TABLE 0F CONTENTS.

Preface
Bean and Pea Insects
Beet Insects
Cabbage Insects
Mustard Insects
Turnip i
Radish
Cauliflower
Cucumber

Cantaloupe
Melon

Squash
Onion _
Garlic
Potato (Irish) Insects
Sweet Corn
Potatoes (Sweet)
Tomato
Blister Beetles

The Cotton or Melon Aphis, and other Aphids; their Inimical In-
sects and Friends

QJQJn-ir-ur-er-c
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PREFACE.

Thisbulletin on “Insects of the Garden" has been prepared to answer
many of the inquiries received at this Department from truck growers
in all sections of Texas. The formulas for preparing the various in-
secticides have been omittedfbecause Circular II of this Department,
which is now in press, will soon be issue-d. This circular contains
information on how to prepare the different insecticides, and is sent
free to any citizen of Texas uponapplication. It is hoped that another
circular will be issued soon containing information about spray ma-
chinery.

The authors Wish to express their indebtedness to Dr. Harrington,
President of this College, through whose efforts the publication of this
bulletin was made possible. We wish to acknowledge the assistance
and courtesies extended by Dr. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Ento-
mology, in the preparation of electrotypes: to Mr. C. E. Bartholomew,
of this Department, for the preparation of photographs; and to Mr. F.
T. Foley, clerk and stenographer in this Department, for his customary
painstaking work in preparing the manuscript for publication.

BEANS AND PEAS.

BEAN AND PEA WEEVILS.
(Bruchus spp.)

Frequently we find beans and peas with excavations like those shown
in Figure I. There are several species of weevils that are responsible
for this injury, the most common being the cow pea weevil. (Bmchw
lpiilzcici/ilatus), the pea weevil (Br-uchus pisi), and another species
(BVZtCl/ZMS amicus). _

 

FIG. 1——-Pea Weevil (Bruehus pisi). (After Riley).

These weevils deposit the eggs on the growing crop and the larvae
gnaw into the pods. In autumn many are immature and are harvested
with the crop and stored. In the spring a large per cent of the stored
grain has been injured. The insects are distributed over all the well-
settled portions of Texas, from the Red Rix er to Brownsville.

REMEDIES.

The seed should be placed in a tight rootn and fumigated xvith carbon
bisulphide at the rate of I lb. to 10o bushels for 48 hours. For smaller

quantities it would be proportionately I o2. to IOO lbs. \Nl1€‘f€ only a

few seeds are to be treated, one should prnxfide himself with a coal-oil
barrel. Tlhis may be tightly closed at the 130p by placing over it burlap
or heavy canvas weighted dovwn with boards. In our experiments we
used a canvas saturated with linseed oil, or painted, and then spread
over the top and fastened by dropping a ccmmon hoop over the barrel.
One barrel holds about 5 bushels or 30o lbs. of seed, which would re-
quire about 3 oz. of carbon bisulphide. This can be done outdoors away
from buildings.

Often such seed is treated with water. One method is to drop the seed
into scalding water in order to kill the adult beetles. The water must
be immediately poured off to prevent injuring the seed or cooled imme-
diately by adding cold water. Most of the weevilly seed will rise to
the surface. There is no more satisfactory method, however, than the
use of carbon bisulphide. It is cheap, thoroughly effective and easily
apphed. '

In buving seed one should make sure that it is not infested by one
or more species of the weevil. '

4 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

DESTRUCTIV E PEA LOUSE.
(N ectarophora destructor, Johns.)

This pest has been sent to us from Dallas and has been observed in
Victoria. It also occurs near College Station. It apparently is widely
distributed in Texas, and as it is a most seriously destructive pea pest
in other sections of the country it may be regarded in this State with
apprehension. ~

NATURAL ENEMIEs.

The material sent to us for identification in all cases was heavily
parasitized. Besides, there were syrphus flies and lady bugs present,
which no doubt have been effective in holding the pest in check up to
this time. The syrphus fly lays its small, oval-shaped egg on the
leaf among the lice. This hatches into a small, greenish maggot, which,
when full grown, is about one-half inch long, legless, with no distinct

. head, and pointed at the front end. These larvae have been observed

to eat several dozen plant lice in the course of half an hour.

The lady bird beetles are well known. These lay very small, yellow-
ish or orange-colored eggs in clusters. One particular species ( H ippo-
damia convergens), upon which careful observations have been made
in breeding cages by Mr. C. E. Sanborn, of this Department, lays over
40o eggs. These hatch into little, alligat Y" "he larvae, with six
legs. When full-grown they hang fh€1TJS€l‘-/t: ‘Qfillil-llll "' om a leaf or

stalk and transform to a pupa. (See Figs. 42 and 43.)

Another important enemy which is very abundant in this State is the
“lace-winged fly.” The adult has a bright-green color, with large
wings distinctly netted - veined like lace work. (See Fig. 44.) No
one can fail to recognize her eggs at sight. They are minute and light-
colored objects at the ends of silken stalks. All these natural enemies
are among the most important factors in the economy of Texas agri-
culture, and are more fully discussed beginning on Page 43.

REMEDIES.

Experience has shown that where the peas are planted in rows in
well-fertilized land and the soil kept thoroughly mulched, so as to con-
serve the soil moisture, good crops have been made in spite of the
presence of this pest. Spraying them with kerosene emulsion will kill
many in small gardens, but on a large plantation, where the work can
not be done so thoroughly, it was found unsatisfactory. The work of
brushing them from the vines was originated by Prof. W. G. Johnson.
They can be easily knocked off vines planted in rows, and if this is done
in the heat of the day many of the lice are killed on the hot ground.
The vines should be brushed with branches and should be immediately
followed with a cultivator in order that the lice are covered up. Cul-
tivation should then be discontinued for several days, as it is said that
it requires 48 hours for the destruction of the adult insects when
covered with earth.

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. . 5

The importance of cleaning up the field after harvest time can not
be too strongly emphasized. Besides, weeds growing about the planta-
tion should be kept down. (See Page 43 et seq.)

BEETS.
BEET LEAF MINER.

(Pegomgvia ‘z/icind, Lintn.)

Every season the gardener observes the light-colored, semi-trans-
parent trails on ‘his bect leaves. This is due to a small insect that feeds
under the epidermis of the leaf. Sometimes large areas are mined so
that the leaf dies and often the plant is killed. The leaf miner is an
enemy of beet, spinach and related plants.

The adult is about one-fourth of an inch long, of a gray color and.
white in front of the head. They hover about the food plant near the
ground and lay their eggs on the lower surface of tlhe leaves. The
resulting larvae at once burrow into the leaf, making the curved and
semi-circular mines so commonly seen. By holding up a leaf to the
sun the maggot can be easily located.

FIG. 2-——Beet Leaf Miner. (Pegomyia vicini). i, adult fly; a, egg; b, larva or maggot‘;
h, pupa. (From Howard, Bureau or Entomology, U. S. Department of Agrb
culture.) '

When the larvae are full-grown, they repair to the surface of the
soil to pupate, and at the end of 3o days from egg-laying the adult fly
emerges.

CONTROL.

In their occurrence the insects fluctuate from year to year. They
can not be reached with insecticides, and the only procedure of any

6 * INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

value is hand-picking and destroying the leaves upon which they
appear. As the burrows are very conspicuous, it is not as laborious
as would appear at first sight. It is important, as they breed in re-
lated wild plants, that weeds be kept down in early spring about the
garden. ~ "

CABBAGE, MUSTARD, TURNIPS, RADISH AND CAULIFLOWER.

THE IMPORTED CABBAGE WORM.
(Pontia rapae, Linn.)

There are several kinds of worms that devour the leaves of cabbage
and cauliflower plants. As all are controlled by the same methods, only
the description of the most important is given. The green cabbage
worm was brought to this country from Europe about 1857. The
parents of the worms are the common white butterflies, the female
having two black spots upon each of the front wings, while the male
has only one. They may be seen hovering about various kinds of

a, -_ _ _ .
4.,“ H -. ~
,1, €r4\§§\ ’.‘ '
,. . .
,- :

erlr

A (-7~.'_ ,>r'<
' 4; . ,__~_-,._- 7

1

Imported Cabbage Butterfly (Pontia rapae); a, female butterfly; b, above, egg as
seen from above; below, egg as seen from side; c, larva in natural position on
cabbage leaf; d, suspended chrysalis—a, c, d, slightly enlarged. (After Chit-
tenden, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

FIG. 3

flowers, sipping the nectar. They are diurnal, and fly from early morn-
ing until late in the afternoon, having great power of endurance on the
wing, often migrating long distances. Other closely related species,
notably the Southern cabbage butterfly, well known to everyone, were

WEE“; Wm- -_i.~ ’ ~
f v

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. . 7

formerly very injurious, but since the introduction of the imported
species the Southern cabbage worms have been “crowded to the wall.”

FIG. 4———-Imported Cabbage Butterfly; male, wings expanded at left; Wings folded in nat-
ural resting position at right. Somewhat enlarged. (From Chittenden, Bureau
of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

DISTRIBUTION IN T EXAS.

This insect occurs all over the humid sections of the State. a Requests
for information for controlling" them have come to us chiefly from
Wise, Hamilton, Angelina, San Augustine, and Wharton counties.
That complaints have not been more general is no doubt due to the
fact that most growers are familiar with the methods of controlling
them. In South Texas they appear in March and are principally in-
jurious in April. In North Texas they are most abundant in May and
June.

LIFE HlSTORY.

The small, yellow eggs are deposited on the cabbage leaves and hatch
in from 4 to 8 days. The velvety green larvae eat voraciously and be--

FIG. 5——A Parasite (Apanteles glomeratus, Linn.); a, adult fly; b, cocoon; c, flies escaping
from cocoons; a, c, highly magnified. (FromlOhittenden, Bureau of Entomology,
U. S. Department of Agriculture).

 

8 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

come full-grown in 2 weeks, molting 5 times. When full-grown they
generally leave the plant and in some sheltered spot change to a chrys-
alis, from which the adult butterfly emerges at the end of 7 days.

The length of the life history requires from 2t days upward, vary-
ing considerably, as the insect is easily influenced by weather conditions.

NATURAL ENEMIES.

There are a number of effective natural enemies that frequently hold
this pest in check. Though llit y are of great service in this State, no
systematic study ‘has been made of them by this Department.

‘ft/ii?’

i‘. '11  I"

////"7/’*““*T 17¢
4% L
. g,

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FIG. 6——Parasitized Cabbage Worm (lfontia rapae), showing cocoon mass of Apanteles
glomeratus below. (From Ohittenden, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Department
of Agriculture).

Remedies.
ARSENICA LS.

