324 Report of the Department op Entomology op the 



punctured, with globules of sap issuing from the wounds. The 

 nymphs seem to show a preference for the tapering portion of the 

 pear about the thickened stem, while older nymphs have been 

 observed attacking the cheek, calyces and the calyx basin. A young 

 nymph under confinement was observed to stab a tiny pear eight 

 times in succession, which soon became wet with the sap exuding 

 from the wounds. A clear, greenish fluid is also discharged from the 

 anus by the nymphs and may at times be seen on the fruits in rather 

 copious quantities. 



The nymphs apparently show no preferences for situations for 

 molting as their cast skins have been observed on leaf petioles, basal 

 portions and upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, cheeks and calyx 

 basins of the fruit. The adults for a short time after they make 

 their appearance feed in a manner similar to the younger stages, but 

 as they are very shy and quick to take alarm it has not been possible 

 in the field to learn much of their habits. Under confinement in the 

 breeding cages they succumbed within two or three weeks after 

 emergence, notwithstanding they were given pear leaves and fruits 

 on which to subsist. 



On the grape the young nymphs puncture at first the unfolding 

 leaves and later, when the blossom clusters appear, they secrete them- 

 selves amongst the young flower buds which they attack. The 

 insects not only feed upon the young buds but they puncture also 

 the peduncles and the pedicels of the unopened blossoms and imma- 

 ture berries. 



During their later stages the nymphs are of much the same tint as 

 the blossom clusters and as these increase in size the insects, because 

 of color resemblance and opportunities for hiding, are able to pursue 

 their activities effectively concealed from the ordinary observer. 

 The adults feed for a short time after emergence, when they disappear. 



CONDITIONS OF ORCHARDS FAVORING INJURY 



BY THE INSECT. 



Woodland, shrubs and weeds along roadsides and fences afford 

 very congenial surroundings for many insects. For certain species 

 they are nothing less than veritable nurseries. In such situations 

 the common tarnished plant-bug (Lygus pratensis) thrives. Because 

 of its close relationship with the foregoing species and striking 

 similarities in some of its habits, it has been suggested that the 



