicate foliage was in'some cases injured by it, appearing
‘as though greased, and after a few days shriveled and dropped, and I
would not recommend its use against caterpillars or Aphidids, but think
it would prove a good repellant on the trunks of trees against borers,
and might be advantageously applied to trees affected with bark-lice.
INSECTS OF THE SEASON IN IOWA IN 1893.
By HERBERT OSBORN, Special Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.
AMES, Iowa, October 28, 1893.
Str: I forward herewith a report on some observations of the season of 1893
referring to the general insect attacks of the season, and with more special reference
to a few forms that are of unusual interest. Aside from the observations reported
here a number of other species have been studied, but full reports can not be pre-
sented at this date, and they can be better treated in special papers.
During the season I have prepared two papers, one On the Methods of Combat-
ing Insects Affecting Grasses and Forage Plants, and the other On the Treatment
of Parasites of Domestic Animals, presented at the meeting of the Assoviation of
Economic Entomologists, at Madison, both of which were in large part the results of
studies that had been made with reference to the division work. Allow me here to
express my thanks for many favors during the year.
Very respectfully, yours,
HERBERT OSBORN.
eo. RILEY,
U.S. Entomologist.
The season of 1893 has been somewhat exceptional in the nature of
its insect attacks, a number of species usually inconspicuous becoming
seriously abundant and attracting no little attention on the part of eul-
tivators. This has been especially true of the clover-hay worm, the
wheat-head army worm in some localities, the clover-seed caterpillar,
aud the horn fly. The first part of the season was rather cold and quite
wet, so that insect injury, except that caused by the clover-hay worm
in barns and stacks, did not attract attention. The latter part of the
season, however, has been quite dry, amounting for a few weeks to a
drought, and within this time insects have shown their presence in
very destructive numbers. A somewhat detailed statement of the
various species will be in order.
From the conditions present this season it is probable that we will
have a pretty large number of grasshoppers another season, unless the
occurrence of the blister-beetles and Bombylid larve, which destroy
the eggs, has been extensive enough to reduce their numbers.
On the Hatching of the Eggs of the Horse Bot-fly—On Septer ber 19 I.
obtained a number of eggs of the common horse bot-fly, and from the
46
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1
REPORTS OF ORSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 47
fact that two or three flies were at the time depositing eggs on the
animal, it seemed probable that a good share, at any rate, of those
obtained had been recently deposited. It occurred to me to make some
observations on the time and conditions when these eggs would hatch,
and the following record is the result: On September 23, four days
after collection, the eggs, when moistened, showed distinct dark bands
with rows of black spines upon the segments, indicating a well devel-
oped condition of the embryo, but there was no tendency to hatch and
the egg when opened showed the embryo to be only slightly active, its
movements being slow, and it would appear that it was not really
ready for hatching at that time. An effort to hatch them by rubbing
was not made at this time but the eggs opened by picking off the cap.
On the following day, September 24, the eggs previously moistened did
not hatch, but one egg, upon being moistened and rubbed for some time
with the end of the finger in a manner to simulate the action of the horse’s
tongue, was hatched, and adhered to the finger. This specimen was
fairly active, especially the hinder portion of the body. This must have
been at least five days after deposition and, of course, nay have been
longer than this, as some of the eggs may have been deposited some
days previous to the time of collecting. On September 25 the two eggs
which were first moistened but not rubbed were still unhatched, and it
would appear from this that moisture alone is insufficient to produce
the hatching, at least during the earlier time following deposition. On
the next day another egg was hatched by moistening and rubbing and
by also picking the cap of the egg withapin. Therubbing alone did not
succeed in hatching it, although continued for a long time, but when
the lid was picked with a pin the larva appeared active and it would
seem perfectly capable of all movement necessary for migration to the
stomach. On September 27 another specimen was hatched, but this was
also hatched with difficulty, the cap being removed finally by slight
pressure with a needle point, the larvee, as in previous cases, appearing
active. OnSeptember 28 another egg was hatched in the same man-
ner as the preceding one, the cap being removed with difficulty but the
larva active. It would seem from this that for at least ten days the
hatching occurs with difficulty and if these were average specimens it
would hardly be possible with the ordinary movement of the tongue to
secure the release of the larve. Some days elapsed before another
effort was made, but on October 21 another egg was tried and this one
hatched almost immediately upon being touched with the moist finger,
the larva adhering to the finger and wriggling about with great activity,
so that it would certainly have had every opportunity to find the con-
ditions for its survival. On the same day two other eggs were opened,
the lid being removed very quickly by being moistened with the finger,
but the larve from these two eggs were inactive, apparently dead.