For poisoning, Paris green, green arsenoid, and arsenate of lead are
generally used. The first two may be used dry or as a spray. Where
unskilled labor is employed the spray is preferable, as it involves less
danger of burning the plants. Paris green or green arsenoid are used
at the rate of I lb. to 15o gallons of water, to which 3 lbs. of lime has
been added. Arsenate of lead is used at the rate of 3 lbs. to 50 gallons.

HoT WATER.
In small gardens the hot water method is practicable. This consists

 

FIG. 7-—A Parasite (Pteromalus puparum, Linn.); female at left, male at right; highly
magnified. (From Ohittenden, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Department of
Agriculture).

INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN. 9

in pouring over the plant water heated to 133° F. Although it
sometimes injures the plants, it is effective in destroying the cabbage
worm.

 

FIG. 8—-Phymata Wolfii; a, dorsal view; b, lateral view; c, front leg; d, snout; a, b, en-
larged; c, d, more enlarged. (From Riley).

HAND PICKING.

When plants are set out, any caterpillars that may be present should
be destroyed by hand-picking,

PYRETI-IRUM, OR OTHER DUSTING MATERIAL.

Pyrethrum powder, also known as California Buhac, Dalmatian pow-
der and Persian insect powder, when liberally dusted over the plants, is
effective. It must be fresh, and the receptacle should never be left
open so as to expose the powder to the air for some length of time, Prof.
L. Bruner has suggested that plants liberally dusted with cornmeal
will act as a deterrent to the caterpillars.

In the fall, when the crop is harvested, no refuse material should
be left in the field. All remnants should be gathered. It is well at
this time to allow a plant standing in the fields here and there for
females in late summer to lay their eggs. If such plants are then kept
poisoned they will be effective in killing many of the last generation of
the season. A

HARLEQUIN BUG.
(M urgantia histrionica, Hahn.)

This is one of the most injurious and best-known of the garden in-
sects of Texas. It is widely distributed, and on account of its gaudy
colors is conspicuous and easily recognized. T=he chief areas of injury
during the last three years were as follows: Northeast Texas-East of
a line drawn from Clay to Polk Counties, the main damage occurring
between the 95th and 97th meridians; South Texas——Fayette to Bra-
zoria Counties; Southwest Texas-East Tom Green, Kimble, Uvalde,
Zavalla, La Salle and Nueces Counties. In the Panhandle, sporadic
outbreaks occurred in Ochiltree County. Besides these sections, out-
breaks occurred sporadically all over the State. east of the 98th meridian.

LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS.

The harlequin bug, also known as the calico bug, is a flattened, oval-
shaped insect, gaudily colored with red and yellow markings, and is

358-806-1OM

TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS

BULLETIN N0. 89

INSECTS OF THE GARDEZV

BY
ALBERT F. CONRADI

Entomologist

     

no

Interior of one of the Insec

4.. Mfie

ticide and Spray Machine Laboratories of the Uepartment of Entoology 
WITH A CHAPTER ON "
THE MELON LO USE AND OTHER flPHIDS

BY

C. E. SANBORN

Co-operative Expcrt Entomologist
Specialist in Aphididae
U. S. Bur. Ent.

NOTE-Circular 11 of this Department should accompany this bulletin.

STATE PRINTING Co., HOUSTON

"IVu
 

1o INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

terribly destructive t0 cabbage, radish, mustard and other cruciferous
plants. In South Texas they appear in February and March, doing the
greatest injury in April. From that time on complaints are received
during the entire season, reaching us from Central and North Texas
chiefly dtiring May and continuing as late as August and September
in the Panhandle.

FIG. 9————Har1equin Cabbage Bug (Murgantia histrionica, Hahn.)
(Photo by E. C. Green.)

The eggs are deposited in parallel rows. They are about 1-20 of an
inch long and 1-30 inch wide. Soon after oviposition they become of
a whitish color, with black markings, then resembling small barrels in
general shape. They hatch in about 4 days, and the young are at first
pale-green and black. There are frequent color changes, especially near
molts, and in this respect they resemble the adult bugs except for the ab-
sence of wing pads. Tlhe life history requires about 2 weeks for its
completion, making a half-dozen broods possible in the course of a
single season. Upon the approach of winter the adults hibernate under
all kinds of rubbish. In early spring they reappear, attacking the first
cruciferous plants accessible, which may be a wild species, or volunteer
mustard, or perhaps the plants cultivated early and set out in seed beds.
With the appearance of the cabbage they migrate to that crop.

Remedies.
CLEAN CULTURE AND TRAP PLANTs.

As the insects hibernate near old cabbage fields, attention should be
given to thorough cleaning up of all rubbish on and about the field in
order to destroy as many of these wintering specimens as possible. When
they congregate on mustard or other plants in early spring, they may be
destroyed by spraying plant and all with pure kerosene or a strong solu-
tion of kerosene emulsion. Pure kerosene kills the plants.

 

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. II

The planting of trap crops, as originated by Prof. H. E. Weed, for-
merly of the Mississippi Station, is practicable. A row of radishes
planted near tlhe cabbage early in the season will attract the bugs, and
when they congregate thereon they are destroyed by kerosene applied
with an ordinary spray pump. On certain plants in kitchen gardens,
like kale, they may be swept off with a hand-net and destroyed.

l.

lNSECTiClDES.

The pest is difficult to destroy with insecticides, as the sprays must
be made so strong that they generally injure the plants. During the
last two seasons a number of experiments were conducted, using kero-
sene emulsion and whale oil soap. A I0-per-cent kerosene emulsion,
also whale oil soap at the rate of 2 lbs. to 4 gallons of water, were ef-
fective in killing nymphs. A nymph newly molted was almost inva-
riably killed by the sprays, while an older one was as difficult to kill as
an adult. Growers are recommended to give these two sprays a thor-
ough trial.

PLUMBFZR’S TORCH.

The insects may be scorched off the plants with an ordinary plumber’s
torch. After a little practice the operator v. ill acquire sufficient skill so
that injuries to the plants by the heat may be avoided. The writer has
experimented with larger torches, but fiivls them too heavy and awk-
ward for close manipulation.

CABBAGE LOUSE.

(Aphis brassicae, Linn.)

These are the small, green, soft-bodied insects that often appear in
great numbers on the cabbages, turnips, radishes and allied plants, suck-
ing the sap from the tissues. They present an external appearance as
if covered with a thin coat of a whitish powder.

-1"

REMEDIES.

Any of the standard contact sprays, like kerosene emulsion, whale
oil soap and tobacco decoction, are effective remedies. The sprays
should be thoroughly applied with a pumo having a Vermorel nozzle
attached. A knapsack sprayer serves the purpose admirably.

They reproduce during the summer by giving birth to living young,
but winter over in the egg stage. It is therefore apparent that where
these pests are troublesome every remnant of cabbage left in the field
after the crop is harvested should be destroyed.

l

CABBAGE MAGGOT.

(Pegomyiw brassica, Bouche.)

When cabbage dies or becomes stunted trom no visible cause, it may
be due to the cabbage maggots. They often cause the roots to become
thickened or malformed.

12 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

LIFE HISTORY.

The adult is a two-winged fly, similar to the house fly, which lays
its eggs in the crevices near the roots. The resulting maggot gnaws
tunnels and grooves in and around the roots, causing them to rot and
malform. They become full-grown in about 25 days and are then

FIG. 10—Cabbage Maggot (Pegomyia brassica, Bouche.) (From Riley.)

about one-third inch long. They pupate in the soil near the roots, and
the last brood winters chiefly in the pupa state.

REMEDIES.

The only practicable methods now known are those that prevent the
fly from laying her eggs at the base of the plant. Professor Slinger-
land, in his exhaustive experiments at Cornell University, got good
results from the tarred paper method—a hexagonal piece of tarred
paper with a slit running to a star-shaped cut in the center, placed
around the plant shortly after setting, thus preventing the fly from
laying her eggs there. Special tools have been devised for cutting the
paper rapidly. a

TOBACCO.

Tobacco dust applied liberally about the base of the plant will restrict
the ravages to some extent.

CARBOLIC ACID EMULsIoN.

This preparation has been used in a number of States during the past
few years with apparent success. About one and one-half teacupfuls
are applied to the soil at the base of the plaiat.

Hard Soap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..I pound, or
Soft Soap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..I quart.
Boiling Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..I gallon.

Carbolic Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 pint.

 

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 13

Dissolve the soap in the hot water and while still warm add the acid.
Churn by pumping the mixture back into itself until emulsified. Dilute
3o times its Weight in water.

CARBON BIASULPHIDE.

The application of carbon bisulphide (high-life) is valuable on a
small scale. A teaspoonful of the liquid is poured on a wad of cotton
and buried in the soil at the base of the plant. The liquid should not
touch the plant. By preparing the wads beforehand and carrying the

bottle in the other, use the fingers to dig——a large area may be treated

in this manner in a short time. Remember to keep fire away from
carbon bisulphide, as the gas is inflammable and highly explosive.

WHITE GRUBS.
(Lachnostemcz spp.)

The White grubs are the larvae of the June bugs, of which there are
several species in Texas. The adult females lay their eggs in the soil.
This occurs in the vicinity of College Station early in April, and our
observations in the insectary and field show that they are laid from 2
to 21/2 inches deep. The injury to truck crops, though serious, is of
minor importance when compared with the untold harm Hdone to grass
lands, corn fields and wheat fields of Texas. As far as we can deter-
mine, the insect requires 2 years for the completion of its life history.
The immature stages are all passed in the soil. As adults they often fiy
about and injure the foliage of shade trees by gnawing.

 

FIG. 11——White Grub, showing life history stages; a, beetle; b, pupa; c, egg; d, newly
hatched larva; e, mature larva; all enlarged. (After Ohittenden, Bureau of
Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

‘REMEDIES.

When injurious to garden crops on a small scale it is practicable to
use carbon bisulphide, the same as for the cabbage maggot.

The problem is a cultural one. They breed preferably in grass land.
In North Texas they ‘have been very injurious to wheat during the last
two years.

Unlike the conditions in the Northern States, these grubs remain

14   INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

near the surface during the winter. Investigations during the past
season disclosed that they passed the winter anywhere from 3 to 7
inches below the surface, the majority being" found from 3 to 5 inches.

For this reason they can be reached with an 8-inch plowing g at any

season of the year. A meadow intended for corn or wheat, or even
vegetable crops, should be broken up late in the fall, or, better still,
during the coldest part of the winter, when these pests are sluggish.
They are then exposed to the weather, as well as to the natural enemies,
the most important of which are hogs and skunks. The land should be
disked several times during the winter. It is well to let the first crop
be cotton. Should it be desirable to follow this with corn, the land
may be sown to cow peas and these plowed under in winter. This may
be follo-wved with wheat after the corn is harvested.

