THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



147 



Life History.— The eggs are laid in the spring and early summer 

 upon the under or upper surface of the leaves, or upon the stems of 

 the vines. They hatch in about two weeks and the young bugs begin 

 work upon the small plant, and continue throughout the larval and 

 adult stages, often causing great damage. The period from egg to 

 adult occupies from one to two months. The latter hibernate over the 

 winter and are ready to begin egg-laying as soon as the vines are suit- 

 able. There is only one generation each year. 



Fig. 



129. The common squash bug (Anasa tristis DeGeer). A-E, showmg 



various stages in tlie development of the young; F, adult. 

 (U. S. Dept. Agrcl.) 



Distribution.— Throughout the State, but especially abundant in the 

 central and southern parts. 



Food Plants.— Most of the members of the squash family {Cucur- 

 lito!), including the pumpkin, squash and gourd are attacked. 



Control.— Hand picking is recommended early in the spring, as soon 

 as the adults appear ancl begin egg-laying. The vines are so tender 

 that spraying is impracticable. The bugs may be trapped by placing 

 through the garden, boards, pieces of bark or similar material under 

 which they may find shelter. They may then be collected in the early 

 mornings and destroyed. Young plants may be covered to afford 

 protection until they are able to resist the attacks. Repellants, such as 

 gypsum saturated with kerosene or turpentine, scattered on the land 

 help to drive them away. Clean culture is also an important aid — 

 care being taken to burn all vines and rubbish in the fall. Thoroughly 

 fertilizing the land may so stimulate plant growth as to make the 

 attacks of the bug of little avail. 



Natural Enemies. — In the eastern states the egg parasites, Hadrono- 

 Uis anasce and Ocencyrtus anasce, aid in controlling the pest. Parasites 

 also work upon the growing and adult insects. 