and this would seem to confirm the view that the larve die without
issuing or breaking the cap from the egg unless moisture or rubbing is
A8 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
applied. Again, on October 26, two or three eggs were used, each of
which gave off the cap very readily, but in none of them did I find any
active larve, although one of the larve seemed to be fresh and showed
very feeblemovement. October 27 one egg hatched as before and gave
a larva which appeared inactive. Another, hatched at the same time,
appeared inactive at first, but, upon the addition of a drop of saliva,
Sbowed at first a slight amount of movement at the head end, being
most apparent in the hooks and later quite decided contractions
appeared in the forward part of the body, the larva becoming in a short
time sufficiently active so that there would seem to be no difficulty in
its securing proper conditions for development and ability to attach
itself to the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal had it been set
free upon the horse’s tongue.
October 28 seven eggs were opened by means of moisture and rub-
bing as heretofore, and these all proved to be inactive, three of them
thoroughly plump, but not recovering when placed in a drop of mois-
ture, while the others were shriveled and two of them adhered to the
shell.
I also found among the remaining eggs one from which the larva was -
partially free, the cap of the eggshell adhering to the front end of the
larva and the larve wriggling about actively, the tail portion only being
connected with the shell.
One or two other eggs had been noticed from which the caps were
removed, and these had probably hatched by their own efforts. This
would seem to show that it is possible, although not a normal habit,
for the embryos to push the egg cap off and escape without assistance.
Summing up the results of these observations, which were not as
complete as might be desired, it seems that we may, with considerable
certainty, reach the following conclusions. Some difference, due to the
changing conditions of moisture, may be possible under field condi-
tions, the conclusions being strictly applicable only to the conditions
under which these eggs were kept:
(1) That the eggs of the horse bot-fly do not hatch, except by the
assistance of the horse’s tongue. ,
(2) That hatching does not ordinarily occur within ten or twelve days
and possibly longer, or, if during this period, only on very continuous
and active licking by the horse.
(3) That the hatching of the larve takes place most readily during
the third to fifth week after deposition.
(4) That the majority of the larve lose their vitality after thirty-five
to forty days.
(5) That larve may retain their vitality and show great activity upon
hatching as late as thirty-nine days after the eggs were deposited.
(6) That it is possible, though not normal, for eggs to hatch without
moisture or friction.
EE a re
* REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 49
(7) That in view of these results, the scraping off of the eggs or their
removal or destruction by means of washes will be very effective, even
if not used oftener than once in two weeks during the period of egg
deposition, and probably that a single thorough removal of the eggs
after the period of egg deposition has past will prevent the great
majority of bots in gaining access to the stomach, or at least so large a
proportion, that little injury is likely to occur.
The Horn Fly.—This is the first season in which Hematobia serrata
has proved troublesome in this vicinity. Reports late last year indi-
eated some trouble in the eastern portion of the State, and in Kansas
it was reported much farther west, but was not observed in this particu-
lar locality. I have been informed, however, by some stockmen that
it was seen late in autumn. The present season it appeared in large
numbers in the first part of July, numbers being sufficient to seriously
annoy stock, and from that time on the pest has been very plentiful
and troublesome.
4 The Clover-hay Worm.—This species was one of the conspicuous pests
+ of the season, specimens being received from different parts of the
: State and reports from other localities sufficiently to show that the
clover hay quite generally throughout the State and in adjacent locali-
ties has suffered largely from its attack. The injury has been of the
characteristic form, the lower portions of the haymows and stacks
being eaten, filled with webs and excrementitious matter, entailing a
considerable loss. Aside from Pyralis costalis, the Pyralis farinalis has
been quite abundant, appearing in large numbers in some of the barns,
and it is pretty certain that a considerable portion of the injury may
be referred to that species. Judging from the abundance of the moths
in certain cases, it would seem to be the more abundant form, but in a
number of cases where specimens have been received the larve were
of the costalis form and proved upon breeding to be that species.
There is probably no difference in the habits of the two forms, so far as
their clover-feeding habit goes, that would necessitate any difference
of treatment. I have, in a few cases, recommended the use of bisul-
phide of carbon for this pest with special precaution as to its use on
account of inflammability of the liquid, and while I have not had the
opportunity to test it personally, nor receive reports from any who may
have tried it at my suggestion, I am confident that it could be used for
the destruction of the larve, and that by this process barns could be
freed from the pests without the necessity of the cleaning out of the
old hay and burning the webbed portions, a process which involves
considerable labor and is sometimes quite inconvenient to adopt.