Qne of the most important enemies of the white grub is the common
skunk. The thousands of burrows in the soil surface so often seen in
the morning are the indications where white grubs were captured and
eaten. The writer has examined the stomach contents of several dozen
skunks and finds the chief food to be white grubs and grasshoppers.

GRASSHOPPILRS.

The species most injurious to garden crops in Texas is the Differ-
ential Grasshopper, though minor ltljllfltS are occasioned by other
species. The eggs are laid along the edges of cultivated fields and
gardens, along ditches and in grass and alfalfa fields in the fall, and

(After Riley).

FIG. 12—Grasshoppers Laying Eggs.

in this stage pass the winter. They hatch in March, and during April
and May are sent to this office with letters reporting them injurious to
garden crops. When young they feed in droves, and must travel on
foot. In South Texas adults are active all winter.

REMEDIES.

Gardeners should be on the lookout to discover where the eggs are
laid in the fall. Such ground should be broken in winter in order to

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. I5

destroy the egg pods. When hatched the battle must be fought early,
when the pests are young. As they grow older the situation becomes
more difficult, and after the wings have formed become uncontrollable.

 

FIG. 13—-Young Grasshoppers. (After Riley).
POISONING.

The poisoned bran mash and poisoned grass, as recommended under
“cut Worm”, is applicable in this case. When the young grasshoppers
first appear the grass and weeds surrounding the garden should be

FIG. 14—Grasshopper Eggs.

sprayed or dusted with Paris green or London purple. An apparently
effective recommendation originated in the Brazos bottoms, which
consists of molasses and white arsenic znixed at the rate of I lb. to I0
gallons of molasses, and this scattered over the weeds.

CUT WORMS.

From every section of the State we receive complaints of cut worm
injury to garden crops, principally from South Texas and West Central

Texas.
Although there are various species that are injurious, their life his-

i6 " INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

tory and habits are similar. The principal ones coming to our attention
are A gratis ypsilon, Rott., and Feltia maleflda, Guen.

HABITS.

The parents of the cut worms are moths (millers), generally having
the front wings dark and variously marked, while the hind wings are
lighter colored. When at rest the wings are folded on the back. On
‘account of their habits of flying at night they belong to the class of
night-flying moths. Both adults and caterpillars feed at night, the
moths sipping nectar from various flowers, while the adult larvae are
devouring our cultivated plants.

The eggs are deposited on grass, leaves, bark and on various other
objects, where the young will have a food supply available. The larvae
are so well known that detailed descriptions are superfluous. During
the day they hide under objects near the food plant or enter into the
soil. When exposed or otherwise disturbed they curl up. They have
three pairs of true legs on the front part of the body and five pairs of
fleshy appendages further back called the pro-legs. They become par-
tially grown before winter, and then hibernate as caterpillars. In South
Texas, however, they are active during the open seasons of winter,
doing more or less damage. This mode of hibernation accounts for

 

FIG. 15—Out Worm (After Riley and Howard).

their earlv appearance in spring, when as hungry larvae they resume
their destructive work in March and continue through April and May
until full-grown. Then they form oval cells in the earth and transform
to pupae. About three weeks later the adults emerge to lay their eggs
for another brood.

MODES 0F IN JURY.

They feed entirely at night; during the day they hide in the earth
near the base of the food plant. Some feed by cutting off the plants.

others draw the plant partly into the ground. Some feed simply on

foliage, gnawing it full of holes similar to cabbage worms.

REMEDIES. j

Cut worms naturally feed on grass land, and although the injury is
not then noticeable, if such land is plowed in spring the pests maintain
themselves on the buried grass until the crop is planted, when their
presence will soon be recognized.

" CULTURAL CONTROL.

Theiand should be thoroughly and deeply plowed during winter or
very early in the spring. In this operation many of the worms will be

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. I7

crushed, others exposed to inclement weather conditions and natural
enemies. By thus fallowing the land, many will be starved out before
the crop is planted.

 

FIG. 16-—Out Worm Moth. (After Riley and Howard.)

PoisomNo.

Where cut worms are anticipated in a garden to be planted, the
poisoned bran mash should be distributed a day or two before planting.
This should be done as late in the afternoon as possible, as the moisture
will cause it to bake in the hot sun, remembering that the worms feed
at night. Before the plants are set drop a heaping tablespoonful every
three feet apart. After planting, apply it at the base of each plant.
Keep chickens from the field.

There is danger of making the bran too wet, and it will then bake.
Gardeners are, therefore, cautioned to follow the directions implicitly.

For larger areas, mix one pound Paris green in one barrel of water.
Cut some succulent grass, like clover, immerse it in the Paris green
solution and scatter it over the infested territory late in the afternoon.
On young plants not immediately ready for table use the Paris green
solution may be sprayed in the case of the leaf-feeding species.

FALSE CHINCH BUGS.
(N jrsizns angustatus, Uhl.)

This Insect resembles the true chinch bug in general shape so much
that it is called “false chinch bug.” It lacks the black spots on the wing
covers. These pests appear suddenly in great swarms, and in a short

 

FIG. 17——False Ohinch Bug (Nysius angustatus); a, part of ‘small leaf of potato showing
punctures of the bug; b, last stage of nymph; c, adult; a, natural size; b, c,
much enlarged. (After Riley, Division of Entomology). Q‘

time lay waste turnips, mustards and other crticiferous plants, and gen-
erally disappear as suddenly as they came. We have as yet found no

I8 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

remedy that is practicable. Early in the morning they are in the soil
at the base of the plants, where thev may be dislo-dged with tobacco
dust or kerosene emulsion. -
CABBAGE SNAKE.
(iMe1'mis albicans, Diesing.)

The accompanying illustration shows the general appearance of the
cabbage snake. These animals are internal parasites of grasshoppers and

\/

FIG. 18—“Cabbage Snake” (Merrnis atlbicans, Dies.)
(From Ghittenden, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

l

I

  

q

cabbage worms, and when they accidentally escape from the host when
resting on the cabbage plant, it accomits for their presence. They are
not injurious. '

CUCUMBERS, CANTALOUPES, MEIONS AND SQUASH.

THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE.
(Diabrotiica vittata, Fab.)

The striped cucumber beetle is becoming more destructive each
season. At present it is distributed over the entire humid section of
Texas and is very injurious in several localities of the State west of
the 98th meridian. Although the larvae confines itself to the roots of
plants belonging to the pump-kin family, the beetles are more or less
miscellaneous feeders. Besides feeding on the various members of the
pumpkin family, they also feed on various kinds of flowers, beans, peas,
apple blossoms, pollen, silk, unripe fruit, etc. They have been found on
golden-rod, aster and sunflower, as well as on cherry and related plants.
Mr. Chittenden reports them as feeding freely upon the prickly cucum-
ber or wild balsam apple. Along our Southern coast they are very in-
jurious  far north as Gonzales and Harris Counties. During the last
tjwo years severe sporadic outbreaks occurred in the territory alo-ng the

31st parallel of latitude, especially in Grimes and ]asper Counties.

Further north they are destructively abundant from McLennan County

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 19

northeastward to Delta County. Sporadic outbreaks also occur in Ham-
ilton, B1 own and Coleman Counties. They appear in March, and may
be seen in the gardens in great numbers to July, inc greatest injury
being done in May. They are hardy in all stages, and, as far as we
know, natural enemies are of little importance in this State. Although
they have been more or less fluctuating during the last three years, out-
breaks may be expected at any time in any locality. For that reason
every gardener should be prepared to fight these pests when they
threaten the destruction of his crops.

NATURE OF INJURY.

During the warm weather of early spring the hungry adult beetles
that have hibernated in protected spots appear in large numbers. At
that time they are more or less miscellaneous feeders and attack various

FIG. 19——-Striped Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica vittata). (After Chittenden, Bureau 0f
Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

kinds of vegetation to satisfy their voracious appetites. After a few
days’ feeding, when this hunger becomes partially satisfied, they are
more particular about what they eat. As their emergence from winter
quarters and the appearance of the young Cucurbit vines are almost
simultaneous, they soon attack them, gnawing the foliage full of holes
and eating the epidermis. They gnaw the stem, giving it a scurfy ap-
pearance, and the young plants having less than 4 to 6 leaves soon die.
At this time there is no conspicuous sudden wilting, but the plants die
naturally from the wounds given.

In about a week after the beetles appear they begin to mate. They
become partial to the tender pa? ts and the flowers, if any, and it is diffi-
cult to induce them to feed on foliage that is coated with various kinds
of insecticides. Soon after oviposition  completed they become less
numerous and the gardener becomes hopeful of a crop, only to be mor-
tified at seeing his apparently healthy and vigorous plants suddenly wilt.
If the large, black squash bugs are present, he does not hesitate to
accuse this insect of the injury. If at this time the roots are examined
there may be found a number of slender, worm-like larvae working

20 INSECTS oF THE GARDEN.

below the soil, seriously injuring the underground parts in every con-
ceivable way. These worms are the young striped cucumber beetles,
and their presence is accounted for in the life history that follows:

FIG. 20——Work of) Striped Beetle on Young Plant. (After Quaintance, Florida Experiment
Station .

LIFE HISTORY.

The eggs are laid. on various parts of the plant, in the‘ soil and in
crevices near the bases of the plant. They are small, lemon-yellow or
orange-colored objects, about lfljxl/g inches. The resulting larvae is a
small, light-colored, slender, worm-like creature, with a dark-brown
head. They live in the moist earth, gnawing the underground stems and
roots, as well as the fruit where it comes in contact with the soil. After
about four weeks of injurious feeding they transform to the pupa, and
after another ten days the adults emerge. In Texas several broods
may develop in a single season. They winter as full-grown beetles in
the ground, under rubbish or in other protected spots.

Remedies.
COVERING PLANTS.

The greatest injury by the adult beetles is done in early spring, when
the plants are young, and especially when a dry season prevails. After
the plants have formed from 4 to 6 leaves they are much less easily
killed. It is therefore recommended, especially in small gardens, to

w ‘l 

INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN. 21

cover the plants with a gauze nrade ofcheesecloth or a 5c canvas. The
frame may be easily made by cutting a barrel hoop in two halves and
crossing them over each other at the center. Care should be exercised
that the ground is packed firmly at the base of these frames, otherwise
the beetle will burrow under them. These frames are easily handled,
can be readily stored for the winter, and will last a number of seasons.
They should be left on the plants as long as possible, and should never
be taken from them until from 4 to 6 leaves are formed.

EARLY PLANTING.

