THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



119 



and are usually a.s kjug as, vv longer than, the body. These give the 

 common name to the insect and easily distinguish it from all the other 

 species knoAvn in California. 



Food Plants — Tliis insect, like the citrus mealy bug. is both a green- 

 house and outdoor pest, being particularly fond of Dracasnas. In 

 southern California it is very difficult to find one of these plants not 

 infested by it. It also works upon the following plants : Rex begonia, 

 Calla sp., Cencraria sp.. citron {Citrus medica gcnuiana), Coleus sp., 

 Croton sp., ferns (Filicalcs), fig (Ficus sp.), Flacourtia sepiaria, 

 Fuchsia sp., Guadalupe Island palm (Erythea edulis), guava (Psidium 



Fig. 33. — The long-tailed mealy bug, Pseudococcus longis- 

 pinns, on leaf of calla. (Original.) 



sp.), lemon {Citrus medica Umon), lobster cactus {Epipliyllum sp.), 

 mango {Mangifcra sp.), moon flower {Ipomcra sp.), Nephrodium sp., 

 oleander {Ncriuni oleander), Opuntia sp.. plum {Prunus domestica), 

 Primula ohconica, sago palm {Cxjcas revoluta), staghorn fern {Platy- 

 cerium sp.), Stangeria scliizodon, Strelitzia gigantea, umbrella plant 

 {Cy perns altemifolius) , Zamia sp. 



Distribution — Found generally throughout the state in greenhouses 

 and in the ornamental gardens, particularly in the southern part. 



Economic Importance — Though not as serious a pest as the citrus 

 mealy bug, this species is nevertheless quite troublesome in greenhouses 

 and especially in ornamental gardens, and has occasionally been found 

 in considerable numbers upon citrus trees, though the latter do not seem 

 to be preferred host. It is primarily a pest of ornamental plants. 



