272 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



scribed as long, slender and of nine joints, the second and third being the 

 longest, the others diminishing in size and length. The tibiae are three 

 times as long as the tarsi. Our species is nearly naked except for micro- 

 scopic hairs. The antennae vary a great deal so that they alone would 

 not necessarily settle the matter. The tibiae are from two and one-half to 

 two and three-fourths times as long as the tarsi in our specimens. The hairs 

 on the back being the most striking difference. As Dr. Howard remarks, 

 comparison with European specimens will be necessary before we are 

 absolutely certain. At present it seems best to use the specific name 

 proposed by Mr. King. The old genus Pseudococcus is retained as there 

 seems no sufficient reason for the change to PJienacoccus as has been pro- 

 l>osed. Pseudococcus is a well known genus which has, at the present 

 time, no rival with claims of priority. It seems hardly worth while to 

 propose a new name because the two first species included by Westwood 

 under the genus Pseudococcus were later found to belong elsewhere. 

 Signoret used the genus and since that time it has come to bo well known. 



Fig. 22- -Periodical cicada, from Packard, Forest Insects. IT. S. Ent. Com. 



TIIK PERIODICAL CICADA. 



Cicada scptendecem. 



The past summer has witncsspd tlie coming of tlio sfvcnleen year cicada 

 or the seventeen-year locust, so-called, an interesting insect wliich passes 

 tlie long period of seventeen years under the surface of the soil in prepara- 

 tion for a few weeks or days of residence in the open air. 



Commencing with the emergence of the adult, Avinged insect, the life 

 Iiistory is as follows: Early in June, in Michigan, the pupa (which is 

 in the last stage before maturity) burrows up out of the ground and 

 climbs upon some tree or other support ready to shed its skin. This 

 usually occurs on some warm evening. After a little, the pupa skin 

 splits down the back and slowly the adult draws its body out, remaining 

 for a time to dry itself, and expanding its wings. Usually many are im- 