In order to have the plants started before the beetles appear, it is
well to plant them in greenhouses or hotbeds. After a little study the
normal time of appearance of the first brood of hibernating weevils
can be learned, and these plants can then be set out after the first eggs
are laid. Where late squashes are planted this can be arranged so that
no plants will be above the ground before the time the first eggs are laid.

SowINo AN EXcEss OF SEED.

Where the condition of the insects is not well known in localities
where they are injurious, it is well to plant an excessive amount of seed.
After the eggs are laid and the larvae develop, some of the plantsiwill
die, but a sufficient number will be left for a good stand. In manv
cases it is then necessary to thin the plants, and this should be done
after the first danger is past

CLEAN CULTURE AND TRAP PLANTS.

In the fall, when the crop has been harvested, the vines that remain
in» the field contain many larvae in the soil and in the roots. For that
reason the plants should be pulled or plowed up, thrown on the ground

in piles, in which a number of the surviving weevils will congregate.’

A week later these piles should be saturated with some inflammable sub-
stance and burned. It has been recommended to plant beans in alter-
nate rows with Cucurbits, assuming that the beetles would be attracted
to the beans, and having an unlimited food supply there, would not be
forced to go to other plants. We have had no practical demonstration
of this in Texas, and nothing can be raid at this time as to the merits
of this method. It is recommended for trial, however, and while it may
not be successful in some localities it may in others, as the habits of
this beetle are variable in different sections.

Poisons and Repellzmts.
DRIVING WITH AIR - SLAKED LIME.

These insects appear some seasons in enormous numbers and in the
course of a single day, so that very prompt action is necessary to pre-
vent them from seriously injuring the crop. A practical method was
therefore advised some years ago. Air-slaked lime is dusted over the
plants in the morning, when the beetles are active, beginning on the

22 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

Windward side of the field, raking every plant as it comes. The wind
cariies the dust forward, gradually dislodging the beetles. The
Work must be done slowly, and when a field is gone over similar action
is necessary on the next field where they will become injurious.

DILUTED ARSENICS.

One of these methods consists in dusting a certain number of plants
with air-slaked lime, wood ashes or land plaster, while others are simply
sprayed with a solution of Paris green, I lb. to 20o gallons of water.
The beetles often leave the plants that are dusted and congregate on
the apparently clean plants containing the spray. This will kill many
beetles, but in some cases it is not a protection to the plant, the plant
being considerably gnawed before the beetles die. The most satis-
factory of the dusting methods is the mixing of Paris green or green
arsenoid with land plaster, flour, road dust or some simliar diluent, at
the rate of I of poison to 75 of diluent by weight, and profusely dusted
over the plants. When this mixture has been previously saturated with
turpentine it will add to its effectiveness as a repellant.

ToBAcco AND PYRETHRUM.

Pyrethrum powder or tobacco dust, liberally scattered over the plants,
acts as a repellant, the latter being at the same time a good fertilizer.
But in all our experiments in the Department work we have never been
able to save a crop with either of these substances.

BORDEAUX MIXTURE AND ARSENITES.

Bordeaux mixture is a substance extremely distasteful to many kinds
of insects, and this preparation, containing Paris green or green ar—
senoid at the rate of I lb. to I75 gallons of mixture, or arsenate of lead
at the rate of 3 lbs. to 5o gallons, has been found to be the most ef-
fective method of controlling this pest.

It will be seen that many different methods for controlling this insect
have been recommended, and the grower is urged not to depend on one
method alone, but to combine several. Bordeaux mixture and arsenites,
also the poisoned dust, have been the most satisfactory and have always
controlled the insect where the cultivation of the crop received careful
attention. No weed should bl; allowed to grow, and the surface of the
soil should be well cultivated and mulched. The planter should use
good judgment in setting out his crop in the spring, and should urge
his neighbors to co-operate with him in concerted efforts in fighting the
pest.

SQUASH BUGS.
(Anasa tristis, DeG.)

The female lays her eggs generally on the under surface of the leaf,
but frequently, especially when abundant, may deposit them on the
upper surface. Sometimes they are closely crowded together, at other

INSECTS or THE GARDEN - 23

times they are scattered over the entire surface of the leaf and are in-
conspicuous. The scattering of the eggs is not normal and happens
only when the insect is disturbed while laying. When first laid t-he
eggs are whitish, but soon become darker, finally changing to. a cop-
pery bronze a day or two before hatching. They are about 1-16 inch

FIG. 21——Adult Squash Bug (Anasa tristis, DeG).
From Ohittenden, Bureau of Entomology,
U. S. Department of Agriculture).

long, 1-20 inch wide, and hatch in about I4. days. The newly hatched
young are of a beautiful crimson color, which makes them very con-
spicuous on the green background of the leaf. Because of this colora-

‘tion they are frequently mistaken for chinch bugs.

The young become full-grown in about 33 days after having molted
five times. During this period they feed in clusters on the lower sur-
face of theleaves, obtaining their food by sucking with their jointed

FIG. 23—Squash Bug Nymphs. (From Ohittenden, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture).

beaks. When one leaf is dried up and killed they proceed to another,
and where they are numerous enough they kill the entire plants.
Although there is but one brood in the far North, there are at least
three in Texas. Upon the approach of winter the full-grown bugs
retire under boards, stones, rubbish and such other shelter as they may

24 INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

find in their erratic wanderings. There they remain dormant until

again enlivened. by the warm sunshine of spring, when they resume
their attacks on the young squash plants as the latter appear above
ground. '

NATURE 0F INJURY.

The greatest damage is done. to the young plants in early spring.
When the adult beetles come irom hibernation they are hungry from
their winter’s fasting and are then voracious feeders. When a number
of them attack a very young plant it soon withers and dies. The effect
on larger plants is not general, but local, the plants being killed by
degrees. The plant never wilts suddenly. When an apparently vig-
orous plant wilts in the course of a day, it is due to the presence of the
young of the striped cucumber beetle or the squash vine borer. The
latter insect many be present, but in some cases it is overlooked.

NATURAL ENEMIES.

The squash bugs are frequently heavily parasited by Tachinid flies,
by which many are destroyed. The adult parasitic fly lays its eggs on
the surface of the bug. The resulting maggot bores into the body of
the insect, devouring the contents and killing it in a short time. It then
descends into the soil to transform into a pupa, from which the adult
parasite emerges. These flies are very prolific and have a shorter life
history, so that when abundant they render valuable services in de-
stroying the bugs.

Eco PARASITES.

These parasites have been reported* as having destroyed 3o per cent
of the eggs of the squash bug. On account of their late appearance in
the season, however, they were handicapped in rendering any imme-
diate service of great value.

FUNGOUS DISEASES.

The squash bugs are subject to the attack of a fungus that ramifies
through the body, causing the insects to shrivel and die. In some
seasons a large per cent of the second brood is thus destroyed.

These parasites no doubt are important in causing the fluctuations of
t-he pest. They appear with terrible destructiveness during some sea-

sons, while in others they are almost entirely absent.

Renzedial M easures.
PROTECTION BY NETTINGS.
The most dangerous attack from the squash bug is that made upon

the young plants when they first come up and before they have any
but the two seed-leaves. At this period one bug may be able to de-

* F. H. Ohittenden, Bulletin No. 19, New Series.

 

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 25

stroy the plant in a very short time. To prevent this it is often worth
while, in garden practice, t0 cover the hills with netting of some sort.
The edges, however, must be thoroughly buried under the soil, or the
bugs will dig under and get inside, where they will be unmolested and
soon ruin the plant. Of course, this netting ‘has the additional advan-
tage of keeping out the little flea beetles and the yellow and black
striped beetles. As soon as the plants get four or five leaves it is better
to remove the covering and fight the bug by other methods.

EXCESSIVE SEEDING.

Most farmers plant a great many more seeds of squashes, melons
and cucumbers than can develop properly, in order to provide against
the destruction of the whole hill by the numerous enemies present. This
is especially desirable when the squash bugs are abundant.

Goon CULTURE.

The squash plant requires a deep, loose seed bed and fertile soil. If
these conditions are favorable, the plant shows great vitality and
thrift; in this case, the attack of insect enemies is not so effective. On
the other hand, plants grown in a sterile, compact soil are very easily
subdued. Therefore, keep the seed bed in good condition by cultivat-
ing and weeding it, and thus reduce the obstacles to the development
of the plant to a minimum,

CLEAN CULTURE.

It is generally acknowledged that a system of clean culture on the
farm discourages insect pests. The burning of useless rubbis-h in fields
and along fences late in autumn reduces the winter shelter for insects,
as well as destroys such as are already present. The collection and de-
struction 0f- the squash vines after the crop is harvested will tend to
discourage the presence of the bugs by preventing the maturing of some
of the nymphs, and not attracting winged adults from other fields.

As far as known, the insects develop on the plants of the squash vine
family only, including pumpkins, melons, cucumbers and gourds. The
bugs that occur in early spring, therefore, will be those only that have
developed upon plants that furnish them with food supply until hiberna-
tion. It is the general practice that no attention is paid to the young
bugs that are abundant on the vines at harvest time. They develop
into adults and retire into winter quarters. It is therefore important
that as soon as the crop is harvested all vines are destroyed.

BOARD TRAPs.

It has long been known that if small boards, such as old shingles, are
laid loosely upon the ground beside the squash vines a large propor-
tion of the bugs will congregate under these at night, so that they are
easily collected the next morning. This is well worth practicing in con-
nection with hand-picking of the vines.

26 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

TRAP SQUASH PLANTS.

The squash bugs, as already indicated, have a decided preference for
squashes rather than cucumbers, melons or other similar vines. In
growing the other crops this fact may well be taken advantage of by
planting squashes between the other hills and a week or so earlier.
The attack of the bugs will thus be concentrated upon the squashes,
and the hand-picking will be more effective. Even in fields of squashes
the method may be employed to advantage by planting extra squash
seeds between the regular hills, and, if practicable, planting them earlier
than the main crop. Of course, these trap plants, with whatever eggs
there may be upon them, are to be pulled up and so treated as to de-
stroy the eggs before the lattsr begin to hatch.

MELON WQRM.
(Diaphania hgrarlinata, Linn.)

Considering the increased interest in truck farming and the large
areas planted to melons, cantaloupes, etc., it is well to be prepared to
control this pest, which has done serious injury in several sections of
the State the past season. Another closely related species, the Pickle
Worm (D. nitidalis), caused similar injuries and is illustrated in Fig. 24.

FIG. 24——-Pick1e Worm. (After Quaintance).

