THE ACHEMON HAWK-MOTH-(Philampelus achemon DRURY.)
ORDER LEPIDOPTERA, FAMILY SPHINGIDE.

Harr. Ins. Inj. to Vegetation; Riley 2d Mo. Report.

During the summer months one often finds large green or brown worms upon the grape-vines or upon the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). They eat voraciously, destroying the foliage and sometimes killing the plant. In the hot part of the day they are not so ac.ive, and curl themselves up upon the leaf-petioles or upon the smaller stems; but early in the day and in the evening. they are found crawling over the leaves and nipping the edges with their strong jaws. The presence of these large larvæ is most readily detected by observing their peculiar sub-conical and fluted pellets of excrement underneath the food plant. These are of a dark green color and are usually found of different sizes, marking the lapid growth of the worm. In September, the pellets attain their maximum size, and indicate the maturity of the larvæ.

These worms are the undeveloped stage of either of two large moths-the Philampelus satellitia or the P. achemon, but since the latter species is by far the more common in Nebraska, it will be best to describe it more fully than the other. The two are remarkably similar in all stages. and from an economic point of view-if one takes the country as a whole-may be considered. of equal importance.

The larva of P. achemon, when first born, is, in all cases, green, with a slender, recurved, red,

fulvous horn or spine arising from the top of the eleventh segment of the body. As growth and consequent moults take place, this horn disappears and in its lace there is seen a lenticular tubercle, black, yellow, red, or orange in color, and very shiny. When full grown the larva is about three and one-fourth to three and three eighths inches in length. Its skin is of a satiny texture, and commonly of an umber brown or pale green ground color, marked with numerous dots sprinkled indiscriminately, and with six scalloped cream-colored spots on each side of the body. There are but two of these larger spots on any ring, and each is nicked by a red breathing pore. The cream-colored spots are more than twice as long as broad, and serve to distinguish the chemon from the satellitia species. In the latter the spots are broader, shaped in outline almost exactly like the toy torpedoes, prevalent on the fourth of July. The achemon species is further marked with a brownish wavy line along the back, and there are similar lines. above the lateral scalloped spots. The prolegs are either brown or pale green.

This insect is single-brooded. The larvæ reach maturity about the middle of September and then crawl from their food-plants and burrow into the earth. It is a mistake to suppose, as some do, that they go beneath the reach of frost. for this is not true. Freezing does not seem to be fatal to them, and they rarely penetrate the carth to a greater depth than eight inches.

(Fig. 19.)

Phil. achemon, Pupa.

The chrysalis is dark, shining brown, about the shade of a chestnut, and is. roughened a little along the back, The wing-sheaths and eyes are plainly visible. It remains below ground during the winter. Towards the close. of June, or more generally early in July, it works its way up to the sur face, and the imprisoned moth bursts. forth. This is three and one-half inches across the outstretched wings, and is well represented in the accompanying figure. In color it is brownish-gray, faintly streaked with darker and lighter shades and with two darker brown spots on the inner mar gin of each fore wing. The hind wings are of a handsome crimson-pink, and are marked with a dark streak across the middle, behind which are about eight brown spots and a border of smoky gray. As will be observed by consulting the figure, the wings have a decidedly differ ent contour from those of butterflies and most night-flying moths. They are narrower and more bird-like in outline. This peculiarity is pretty general throughout the family, and, when combined with the scimeter-like or falcate outline of the fore wings, may be considered as diagnostic. But very few lepidoptera of this family are diurnal. For the most part they confine their flights to the morning or evening twilight, and are consequently crepuscular. They are often seen hovering over petunias or thistles, and, from the rapidity with which they move their wings and their keen and timid nature, many people mistake them for humming-birds, which they certainly much resemble. The best way to capture them for study is to rear the larva by hand, as will be explained further on.

In point of damage done the achemon hawk moth is comparatively insignificant. The large size of the worm lays it open to attack; and since, except in unusually favorable seasons, there are rarely more than a dozen eggs laid upon a single vine, little damage need be expected from it. Hand-picking may be resorted to, if necessary, and is always efficacious. The pellets of excrement are a sure indication of the presence of the worm, and it cannot escape a careful search.