Clover-seed Caterpillar.—This species, Grapholitha interstinctana, has
received attention during the last two or three years, but its increased
abundance the present season makes it worthy of still further mention.
It has been forwarded from different localities and has certainly
1493—Bull. 32——-4
: SR POR Ser it BET er ye eer
ager
50 -REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
attracted more attention from farmers this season than at any time
heretofore. So plentiful was it during the latter part of the summer
that there seemed no possibility of a profitable crop of clover seed, and
where it occurred in abundance the recommendation was made that the
clover be cut before the larve had matured or else pastured heavily,
with the hope of destroying as many of the larve as possible and pre-
venting a late fall brood of this species, which feeds largely upon the
leaves and at the base of the stems and later hibernates, to mature in
the spring.
The Sod Web-worm.—The sod web-worm, Orambus exsiccatus, was
more plentiful the present season than it has been at any time since
1887, and judging by the large numbers of moths that appeared at lights
during August and September, there must have been quite extensive
injuries from them. |
The Wheat-head Army Worm.—Attention has been called to this
species, Leucania albilinea, in nearly every report during the past few
years, but it has this season appeared more numerously and attracted
more attention than at any time since the year 1887, and the distribu-
tion of the species in the State has been different from its occurrence
in previous seasons. The greatest amount of injury, judging from
reports, has been in the northeastern quarter of the State, particularly
in the line of counties running west from Dubuque to the middle of the
State.
As in previous years, the reports have been in regard to injury to
timothy, and in no case have I learned of attacks upon wheat or other
crops, although it is not at all improbable that such crops have been
attacked, but injury has not been noticed. As the species has not been
abundant in the immediate vicinity of Ames, I have had no opportu-
nity to ake direct investigations or to attempt immediate measures.
The varied food plant of the species, and particularly its inconspicuous
nature during the autumn months, make it difficult to suggest remedies
that are in any great degree successful or which could be considered
worthy of strong recommendation. In general, the reeommendation has
been given that as soon as the injury is manifest upon timothy, and if
the worms are present in any considerable numbers, that the timothy
be cut immediately and saved for hay, since delay in the matter
would mean a loss of the seed crop and also loss of the hay. Even
at the time the worm becomes apparent in its stripping of the timothy
heads the hay is usually past its prime for forming the hay crop, but
it is much more profitable to save it then than to lose it entirely. This
method would, of course, be inapplicable in wheat fields, but, as already
stated, the injury from this species to the wheat in this section has not
at any time seemed serious. It is probable that the maintenance of
trap lights at the proper time would be quite effective, but the diff-
culty of getting farmers to make use of any measures except at the
time when the damage is apparent, renders this of little avail. -
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 51
The Leaf-folder—During the latter part of the summer my attention
was called to a serious depredation of the leaf-folder in some nurseries
near Des Moines. Examination of the leaves showed the presence of
large numbers of the larve, with a considerable number of pupz, and
from these pup2 I obtained, during the early part of October, consider-
able numbers of the winter form of the leaf-folder (Teras minuta). The
species has been somewhat prevalent during the past few years, but
this season became much more destructive and caused considerable
damage to several acres of yearling trees. The indications at the time
my attention was called to them were that the use of poison would be
effective for the larve still immature, but they were so rapidly matur-
ing that it seemed hardly desirable to adopt such measures for the
present season. Both pupe and larve were in such condition, however,
as to be destroyed by pinching, and this was recommended on account
of the benefit it should give for the coming season.
The Leaf Skeletonizer (Pempelia hammondi) occurred in considerable
numbers in the nurseries where the leaf-folder was destructive, and was
responsible, probably, for about 20 to 25 per cent of the damage. Had
the injuries been noted somewhat earlier practically all the damage
done by this species could have been avoided by a spraying with
London purple or Paris green, but at the time mentioned the season had
so far passed that it seemed impracticable and of little use to make
applications.
Nomophila noctuella.—In two of my previous reports I have called
attention to the great abundance of this pyralid moth, and suggested
the probability of its being a destructive species in pastures and
meadows. The immature stages have, however, not been observed,
and no opportunity has been presented for giving the species a
special study. Last season Mr. E. P. Felt, at Cornell University,
bred the larve, and presents in the Canadian Entomologist (vol.