The first brood of young melon worms will be found feeding on the
blossoms and vines. They should then be destroyed by hand-picking or
by poisoning with Paris green or a mixture of Paris green and flour. The
Bordeaux arsenical spray recommended for the striped cucumber beetle

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. :27

is useful. After they begin to bore in the fruit no practical methods of
prevention are known. As they pupate on neighboring weeds, it is all-
important that all weeds about the melon fields are kept down.

SQUASH VINE BORERS.
(Melittia satyriniformis, Hbn.)

Often it happens that a squash vine that appeared healthy suddenly
wilts down and dies from no visible cause. We may then suspect the
presence of this insect. By cutting open the vine and root we find the
tunnels that were produced by the pest. When the grub becomes full-
grown it enters the soil and pupates, and in that stage passes the winter.
The next spring the full-grown moth appears.

L1 FE HISTORY.

It makes its appearance at College Station about April 2o. It is
strange that we have never received specimens for identification at this
office, and the only way we can account for it is that the dying of plants,
when caused by this insect, is frequently attributed to some visible pest,
such as the squash bug or stink bugs. The eggs are oval, of a reddish

FIG. 25—Squash Vine Borer (Melitta satyriniformis). (After Ohittenden, Bureau of
Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

color, and laid anywhere on the plants, chiefly along the stems. Mr.
Chittenden records that a single moth may lay 212 eggs. They hatch
in about IO days, and the larvae require about one month to become full-
grown, but, like the cabbage worm, the length of the life history varies
with the conditions of temperature and climate.

The larva is a slender, whitish grub, with a dark head and sparsely
hairy. When full-grown it enters the soil, constructing the cocoons
shown at F, in which the chrysalis is formed.

Remedies.

There are no insecticides of any practical value for controlling this
insect. Like many of our garden pests, cultural methods must be the

28 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

main source of reliance. When the larvae have once entered the vine
they can only be dislodged by cutting them out. This is laborious, but
not at all impracticable, at least on a small scale. At the point where
the insect is working there is more or less accumulation of yellow ex-
crement, and this serves to help locate it. The incision should always
be made lengthwise, so as not to injure the stem.

As the insect winters in the soil in the pupa condition, growers are
cautioned not to grow pumpkins or squashes on or near the same
ground a second year.

Although the adults are active on the wing during bright days they
become less so at night and on cloudy days, when they may be seen
sitting on the leaves. The moth measures about 1% inches from tip to
tip of extended wings. The front wings are greenish, while the hind
are partially transparent, which accounts for the insect being called
“clear-winged moth.” The hind legs bear a fringe of long hairs. When
observed they should be captured and destroyed.

TRAP PLANTS.

The chief food plants of the insect are squashes and pumpkins,
though sometimes they attack cucumbers, melons and cantaloupes. It is
recommended to plant early varieties of squashes, such as Crook-neck,
as early in the season as frost will permit, between the subsequent
rows of squashes of the main crop. These early plants will attract
a large number of the insects, which can then be gathered and burned.

l

OTHER CULTURAL METHODS.

After the vines have attained some length they should be covered
with soil at the joints in order to induce them to grow secondary roots,
and as soon as the vine shows symptoms of dying it should be pulled up
and completely destroyed, The plant should receive thorough cultiva-
tion, and, knowing that the insect pupates in the soil during winter, the
ground at that time should be thoroughly harrowed, followed by deep
plowing in early spring.

RED SPIDERS.

,, ( Tetrcmgichius bimaculatus, Harv.)

These little plant-feeding spinning mites appear on the foliage of cu-
cumbers and related plants as minute, brown or blood-red specks, which
may be moving or stationary. They occur on both sides of the leaf
and on the stems. They feed by sucking the sap, and as they occur
principally during a drouth their presence soon tells heavily on a plant’s
vitality. The leaves dry up, die and fall to the ground. They are more
serious pests in greenhouses than in the open.

The insect when full-grown is about 1-5 inch long. Some have a
black spot on each side. They have four pairs of legs. They spin the
threads over the surface when feeding. Under these webs they lay

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 29

their eggs and the six-legged young develop. They have a wide range
of food plants.

PIG. 26—Red Spider (Tetranychus bimaculatus). (After Ohittenden, Bureau of Ento-
mology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

Remedies.

These insects are most abundant during a drought. The past season
an unusual number of inquiries reached us from every drought-stricken
section of Texas. In small gardens, where there are water connec-
tions, the best remedy is a heavy washing of the plants. It should be
remembered that during a drought the most important thing is to keep
a good soil mulch, especially when the plants are young.

The most efficient insecticide is sulphur. This may be liberally
dusted on the plant when the dew is on or sprayed at any time of the
day. Our experiments show that spraying is more effective than dry
sulphuring. The spray is used in the proportion of I oz. to I gallon
of water. Where infestations are serious, a little whale oil soap, tobacco
water, kerosene emulsion or lime added will increase the adhesiveness
to the plant and add to the effectivenesss of the spray.

SOUTHERN CORN ROOT WORM.
(Diabrotica IQ-punctata. Oliv.)

This pest is more or less destructive everywhere in the humid sec-
tions of Texas. The chief injury is done to our corn crop as the larval
stage is mostly passed in corn roots, and it has therefore received the
common name of Southern corn root worm. The larvae abound in the
roots of Johnson grass, and where this plant is abundant injury may
always be anticipated.

As adults they come from the Johnson grass and corn fields to our
gardens, injuring various kinds of plants, especially the squashes and

3o INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

cucumbers, and it is then known by the common name of “lz-spotted
cucumber beetle” on account of the twelve black spots on the wing
covers.

FIG. 27——S0uthern Corn Root Worm (Diabrotica 12-punctata.). (After Chittenden, Bu-
reau of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

R em ed 1'25.

Although there is no practical way of preventing the injuries in the
larval stages, the beetle can be controlled by thorough spraying with
Paris green, arsenate of lead or green arsenoid. The Bordeaux mix-
ture, to which arsenicals have been added, as recommended under
striped cucumber beetle, is also effective.

ONION AND GARLIC.
UNION THRIPS.
(Thrips tabaci, Lind.)

During the last two years this insect has been very injurious in Falls,
Robertson, Bexar, Hays, La Salle, Webb and Irion counties. Along
the Rio Grande they appear as early as the latter part of January, the
greatest injury being done in the early part of April. Further north
the complaints come in most frequently during May. Less important
outbreaks come to our attention from other localities.

The insects are of minute size, and in small gardens often do great
injury before their presence is detected.

I

NATURE OF INJURY.

The onion thrips are destructive to foliage. The plant dries out,
fades and dies. Its presence on onions is soon recognized by the plant
turning white, while the cabbage and cauliflower begin to appear
scalded on the lower surface. The chief injury is done by chafing off
the outer skin or epidermis of the plants attacked. It has been found
feeding on 37 different species of plants, including the onion.

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 31

LIFE HISTORY.

The eggs are minute, elongated, colorless objects, deposited singly
beneath the epidermis of the leaf, and hatch into the nymphs in about
3% days. At first the young are light-colored, but as feeding C011-
tinues they change to green. They are very agile, and feed in clusters.

FIG. 28—gnion Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Lind.). (After Quaintance, Florida Experiment
tatfon .

At the end of 9 days they pupate, and the adults appear at the end of
I3 days after egg-laying. Where the pupa stage is passed normally
has not been determined.

The full-grown thrips is I millimeter long, of a pale-yellow color.
with black eyes and snout. The hind margin of the wings bear fringes
of long hairs, and shorter ones occur on the front wings, giving them
an appearance resembling small feathers. The male is smaller than
the female.

REMEDIES.

This Department has carried on experiments with kerosene emulsion.
whale oil soap and rose leaf insecticides. The latter two were the most
effective, and it is difficult to state which is best. Whale oil soap at
the rate of 2 lbs. to 4 gallons was the most effective temporarily, while
rose leaf adhered longer to the foliage, which was an advantage over
whale oil soap. These experiments were carried on during a drought.
Both insecticides should be thoroughly tried this coming season. The
best labor available should be employed for this work, so that the spray-
ing is done thoroughly. Frequently the poor results are entirely trace-
able to indifferent work done by cheap labor.

32 INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

ONION MAGGOT.
(Pegomyia cepairum, M.)

The onion maggot has not come to our attention in Texas, but every
grower should beon the lookout for it. It is one of the most destructive
garden insects and one of the most difficult to combat. It is closely

   
   
   

  

. yFMI/rl- '
wi/ I  ca” I l’,

,,
.h
‘lllu"
\

 
  

FIG. 29—-Oni0n Maggot (Phorbia ceparum). (After Riley).

related to the cabbage maggot and resembles it in life history and
habits. The adult, a two-winged fly, lays minute white eggs on the
bulbs or lower portion of the plant. Maggots hatching therefrom bore
into the bulbs. They soon absorb the moisture, and the plant dies.
When full-grown the maggots ar-e nearly half an inch long, of a white
color, and, like most other hy maggots, are pointed at the front ends.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

The onion bed should be frequently changed. The bulbs should be
well covered with soil. On very small plats the use of carbon bisulphide
is practical when applied as for the cabbage maggot. An insecticide
extensively used in the East is carbolic acid emulsion, the formula for
which is given under cabbage maggot in this bulletin. It is applied as
for cabbage maggot, also sprinkled over the soil and with a garden
rake stirred into the surface.

SEED CORN MAGGOT.
(Pegoymia fusciceps, Zett.)

This insect is threatening to become an onion and garlic pest in this
State. During the past year it was sent to the entomologist for onion
maggot.

The life history stages are illustrated in the accompanying figure. The
fly is about 1-6 of an inch long.

INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN. 33

INJURY.

According to reports from other States, it is a subterranean pest. In
Texas 1t 1s equally injurious to the plant above ground between the leaf

PIG. 30——Seed Corn Maggot (Pegomyia fusciceps, Zet-t.). (After Ohittenden, Bureau of
Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

sheath and also on the inside of the stalks. The leaves turn yellow, dry
up, and the plant decays.

PREVENTIVE MEAsUREs.

On a small scale, when the roots are chiefly attacked, carbon bisul-
phide can be applied as in cabbage maggot. As soon as a plant shows
signs of infestation it should be dug up, not pulled up, and thrown into
a vessel containing kerosene. Carbolic acid emulsion applied to the
soil reduces the ravages of the pest, and onion sets should be immersed
in the solution before planting. It is well to spray the onion field with
carbolic acid emulsion, and then give the surface a shallow cultivation.

IRISH POTATOES.
THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE.

(Leptinotarsa Io-lineata, Say.)