Since the achemon hawk moth has no parasites, it is a little difficult to understand why it is not more abundant everywhere than it is. Birds spy out the young larvæ, but it certainly, on account of its protective coloring, so like that of the plant upon which it feeds, enjoys as much

immunity as other larvæ which have not the additional safeguard of an intolerable taste. My own belief is, that when young the worm is extremely sensitive to changes of temperature, and then a cold rain will kill great numbers of them. Observations which I have made seem to bear this out, but I do not know that they have been confirmed by others.

GRAPE FLEA BEETLE-(Graptodera chalybea ILLIGER.)

ORDER COLEOPTERA, FAMILY CHRYSOMELIDE.

Riley. 3d Mo. Rep.; Am. Entomologist, vols. 2 and 3; J. Henry Comstock, Rep. of Entomologist of U. S. Dept. of Ag., 1879; Thomas and LeBaron, 4th and 6th Ills. Reps.; Harris, Insects Injurious to Vegetation.

DESCRIPTION AND HABITS.

This little beetle is variously colored,specimens ranging from bronzegreen to Prussian blue. It is commonly a little less than a quarter of an inch in length, and has the thighs of the hind legs much swollen by the strong muscles which enable it to make the leaps-so characteristic, that from this jumping habit it receives its name.

The beetles appear in the middle of April and in May, and lay their small orange-colored eggs upon the grape leaves. A second brood appears in mid-summer. The larvae, which hatch in from four to eight days, are long, brown, with black head and six black legs. It is their habit to eat the leaves, upon which they feed, full of holes, besides chewing around the margins. The pupa is deep yellow in color, and the duration of this stage, which takes place under ground, is about three weeks. The last brood of beetles hibernates in some secluded spot and comes forth the following spring. At this time it is their habit to bore into the young buds and destroy them, thus doing a great deal of damage.

THE FOOD PLANTS.

Although this beetle is commonly confined to grape vines, wild or cultivated, it is not upon these that the greatest injury has been done in

Nebraska during the past season. It seems to have devoted itself largely to seedling apples, pears, quince, and plum trees. In the early summer Mr. Stephens sent me specimens from Crete, Saline county, and wrote that they were doing great damage to his nursery. From his letter I inferred that the insect was new to him. In July Mr. S. Barnard, of Table Rock, Secretary of the Horticultural Society, wrote me as follows:

"A small bright green fly, or bug, which can either fly or hop, has damaged apple grafts and yearling trees. I do not know its name. The insects commenced work as soon as the buds developed, and destroyed a great many grafts. There are a few still to be found. They never appeared until this spring, and seem to be largely upon the increase."

From this description it is not difficult to recognize some species of flea beetle. Upon specimens being sent me, I found that it was the well-known grape vine species.

Mr. Masters, of Lancaster county, also reports the insect as working on apple and plum trees.

When leaving its normal food plant, the grape, the flea beetle seems to choose young and tender plants. In time, however, it may accustom itself to the full-grown trees, and thus add one more to the pests which swarm in our orchards.

REMEDIES.

(7.) The most evident preventive remedy is to keep the vineyards and nurseries thoroughly clean. This is always to be emphasized, for, as lice do not often annoy a thoroughbred horse or cow, so insects of other habits do not pick out by preference the clean and well cultivated garden or orchard for their depredations. Neglect is a wonderful encouragement to insects. (b.) When jumping about in the summer the beetles are far too spry to be caught and destroyed, as one may destroy a sleepy potato beetle. In winter, however, when hibernating in the dead leaves or grass, they may be burned, and thus destroyed.

(c) Lime blown upon the vines or seedlings by a common sand-blower is recommended by Prof. Riley, and is effective. It must be used with moderation.

(d.) Prof. Comstock recommends the use of a sheet, saturated with kerosene, carried through the vineyard. Into this the beetles may be jarred, and the oil will kill them. However, the larvæ stick more closely to the leaves than the mature insects, and many of them will escape; otherwise the remedy is a good one.

(e.) Soap suds are declared by many to be a specific if sprinkled copiously over the plants affected. A common garden hose with sprinkler would be efficient in applying the liquid. (f) Lye has been mentioned as a good remedy, but it is dangerous to the vines as well as to the beetles, and must be used in rather weak solution. It is probably not as good as the suds, (9.) London purple was suggested by Prof, Bessey, and, if used in suspension, it proves very effective. It should be applied when the beetles first appear, and again when the second brood has matured, Common garden sprinklers may be used, or, in other cases, the hose. Which of the two the vine-grower will find most convenient will depend upon the height of the trellis which he uses.