XXV, p. 129) a summary of the life history of the species with figures
of the larva and adult. He found it to feed upon clover primarily and
also upon grass, and his observations seem to establish the economic
importance of the species. Evidently this species is distributed very
generally throughout the country, and judging by the abundance of
moths in this locality it must rank as one of the particularly destructive
species. According to Mr. Felt, the collection of adults at lights would
be of little avail in this species, as those which gather at lights are for
the most part males. In the related species belonging to the genus
Crambus I have shown that the individuals coming to lights are in a
large part females loaded with eggs, and it seems to me that it is desira-
ble to obtain still more complete records as to the individuals attracted
to lights before a final conclusion is reached as to the value of this
method. The difficulty of attacking the insect in any other manner,
except by plowing, makes the use of lights, if in any degree successful,
an important method of destruction.
52 KEPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. .
The Clover-seed Midge (Cecidomyia leguminicola)—This pest has
caused considerable trouble during the season, although I believe it is
subordinate to the clover-seed caterpillar mentioned elsewhere. Sam-
ples of clover heads have been received from various localities in which
the midge larve were abundant, and they have doubtless been respon-
sibie for considerable losses. The farmers of the State seem impressed
with the importance of the species and are making efforts to control
it. The plan of cutting early for the first crop does not seem to meet
with so much favor with many of them as the plan of pasturing the
clover fields during the spring months so as to prevent the develop-
ment of a spring brood of midges. This method presents some advan-
tages and I am inclined to think it will prove most advantageous if the
_ clover is allowed to head before turning stock upon it, so that such
midges aS appear may deposit eggs, and then by turning on a good —
number of animals the heads may be devoured before the larve have
had time to develop. When the crop is cut for hay there is, of course,
some danger that the more advanced larve may be shaken from the
heads and pupate, thus producing the second brood of midges. More-
over, the farmers are adverse to cutting for hay early on account of
the smaller crop and the interference with other farm work.
REPORT ON INSECTS INJURIOUS TO FOREST TREES.
By A. S. PackarD, Temporary Field Agent.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL,
PROVIDENCE, R. I., October 18, 1893.
Sir: I forward this day a report on the work done the past season in Maine and
Rhode Island. Notes were also made on other insects, and partial life-histories
recorded which are not yet sufficiently complete for publication. In accordance with
your instructions I spent a portion of the season, most of June and the latter
part of September, in Providence, and the months of July and August in Maine,
and early part of September in New Hampshire.
Respectfully, yours,
C. V. RILEY,
U. S. Entomologist.
A. S. PACKARD.
Notwithstanding the uniformly severe and prolonged winter of
1892~93, during which there seemed to have been fewer sudden alter-
nations of severe cold and thaws than usual, there was in the summer
succeeding a remarkable dearth of insect life, especially of caterpillars
and other larve which feed exposed on the foliage of trees and shrubs.
I never knew such a scarcity of these insects, and this state of things,
Tam told, prevailed to a greater or less degree throughout New Eng-
land.
The Spruce Worm and Larch Worm.—Two subjects of interest in
connection with my work in former years attracted my attention. These
were the effects of the invasionof the spruce worm (Tortrix fumiferana)
and of the attacks on the larches or hackmatacks of the larch worm
(Nemuatus erichsonit).
The region on the shores of Casco Bay, in which I spent the months
of July and August, and which in 187887 was ravaged by the Spruce
Worm, as described in the Fifth Report of the U. 8S. Entomological
Commission, was greatly changed in appearance since 1887. During
the past few years the former unsightly aspect of the shores, including
portions of the mainland, as well as the inner islands, have been most
decidedly and very pleasantly changed by the rapid growth of young
spruce and firs which had sprung up since the old growth had been
removed, with the result that what were formerly bare and unsightly
areas are now fresh and green tracts, with the promise of soon becom-
53
54 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS,
ing thriving woodland, owing to the rapid growth of the young trees.
In one place in particular, on the new wharf road in Brunswick, of
which photographs were taken in 1883, and which are reproduced. as
Plates xl and XIv of my report, the new growth of spruces and firs
has within ten years completely changed the aspect of the fields and
woodlands at that spot. And soit is with an extensive tract of land
on Birch Island, devastated by this worm about ten years previously.
These coniferous trees grow nearly a foot a year, under favorable condi-
tions, and thus rapidly cover and conceal old stumps, piles of trash
wood and fallen trees, as well as places more or less bare of vegetation.
