THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. ' 



velopnient is very rapid and reproduction exceedingly great, so by sum- 

 mer there are often sufficient numbers to do great damage. Breeding 

 and worlc continue until fall, when the eggs are laid and operations sus- 

 pended until these hatch in the spring. 



Distribution. — Abundant in all parts of the State. 



Food Plants. — This mite is an omnivorous feeder and may be found 

 upon a great variety of plants. Peas, clover and alfalfa are severely 



ViG. 9. — The clover or almond mite, Bryuhia pratensis 

 Gar. (After Riley and Marlatt.) 



attacked, while they also feed upon grass, grains and buckwheat. 

 Peach, apple, plum, apricot, prune, cherry, almond and quince trees 

 are also among the food plants. 



Control.— For this pest Mr. W. H. Volck especially recommends the 

 following formula : water, 100 gallons ; flour paste, 4 gallons ; lime-sul- 

 phur solution, 5 quarts ; iron sulphate, 2 pounds. The flour paste and 

 lime sulphur are thoroughly mixed in the spray tank after which the 

 iron sulphate is added and all thoroughly agitated. 



Natural Enemies — The larvae of the minute black ladybird beetles 

 [Stethorus vagans Blackb. and Stethorus picipes Casey) and the 

 green lacewing {Chrysopa calif ornica Coq.) prey upon the clover mite 

 hut they do not appear to be important factors in keeping it down. 