Prof. Riley states that the insects are most troublesome where alder abounds in the woods, This is because the alder bushes furnish them food, and they are thus enabled to escape all common plans of extermination. The alder must not be confused with the universal elder bushes which are in every thicket of eastern Nebraska. It is an entirely different plant, and is by no means common in this state.

Among the various remedies given above, the London purple and sheet remedies are the most promising. With attention and clean cultivation, there is no reason why this beetle should do much damage. It is of fair size, working in plain sight, and by no means proof against poisons, thus exposing itself to any who care to destroy it. Compared with an insect like the phylloxera, it is insignificant, and a little attention should be all that is necessary.

Remedies prescribed for the vine should do for apple seedlings. Here, however, the rows are so close together that a sheet could not be carried, and a white umbrella, soaked in petroleum, may be substituted. If the trees are very small, the London purple may be used, mixed with plaster or flour as a powder.

THE PLUM CURCULIO-(Conotrachelus nenuphar HERBST.)

ORDER COLEOPTERA, FAMILY CURCULIONIDE.

Harris, Ins. Inj. to Veg.; Riley, Mo. Reps., Vols. 1 and 3; A. J. Cook, Inj. Ins. of Mich.; Thomas, Ill. Rep., Vol. 6; Mich. Hort. Soc., 1886; Io. Hort. Reps., 1875, '76, '78, 81, and '82; Entomol ogy, Thomas Say.

HISTORICAL.

The plum curculio is an indigenous insect, and one of the most destructive. According to Dr. Harris, the earliest report of it is in the writings of Dr. James Tilton, of Wilmington, Del., and mention of it may be found in Willich's Encyclopedia. Phila., 1809. Later, the distin guished entomologist, Thomas Say, investigated its habits, calling attention to the fact that it depredates on the plum, peach, and other stone fruits. In New York Dr. Fitch refers to i' presence, and in his Missouri reports Prof. Riley has given a full and accurate account of its 1 f history. For Iowa, Prof. Herbert Osborn and others have noticed its habits and have suggested remedies.

Since the first reference to this insect, it has been recognized as exceedingly destructive, and great pains have been taken in the hope of defending orchards from its depredations. These efforts have not always been successful, but, on the whole, the insect is now under fair control.

In Nebraska Prof. Aughey, in his "Physical Geography of Nebraska," refers to it as doing great damage to the wild plums, and it is in connection with these that most interest attaches to the curculio. There are innumerable thickets of the wild plum-Prunus americana and Prunus chicasa-in the state, and when near farms or villages they are drawn upon for their

It would, of course, be almost out of the question to advise the application of remedies to wild trees, for their owner would commonly take far too little inte est to go to such trouble. However, on account of the many plum orchards in this state, and because of the interest attaching to the subject among thoughtful agriculturists, I have deemed it best to insert this chapter.

I ESCRIPTION AND HABITS.

The plum curculio is a beetle of the snout or weevil family. In length it varies from oneseventh to one-fifth of an inch; the color is dark brown, variegated with spots of grayish-yel low, black, and dusky white. The surface of the thorax and wing cases, or elytra, is roughened and uneven, and the snout is a little longer than the thorax. When disturbed, the curculio turns its snout under its body, stiffens its legs, and falls to the ground, thus simulating death. This habit is protective, but is made use of by horticulturists, as will be shown below. The curculio hibernates in the perfect stage-that is, as beetles-and emerges from concealment during May or June, just as the fruit has fairly set. Copulation takes place, and the female deposits her eggs-for this purpose gouging a little hole in the immature plum. Only one egg is laid in each plum, and the ordinary capacity of the female appears to be about twenty-five. Egg-laying continues until the middle of July. The egg is 0.03 inch in length, oblong-oval, and pale yellow in color.