It is also to be observed that neither the caterpillars nor moths of
the species have been observed at or about Casco Bay since 1883 or
1884, none of the worms being detected on the trees, and none of the
moths being taken by the net or captured at light.
The larches or hackmatacks in Maine have in general recovered from
the attacks of the larch worm, which was so abundant a few years ago.
No specimens either of the worm or of the sawfly were collected or
observed during the past two years. While a few old trees died, the
younger ones, or those not too much ravaged, appear to have leaved
out and to have recuperated.
The Fir Leaf-sheaf Worm.—During the past two or three years the
firs on the shores of Casco Bay at Brunswick, Me., have been disfigured
in an unusual way by the larva of a Tineid moth, which has been
determined by Prof. C. H. Fernald to be Blastobasis chalcofrontella
Clem. My attention was called to the work of this caterpillar during
the end of June and in July, 1891, the worms occurring as late as July
15. The terminal branches of the trees bore some dead red “ needles”
or leaves, which, however, had not been gnawed off by the worm. On
the under side of such — or small branches were masses of castings
or excrement, enveloping what seem to be the swollen or hypertrophied
bases or sheaths of the leaves, and which look like flower buds. They
are about a fifth of an inch long, forming masses about an inch in
length. These empty capsules were sewed together by a few silken
threads, and among them the little caterpillar resides. It does not bore
into the twig itself, which is green and fresh, but the tree is none the
less seriously disfigured by its attacks. As the worms did not occur
later on in the season I judge they begin their work in the spring, or at
least in May. Some that were found July 15 finished their transforma-
tions towards the end of the season, the moth being found dead in the
breeding box in May of the following year. Whether it emerged before
the winter or not I can not state.
A small Tortricid larva was observed at Brunswick, Me., early in
the summer of 1890, and in 1891 at work on the end of the twigs of the
spruce. It cuts off the needles for a space of about an inch in length
and spins a web next to the twig by which the faded red needles are
attached to the twig. When about to transform it spins a rude,
————-—)hO—F si—(
~~.
REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 5D
long, slender, oval cocoon covered with pellets of excrement, within
which it changes to a chrysalis, the cocoon being situated under and
among the dead, reddish leaves. The larve were observed July 1, and
the moth appeared the following spring.
The Fourteen-flapped Geometrid.Several caterpillars of this species
from which I bred moths like Aplodes coniferaria occurred on witch
hazel, Hamamelis virginica, living among the tawny, yellowish-brown
leaflets of the ends of the shoots, September 8, at Brunswick, Me. Its
shape, markings, and color are such as to assimilate it to the peculiar
small yellowish leaflets at the end of the flower-twigs, and to enable it
to easily avoid the attacks of birds. It is an excellent example of pro-
tective mimicry. It changed to a chrysalis in a thin cocoon, and the
moth appeared in the breeding cage May 10 of the following year. It
probably lays its eggs in June on the opening buds or leaves.
It is probable that my Aplodes coniferaria is but a small form of A.
mimosaria.
Notes on Lepidopterous Larve attacking Forest Trees.—From the chest-
nut I have reared Acronycta hamamelis Guen. It spun a thin but reg-
ular cocoon, and changed to a pupa October 7. Also from the yellow
birch, the pupa occurring September 15-20, Acronycta ovata Grote.
Acronycta grisea Walk. was bred from the willow and poplar.
On the tupelo at Providence I found, September 28, the larva of
Catocala elonympha Hbn. The caterpillar is pale gray, resembling in
markings and color a piece of the twig of this tree. It has no very
distinctive markings or prominent warts or humps.- It spun a thin
white cocoon and pupated October 4, and the moth emerged in the
breeding box on May 15 ensuing.
From the choke cherry I have had Lutrapela transversata Dr., the
moth appearing August 24.
From the willow I have reared at Brunswick, Me., Boarmia crepus-
cularia, the moth appearing August 30, the pupa having been found
August 8.
From the chestnut at Brunswick, Me., I took, August 23, a pa ot
Acidalia insularia Guen., which disclosed the moth on the 27th of
the same month. I also collected from a maple, September 6, at Bruns-
wick, Me., the pupa of an Eupithecia near luteata in the shia of its
wings ae markings, but yet apparently distinct.
The larva of Deilinia erythemaria occurred at Brunswick, Me., not
uncommonly on the willow and poplar, the moth appearing August 6.
Hypena, scabra Hbn. was bred from the poplar, the moth appearing
September 5.
