Abstract
INSECT pests of trees and crops demand constant attention on the part of the expert, and a very voluminous literature is growing up round the subject. Few laboratories are more prolific in published papers than those of the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture. Among recent papers, we note one by F. M. Webster on the alfalfa weevil (Phytonomus murinus, Fab.), a pest introduced from Europe or North Africa some six years ago, and now spreading somewhat widely in Utah, and another paper by the same author on the lesser clover-leaf weevil (P. nigrirostris, Fab.), an insect introduced probably fifty years ago, but not very common even yet; it suffers from at least two parasites, a small Tachinida and a fungus, Empusa sphaerosperma. The broad-nosed grain weevil (Caulophilus latinasus, Say) is described by F. H. Chittenden, and also the long-headed flour beetle (Latheticus oryzae, Waterh.); both are found in stored cereal products, and may become serious pests if they succeed in establishing themselves. Two other pests infesting stored cereal products are also described, the lesser grain-borer (Rhizopertha dominica, Fab.), which is fairly common, and is cosmopolitan in its distribution, and the larger grain-borer (Dinoderus truncatus, Horn), which is more confined to tropical countries. The ravages of the codling moth (Carpocapsa pomonella, L.) in California are dealt with by S. W. Foster; two full broods of larvæ could be traced during the season, the first, however, being relatively small, and often overlooked. Treatment with a lead arsenate spray is recommended. The grape leaf-hopper (Typhlocyba comes, Say) an insect causing damage to vines in the Lake Erie Valley, is shown by F. Johnson to yield to a nicotine spray. Three pests on crops are dealt with: the timothy stem-borer (Mordellistena ustulata, Lee.), a pest which has recently been observed by W. J. Phillips; the sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola, Coq.), described by W. H. Dean; and the maize billbug (Sphenophorus maidis, Chittn.), by E. O. G. Kelly. The alfalfa caterpillar (Eurymus eurytheme, Boisd.) is dealt with by V. L. Wildermuth; it is very common, and does a good deal of damage in various localities. A very useful bulletin by L. O. Howard sets out various remedies against mosquitoes. The best mixture for keeping them off was found to be I part of oil of citronella, I of spirit of camphor, and 1/2 of oil of cedar; a few drops sprinkled on a towel and hung over the bed will keep mosquitoes away during the night. For the actual bite the most satisfactory remedy is said to be moist soap. Traps are described, and methods for the destruction of the insects over both large and small areas are set out.
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Recent Publications of Economic Entomology . Nature 87, 230–231 (1911). https://doi.org/10.1038/087230b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/087230b0