d

The larva is a tiny, whitish, maggot-like worm, but has a distinct yellowish or smoke-brown head. The body is pale yellow-the color of the green fruit-and there are two longitudinal lighter lines, bordered with sparsely scattered black bristles. Underneath it is a little darker in color. The presence of this larva causes the fruit to fall when only partially ripened, and a day or two later the tenant becomes full-grown, aud crawls into the earth, where it sheds its larva skin and becomes a pupa. This form is pale and sparsely hairy. According to Prof. Riley, some curculios undergo their transformations in the fruit. I do not doubt this, but it is certainly very rare indeed. I have examined a great many plums for pupæ, but have never found any. In about three weeks the pupa skin is shed and the perfect beetle emerges from the ground. Whether there are two broods in a year, or only one, is an open question. In some cases there are undoubtedly two, but the evidence seems to be largely that this habit is less common than the other. The perfect insect does not always immed ately emerge from the ground; it often prefers to remain buried until after a rain, which loosens the soil, making its ascent much

easier.

a Larva.

b Pupa.

(Fig. 21.) Plum Curculio.

c Imago.

d Plum with crescent,

After it has come to the open air, the curculio is enabled to fly about by means of its gauze. like wings-rarely seen, for they are concealed under the elytra. The beetle is partially noc turnal in its habits, and often descends from the trees during the hottest part of the day and hides under chips and in rubbish. It is in such material that the hibernation takes place.

NATURAL ENEMIES.

The plum curculio is comparatively exempt from parasitic enemies. Two have been described that I know of, one by Dr. Fitch, under the name of Sigalphus curculionis. This is a fly belong. ing to the Ichneumon family. Another fly, belonging to the same family, was subsequently described by Prof. Riley under the name of Porizon conotracheli. Both of these flies are very minute, and there is but little known of them. It is suggested by Dr. Thomas that they may be but accidentally present upon the plum curculio, and normally parasitic upon some other weevil. At any rate they do not seem to be of much use in restricting the ravages of their host. Certain cannibal insects, so called-ground beetles and soldier beetles-devour the larvæ and perfect insects wherever found. They are of comparatively little in ortance in restraint. Two years ago I found several curculios west of Lincoln which were suuering from a fungus disease, probably some species of Entomophthora. The specimens I secured were inadvertenty destroyed and I have never been able to find others. This indicates that such a disease is not at all prevalent, and though ultimately it might spread enough to be of importance economically, it is at present a very uncertain quantity.

The above natural remedies seem to be unimportant. I will mention two others which are worthy of some consideration. These are (a) fowls. (b) swine.

Both of these should be encouraged to do their foraging in the plum orchard. The swine will eat the wormy fruit as soon as it falls, thus destroying the larva before it has a chance to crawl into the ground. Mr. Woods, of Fort Calhoun, suggests that the larvæ may pass through the swine without injury, but this is scarcely probable. He advises boiling the wormy fruit instead, which would perhaps be no more effective than the simple remedy of letting the hogs eat it.

Hens, being very sharp-eyed, will pick the worms from the fruit or capture them while crawling over the ground. To give fowls as fair a chance as possible, no vegetation should be allowed to grow under the trees. Keeping the ground well cleaned is of much importance.

ARTIFICIAL REMEDIES.

1 will first mention such remedies as are not likely to be of much use. All of them have been warmly recommended to me by practical men, who would be much more practical by mixing in a little "theory."

(a) Sprinkling the trees with Paris green or London purple solution. This is evidently useless, for

the curculios are not leaf-eaters. They work in the fruit, and while a potato bug or a flea beetle would curl up and die under such treatment the curculio would only smile.

(b) Soap-suds, tobacco water, kerosene emulsions, whale-vil soap, sulphur and lime, or arsenic water, sprinkled as before. These are all useless for the same reason as given above. Besides, they are not in any case very useful against hard-shelled insects of the beetle order.

(c) Putting an inverted cone of tin around the tree trunks, with tar smeared upon the interior. This was suggested in the belief that the curculios were wingless and had to climb the tree trunks to reach the fruit. Unfortunately they have ample wings and are not annoyed by any such traps.

(d) Swabs of tar among the branches, or fumigating the trees with tar smoke to kill the larva. This is useless, for it does not kil.

(e) Packing salt upon the ground or planking it. Here again is an evidence of belief that the curculios cannot fly, but can only crawl for short distances. Though such a process might prevent beetles from emerging immediately about the tree, it would not prevent others from flying to it through the air.