The following Tortricids were reared:
The pupa of Teras ferrugana Schiff. was found on a leaf of Betula
populifolia September 20, the moth appearing October 2
Cenopis reticulatana Clem. The larva of this leaf-rollor, whieh is
recorded by Miss Murtfeldt (Fernald’s Catalogue of described Tortvri-
56 REPORTS OF OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS.
cid, p. 20) as feeding on the oak, Osage orange, maple, persimmon,
and pear, was discovered July 12-16, feeding on Apocynum androscemi-
folium or dogbane, at Brunswick, Me. It is pale greenish, with no
stripes or other markings. The head is honey-yellow. On each
abdominal segment, except the last two, are four dorsal whitish pilifer-
ous tubercles, the hairs arising from them being rather long. It
_ pupated July 19, and the moth appeared August 7. It is well repre-
sented by Robinson’s figure 34 (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Feb., 1869).
Teras hastiana L. was reared from a larva found feeding on the spruce
July 30, at Brunswick, Me. The caterpillar is green with a dark head.
The following Tineid moths were also reared:
Gelechia inscripta Wlsm. The larva was found feeding on the oak at
Brunswick, Me., September 1. The head and prothoracic shield of the
larva are dark amber color, the latter blackish in hind edge. Body
dark green, transversely ringed with red lines ending on a lateral dot,
the reddish bars being widest on the second and third thoracic seg-
ments. It pupated about September 8 or 9, and the moth was found
dead in the breeding box May 10 ensuing.
Coleophora cinerella Cham. A specimen of the moth was bred from
a larva found on the poplar at Brunswick, Me. The larva was not
described, but the sack is cylindrical, not flattened as usual, and the
posterior end is compressed, somewhat turned up, the anterior end
being cylindrical and tapering nearly to a point. Itis of the color of
a dead, dry leaf. The larve occur early in July, the moth appearing
July 14.
INDEX.
Acidalia insularia, on chestnut, 55.
Acronycta grisea, bred from willow, 55.
hamamelis, attacking chestnut, 55.
ovata, attacking yellow birch, 55.
Adalia bipunctata, in hop yards, 34.
humeralis, in hop yards, 34.
Z:sculus californica, Clisiocampa californica on,
29.
geria pyri, in apple in Missouri, 40.
Agrotis saucia, attacked by Calosoma latipenne,
26.
Amara californica, ref., 26.
stupida, ref., 26.
Anatis 15-punctata, in Oregon, 35.
rathvoni, in Oregon, 35.
subvittata, in Oregon, 35.
Aphis cucumeris, in Nebraska, 19.
Aplodes coniferaria, mimicry of, 55.
mimosaria = ? coniferaria, 55.
Apple, brassy cutworm on, 25.
Apricot, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
Arbutus menziesii, Clisiocampa californica on, 29.
Army worm, abundant in Nebraska, 14.
in Missouri, 37.
Arseniuretted hydrogen, as insecticide, 30.
Aspidiotus perniciosus, attacked by Rhizobius
debilis, 36.
Australian ladybird, notes on, 36.
Blackberry, Clisiocampa californica on, . 28
Blastobasis chalcofrontella, work of, 54.
Boarmia crepuscularia, on willow, 55.
plumogeraria, on walnut, 22.
Bot-fly of the horse, eggs of, 46.
Bran-arsenic remedy, ill success of, 11.
Brassy cutworm, in California, 25.
Bruner, Lawrence, report, 9.
Buffalo tree-hopper, in Missouri, 38.
Calathus ruficollis, ref., 26.
Calosoma latipenne, attacking A grotis saucia, 26.
peregrinator, ref., 26.
Camptobrochis nebulosus, attacking Lecanium
persica, 43.
Cannon's fruit protector, test, 45.
Carpocapsa pomonella, in Oregon, 35.
Catocala elonympha, on tupelo, 55.
Cecidomyia leguminicola, in Iowa, 52.
Cedar borer (Hylotrupes ligneus), introduction
of, 19.
Phleosinus dentatus on, in Nebraska, 18.
Cenopis reticulatana, on dogbane, 55.
Ceresa bubalus, in Missouri, 38.
Chenopodium album, food plant of Tanymecus
confertus, 18.
Chermes pinicorticis, in Nebraska, 20.
Cherry, Carpocapsa pomonella bred from, 35.
Chilocorus bivulnerus, attacking scales on pine, 20.
Chiloneurus albicornis, parasite of Lecanium
persice, 43.
Chinch-bug, infectious disease of, 20.
Chorizagrotis introferens, swarms of, 17.
Citheronia regalis, abundance in Missouri, 39.