The Colorado potato beetle is one of the most familiar insects in the
older States of our country. It is a native of the Rocky Mountain

region, and until the middle of the last century confined itself to various I

weeds of the potato plant genus. With the settlement of the country
and the cultivation of domesticated plants its food supply of wild plants
became limited and it soon became a formidable pest of the potato. The
various attempts at combating it led to the discovery of Paris green
as an insecticide. a

The pest occurs throughout Texas, but the chief injury is reported

34 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

from the older and more thickly settled portion east of the 98th meridian
and north of the 31st parallel. T-he area of greatest injury during the
last three years may be represented by two diagonal lines, one line of
which extends from Baylor to jasper counties through Young, Jack,
Ellis, Anderson, Houston and Angelina counties; the other extends
fromT-Iamilton to Red River county via Mills, Kaufman and Hunt

FIG. 31—-Oolora.do Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa lO-lineata). (After Riley).

counties, the intersection being in Ellis county. Sporadic areas occur
in other places, chiefly in Travis and Fort Bend counties. On the
ranches of South Texas, where its wild food plants are yet plentiful, it
feeds chiefly on the bull nettle, but eventually it will become a potato
pest as the country is being more thoroughly grazed or brought into
cultivation.  

LIFE HISTORY.

The females lay their little yellow eggs on the under surface of the
leaf, generally near the tip. A single female is capable of laying from
60o to I,ooo eggs in the course of a month, and in the meantime the
adults feed vigorously on the foliage. In about seven days they hatch
into the brown, soft-bodied larvae which are so destructive, and which
many growers erroneously mistake for females. After feeding about
34 days conspicuously on the foliage they enter the soil and there trans-
form to naked, yellowish pupae, from which eventually emerges the
adult insect. The last generation of the season for the most part re-
mains in the soil over winter and in spring emerges in time to attack the
young potato plants.

NATURAL ENEMIES.

This pest is more or less influenced by the weather conditions. _Often
during a variable winter many die a natural death, while during ex-
treme drought a large percentage die before they reach maturity.

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 35

A species of Tachinid fly, resembling in general appearance a house
fly and to science known as Lydella doryphorae, Ri1., is an important
parasite. This fly lays an egg on the potato beetle, which hatches into
a small white maggot that bores into the beetle, killing it before it
matures.

Several species of bugs are predaceous on the insect, killing it by
inserting their beaks into their bodies and sucking the juices. Several

  
    
  

N.  W l /////Z2Z<////./.7>.
\

F
is  5 i '_ >7 '- /////  W57,
_\ ' h» %'

 

fl;

..\\ ‘

ffi H“?! l‘? “ i ‘

"'11?!

/ ~. x
"r" I1""" s

i“

FIG. 32——Tachina Fly. (After Riley). PIG. 33—Gr0und Beetle. (After Riley).

 

species of ladybird beetles are destructive to the eggs, while several
species of ground beetles eat the larvae and the full-grown insects.

REMEDIES.

The use of the arsenical ptlisons in controlling this pest has long
been known. Paris green, green arsenoid and arsenate of lead all
work admirably. London purple is olten less uniform in composition
and contains more free arsenic, so that there is greater danger of inj ur-
ing the plants. '

For small areas, Paris green or green arsenoid may be used dry by
mixing with I00 times their weight of land plaster, air-slaked lime or
flour, and applied when the dew is on or when the plants are moist.
Although the dusting can be done with a tin can having the bottom
perforated, it is ‘better to buy a good powder gun for this purpose.
Where a wet application is desired, I lb. Paris green should be used
with every Ioo gallons of water, to which I lb. of quicklime should be
added. Arsenite of lime or arsenite or soda are as effective as Paris
green, and less expensive. Arsenate of lead is also effective when used
3 lbs. to 5o gallons of water, though its action is slower.

FLEA BEETLES.

There are several species of flea beetles that are injurious, principally
to cucumbers, melons, tomatoes and potatoes. We have not made a
systematic study of them, but as we have studied the methods of dee
troying them a knowledge of their scientific names is not of great
importance for the purposes of this bulletin.

These flea beetles are so called on account of their habit of jumping
like fleas when disturbed. They have powerful hind legs and can jump

36 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN,

long distances with astonishing rapidity. They do not eat large areas
of tissu-e like caterpillars, but gnaw the leaf full of holes.

CONTROL.

The Bordeaux arsenicali sprays and the poison dusts, as recom-
mended under striped cucumber beetles, are the best remedies known
for these insects. (See Page 23.)

PQTATO STALK WEEVIL.
(Trichobaris trmotaita, Say.)

When the potato plants wilt the stems should be cut open. No doubt
the little, light-colored, footless grub will be discovered boring inside.
This is the larva of the potato stalk borer. The adult is a gray snout
beetle, which deposits her eggs in a slit made in the stem and works
downward to the roots. When full-grown it pupates in_ the stalk im-
mediately below the soil. The winter is passed in the adult stage in
various sheltered places. -

‘REMEDIES.

As soon as the plant shows wilting it should be destroyed, and“ as
soon as the crop is harvested all vines should be gathered and burned,
in order to prevent any immature stages to mature and pass the winter.
As the adults feed on members of the nightshade family, it is important

‘ to keep down our common nettles and Jamestown weeds. Nothing is

more important than a well-fertilized seed bed to stimulate the growth
of the plant.

SWEET 001m.

CORN EAR WORM.
(H eliothis obsoleta, Fab.)

This insect is the same as the cotton boll worm, corn ear worm and
tomato worm. The insect is too well known to require description.
It occurs abundantly everywhere in the humid sections of Texas, ex-
tending toward the Panhandle in Northwest Texas. In spring these
large worms bore into the fruit of tomatoes. When the corn reaches
the “milk” stage, they may be seen tunneling about among the
kernels, making unsightly furrows, which render it unmarketable.
When the corn becomes too hard they proceed to the cotton bolls.

REMEDIES.

No direct remedies can be applied in the corn-infesting stage. The
last brood of the season in Texas feeds principally on the cotton bolls,
and it is in the cotton fields that they enter the soil for pupation, to
remain during the winter. The pupae are sensitive and cannot en-
dure much disturbance. Late {all and winter plowing is therefore the

 

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 37

most practicable recommendation against this pest. In this operation
many are destroyed directly by crushing. Others are buried too deep
for emergence, while those that are exposed become accessible to the

FIG. 34——Oorn Ear Worm. (After Quaintance, Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Department
of Agriculture).

various natural enemies, such as birds and parasites. Such cultivation
when univerally practiced is our only hope of reducing the pest to in-
significant proportions.

As they prefer corn in the milk stage a few rows should be planted
between tomato rows when the latter are attacked.

SWEET POTATO.

SWEET POTATO BORER.
(C ylas formicarius, Fab.)

There is no industry in Texas that 1s more seriously threatened with
destruction than the growing 01' sweet potatoes- In some sections the

38 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

industry has already been abandoned in discouragement on account of
this pest.

DISTRIBUTION.

The sweet potato borer was first observed in this country near New
(Urleans, and it is supposed to have been introduced from Cuba. It
“as first recorded from Texas in October, 1890, by T. H. Edwards,
13;: y View, Harris County. The same year the sweet potato crop
an-uiiul Buras, La., was reported a failure, due to this pest. It is at
present known to occur in the following counties of Texas, namely,
jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Matagorda, Calhoun, Nueces, Cam-
eron. Harris, Comal and Travis. The chief injury is in the Gulf
Coast counties, but it is no doubt generally distributed over the terri-
tory cast of the 98th meridian and south of a line drawn from Austin
111x011 gh Houston to the 30th parallel.

L1 ; r. HISTORY.

'l‘hc full-grown insect is a snout beetle of an elongated shape, having
the front part of the body, the feelers, and the entire leg, with the ex-

/ .

FIG. 35——Sweet Potato Borer (Oylas formicarius); adult male and female.

ccption of the black tip, reddish-brown. The head, wing covers and
illnlOlllfin are bluish-black. When the insects are from 2 to 5 days old
the eggs are laid. ' They are deposited in the vine near the surface of
til»: ground, generally in cavities made by the insect. In the bins they
are laid in cavities eaten into the tubers. They are broadly oval in

 

 

INSECTS or THE GARDEN. 39

shape, of a yellowish-white color, and about 1-40 of an inch long.
The larvae burrow their way into the tubers, burrowing onward until

full-grown. We have reared them in sweet potato stems before any .

tubers had developed. Where a number of insects are present the
potato will soon become ramified with tunnels in every direction, mak-
ing it unfit for any use whatever. The full-grown larva is about 1-5
of an inch long, of a whitish color, with a light-brown head and dark-
colored mouth parts.

When full-grown the larva pupates at the end of its burrow.
Although at first resembling the larva in Qolor, it soon becomes darker.
It exhibits the snout folded clown upon the breast, also the feelers and
legs, while pads represent the wings of the forthcoming beetle. After
six days of such dormant life the full-groxvn weevil emerges.

FIG. 36-—Egg and Larva Stages.

The entire life history requires from 30 to 35 days, so that several
broods are possible during a single season. In South Texas they
breed all winter in the bins; at College Station they hibernate during
the winter.

HABITS AND FOOD PLANTS.

The sweet potato borer in the region of sweet potato cultivation may
be met with at any season of the year. It is as destructive in the bin as
in the fields. It is slow in traveling from place to place. Thus far we
have not been able to observe the weevil in flight, all migrations being on
foot, except when carried by vehicles through accident.

The insects belong to the beetles known as general feeders. It
lives on members of the Convolvulus family, and especially on the
sweet potato. Professor Tyron, of New South Wales, Australia, re-
ports that “of some 5 or 6 varieties of sweet potatoes which seemed to
comprise more than one species of Ipomaea, procured in British New
Guinea and grown in Queensland, not one escaped its attacks when
grown in beetle-infested fields.” In our investigations in this State

40 INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN.

we have not found any variety that is immune. Very little has been.

done 0n this subject. The claim is made by some growers that early
varieties are more seriously injured than later ones; also, that they are
more destructive on loose, sandy soils than in heavy lands. We know
of an instance where an infested plat containing 28 plants, only one
hill was injured and the tubers of this plant were partly exposed above
ground.

REMEDIES.

On account of the slow and broken movements of the adults and the
concealed habits of the immature stages, the presence of the insect is
difficult to discover. It is necessary that every grower in the weevil
area, which has been already defined, be on guard. An occurrence of
the pest has been reported as far north as Marlin, but the specimen
did not accompany the communication. The possibility of the northern
limit of its range cannot be predicted with certainty. They survive the
mild winters at College Station.

Every sweet potato grow-er should examine his crops for worm-eaten
tracks in the tubers or in the base of the vines. Where these are dis-
covered. further investigations will undoubtedly uncover a larva -or
pupa. Where the grower is in doubt, the suspected potato should be
securely packed in a wooden or tin box, so that no escape is possible in
the passage through the mails (see Circular 9 of this office), and sent
to the State Entomologist for determination.