(f) Examining the fruit and destroying the eggs. With regard to this I can only remark that life is considerably too brief for any such Herculean labor.

Setting aside these false remedies, I will now mention the ones which promise to be of more real utility:

(a) Jarring the trees. As above mentioned, the curculio has the habit of feigning death and falling to the ground when disturbed. Based upon this habit is the very excellent remedy of jarring the trees and catching the fallen insects in sheets or umbrellas. They may then be destroyed This remedy should be practiced in April and at brief intervals thereafter until the first of June. A great many curculios will be caught. Of course by this process the larvæ in the plums will not be destroyed.

(b) The chip-trap. This remedy consists in smoothing the soil and placing about the collar of the tree some chips and other rubbish. The pile may be examined daily and those curculios which have hidden in it can be destroyed. This may be practiced throughout the spring. Whatever kind of chips are used, the under surface should be smooth, and a few will do as well as a great many. The curculios may be encouraged to come down by tapping the trees with a mallet. They will fall and betake themselves to the chips. Prof. Cook has great confidence in this remedy, and thinks that, when combined with the jarring into sheets, it affords the true explanation of the problem.

(c) Making the trees offensive to the female before she lays her eggs. There are two good ways of doing this. One is to mix putrid whale oil soap with one-tenth its bulk of carbolic acid; dilute well with water, and sprinkle upon the trees several times during the spring. This will not kill the beetles, but it will annoy their sense of propriety so much that they may prefer to visit some other orchard rather than the bad-smelling one. The offensive odor will not damage the plums unless applied within two weeks of their ripening.

Another way of accomplishing the same end is to fumigate the tree thoroughly and often with the smoke of coal or gas tar. This also disconcerts the female when wishing to lay her eggs. The tar may be held in a long handled stew-pan and, as Dr. Kaufman says in the Io. Hort. Rep. for 1875, it is gratifying to see all sorts of insects leaving the trees." This remedy, however, must be applied often, for its smell is not so permanent as in the case of other remedies of the same class.

Still other ways of accomplishing the desired results-disgusting the female curculio-have 'been suggested. One, by Prof. Harris, is to sprinkle the trees well with whitewash and glue. This is a hazardous remedy and can not be tried upon cherries, apples, peaches, or quincesall of which trees are affected by the curculio.

In the Michigan Horticultural Reports for 1886, Mr. T. S. Gould, recognizing the desirability of deceiving the female. recommends sprinkling with either of the following solutions:

(a) Liquid manure or barn-yard drainings mixed in a barrel with a pound of sulphur and a quart of salt. Let this stand until needed, when the flower of the plum, peach, or quincewhatever it may be-has fallen, add water to the mixture, and also ashes, making it about the consistency of cream. Apply with a broom or basin. If washed off by a shower, apply again. (b) Mix common tar with soft soap, boiling it in an old kettle. This may be dissolved in water and applied by means of hose or syringe.

It is in the remedies under this last class that I have the greatest confidence. Horticulturists will do well to note them carefully. They are scientific and have proved more effective than the old methods. With their intelligent use plum-growing should not be a riddle.

THE COTTONWOOD BEETLE (Plagiodera scrip'a FABR.)

ORDER COLEOPTERA, FAMILY CHRYSOMELIDE.

Am. Entomologist, 1880; Nat. Hist. of Nebr., Samuel Aughey; Bulletin No. 13, U. S. Dept. of Agric., Lawrence Bruner.

This insect has been long known in the West, and especially in Nebraska and Kansas. In both these states the cottonwood is found extensively in its wild condition and for some time a tradition existed that it was the only tree that would grow upon the plains, thus inducing farmers to plant it in great numbers for wind-breaks and upon tim er claims. The cottonwood is not a handsome tree, and much less attention is paid to it than formerly, but nevertheless.it seems advisable, in view of its continued prevalence in the newer portions of the state, to mention the insect foe which attacks it and defoliates it.

I will first quote the following paragraph from Prof. Aughey's Natural History of Nebraska. It is the earliest notice of the beetle, within our borders, which I have been able to secure. The date of the volume is 1880.

"For a few years, in many portions of the state, there has been an alarming increase of the cottonwood beetle. or as it is known to science Plagiodera scripta. Nowhere has it done more injury than in Lancaster Co., though it has been sent to me to identify from many other places.