Clisiocampa californica, food plants of, 29.
on Rubus vitifolins, 28.
Clisiocampa californica, parasites of, 30.
constricta, on Quercus agrifolia, 29.
disstria, ref., 29.
thoracica, in California, 27.
Clover-hay worm, in Iowa, 49.
seed caterpillar, in Iowa, 49.
midge, in Iowa, 52.
Coccinella annectans, in hop yards, 34.
transversoguttata, in hop yards, 34.
trifasciata, in hop yards, 34.
Coccinellide, in hop yards, 34.
Cocklebur, Tanymechus confertus on, 18.
Coleophora cinerella, bred, 56.
Coquillett, D. W., report, 22.
Corn ear-worm, on peaches and oranges, 27.
Crambus exsiccatus, increase in Iowa, 50.
Cucumber plant-louse, in Nebraska, 19.
Currant berries, Tortricid destroying, 35.
Cycloneda sanguinea, in hop yards, 34.
Deilinia erythemaria, on willow and poplar, 55.
Differential locust, increase of, 10.
Eacles imperialis, abundance in Missouri, 39.
Eight-spotted forester, injuring vineyards, 16.
Epeira angulata, ref., 30.
Eucnephalia sp., parasite of caterpillars, 26,
Eupithecia near luteata, on maple, 55.
Eutrapela transversata, on choke cherry, 55.
Fall web-worm, in Nebraska, 15.
Fir leaf-sheaf worm, work of, 54.
Forest trees, insects injurious to, 53.
lepidopterous larve attacking, 55.
Fourteen-flapped Geometrid, notes on, 55.
Fraxinus oregona, Clisiocampa californica on, 29.
Fruit bark-beetle, in Missouri, 40.
insects, in Oregon, 35.
Gelechia inscripta, bred, 56.
Golden-rod, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
57
58
Gortyna nitela, in Nebraska, 16.
Grapholitha interstinctana, in Iowa, 49.
Grasshoppers, in Missouri, 37.
in Nebraska, 9.
Greasewood, Pezotettix chenopodii on, 12.
Hematobia serrata, appearance in Iowa, 49.
Harmonia 12-maculata, rare in Oregon, 35.
picta, in hop yards, 34.
Heliothis armiger, attacking oranges and peaches,
27.
Heteromeles arbutifolia, Clisiocampa californica
on, 29.
Hippodamia ambigua in hop yards, 34.
convergens in hop yards, 34.
parenthesis in hop yards, 34.
spuria in hop yards, 34.
13-punctata in hop yards, 34.
Hop louse in Oregon and Washington, 33.
Hopperdozers, successful use of, 11, 12.
Horn-fly, appearance in Iowa, 49.
in Missouri, 39.
Horse bot-fly, hatching of eggs of, 46.
Hydrocyanic acid gas, cheapest fumigator, 32.
Hylotrupes ligneus, in Nebraska, 19.
Hypena scabra bred from poplar, 55.
Hyperaspis signata, larve attacking Lecanium
persice, 43.
Insecticide gases, experiments with, 30.
hydrocyanic acid, cheapest, 31.
Insecticides, experience in Missouri, 45.
Juglans californica, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
Juniper bark-borer in Nebraska, 18.
Juniperus virginiana, injured in Nebraska, 18.
Koebele, Albert, report, 33.
Ladybird, twice-stabbed, attacking scales, 20.
Ladybirds in hop-yards, notes, 34.
Larch worm in Maine, 53.
Leaf-folder damaging nurseries in Iowa, 51.
skeletonizer in Iowa nurseries, 51.
Lecanium hesperidum in California, 36.
olee attacked by Rhizobius, 36.
Lepidopterous larvee in cornstalks, 16.
attacking forest trees, 55.
Leucania albilinea in Iowa, 50.
in Nebraska, 15.
unipuncta in Missouri, 37.
in Nebraska, 14.
Lecanium persice in Missouri, 41.
parasite of, 43.
Linden leaf-roller in Missouri, 44.
Limneria fugitiva, parasitic on Clisiocampa cali-
fornica, 29.
Locusts in Colorado, report, 10.
in Missouri, 37.
in Nebraska, report, 9.
in west Nebraska and Wyoming, 13.
Loxostege maclurz spreading in Missouri, 38.
Lyda sp. on plum in Nebraska, 10.
Masicera archippivora, parasite of Pyrameis, 30.
frenchii, parasite of Clisiocampacalifornica,30.
INDEX.
