Grass Insects 



575 



three-quarters to over an inch in length and from one-eighth to 

 one-quarter inch in diameter (Fig. 618). Each female usually 

 deposits two egg-masses. The egg-laying period lasts six weeks 

 or more. 



Control. An effective and practical method of destroying 

 grasshoppers is by the use of a poison bait as described under the 

 army- worm. Fall and early spring plowing of the fields in which 

 the eggs are deposited is also of great vahie and is the most impor- 

 tant method of permanently controlling grasshoppers in New York. 

 If the ground is also harrowed or disced the larger proportion of 

 the egg-masses will be exposed to the elements and destroyed. In 

 case it is found that a larger number of grasshoppers have recently 

 hatched in a field it would often pay to plow the field at once in 

 order to prevent their spreading to adjoining fields. Many of 

 them will be buried and most of those that are not will be unable 

 to cross the plowed land and will die of starvation. 



(Hadlev photo) 



Fig. 61S. Grasshopper Egg Pods; One Broken Open 

 TO Show the Eggs. 



SPITTLE INSECTS 



In May or June one's attention is often drawn to curious masses 

 of froth on the stems of various grasses. If the froth is carefully 

 removed a small greenish immature insect will be found resting on 

 the stem. These insects are provided with a sucking beak by means 

 of which they feed on the juices of the plant. More sap is taken 

 in than can be assimilated by the insect. The excess is excreted at 

 the tip of the abdomen as a thin, watery liquid; it there unites 