Do N01‘ ExPosE TUBERs.

When the insect is known to be present, tubers should not be allowed
to remain exposed, and should be covered with soil. Where beetle
attack is anticipated, deep planting should be practiced, and if condi-
tions will permit the planting should be in flats, because outbreaks
will be more readily noticed than when planted in ridges. Such plant-
ing will admit of cultivation that will keep all cracks in the soil closed
during drought, thus shutting up all entering channels by which the
adults may reach the tubers.

When the crop is known to be infested, it should be harvested as
soon as possible, for every (lay the infestation will increase and the
value of the crop decrease. All the tubers showing no sign of infesta-
tion should be separated frorn the infested ones. The former should
be placed in a weevil-tight bin, and the latter absolutely destroyed. The
vines should be gathered and burned, and the grower should convince
himself that to his knowledge no vines or tubers remain in the field.

METHODS OF SPREAD.

During the past decade there has been a desire for new seeds, and
this no doubt is partly responsible for the introduction of the pest into
this country. It may be disseminated in sweet potato sets intended for
planting. They are spread in the tubers on the markets, and in this
manner it is carried great distances. Where potatoes are packed in

 

Hxww. _< _\.,. e1’ .»' - . ~

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 41

burlap or some similar substance, the weevils emerging en route escape
and endanger the country along the railroad line. Infested tubers are
bought ‘in the local market and carried home, thus infesting local
farms. This should induce everyone to realize the importance of using
the most scrupulous care to avoid placing the infested tubers on the
market. Seed potatoes and slips for planting purposes should be pro-
cured from sources where the pest has never beenknown to occur.

Insecticides.
POISONING.

Where the weevils appear in the field they often gnaw the plants. An
application of Paris green or arsenate of lead is effective. The grower
should acquaint himself with the weeds on his farm which belong to
the sweet potato family. Here the adults are enabled to maintain them-
selves in the absence of sweet potatoes, and such plants should be de-
stroyed or poisoned.

FUMIGATION.
In the bins the potatoes should be fumigated with high-life (carbon-

bisulphide) at the rate of 3 lbs. to I00 bushels for 3o hours. It should

be remembered that this insecticide is inflammable, and when ignited
explodes violently. For that reason fires of any kind should not be
brought near a building when such fumigations are carried on.

\

TOMATOES.
TOMATO ‘NORM.
(Phlegatontius sexta, L.)

These are the large, green, iraked caterpillars with a long curved
spine at the hind end of the body. When full-grown they measure
upward of three inches in length. They pupate in the soil, and may
then be recognized, when dug up, by the appendage on the side 0f the

body resembling a jug handle. The adult is one of the humming -

bird moths.

REMEDIES.

On account of the large size, hand-picking involves the least amount
of trouble. They can be poisoned, but a liberal application is neces-
sary as the insects need a great deal to kill them.

BLISTER BEETLES.

There are a number of blister beetles or Spanish flies in Texas that
are of common occurrence. The small black species (Epicauta penn-
sylvanica, DeG.)) may be found abundantly on our common broom
weed in late fall. It has been reported to us from South Texas injuring
the onion plants by eating them ofi’ at the surface of the ground. It
is also destructive to potatoes, cabbage, mustard, carrots and corn. A
large, ashy-gray species (Macrobasis albida, Say.) is frequently re-

42 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

ported injurious to tomatoes. A large blue species (Pomphopoea
texana, F.) is causing apprehension in the minds of the fruit growers in
North Texas, as the insect appears at blooming time and isiterribly
destructive to the blossoms of peach and plum, which it devours. We
have given it the common name of “fruit-blister beetle.”

PIG. 37—Striped Blister Beetle (Epicauta lemniscata). (After Ohittenden, Bureau of

Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

The species doing the most serious damage, however, is the striped
beetle, also known to some as old-fashioned potato bug (Epieauta
leimniseata) .

DISTRIBUTION.

It is chiefly destructive in the territory east of the 97th meridian and
south of a line drawn east and west through Burleson County. Reports
of injury also reach us from farther west, from Hays and Erath
Counties. Although it attacks various kinds of plants when hungry,
it is mainly an alfalfa and potato pest in Texas. It attacks all kinds of
garden vegetables, and at this writing; we have a report that it eats
growing corn at Sugarland, Texas.

Remedies.
Porsonmc.

When the injuries are sufficiently threatening to warrant extermina-
tion of the pest, Paris green 0r green arsenoid may be applied. These
poisons may be sprayed in the usual manner, or may be applied mixed
with a diluent, when it will kill some, but drive away many of them.
It should be remembered, however, that these beetles respond to
poisons very slowly, and the applications must, therefore, be made
thoroughly.

In the vegetable garden the old practice of driving the beetles with
dry brushes into windrows of straw and then setting fire to the straw
is practicable on a small scale.

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 43

REPELLANT.

In gardens we have had success by spraying the plants with whale
oil soap. This is distasteful to the beetle and often prevents serious

attacks.
STINK BUGS.

The tomato stink bug (N ezara hilaris) and the leaf-footed plant bug
(Leptoglossus phyllopus), illustrated in the accompanying figure, are

FIG. 38—Leaf.Footed Plant Bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus). (After Hubbard).

doing considerable injury to tomatoes. The‘ injury reported to us in
all cases was caused by the adults. They breed on wild plants, prin-
cipally thistles, and may be met with during. the entire summer. At
this writing we have no practical remedy to recommend except the
keeping down of weeds about the gardens. By so doing the imma-
ture stages will be destroyed. The insects are sluggish on cloudy days,
and hand-picking should then he practiced.

THE COTTON OR MELON APHIS, AND OTHER APHIDS: THEIR
INIMICAL INSECTS, AND FRIENDS.

The melon aphis (Aphis gossypii, Glov.) has proved itself to be a
very serious pest since I854. The last four or five years, however, since
the extensive growing of cantaloupes in this State, it has created
damage unsurpassed in its Texas history.

This small andordinarily inconspicuous insect is more frequently
noticed on account of its work than by reason of its form or appearance.
The insect itself, on melon or other similar vines, is notoften noticed
until coloni-es have been founded in destructive numbers. Consequently,
it is necessary for the planter to know its characteristics and methods of
attack, so that it may be controlled ‘before doing serious injury. a W

44 INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

METHOD or ATTACK.

The first form which appears in melon fields locates itself on the
ventral side of the leaves. This is a female. She produces young, not
by laying eggs, but by giving birth to about four or ten per day. She
may remain on the ventral side of a single leaf for two or three days,

 

FIG. 39—-Aphis gossypii; a, winged female; b, young nymph or larva; c, last stage of
nymph; d, Wingless female; all enlarged. (From Ohittenden, Bureau of En-
tomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture).

or she may migrate from one leaf to another, and thus establish small
colonies on many vines during her existence, which is about one month.

Each young inserts the setae of its beak into the tissue of the leaf
and often remains at the same place until _it attains the adult stage,
which in this instance is usually without wings. This requires about
six days. Young are then produced by this form usually on the same
leaf on which it was born. 1n two weeks from the visitation of a
migratory form and the birth of one young, a colony of about fifty can
be established on one leaf. On account of a loss of nourishment on the
one side while the leaf is growing, it begins to curl. If it is immature
while the colonv is developing, its lateral margins will grow toward
each other and finally form an enclosure for the protection of the
aphids.

At the age of six days each individual has attained its growth, and
if the leaf on which it was born is becoming non-succulent it may crawl
away from it and establish itself on a younger and more succulent one.
This method of establishing themselves brings great numbers to the
terminal buds of the vines, which retards the growth by corrugating
all the younger leaves. r

Some of the young of these generations generally acquire wings and
fly to other vines and establish colonies. Consequently, strict attention
must be given to the vines, and if infestation occurs and no parasites
can be found to exterminate it, they must at once be treated, before
it is too late to be effectual.

METHODS OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL.

In the fall is the proper time to begin the campaign. The chief base
of operation is a trap crop for the retention of inimical insects. Rape,
such as is often sown for hog pasture, is the best crop for this purpose.
It is hardy, and will live through ordinary winters in this latitude. Be-

HHQ. SIHEEHWS; Hmmoam o» 305w H59 25.8 3 Q. H. Hwmwfiziouoafiv.

46 A INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

sides being hardy. it is a natural food plant of an aphis, which has a
universal distribution. This insect (Aphis brassicae, L.) furnishes in
itself food material for the majority of the parasitical and predatory in-
sects which destroy aphids in general.

After this plant attains a height of three or four inches, or has three
or four leaves, it generally becomes naturally infested with aphids. If
infestation fails to occur, care should be taken to colonize the field
artificially. This can be done by cutting a dozen or more infested cab-
bage leaves from your own or your neighbor’s garden and scattering
them in the rape field. As ‘sggnw;  mthiejfield is thoroughly infested,
inimical insects, such as Cocéifileiilllii *§7’ti"t“-i§'dybird beetles, also internal
parasites, should be present. If none of these insects are present,
your Entomological Department should be consulted.

If the trap crop is properly planted, it will remain in a condition to
sustain insect life until after canteloupes are ripe, or other truck has
passed the stage 0f being damaged by aphids. Furthermore, there will
have been enough inimical insects migrating from the rape field to ex-
terminate all other aphids in proximity to the trap crop.

FACTS CONCERNING THE PLANTING OF THE TRAP CRoP.

The manager must exercise his own judgment in regard to where
in his field a trap crop can be planted to the most advantage. If the
field is square and contains about four acres, it will be necessary to plant
two or three rows of the rape on one side. If the field is rectangular,
plant a few rows at each end. For larger and different shaped fields
the same principles obtain.

The chief thing of which one must take advantage is to plant the trap
crop on the margin of the field, or placed in the field which is likely to
be the most foul with weeds and debris when cool weather begins,
because it is in such places that the predaceous insects hibernate. Rotten
or hollow logs, with loose bark, furnish some of the best natural hiber-
nating places for these insects that can be had, and since it is essential
to have as many inimical inse';'-..s as possible the coming year, it is neces-
sary to provide as many as possible with good hibernation quarters.

OTHER APHIDS.

The principles used in subjecting and exterminating the melon aphis
are thoroughly reliable in the eradication of all other aphids except the
gall-forming and some subterranean forms. They are Nature’s own
remedies augmented in favor of the inimical insects.

If a little patch of infested rape is kept growing in proximity to the
garden it will attract and sustain inimical insects in sufiicient numbers
to subject all aphids in the vicinity of the garden.

All truck farms, orchards or plantations should contain a proportion-
ately large patch or two of rape. Before one crop of this matures
another should be planted or sown, so that the inimical enemies may
have an infested field in which to breed. In addition to its aforemen-
tioned value, rape is said to make good hog pasture. However, I have
no good proof for this.