Melanoplus atlanis, in Colorado, 12.
bivittatus, increase of, in Colorado, 10, 12.
in Missouri, 37.
differentialis, increase of, in Colorado, 10, 12.
femur-rubrum, increase of, in Missouri, 10, 37.
spretus, not numerous, 14.
turnbulli, ref., 12.
Migratory locust, not numerous, 14.
Murifeldt, Mary E., report, 37.
Mysia hornii in Oregon, 35.
Mytilaspis pinifoliz in Nebraska, 20.
“Native” locusts, injuries in Nebraska, 14.
Nematus erichsonii in Maine, 53.
Nettle, Clisiocampa thoracica on, 27.
Noctuid moth, swarms of, 17.
Nomophila noctuella in Iowa, 51.
Oak, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
C&dipoda sulphurea in Missouri, 37.
xanthoptera in Missouri, 37.
Orange, attacked by Heliothis armiger, 27.
leaf-roller in California, 24.
Osage-orange Pyralid in Missourl, 38.
Ormenis pruinosa in Missouri, 38.
Osborn, Herbert, report, 46.
Oscinids preying on Coccids and Aphidids, 35.
Packard, A.S., report, 53. :
Pantagrapha limata in Missouri, 44.
Papilio turnus, var. glaucus, ref., 30.
Parexorista sp., parasite of Pantagraphalimata,45.
Peach bark-louse in Missouri, 41.
brassy cutworm injuring, 25.
attacked by Heliothis armiger, 27.
Pear, brassy cutworm injuring, 25.
tree clear-wing borer, in apple, 40.
Pempelia hammondi in Iowa, 51.
Petroleum, crude, for use in hopperdozers, 12.
Pezottetix chenopodii, n. sp., ref., 12.
Phlcosinus dentatus on juniper, 18.
Phylloxera rileyi, ref., 43.
Pimpla inquisitor, parasite of Clisiocampa cali-
fornica, 30.
Pine-leaf scale-louse in Nebraska, 20.
Platynus maculicollis, ref., 26.
Plum bark-louse in Missouri, 41.
Polygonum, Tanymechus confertus on, 18.
Prochzrodes nubilata on walnut trees, 23.
Protective mimicry of Aplodes coniferaria, 55.
Psyllobora 20-maculata in Oregon, 39.
Pterostichus vicinus, ref., 26.
Pyralis costalis in Iowa, 49.
farinalis in Iowa, 49.
Quercus agrifolia, Clisiocampa californica on, 29.
Clisiocampa constricta on, 30.
Tortrix citrana on, 24.
Red-legged locust, increase of, 10.
Rhizobius debilis numerous in California, 36.
ventralis in California, 36.
Rocky Mountain locust, not numerous, 14.
Rubus vitifolius, Clisiocampa californica on, 28.
INDEX.
preven vermicularis, Pezotettix chenopodii
on, 1
Scale-insects on pine in Nebraska, 20.
Schistocerca americana in Missouri, 37.
Scolytus rugulosus in Missouri, 40.
Scymnus near tenebrosus, destroying hop-lice, 35.
nebulosus destroying hop lice, 35.
Selandria cerasi, parasitization of, 36.
Sod web-worm in Iowa, 50.
Solidago californica, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
Span-worms on walnut trees in California, 23.
remedies against, 24.
Sporotrichum globuliferum,
ease, 20.
Spruce worm in Maine, 53.
Stalk-borer in Nebraska, 16.
Sugar-beet insects in Nebraska, 18.
Sulphureted hydrogen as insecticide, 30.
Syneta albida injuring fruit buds, 35.
chinch-bug dis-
Teniocampa rufula in California, 25.
Tanymecus confertus on sugar-beet, 18.
59
Tent caterpillars in California, 27.
Teras ferrugana on Betula popnilifolia, 55.
hastiana on spruce, 56.
minuta in Iowa nurseries, 51.
Tortricid attacking currant, 35.
Tortrix citrana, food-plants of, 24.
parasites of, 24.
fumiferana in Maine, 53.
Two-striped locust, increase of, 10.
Uncinula spiralis, Psyllobora 20-maculata feeding
on, 35.
Urtica holosericea, food-plant of Clisiocampa
thoracica, 27.
Walnut span-worm in California, 22.
Wheat-head army worm in Iowa, 50.
in Nebraska, 15.
Willow, Tortrix citrana on, 24.
Xanthium strumarium, food-plant of Tanymecus
confertus, 18.
-)
2
e
5 tafe evs
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