114 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Messrs Howard and Marlatt to be the more common one in the 

 latitude of \Vashingtou. It also occurs farther north; and the 

 breeding of it in considerable numbers from insects which had 

 been in our collection for some years is worthy of record, though 

 it is not a new habit, since the larva is known to feed on a variety 

 of animal substances and has been previously recorded as occur- 

 ring in collections. It was abundant enough in our own, so that 

 one large moth was nearly destroyed, and a number of others in- 

 jured, and it is apparently a form which would cause considerable 

 damage if allowed to breed undisturbed. 



Beneficial insects 



Twice-stabbed Chinese ladybug, Chilochorus similis Rossi. 

 The establishment of Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst. at 

 San Jos^ Cal., and its subsequent spread to and injuries in many 

 of the eastern states have led to active seeking for means of con- 

 trolling this pest. Countless experiments with various insecti- 

 cides have been carried out, and considerable attention has been 

 given to ascertaining the original home of this species, in hopes 

 that some natural enemy might be found there which would prove 

 of great service in checking it. The personal investigations of 

 Dr C. L. Marlatt in Jajjan and China in 1901 led this gentleman 

 to conclude that the original home of this species was in northern 

 China, and its most effective natural enemy in that section was 

 the above named ladybug, and he shipped living examples of 

 this species to Washington D. C, where they were carefully reared 

 for the purpose of ascertaining their value. We were fortunate 

 enough to obtain 50 adult beetles last August, and have since 

 kept them on a badly infested tree inclosed in a tight, wire-covered 

 breeding cage. The insects were placed on the tree Aug. 13, and a 

 number of them were observed investigating young scales very 

 shortly after being liberated. Examination Aug. 22 showed that 

 the beetles were apparently healthy, though there were no signs 

 of eggs or grubs, and some of the scale insects appeared to have 

 been eaten. Early the next month one beetle was found, but no 

 evidence of breeding was observed. Sep. 23 an examination by 

 Mr Young resulted in finding about 150 larvae or grubs, which 

 were working alniost entirely on the southern side of the 

 tree. There were more of| the insects on twigs than on 