INSECTS 0F THE GARDEN. 47

OTHER REMEDIES.

When managers have not prepared against attacks of aphids, the
following method of eradication is the best artificial remedy.

Remedy for infested vines which grow on the ground, such as cante-
loupe vines.

CONSTRUCTION OF APPARATUS.

For vines two or three feet long, a light frame four feet wide and six
feet long, supported by legs eight Inches long, is a convenient size.
Lumber three ‘fourths of an inch thick and two inches wide is suitable.
Construct a frame, and nail an eight-inch leg to each corner. For
frames six feet long or longer, strengthen by connecting the ends with a
crosspiece. Two diagonals should be used for strengthening the frame,
and also for convenience in handling, but one of the latter should not be
attached until the cloth cover is in position. The latter may be made
of 7c or 8c muslin, or a cheaper grade, which is not so porous as to
allow a passage of gas after being oiled.

The size of the cloth should be prepared two feet wider and two feet
longer than the frame which is to be covered. This is sufficient for an
eight-inch wall and a four-inch lap to the ground. On the latter, dirt
may be placed to keep the gas from escaping.

After the cloth has been sewed and cut into the sizes desired, it
should be saturated in a vessel of linseed oil, which will fill the pores.
It should then be wrung out, slightly dried and placed over the frame
and held in place by nailing the diagonal to the frame above the cloth.
Four covers of above size may be rendered sufficiently gas-tight by the
use of one gallon of linseed oil.

The number of frames to be made depends on the amount of infesta-
tion and the rapidity of the operator. In ordinary cases, about ten
frames are sufficient for one man’s attention.

METHOD OF APPLICATION.

Place the frame over the infested plant. Take one sheet of Aphis
Punk or one-half sheet of Nice-Fume paper, tear same into two equal
parts, light same, and put each piece in a tin oyster or similar can,
which has perforations at the bottom edge, made by driving a large nail
through the side, and place each can in opposite corners of the frame,
but not on the vine ; light according to directions. By this time many
of the beneficial insects have escaped from under the cover. With a
trowel or other convenient small tool place a little dirt on the border
of the cloth which lies on the ground to prevent the escape of gas. The
frame should remain in position long enough to suffocate all aphids
under it which is usually from three to thirty minutes. One man should
have enough frames to handle so that each one in succession may re-
main on a vine during the above time.

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INsEcTs OF THE GARDEN. 49

BRIEF SUGGESTIONS REGARDING F UMIGATION.

(I). In localities where the melon louse is expected to be injurious,
the local merchant who cares t0 deal in insecticides should be informed
and should have his fumigating papers in stock.

(2). Vines should not be deranged by the operator except in in-
stances where vines protrude only a few inches from beneath the cover.

(3). The best time for fumigating is when there is no wind and the
vines are damp. i

(4). Arrange size of frames best adapted for the size of the vines.
Do not allow the leaves to touch the top of the cover.

(5). Give the frame plenty of time and sufficient gas by experi-
menting.

METHoDs FOR FUMIGATTNG Sm H PLANTs As CABEAoEs, ToMAToEs AND
EGGPLANT.

From material similar to that used for fumigating melon vines con-
struct a hood which will cover the plant. For a frame, use two wires
bent into a semi-circle. Tack the top of the hood to the middle of
these wires, where they should cross in their centers, also tack the bot-
tom of the hood to the end of each wire. The hood should be made so
that it will lap on the ground an inch or two. A very small piece of
fumigating paper is sufficient to eradicate all the aphids that a hood of
this kind will cover.

INIMICAL INsEcTs.

Many species of aphids are often controlled in certain localities by
their inimical insects. The wheat aphid, (Toxoptcra gTCZW/ZZTM/l/lfllli, Rond.),

FIG. 42——Megilla maculata; a, larva; b, empty. pupal skin; c, beetle with enlarged anten-
nae above; all enlarged. (From Ohlttenden, Bureau 0f Entomology, U. S. De-

partment of Agriculture).

commonly known as the green bug,’ furnishes a good example of this
subjugation. In the years I902 and 1903 it was infested to such an
extent with its natural enemies that up to date it has not survived the
attack. As soon, however, as these natural enemies succumb for the

5o s INSECTS OF THE GARDEN.

want of food material, the green bug will have an open field for opera-
tion and will fiourish until subdued again by its enemies. -

The chief reason why the green bug is thus naturally exterminated
is because it does not migrate from wheat, its host plant in the fall of
the year. The latter furnishes shelter for the inimical insects, as well
as the aphids, and when spring gives renewed energy to the one it also
gives it to the other, and the consequence is that eradication of the
aphids follows at once. The chief point which the owner of the infested
field must consider is to see that the aphids are properly infested before
it is too late.

The chief inimical insects to aphids in general are the Coccinellids or
ladybird beetles. See Figs. 42 and 43, which illustrate some stages in
the life history of these insects.

While the ladybird (M egilla maculata) has been the most responsible
for the control of the green bug (Tmroptera graminum, Rond.), and
the corn aphis (Aphis maidis, Fitch.), the ladybird (Hippodamia con-
vergens) has been the most promising in controlling the melon aphis
(A phis gossypii, Glov.).

FIG. 43—Hippodamia convergens; a, predaceous lady bird beetle; a, adult; b, pupa;
c, larva;; all much enlarged. (From Ohittenden, Bureau of Entomology, U. S.
Department of Agriculture). '

In addition to these ladybird beetles, are other species which are
equally ravenous, but are not as hardy and prolific. The average egg-
laying capacity of the Hippodamia convergens is about fifteen eggs per
day, and ordinary females are known to lay more than 50o eggs apiece.
The latter are deposited on end in bunches of from a few to fifty in a
place. They are yellowish in color and resemble the eggs of the potato
beetle. The aphid capacity of this beetle is about fifty per day. The
larval forms of these insects (Fig. 39) should not be mistaken for in-
jurious insects.

In addition to the brightly-colored ladybird beetles as aphid eaters
are a few species of small dark- colored beetles about one-fifth as large.
These are scymnus beetles. The larvae of these have a woolly appear-
ance. The eggs are deposited snoradically among aphid colonies and are
small, light-brown and inconspicuous.

The Chrisopa or lace-wing flies and hemerobids are more frail than

INSECTS OF THE GARDEN. 51

the coccinellids, but are equally fond of aphids. Fig. 3 illustrates the dif-
ferent stages in the life history of a lace-Wing fly.

The hemerobid, which preys on melon aphids, are similar in shape to
the lace-wings, but are smaller and are of a brownish color. Their

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eggs are not placed on pedicles as those of the lace-wing, but are simi-
lar to scymnus beetle eggs. In addition to these predatory insects are
dipterous and hymenopterous enemies.

The dipterous enemies are beneficial in the larval stage. The adults
do not eat the aphids. The eggs are deposited sporadically on plants
infested with aphids. The larvae have no legs and are not as active
as coccinellid larvae, although they are greedy eaters.

Of the hymenopterous enemies we have one which is predaceous
in the larval stage; the remainder are internal parasites. While the
internal parasites are of great importance in subduing the aphids, they

52. INSECTS o1? THE GARDEN.

can not be said to be, as expedient as those forms which devour the
aphids, since one egg of an internal parasite uses but one aphid in the
development of the insect hatching from it, while one egg from a beetle
uses several hundred in the development of the insect which hatches
from it.

The chief way to take advantage of all aphids is to afford protection
to all their enemies during unfavorable times of their existence. These
unfavorable times are in the fall, whenifood material is scarce and
where winter hibernationquartersaredestroyed by burning aphid-

infested vegetation or by plowing it under.
FRIENDS or APHIDS.

Now, in connection with aphids is another important insect known
as the ant. Nearly all species of these are fond of sweets, and nearly
all aphids secrete a sweet fluid called honey dew. The latter turns
black with age. When it lodges on foliage, such as melon vines, when
abundant it is greatly injurious to the latter. kAnts collect this honey
dew when it is fresh. They even solicit it by exciting the aphids with
their antennae, butthey never injure the aphids. They protect them.
Sometimes a few ants will protect a small colony of aphids all summer
from their inimical insects.

In some localities, when aphids deposit eggs in the fall (nearly all
aphids in the fall are supposed to cease the summer method of produc-
ing young alive and deposit eggs which hatch the following spring),
the ants which have been attending them will gather the eggs and care
for them until spring or until vegetation starts and the young hatch.
The ants then attend the your-g aphids in order to get the summer’s
crop of honey dew. It must be understood, from these facts, that ants
in no way are responsible for the eradication of any aphids, but that
they protect and help the aphids to a vc ry great extent.

FUMIGATING PAPERS.

The following fumigating papers which are on the market have been
carefully tested, and all are found to be thoroughly satisfactory.

Nico-Fume-Tobacco Paper. Aphis Punk. To—bak—ine.

TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS.

OFFICERS

GOVERNING BOARD

(BOARD 0F DIRECTORS A. AND M. COLLEGE.)

M. SANsoM, President . Alvarado
F. A. REICHARDT Houston
K. K. LEGGETT .. Abilene
GEO. T. JEsTER  ' Corsicana
W. J. CLAY Austin
A. HAIDUSEK  LaGrange
L. D. AMsLER  ' Hernpstead
A. J. BRoWN Dallas

STATION OFFICERS
H. H. HARRINcToN, LL. D., President of the College.

I. W. CARsoN Vice Director.
- 'M. FRANCIS . Veterinarian
‘E.  KYLF Horticulturist
F. R. MARSHALL Animal Husbandry
R. L. BENNETT .. Cotton Specialist
O. M. BALL Botanist
G. S. FRAPs Chemist
A. F. CQNRADI ....... _, Entomologist
EDWARD C. GREEN  Assistant Horticulturist
C. E. SANBoRN e C0—Operative Entomologist
JOHN C. BURNs Assistant Animal Husbandry
o‘ C. O. MosER ........ .. Deputy Feed Inspector -
M. S. CHURCH Deputy Feed Inspector
 P. CoNNELLY ....... .. Deputy Feed Inspector
C. W. CnIsLER ......... .. Clerk Feed Control
C. A. POFFENBERGER Chief Clerk
MIss M. H. WATKINS i Stenographer
STATE SUB-STATIONS
S, A, WAscHKA, Superintendent ........................................ "Troupe, Smith County
W, S, Horornnss, Superintendent ..................................... "Troupe, Smith County

NOTE.-—The main station is located on the grounds of the Agricultural
and lllechanical College in Brazos County. The Postoffice address is
College Station, Texas. Reports and bulletins are sent free upon appli-
cation to the Director.